benl1981

Hi guys, I just got a R33 skyline with an RB25DET in it.... Knowing that many imports have their clocks wound back I thought I better check my timing belt, clock says 90k kms but it's a late 93 model so most likely has more kays on it so belt could be in real bad shape. Took the top timing belt cover off to have a look. One of the belts (around the water pump) looked pretty new...yellow writing on it. So I thought maybe there might be a chance it had been replaced recently in Japan So I had a look at the timing belt and it looked pretty good The first photo shows condition of belt, the 2nd pic shows a white line marker on the belt. Can anybody tell me if they think the timing belt looks like an original Nissan one that would have come on the car, I can't see any writing on it? What do you think of the condition from the photos.? Many thanks PS Sorry - I'll try and resize the pics

Got them in tonight. Definately wothwhile. Used to hop around in the back, wasn't quite sure if I was getting wheelspin or just hopping. Now it's great. Although it sounded like I hit a bump stop turning right a bit quick. I kept the old jounce bumperthat was part of the boot and put the new boot on from there so shouldnt be the problem. Have to see tommorrow. BTW I used stretch type steering rack boots. Did quite well. THey were 15 each. Pedders had red ones (for $20) that looked ok but the rack boots probably did better for this application..

http://www.kyb.com.au/ Part nos are different I just checked. Should be about the same price..maybe. You'll have to find a cheap supplier around the gong as prices vary considerably. I got quoted prices up to $250 for the part I got for $99.

I got KYB rears brand new for $99 each from a parts place in Sydney. I guess front would be the same. i don't know if you could them regassed that cheaply. This was for an R33. Same part no. as aus delivered 200sx. Not sure if R32 is the same...

Yeah thanks. But I was going to get the mechanic to fit them, just wanted to get the boots first..

Thanks McBain that would be handy to know!

Thanks Paul. So do you think they maybe wiggled it a bit to check? They're a big bush. must be press fit in I guess.. ben

Seems to be a different type front and rear. I need to get them ASAP. Sydney kid was saying he got them from a dirt bike shop. I'm assuming you would have to get the top section the same size (diameter) to fit into the round section holding it in. I was trying to dislofge the boot while the spring and shock was still connected but couldn't.. Do you just prise it out with a screwdriver.? Many thanks Pics of front and rear..

Is the left most a caster rod bush (skyline r33) - I realise the rightmost is the stab bar. Again this time Top left corner When I got the car inspected at UAS (top workshop BTW) they said it needed a new caster rod bush. This doesn't look too bad to me. I can't see anything else that is worn or looks like a rod. Doesn't seem to be any caster adjustment on the rod... Any help appreciated. Ben

Just a word of warning. A local spare parts place only had $150 spring compressors, I asked is there any cheaper. The reason he didn't have the cheaper ones is that he's had a few returned broken. Too dangerous. Reckons they fractured. I guess if you're careful with the cheap ones then they should be ok. Just take precautions. i would wear safety goggles etc, stand clear just in case... I got a local mechanic to do it. Didn't cahrge me. But now I realise th bloddy boots are shagged so will have to get him to do it again Decided to check the fronts..the boots were shagged on those also (much worse) .. So now the car is up on stands minus 4 shock/spring assemblies.. Have to now get the rubber boots....

Sydney Kid, How did you make sure the boot would fit? Did it attach where the old one used to. I didn't ralise how bad mine were, got prings swapped over to the new shocks but I'm going to have to trouble the mechanic to do it again as one of the boots is pretty cactus, and that was the shock that was worn the worst - so I'm guessing they do help...

Thanks Treo - but I might get the tool. Might be handy to have...

I wouldn't take too much out. You could introduce areas that lead to stress concentrations causing cracking. Should be ok if you are careful about it and don't machine out too much as the standard wheels are most likely over engineered. Sharp edges etc cause stress concentrations, hence the reason for edges being filleted a lot.

try the nissan silvia forums http://www.nissansilvia.com/forums/ http://www.silviansw.com/forum/

Good point, however I was on the way home, didn't have 50 with me and left my card at home I thought the supercheap ones were about $30. They had 2 types I think - one for 29 and one 39 but none in stock so I couldn't see the quality difference. Just thought I'd ask otherwise I will get the repco ones, just don't think I'll use them very much. Or I will take the old assembly down to a mechanic and get them to swap them over, putting the new shocks together with the old springs and strut tops..... Looking forward to new shocks..

Hi Guys - I've just taken out all the trim from the back seat and have the 2 new rear shocks ready to go in. Just went to supercheap but they were out of stock of coil spring compressors. Popped into Repco - they wanted $53 for some ABV ones that looked ok. Anybody got any cheap ones that have worked well form somewhere other than supercrap. There is no other store local Thanks ben

THanks SW20 - I will do that. Looking forward to a track day or 2

Hi guys have a good one tommorrow. I was wondering what I have to do to join up to get the members rate for future events? Are you having another one soon? Only just got a skyline (r33). I've just bought new shocks to put in the rear. As soon as that's done I'm on to the track if that's ok.... Thanks

Yeah - ive fitted new shocks to a few cars and does make a huge difference. The springs should still be ok right (maybe lost a little spring rate)? 11 year old car. Probably only the shocks that will need doing? BTW anyone know a place in Syd to get KYB rear shocks for R33 for less than $135 each

heeheee. Yeah I guess so. Really just wanted to save money - it seems to be flying out of the wallet at the moment. I just wonder if it will feel more stable on the road with the new shocks.. At the moment if you go over undulations with a bit of throttle it hops around a bit and wheelspins kind of.

What do you guys think of replacing just one rear shock on an R33? I have one side that is really soft and the other one seems ok. The fronts are good. Just spent quite a bit of money getting it on the road,. Insurance etc. Was wondering if anyone has replaced just one shock with some success. I realise you should do 2 at once I was only going to get KYB as I dn't plan to have an ultimate handling car. It just bounces around a bit at the back at present and doesn't feel very stable. Is this normal for a worn shock/s. Hopefully the springs are still ok.

What do you guys think of replacing just one rear shock on an R33? I have one side that is really soft and the other one seems ok. The fronts are good. Just spent quite a bit of money getting it on the road,. Insurance etc. Was wondering if anyone has replaced just one shock with some success. I realise you should do 2 at once

Thanks Neil. Yeah - was sort of interested in how heavy it really is and also could save $100 a year if it is registered at what I think wil be the correct weight (1580kgs...cant be that heavy..my old large mazda 929 was 1180kgs tare weight). I had a dealing with John and others at UAS - they were really good I must say. Like you said there are a few extras for the extra 2 doors.

Thanks Neil.. I can't see my sedan being 200kg heavier than that. Has ABS and HICAS but that's the extent of it. Do they use the weighbridge to find it out?

Cool.. But on the rego paper anyone? BTW car feels pretty quick 0-100 in around 6 ish - is this possible for a standard R33?