Well, a quick Google search revealed the following for DB1165 pads:
SUIT NISSAN BLUEBIRD U12 ZX,ZXE EFI ENGINE 1989 ON
U13 2.0L ENGINE 1993 ON
U14 1996 ON
Generally, Skylines use DB1170 pads in front, DB1220 rear.
White smoke on a cold start is more than likely water vapour condensing in the cooler outside air (the compustion process produces water, amongts other things).
No. The ratio of the front diff is the same as the ratio of the rear diff. Otherwise, the front and rear axles would be driven at different speeds.
What funky means is that the speedo drive gear needs to be changed (as I have just done after I put a Stagea diff set @4.083 in my GTS4 - GT-R drive gear replaced GTS4 drive gear)
GT-R = 4.111, GTS4 = 4.375
Offset = backspace - (width / 2) - which is what you have calculated.
The "width" of the rim is usually the internal rim width (where the tyres sit in). You can only measure the backspace to the outside of the rim. Probably take off 10mm for the thickness of the rim wall.
That should bring it down to 39mm, which is pretty close to a stock 38 offset.
Some rims now have the offset cast into the rim, along with the width and diameter - have a close look.
NEVER been harassed by the constabulary. Even when a marked car followed me off from a set of lights. My GTS4 looks like a GT-R, but I knew the police were there, and totally behaved myself (as I always do).
I've even travelled around Knox - yet to meet the delightful Officer Pettet.
Tha's how mine works. Actually, it uses 2 changeover relays, that basically switch VVT off for idle, switch on at 1500, then switch off at 4500 (roughly).
If you have spark and fuel and compression (I'm guessing you have compression - burnt out wiring won't affect that), then the engine should start. Can you hear the injectors "tick ... tick ... tick ..." when you are cranking the engine?
The difference could also have been attributed to the tune of the particular car. They should have repeated the test with the "snake oil" on the other car.
I'm sure if it really worked, the manufacturers would be using it.