floody

Well, if your (aussie) car has the old gas in it, you aren't allowed to refill it except with the new type, so its really no different to the roadworthiness requirements for any car currently here, at least thats my understanding?. Sort of seems like a fair enough consideration to me.

Out of interest, I've always wanted a DR30 RS-X (Iron Mask model though). I don't have the money now, but I'm planning on hopping out of my R31 towards the end of the year/start of next one (though keeping it as a second car would probably be the smart idea). So I've got a few questions for the DR Dr's .... -What sort of money would I be looking at to get into a reasonable one (ie not perfect, but tidy enough for daily use)? -Better to import or to get one thats already here? -Rough idea on a cost to rebuild the FJ with forged lower comp pistons, bigger cams (how big is too big? 304's ? ), and maybe upgraded management? -Is it easy enough to get stuff like coilovers, LSD upgrade parts, exhaust systems, that kinda stuff from the importers? -Servicing parts easy enough to get? like hoses, belts, filters, pumps, gaskets to name a few? -How are the headlights? any good upgrades (like say Philips blue globes improved my R31 lights immensely) -Common problems? can they be fixed? And, how much of the hype is true? are they the laggy, light switch powerband, wheelspinning, tail out, tyre smoking '80s beast people make out they are (I hope so )?

Nah, like craved said. You'd want to avoid it if its still in place because: a): its going to be upwards of 16 years old B): parts don't exist c): even if you just replace it, its simpler to just avoid the messing about and get a normal suspension equipped version, easier to get replacement shocks. d): I guarantee if you did get one you'd be junking it anyway.

Passage-GT comes in atmo (RB20E and RB20DE) and turbo (RB20DET and RB20ET), and is the four door, however it is not like the Aussie models as it is pillarless and has different windows, doors, lower roofline, different interior, IRS (aussie one is live axle) and so on. Most are a very luxurious spec, ie extremely comfortable velour interior with most luxury appointments and even oddities like proximity card entry and a Cassette Stacker available. GTS is either turbo or non turbo in the coupes, RB20DE or RB20DET. GTS-X is a slightly up specced GTS, in terms of some extra buttons to push, interior features and other gadgetry. GTS-R is a two door, all dark blue (as far as I know) and limited run of 800 for gr. A homologation. They have a T04 turbo on a stainless tubular manifold, factory large front mounted intercooler, different air conditioning, different seats, some special badging, unique body kit, BBS 15" wheels, and 210ps. They are approaching R32 GT-R prices now. General consensus appears to be that they are more laggy and less 'nice' to drive than the GTS-X, but faster outright. I haven't driven one, thats all I've heard. There may also be more differences in the motor. Also, in terms of engines across the range...Leaving aside the non-turbos and the SOHC RB20E and ET, There are 2 types of engine used, being <1987 and 1987>, both being RB20DET engines with red rocker covers. The early motor is least powerful and has the least spares backing, least tuning potential (in a mild state), and smaller turbo. It is designated NICS and features a 12 runner intake manifold, easily spotted. The other engine is the ECCS, which is more similar to the R32 RB20DET, has a better turbo (not by much) better computer, 6 port intake (less restrictive), and makes more power and torque - hence it is the more desirable motive power for your Passage or coupe. The RB20DET-R (GTS-R motor) is a modified ECCS unit, outwardly the differences being in the turbo, manifolding, piping, computer, and intercooler, though there are bound to be many other detail parts that differ. If it has an R32/Cefiro type Silvertop RB20DET retrofitted, then none of this really applies, and its a better engine in any case. All are IRS and have four wheel disks, I believe brakes are the same as the Aussie SVD GTS on the turbo models (early ones may be similar). Passages can be had in two different body styles, that is with pintara style headlights and grille, and recessed uncovered taillights, or with the same front and rear styling as the final aussie Skylines (mailslot grille, 'full-wrap' bonnet, quad taillights with smoked covers, sloping headlights). The pintara style is the earlier model, most often paired up with the NICS motor or the SOHC RB20ET turbo. Avoid electronic suspension equipped cars (look for big plastic control units with wires running off them on top of the struts) , check out all the usual stuff you would on a turbo car, and all the usual stuff you'd expect on a 16+ year old vehicle.

Ok, nice! I like the two tone on the early S13s, especially with no spoiler. I'll keep an eye out. You know my car, still the same old silver R31.

Interesting... But like I say, I still weighed my base model Series 3 GX with all trim, fuel, oil, water, spare, jack, tools, assorted crap, in at 1280kg, suggesting a dry weight of about 1235kg. I forgot to mention it has 15" alloys, but I doubt they are the deciding factor. There is absolutely nothing special about my car. I find it hard to believe there is about 300kg of extra stuff in a Ti , they aren't *that* luxurious. Your mate must have a hell of a stereo! *edit* ahh but I'm forgetting the wagon factor in the factory max weights... But still, its a big difference..

I was more thinking along the lines that the seats may be more similar from the R31 to the DR30 than DR30 to S13. In any case, the rail centre--->centre measurement should be some help , how far apart are the DR ones?

Just in case anyone's interested, if you jump over to http://www.hlj.com and whip out your credit card, there is a Jenesis Auto DR30 RS-X 1/24 scale model kit now in stock, I think its about 1800yen plus shipping (about 1000yen)... Try and find one in the shops here Its by Aoshima, and appears to have a Jenesis front spoiler and big RS-watanabe rims. I've got one on order, I reckon its the only DR30 I'll be able to get for a while (probably ever)... Can't wait till it arrives! Its going to go nicely with my 2 R31 GTS-R kits and my Datsun 510 model...

The post above is correct in regard to the Japanese models. The Aussie one would have had a carburettor L24 in it.

Mate, its just my opinion, go on the cruise if you want since theres no other game in town, but, I wouldn't go near them with a 60ft Idiot Avoidance Pole....

Its not the white one with the black/polished mesh rims is it?

C210, aka Datsun Skyline.

240K.

WHOA! where'd you get that weight from for the aussie R31!?!?! I weighed mine with 40l of fuel, spare, tools, jack, assorted crap and full trim and it was 1280kg on an extremely accurate weighbridge. Mine is a "stripper" model GX though, with no luxo bar power steer and aircon, with basic trim, and its manual. All reports I've heard peg the HR31 at closer to 1400kg, on the + side....Especially for the sloppy fat bitch Passage's...

Measure the rail spacing. I measured a set up for my R31 (which may or may not be closer in design) and the S13 rails were about 45mm too far apart - the R31 centre to centre of the rails was 415mm where the S13 was about 460mm.

Hobart cruise club should be called Hobart Commodore Club...nuff said. I was a member once, however found quickly that its got about as many sensible, decent members who can drive, and don't have illegal shitboxes, on each cruise as a tiny little club would - the numbers are just beefed up by knuckledragging morons. If you hear where they're cruising to, tell us, I'd live to know which areas to avoid... I think cruise clubs are a liability.

Just wondering, what sort of money would a rough but usable (ie maybe rusty but not terminally so, and a bit sad paint/interiorwise) 240K coupe or C210 Skyline coupe command? Not to be restored or anything, just for fun. Everyday at uni I see this tough-as-nails green 240k with a L24E in it, and I want one plus the local importers have the choice of a NICS RB20DET or an L20ET for the princely sum of $650 ....

What about Z32 300ZX rims? or even ford falcon rims (same stud pattern, offset should be in the +20-25mm range)?

Got pics of the silvia scott? Whats it look like? Ouch on the shagged motor though...Not fun! So have you just got another CA or gone to an SR? (imo the CA is a better motor anyways...)

I guess you'll check next time! Can't say I have any sympathy for you making such a fundamental error, but you've learnt so life goes on. Not good in any case! I would say you have the right of possession to anything you bought on the car, so remove all your investments and then give it to them, that is of course if you can't sell it. What sort of RX7 is it? S3 or something? $5900 owing is a hell of a big amount for a loan that had already been payed off for 3 years if its an older model, I can sort of understand it if it was a S4/S5 !?!?

How do you get the source though? I can't "right click --> properties" on the gallery pics?

Theres no way to show pics from the SAU galleries on here is there?