R-sanichi

Hey Rezz, according to "Cartop" and the other 300yen mags, its called a G36. But, maybe i read wrong . They also mention the latest on the GTR engine, claiming a 3.8L V6 is likely, with potential of 500hp but environmental issues may keep it to 450hp. I will go back and kindly ask my wife for help translating it because as I was reading it the typhoon was crashing into town (we were on holiday on Ishigaki Island, between Okinawa and Taiwan). Im leaving Japan tomorrow to live in Melbourne, so I'll see what I can find on the newstands and report back to you guys. And does anyone know who designed it? The same man who Mr Goshn poached from Honda, to design the Z33? (Nakashima?)

Yeah, thats the owner/driver of the R31House Enless car. He drove in the 2004 Nationals.

Ask Powerplay about an East Bear kit. East Bear is a great Japanese company and have a few styles to choose from.

6 years ago, I drove my 1969 Datsun 1600 to Carrum Downs to pick up my clean, new un-modifeied HR31. I remember taking off down the highway back to Melbourne. The car was so smooth, quiet, and comfortable compard to my L-series engined Datto with a flat spot in the webber carby and always waiting for that cam to come on. The HR31 was a different car to the Datto in so many ways. The 1600; rough L18 engine, skyline struts, brakes, gearbox, and diff. The Skyline; smooth power delivery, comfy seats, direct streering, a luxury compared to the 1969 offering of Datsun. And by the end of the year I hope I'll be driving an ER34. A whole new story.

Get a decent intercooler, engine management, and you should see around 250rkw. think about the turbo (steel exhaust turbine + re-build) should up it to 280ish rkw. and then the cams, if u want that 300 minimum, before even opening the engine up. I think thats fair. But, pls correct me if im wrong.....? Depends what u mean by cheap? That depends on who you trust to do a god job.

The coil packs are as simple as changing the spark plugs. So anyone who has done that before can show you. I would, but I dont think you`re in my neighbourhood. Are they really $1000? I remember for the RB20DET in my HR31 they were around $160, new. Are they a different unit? Also, I have a question re: buying an R34. What options came from the factory? Cruise control, sunroof, dashboard gauges, etc. Thanks.

I think thats a fairly common problem with RB twin cams. the coil packs get so hot under that cover. I had about 3 fail on my HR31 (obviously cos its old), and also when it had a late R32 engine in it.

Yeah, I almost fell over when I saw the Hoshino wheels. They were mint, and another car had a set, too. I wonder if the SR set-up reduced the ubundant understeer of the R31. Man, mine in Aust was not too bad with a Koni set-up, but the GTS-R I drove on the weekend was a standard pig. But, pig or not it was sooo much fun! With standard brakes fading away after 4 laps, I was passing guys with 4 pot calipers n big rotors. I must own up................... I over cooked it and bent the rear suspension. I was trying to make up time with brakes fading and broke irresponsibly late at 170kph (I wasnt watching the speedo, but the top of 4th is about 170). and I went off the track and did what I did to my HR31 years ago - gave the left rear excessive pos camber. Mr Shibata of the "House" is a very nice guy! This girl wasn't allowed to race. But she was still having a fun day!

The day before the meeting, at R31House (or the House, as the staff call it).

Sorry, I dont have any pics from the circuit. I mainly used my video camera. on the way in the result of drifting this HR30 was constantly driven quick all day the Endless drift machine

Well vouyerism is what photography is. But, I get your drift. I hope it dosnt reflect baldy on my character, but those images are such common sights here and I thought I'd share them. Heres a pick of a big Shrine in f*kuyama area.

It doesnt sound like much a of a holiday. Dont expect bargain buys at UpGarage. You're gonna be flat out trying to get all that stuff done. Best of luck (no sarcasm at all)dealing with used parts dealers. Just be patient. I guess you have all the logistices organised? Have a good trip and like akeenan says, its hot and humid as f#*k!

I went to R31House in Gifu-Ken on Saturday. At R31House, there was a BBQ party of about 50 people. They had driven from as far as Kyushu in the west and Sendai in the north. The party finished at around 10pm. The next day we were up at 4am to leave R31House in convoy of about 60 cars at 5am. With one stop at a highway service station, we arrived at Suzuka Twin Circuit at around 7am. There were 175 entrants of R31 Skylines. They ranged from GTS-Xs, GTS-Rs, GTs, GTBs, 2 drs, 4 drs. Most were modded, and quite a few had RB26 power. I was lucky to be given one of the "House's" GTS-Rs to race for the day. Great fun - I havnt driven for well over a year. So here are some pics. SR20DET powered, and decked out with nice instruments, One of the parking lots at R31House, Staff hard at work till the last minute, This brown car is Mrs Shibatas car. Its RB26DE powered, with twin exhaust pipes all the way out the back, the sound is great! Interesting body kit, The Endless drift machine,

This lone BNR32 was parked @ Okayama International Circuit, @ a round of Super F3. It was stripped inside, with a Motec LCD instrument display, plastic rear window, big brakes, dry sump, other little details confirm its a pretty serious track car.

School girls at Starbucks, f*kuyama.

I'll have a go. I'm alaways taking pics. This is somewhere in Tokyo. I forget where, exactly.

Nice work Joel! Always a pleasure to look @ ur work. I like the shot of the chopper chasing the Corolla (Evo or Bates?) and the wide lens work. I`ll see you in the forests of Melbourne in a few weeks..... Rally on.. Michael F.

Hey Konect how you doin? First of all sorry to hear about your problem with recruiting that really sucks mate. There are some other teaching companies that you can try to get into appart from Nova if you wana teach. ie Aeon, Geos and other private companies. have a look around on line and you will be able to find something. Without turning this thread into an essay, I would just like to add my opinion. I am currently in Japan and think its probably one of my most interesting experiences. I think that it really opens your eyes to certain aspects of life that you wouldnt get to see if you stayed back home. I love Australia and its definately my home but Japan really does grow on you. I think that people come over for very different reasons and that really effects the outcome of their stay in Japan and how they view this society. If you come over and hang out with gaijins-teachers only you will only gain a very limited perspective of JP. I think people who come over and have no intention of learning japanese only get so much out of the trip, however if you take the time and try to learn the language(or at least a little of it) it opens up so many more doors for and you will make good friends. Plus J-girls are so cute. Dan If you need any more input PM I share Dans thoughts, and I have to add, Its been the best thing I`ve ever done! I came to Japan with no Japanese language. I found my life partner, got married with her in Japan (which taught me a great deal about planning and communication in a opposite culture). Made Japanese friends who've taken me Sailing, to Trials riding, drift racing, to the beach. Generally Japanese people are friendly and although life is different and challenging compared to Aus, its a lot of fun. PM if u want any help. And J-Girls are SOOOO Cute! ie, http://www.sointokoda.co.uk/ Michael.

do it! Im thinking of buying a Murano or Z33 in a year or so and leaving it @ my in-laws till I ship it to Aus. A BIG SAVING.

Man, I wanna see drift racing so bad. Theres a bit f random stuff in my town, but its not a rev-head town. Beer Baron, Super GT is awsome! I took a 13hour bus ride to Fuji Speedway last year, met James Courtney and hung with him in the Toms pits for a couple of hours - he offered me a ride back to Tokyo (a long story in itself). And this year I went to my most local track (1hr45mins away) Okayama Circuit. Dont despair about missing the Skylines, the Z33s sound awsome with the flat engine note and turbos whistling! Tha loudest have to be the Toyota/Lexus Soarers. oh and the NSXs sound ace. Its all like heaven. I wish that Super GT could make it to Aus one day...

Wow! 4 Up Garages in west Tokyo. I wish i lived there. My city of f*kuyama in Hiroshima-Ken only has one (theres only 4 in Hiroshim-Ken). ouch! theres so many places in the back streets.......its just a matter of luck, really. I found the workshop DRooP!!! I was riding my bicycle to the next town with a buddy and came across a shabby workshop. We looked inside and there were Silivas, BNR32s, C10 GTRs, AE86s, and in the back were their Z33 and AE86 D1 GPcars. They also had Nomura Kens previous D1 machine for sale!

Last years Nismo fest was on the first weekend of December (a snowy event that was!). Its back @ FUJI Speedway. Im not sure what date this year. If your going to Kyushu, make sure you get a car and drive to Autopolis. its a beautiful track and they have a variety of events. http://www.autopolis.jp/

I can reccommend "Japanese for Busy People". Its become a series now. The first book in the series was my introduction to Japanese.

So far the general feedback is 2drs hold value longer, and they are cooler. I spose its cos there were soooo many 4drs made. I wonder if that will change. I'm living in Japan at the moment and Nomura Ken is fairly popular. He's marketing the "Monkey Magic" brand well through Uras, and I see a lot of 4drs with the D1 kit. So, in the end.........it does come down to appearance and convenience...?

Have you driven on Japan's roads? HHmmm, I think roads in Melbourne are better than Hiroshima's roads.