Skyline noob requires assistance

[Marvel Boy]

Yesterday I had a good look at a 94 R33 GTST that was for sale. Now I've never really considering buying a Skyline untill I got home from looking at the car and thought, well, "Damn!".

I've actually been looking at getting an FTO but I think a Skyline is now in focus, so I'd like to get a bit more info bout the buggers.

- First, where the hell do I find the engine number? Me and my mate checked all over the block but couldn't find it. It was dark so that didn't help, but any info on where I can find it would be great.

- I would like a little info on the engine. I think the model # was RB25DET but I can't be sure as I left my notes at home. (currently at work)

- One of the issues with the car was that the instrument lights didn't work. My mate believes that it may be a fuse that's gone, as it isn't just one section that isn't working. Has any one had something similar to this happen?

- Lastly, what should I pay close attention to?

I plan to have another look at the car this arvo, so any help is much appreciated. Cheers.

[Jimbo2000]

the model would be a rb25det

and i THINK the engine number is in the far wall of the engine bay on a plaque, you know, where the windscreen ends.

definately go a skyline over an fto, if you do a search there was recently a simalar question comparing them obviously biased but you're on a skyline site

dunno about the instument cluster, sure a auto elec could fix that right up easily but again not too sure

[Jimbo2000]

High Performance Imports magazine issue number 33 has a comprehensive guide of what to look for when buying a skyline i would suggest getting your hands of that and have a good read

and MAKE SURE MAKE SURE MAKE SURE you get the car checked out by a mechanic (preferably a workshop which deals with skyline a lot) it will only cost a a few hundred bucks at most and could save you thousands... learn from my mistakes

[Jamezilla]

Instrument lights need to have a dimmer fitted as part of compliance process - perhaps they didn't do a great job?

Either way - there's a fuse. Will check my manual and let you know which one.

Engine/Chassis numbers are on the firewall at the rear-left of the engine bay on a blue plate. The green plate is the Australian compliance one.

[zymotic]

Heres a really good pdf i found all bout skylines including a section on what to look out for skyline book :uh-huh:

[BryanB]

well dude before you buy any car do the following:

-take it for a test drive

-take radiator cap off while engine is running and look for any bubbles

-listen to the engine carefully

-sniff resevoir (if it smells like petrol then stay away from it)

also feel how good the boost feels and feel how TIGHT the car feels in terms of suspension and steering....

if the car makes bubbles in the radiator and you can smell petrol in the resevoir then this is a good indication that the headgasket is on its way out, stay clear then , but also if it makes bubbles and the resevoir smells clea then it could be the water pump, however if the car feels loose and the engine makes weird noises just steer clear of it...

also check how many k's its got on the clock and then check things the wear on the accelrator pedal and the wear on the steering wheel and seats. for instance a car that has 40 000 k's and has badly worn pedals, steering wheel etc. just tells me that the k's have been wound back, so watch out for this as well...

anyway do the following and it will tell you if the car has had a hard life or an easy life, if it has had a hard life then you should stay clear of it....

however remember the RB motors take quite a beating man, they are a VERY STRONG motor, so my advice to you is to get a skyline :D:D, and with the instrument cluster take it to a car sparky they should fix it no worries, but only if the mechanics of the car checks out ok...

-bryan

[Rezz]

Originally posted by BryanB

well dude before you buy any car do the following:

-take it for a test drive

-take radiator cap off while engine is running and look for any bubbles

-listen to the engine carefully

-sniff resevoir (if it smells like petrol then stay away from it)

also feel how good the boost feels and feel how TIGHT the car feels in terms of suspension and steering....

if the car makes bubbles in the radiator and you can smell petrol in the resevoir then this is a good indication that the headgasket is on its way out, stay clear then , but also if it makes bubbles and the resevoir smells clea then it could be the water pump, however if the car feels loose and the engine makes weird noises just steer clear of it...

also check how many k's its got on the clock and then check things the wear on the accelrator pedal and the wear on the steering wheel and seats.  for instance a car that has 40 000 k's and has badly worn pedals, steering wheel etc. just tells me that the k's have been wound back, so watch out for this as well...

anyway do the following and it will tell you if the car has had a hard life or an easy life, if it has had a hard life then you should stay clear of it....

however remember the RB motors take quite a beating man, they are a VERY STRONG motor, so my advice to you is to get a skyline :D:D, and with the instrument cluster take it to a car sparky they should fix it no worries, but only if the mechanics of the car checks out ok...

-bryan

Well done mate, 27 points to ya...

[Lepperfish]

Originally posted by Jamezilla

Instrument lights need to have a dimmer fitted as part of compliance process - perhaps they didn't do a great job?

Hmmmm, now I know why the not so stock dimmer exists, thanks.

[Craved]

The actual engine number is on the passenger side of the block just before the gearbox!

should be able to see it if you've got a torch!!

in case to want to match it with the plate etc!

[Marvel Boy]

Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated. I went back yesterday and after a bit of searching and cleaning, managed to get the engine #. Armed with those details, I sent em thru the Revs website to find out that money is owed on the vehicle. I will have a talk with the owner today, but I am kinda puzzled on what to do. I am now attached to the car and would love to own it.