Buying My First Skyline!

[jukic.j]

Hey I have read my fair share about skylines but I want to get my hands on all the details I can to help me determine which skyline I should purchase.

I will first let you all know that based on looks I like the R34 best, then R33 & then R32. One of those three models I shall be purchasing.

This car will obviously become my project and recieve serious modifications so body style isn't really an issue as if I want a 32 to look like a 34 I will just get a kit as I probably would get a widebody kit on a 34 anyhow.

I am under the impression that I should stick with a GT-R model but obviously the price goes up and what really are the benefits? two turbos? torque distribution? these things can be added at a later date can they not? Oh and sure the GT-R badge but that will be gone in a heartbeat if I park it on the street. Before you say anything yes I know these mods are expensive but that's not an issue here. expenses will be spread over time as the car is a PROJECT.

The expected aim of the car is to end up top performance so most if not all parts in the car will need to be upgraded, that being said does it really matter what skyline i get? (don't tell me to be realistic. That's what i'm doing here getting my research done before I fork out tens of thousands for the least beneficial car.

The aim of the car whilst general enjoyment of owning a skyline and modifying it to my tastes is that it WILL be top performance and does not require any modifications to be street legal although this WOULD be helpful to know which mods are and aren't.

Ok that being said I need to know what the pros and cons of the 32, 33 and 34 gt-r and non gt-r would be. this can be anything from the size of the engine bay to the length of the wheelbase. Pretty much I need to know out of the skylines which would be best suited for top performance and modification according to the parts of the car you cannot really modify such as the body specifications of the car.

Thank you sincerely, No bull-shit here please.

[some_cs_student]

This has been covered a few times in other threads.

Looks, personally I'd do R33 -> R34 -> R32.

R32, R33, R34 all have RB26's so same engine unless you have a N1 block or a special edition of the R32 / R34 (unlikely but possible, Nur-spec R34's are nice ).

Turbo wise R33 is better than R32 (slightly) although still ceramic and don't last at high boost due to ceramic wheels, R34 is better again (slightly).

Gearbox wise R32/R33 have 5 speeds, R33 Series 3 has improved synchro's R34 has a 6speed gearbox.

Performance is R34 -> R32 -> R33, weight-wise R32 is the lightest, R34 the heaviest.

R33 is longest, R32 shortest.

Brakes R33 GTR -> R32 GTR, R34 is probably better again but I'm unsure.

V-specs have stiffer factory suspension and active (viscous) LSD's non-V-spec don't.

Most modifications are illegal, depends on state.

Is that enough info? You'll find plenty more if you search or look at JBSkyline or the specs of the different models.

[(OO)SKYLINE(OO)]

This has been covered a few times in other threads.

Looks, personally I'd do R33 -> R34 -> R32.

As if! R32 -> R34 -> R33

R32, R33, R34 all have RB26's so same engine unless you have a N1 block or a special edition of the R32 / R34 (unlikely but possible, Nur-spec R34's are nice ).

Yep +1. Some ppl on here have R32 GTR N1's and R34 GTR V-Spec II N1's and R34 GTR V-Spec II Nur's

Turbo wise R33 is better than R32 (slightly) although still ceramic and don't last at high boost due to ceramic wheels, R34 is better again (slightly).

Gearbox wise R32/R33 have 5 speeds, R33 Series 3 has improved synchro's R34 has a 6speed gearbox.

Cause the R33 and the R34 are newer cars so the turbos would have a bit more life left in them.

GTR's have tuff gear boxes, don't worry about it too much until you hit the 500kW mark.

Performance is R34 -> R32 -> R33, weight-wise R32 is the lightest, R34 the heaviest.

R33 is longest, R32 shortest.

+1

Brakes R33 GTR -> R32 GTR, R34 is probably better again but I'm unsure.

I would say R34 GTR -> R33 GTR -> R32 GTR. Each model did come with Brembos, but with the R32 GTR, only the N1, V-Spec and V-Spec II's came with Brembos.

V-specs have stiffer factory suspension and active (viscous) LSD's non-V-spec don't.

+1

Most modifications are illegal, depends on state.

No not really. Depends what you put on.

Cool!

[GTR-N1]

Now that you've got good info...^^^

...what's your budget (before modifications)?

[jukic.j]

Thank you my good man! this is indeed some of the specific comparisons and information I was looking for.

Thank you both now that I have refreshed and seen another two posts

um ok budget... this one is a little shaky at the moment as I will be borrowing most of the money. You see i'm not a good saver but i'm good at not spending money to pay back debts and my mother will be lending me the money. My original budget was to but an R33 GT-R for $21,990. I am however willing to spend alot less for a simpler model to build upon but would also perhaps be willing to spend a bit more depending on what for. The budget is also shaky because I will be buying a unit soon and am worried about the multiple investments even though both of my loans will be interest free... I don't want to dig myself too deep you know?

My car soul screams for a 34 but frankly I don't like the look of them unless they are GT-R... Also I am a big fan of the wide bodykit so I could spend less on a 33 or 32 and put a 34 wide bodykit on it and it effectively has a 34 body

anyhow i'm rambling a bit so i'll stop there.

Edited October 28, 2008 by jukic.j

[GTR-N1]

OK. Now the budget is set, (but it looks awfully wobbly to say the least); there's a R32 GT-R that is about to go on sale for $20K

I saw it yesterday at Top Secret Imports (Blacktown NSW) and they have a good reputation. Talk to Garry or Jack if interested.

Colour = White

Kms = 80,000

Engine mods = 0

Engine Cond = Need to talk to their mechanic Peter

Exhaust = S/S 3" Cat back I think...

Cond of undercarriage = Really really clean with No Rust & No Damage

Cond of Inside = Upholstery looks like new... in fact pristine. It's so well taken care of.

Susp'n = Slightly lower springs and susp'n.

Brakes = Typical & first thing I'd change.

So Far - So Good

Now subjectively, IMHO R33 -> R32 -> R34.

And this means that all 4 of us disagree. But hey, that's the 'nature of the beast'!

[Basti]

its ok to say "top performance" but what will you be using the car for? circuit? drag? street only? will influence your choice. and for the budget you've set, GTR34 and a really clean GTR33 s3 are outi'd say you best bet is the r32 gtr and throw a few mods at it. just remember that a car (esp a skyline, and a GTR more so) will NEVER be an investment. you are going to lose a fair bit of your paycheck if you get one. consider the ongoing maintainence costs too. can quickly add up.

imo looks 34>32>33 and performance in choronological order. gl