Time To Buy My R34 Gt-t! (modding Questions)

[Adriantc]

Hey guys!~ over the next 4 weeks im going to be out looking at a R34 GT-T to buy for my very first skyline .

My question to you guys is what kind of money is in modding... now im not a full on MUST GO FAST type of person but i know what i want.

Mainly i want to know the price for the parts fitted and all that majority of people are going to charge so i can base my budged on that as if i get a stock one i want some money left over so i can mod it. Here is what im interested in. Any advise on what i should or shouldnt get would be very appreciated.

Nissan Factory "nismo" bodykity - i believe its this one, i love it for the front bumper but the STUPID LOOKING rear spoiler that i see on most really puts me off : ).

Tinted Windows.

Not sure on rims yet (size that is) im getting a white r34 to put black rims on... really like the look of them.

Turbo back full exhaust 3" i hear is best dump pipe/flow cat/muffler back.

Pod filter - i will probly get someone to put this in and fabricate a heat shield. (or what ever ya suggest)

Electronic Boost Guage - electronic seems the safest way to go, up to 10psi seems most reliable.

ECU - POWER FC - really not sure about this side of it... if its really needed but im guessing if iput the exhaust/filter/boost up im going to need to tune the ecu.

I have around 22k all up i was hoping to land a mint condition stock/little work done for about 18/19 k drive away.

Any advise is appreciated and thanks for your time in reading

[eightsixboy]

I guess it depends on if your want second hand or new gear. New is always expensive (obviously )

I think a pfc is around 1.5-2k or something, plus you have tuning costs. Prob looking at the same price for exhaust system if you go a brand name, apexi cat backs are around 1.2k on ebay so i'd assume add an extra 500 or so for the extra turbo back piping and dump pipe.

The nismo kit might be hard to find, i dont think you can buy it new, might be wrond though. If you only like the front bar maybe you'd be better of getting a copy. Yes the rear spoiler is a bit 'over the top'

The rest of the stuff you mentioned is all pretty cheap but I'd budget atleast around 3-4k to do all the mods you wanna do. But second hand will obviously be alot cheaper.

You can get away with not having the pfc as i'm pretty sure the stock ecu is fine for mild boost increases, might be better of geting a intercooler and boost controller as you could buy both those things for the price of the pfc easily, especially if your not after massive power.

[bR33nt]

^^^^ with him

hey mate, sounds good,

dont worry with changen ur computer, it will be fine for 10psi, it hits r+r after 12psi,. which means say u run 14, it will come on boost hard as fark, die down, then come on again, its a safe thing the computer has.

save urself the 1500, and put towards the more nessary mods and maybe a intercooler, you can probably get awaay with out a big fmic but they do look seexxyyyy

edittttt = maybe coilpacks if yours arent upto scratch as they do die sometimes, or if they do die just tape em up n try that, there is threads on it

Edited December 23, 2009 by bR33nt

[choyda]

Hi,

For wheels, remember that certain sizes dictate specific tyres. Go for something easily available both for street tyres or semi slicks (if you go that path).

18" is a good size. Width is completely up to you.

For exhaust, make sure you try and get something legal. Saves you in the long run. As for dumps, read up on split vs bell shaped dump pipes.

For pods, theres a huge selection. Justjap now has sheilds in aluminium and carbo for reasonable prices.

I'm assuming by boost gauge you're referring to boost controller. Plenty out there now (Turbosmart and HKS now have street models).

As for ECU, Power FC has always been a standard but there are others now depending on long term goals. Look around at ViPec, Haltech and even Nistune.

[Adriantc]

wow... thanks alot for the replies people.

yeah i wasnt really sure on the ECU.. im still thinking i will need to take it to a tuner after i do the mods so its not running rich etc..

what did you mean by "you can probably get awaay with out a big fmic but they do look seexxyyyy" the big fmic part.... heh

yeah sorry i did mean the boost controller i am leaning towards a electronic one.

All starting to make sense now, not sure on the intercooler tho..

ill have a read on the dump pipes thanks for that info, also since i have been looking around i have heard about the coilpacks... may pay to replace them first up.

One thing im still a bit iffy on is the body kit... is the factory nismo front that hard to find? ideally i think id like to get the front and skirts not that big a fan of the bumper and definatly not a fan of that thing on the back hehe.

18" wheels do sound nice too

What is your opinion on buying the car btw? am i better off to go stock and do what i want.. or try wait it out and find something with what i want already done? i think id be better off buying a stock one with maybe exhaust or something... could get expensive if i buy one with someone who has put mods on that are not exactly genuine.

Thanks alot for your replies !!

[(OO)SKYLINE(OO)]

Hey guys!~ over the next 4 weeks im going to be out looking at a R34 GT-T to buy for my very first skyline .

My question to you guys is what kind of money is in modding... now im not a full on MUST GO FAST type of person but i know what i want.

Mainly i want to know the price for the parts fitted and all that majority of people are going to charge so i can base my budged on that as if i get a stock one i want some money left over so i can mod it. Here is what im interested in. Any advise on what i should or shouldnt get would be very appreciated.

Nissan Factory "nismo" bodykity - i believe its this one, i love it for the front bumper but the STUPID LOOKING rear spoiler that i see on most really puts me off : ).

Try and find a R34 GTT with one on, save you buy it

Tinted Windows.

Probably cost you $250 and up.

Not sure on rims yet (size that is) im getting a white r34 to put black rims on... really like the look of them.

White car Black Wheels = Fvcking Tuff!

Any decent Japanese wheels would look good.

Nismo LMGT 4 or Volk TE 37.

2nd hand about $2500 and up.

Turbo back full exhaust 3" i hear is best dump pipe/flow cat/muffler back.

Yeah, 3" turbo back is the way to go, but make sure it is a quiet one to save you from any troubles.

$1500 - $2000

Pod filter - i will probly get someone to put this in and fabricate a heat shield. (or what ever ya suggest)

Don't bother, unless you can shield your pod off and/or leave your stock air intake to feed air to the pod...

OR

Upgrade your panel filter in your stock air box to a high flow APexi or K&N one, $100 - $250 and get a front mount intercooler. From $550 to about $1000+

Depending which State you from, 1 intake mod only...

Electronic Boost Guage - electronic seems the safest way to go, up to 10psi seems most reliable.

APexi AVC-R (Actuator Valve Controller Type R) from $550 to about $660

Some ppl prefer the BLITZ or HKS one, they all do a similar job.

ECU - POWER FC - really not sure about this side of it... if its really needed but im guessing if iput the exhaust/filter/boost up im going to need to tune the ecu.

An APexi Power FC will allow you to tune your Air / Fuel ratios

Monitor your Engine RPM, Ignition Timing, Vehicle Speed, Air Flow Voltage (Pressure Sensor Voltage), Injector Duty Cycle, Boost, Knocking Level, Battery Voltage, Intake Air Temp and Water Temp.

I think it also has an inbuilt Boost Controller. From $970 to about $1000+

I have around 22k all up i was hoping to land a mint condition stock/little work done for about 18/19 k drive away.

Make sure you find a decent R34 GTT, test drive it and hear our for any noises and bring your mechanic if you don't know what you are looking at.

[Adriantc]

Damn... so much shit to read up on heh!

Other question i have whilst im finding what to do and what not to do... is there a recommended installer ? i work right next to the melbourne performance center

i have also heard of this skyline specialist called racepace or something.

As i would prefer to hopefully walk in and say i want this and this or would u recommend this over this get a decent price fitted and installd... or if there prices on parts are over the top i will get my own.... mostly the big things i will get done ie: exhaust... and tuning.

[(OO)SKYLINE(OO)]

Damn... so much shit to read up on heh!

Other question i have whilst im finding what to do and what not to do... is there a recommended installer ? i work right next to the melbourne performance center

i have also heard of this skyline specialist called racepace or something.

As i would prefer to hopefully walk in and say i want this and this or would u recommend this over this get a decent price fitted and installd... or if there prices on parts are over the top i will get my own.... mostly the big things i will get done ie: exhaust... and tuning.

Haven't heard much from Melbourne Performance Centre...

Racepace is highly recommended on SAU, Ben is like the GTR Specialist and you better have a big wallet

You tell him what you want, he will tell you straight up what he will do / recommend and what it will cost.

Other workshop like,

RE Customs

Status Tuning

Chasers Motorworks

Creatd Motorsports

Le Mans Automotive

Are great too.

[Adriantc]

Yeah the thing is i dont have a big wallet lol HOPEFULLY 18/19k on the road then 3-4k mods.

Might have to do some shopping around calling up telling them what i want see who will do the better price.

back to reading i go.

[(OO)SKYLINE(OO)]

RE Customs are quite good on price, a lot of ppl on SAU use them or speak to Ray or Brad (barney) who are also on this forum.

[dkbcleaner]

Mate I think you should try and buy one with a exhaust, pod, intercooler on it. I did and it will save you a lot of money. Besides those mods are so common that it's almost impossible any thing can go wrong with them. Then with any left over cash I would spend it on a good ebc $300 - $400 and a nistune $750. That should get you around 200rwkw. When you get bored of that than budget at least 6k for the next step of turbos, injectors ect. Also a retune for nistune is only about $250 anyways.

[Adriantc]

becauase im getting alot of msgs off people i kinda need to get my post count up to 10 so excuse the spam

What is your opinion on importing also? seem to be getting some msgs from people on here who are keen to do buisness.

[Adriantc]

spam post #1

[Adriantc]

spam post #2

[Craw]

Hey mate, whereabouts are you? I'm in SA & I've recently put my R34 GT-T on car sales.com. It's the white one with LOADED plates. It's got the factory nismo kit, tint, xenons and pretty much all the mods u were after. Running standard turbo with standard boost (around 9psi due to where the actuator hose has been plugged. Also has full trust FMIC kit, HKS suspension, 18 x 10 MAD CST rims, huge stereo blah blah etc etc go have a squiz. Take 21,000 (firm).

If your not interested I can still help u with advice. Firstly, it's best to find something with low kms. Remember they need a major service at 100k that'll set u back close to a grand (inc. labour). Try to find something that hasn't been boosted. Once you start boosting standard turbos up past 12psi their lifespan tends to suffer (and you never know how much of a caning the thing has taken). Anything over 200kw at the wheels and you'll be wanting to do a fuel pump, and an "FC" (or something even snazzier like a haltech) is always a good idea, especially when not running standard boost. You can get around these things by f**king around with your fuel pressure regulator, but the versatility offered by an aftermarket ECU is vital for any serious performance gains.

Next stage up and you have to do injectors & start looking at bigger turbo kits. Labour is the main killer, so if you're keen on (and capable of) doing work yourself you can literally save a FORTUNE! The only thing you really have to outsource is the tune. Simon at Morpower is a God if you're local.

As for prices, a lot of guys on here sell great 2nd hand stuff so keep your eyes peeled for bargains. NEW and for the good stuff, prices will look something like this:

Injectors (NEO R34 motors have top feed siemens type making choice more restricted). Nismo make 480s (God knows why), Blitz make 525s, Power Enterprises do a set of 650s and there are a few more even bigger. You can pay up to $1,200 for a set, but anyting under a grand is good for brand name newbys. Ebay are doing quite a few cheapies (run an international search) but I can't comment on the quality.

Power FC: hard to find a 2nd handy for a 34, but if you can, don't pay anymore than a grand. New with commander they'll set u back $1,500-$1,700. When doing an ECU change, it's worth upgrading your AFM (if you still need one) to a Z32 model. New these are bullshit but you can get a 2nd handy for around $200 with plug (don't forget to change your AFM selection on your hand-controller if running an FC).

Fuel pump: Bosch are well priced but you'll have to do a bit of fiddling around when fitting them. Nismo do one that comes complete with cradle / pick-up etc for $595. It literally slots straight in and is good for 400rwkw. Boost controllers (cheap with a T-piece but they're dodgey) you can get 2nd hand for a coupla hundred.

Last stop (aside from getting an aftermarket boost guage) is turbo / manifold / wastegate choice. The list is endless, but if you go much bigger than standard expect the car to get laggier. Price can vary immensely. Nothing beats HKS, but they're not cheap Example: HKS 2835 GT Pro with above mods will give you around 250rwkw @ 1.5bar. Enough to embarrass most things on the road. Much bigger and you'll start taking off like a snail (but nothing feels better than coming on boost and sling-shotting past someone like they're standing still)!! Anything decent will cost u at least a couple of grand, but there are always bargains floating around!

Hope this helps

[Howie]

Hey guys!~ over the next 4 weeks im going to be out looking at a R34 GT-T to buy for my very first skyline .

My question to you guys is what kind of money is in modding... now im not a full on MUST GO FAST type of person but i know what i want.

Mainly i want to know the price for the parts fitted and all that majority of people are going to charge so i can base my budged on that as if i get a stock one i want some money left over so i can mod it. Here is what im interested in. Any advise on what i should or shouldnt get would be very appreciated.

Nissan Factory "nismo" bodykity - i believe its this one, i love it for the front bumper but the STUPID LOOKING rear spoiler that i see on most really puts me off : ).

Tinted Windows.

Not sure on rims yet (size that is) im getting a white r34 to put black rims on... really like the look of them.

Turbo back full exhaust 3" i hear is best dump pipe/flow cat/muffler back.

Pod filter - i will probly get someone to put this in and fabricate a heat shield. (or what ever ya suggest)

Electronic Boost Guage - electronic seems the safest way to go, up to 10psi seems most reliable.

ECU - POWER FC - really not sure about this side of it... if its really needed but im guessing if iput the exhaust/filter/boost up im going to need to tune the ecu.

I have around 22k all up i was hoping to land a mint condition stock/little work done for about 18/19 k drive away.

Any advise is appreciated and thanks for your time in reading

I know of the perfect GTT for you

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/R3...18-t300709.html

[Adriantc]

damn it howie that is almost ideal except for the tiptronic/adelaide part

[Howie]

Cheers mate.. the popular S1 R33 gearbox conversion isn't expensive, and adelaide's only a day-trip from melbourne

edit: even got the r34 manual centre console from when i was contemplating doing the manual swap. all it needs is a good box and few hours of a workshop's time to do it. considering the rest of the work that's already been done to it, don't think it's big dramas.

[Adriantc]

hey craw, NICE R34!!! that is pretty much what im chasing. except there are 2 problems

1. its in SA....

2. Price is to much...

if i was in SA and had 22500 id buy it then and there

as i said my MAX is 20k.... ready to drive.

[Adriantc]

yeahhh i know howie its just the small things that start adding up like i want a spoiler on it too

sorry dude but i love what u have done iwth the kit pretty much what i want but include the standard wing : )