V35 Skyline- Which Model?

[RS4StagMan]

I am thinking about importing a V35 skyline, 4 door as it needs to be practical for the family.

I can't decide on the 2.5L, 3.0L or 3.5L although I am saying toward the 3.5L (same motor as 350Z).

I think that both the 2.5L and 3.0L are direct injection and not shared by a locally delivered Nissan?

My main concern is availability of maintenance parts locally, by that I mean what I can get at my local autoshop (Repco, Autobarn, Bursons etc), i.e aftermarket parts. I know Nissan can get anything.

What is the aftermarket availability of parts for these cars for things like brake rotors, pads, oxygen sensors, oil/air/fuel filters etc?

Also I hear not so good things about the CVT 8 speed. Should I stick to the conventional 5 speed auto?

I have already read about the electrical probs these cars can have like motor actuators, sound systems etc, so can live with that if a problem...

Ideally I'm looking at a 2004+ 4 door 350GT, premium with half leather. Budget is about $20K on road.

Any comments/advice from those who have been down this path?

[Son Gokou]

Hi,

I just bought my 2005 V35 250GT lastweek and i'm happy for what i get.

Its does not have leather, Bose sound system and electric seats.

So its have less things to go wrong.

If you after a 350GT sedan, go for the S2 V35.

Also i have the I-key and still getting use to it.

[rs73]

The factory navi screen can still go wrong, as well as the i-key... you're not bullet proof, Son Gokou...

power window and door lock are also candidate to go wrong in these cars... Welcome to Nissan world

all thank's to the good ol Nissan engineering... 10-15 years since the R32/R33 era and they still can't make a reliable power window motor.

happens in local Maxima, 350Z too so it's not a problem anyone can't fix locally - so it's not the end of the world when (not if) that happens.

[xscape237]

I would say try to test drive one of each and make your mind up from there.

Personally I would go for the 350gt without even looking at the other two, but thats just me =D

[rs73]

yep - if you want a bit more power and not too concern on achieving 7-8ltr / 100km in traffic jams, go for 350gt.

some 250gt can return very good fuel economy, and even though they made less power they're not too bad compared to other cars within the same engine size range...

[grae35]

Ive had my 4dr 2004 350gt sedan for a little over 18months now and can def recommend them. Parts are pretty easy. No probs at all with filters pads rotors have replaced all these. Drive belts were a little more difficult becos needed gates racing belts not std ones but even then when I finally bit the bullet and ordered from USA no probs at all. Becos same motor trans as 350z these parts are easy. Body panels etc may be more difficult but that would be same issue whether considering 300gt or 250gt as well.

Check out insurance as they can be pricey for some younger drivers. I'm lucky being older have same cost as a commodore.

I think if after an auto I would prefer the 5spd as cvt is very expensive to service or repair.

Also, probably wont worry you but autos dont get the lim slip diff that the manuals get if you ever consider motor sport / performance driving.

No doubt fuel economy would be improved on the 250gt and 350gt and you really are best advised to run premium unleaded (98 ron) in these motors. Well the 350 gt at least.

[rs73]

Why do you need Gates racing belts?

Nissan should have them for about $100 for the pair.

[RS4StagMan]

  rs73 said:

yep - if you want a bit more power and not too concern on achieving 7-8ltr / 100km in traffic jams, go for 350gt.

some 250gt can return very good fuel economy, and even though they made less power they're not too bad compared to other cars within the same engine size range...

7-8 l/100 kms is very good for a 3.5L, city cycle.

I thought it was more like 9-10 l/100 kms highway and 10-12 l/100 kms in city traffic?

What can be expected from the 2.5L and 3.0L; highway and city cycles?

[RS4StagMan]

  grae35 said:

Ive had my 4dr 2004 350gt sedan for a little over 18months now and can def recommend them. Parts are pretty easy. No probs at all with filters pads rotors have replaced all these. Drive belts were a little more difficult becos needed gates racing belts not std ones but even then when I finally bit the bullet and ordered from USA no probs at all. Becos same motor trans as 350z these parts are easy. Body panels etc may be more difficult but that would be same issue whether considering 300gt or 250gt as well.

Check out insurance as they can be pricey for some younger drivers. I'm lucky being older have same cost as a commodore.

I think if after an auto I would prefer the 5spd as cvt is very expensive to service or repair.

Also, probably wont worry you but autos dont get the lim slip diff that the manuals get if you ever consider motor sport / performance driving.

No doubt fuel economy would be improved on the 250gt and 350gt and you really are best advised to run premium unleaded (98 ron) in these motors. Well the 350 gt at least.

Insurance doesn't worry me as I am approaching middle age, R1+ for life.

Why did u need the Gates belts? Just preference over factory Nissan?

Not going anywhere near a track, so dont need LSD.

Can you safely run 95 RON or 92 RON in the 3.5L? Does the ECU control the ignition?/fuel? maps with knock sensor/s for crappy fuel like some other cars?

[RS4StagMan]

  rs73 said:

The factory navi screen can still go wrong, as well as the i-key... you're not bullet proof, Son Gokou...

power window and door lock are also candidate to go wrong in these cars... Welcome to Nissan world

all thank's to the good ol Nissan engineering... 10-15 years since the R32/R33 era and they still can't make a reliable power window motor.

happens in local Maxima, 350Z too so it's not a problem anyone can't fix locally - so it's not the end of the world when (not if) that happens.

Never had a problem with the door locks or electric window motors in my S2 Stagea. Did Nissan change the design after C34/M34/R34?

[rs73]

  RS4StagMan said:

7-8 l/100 kms is very good for a 3.5L, city cycle.

I thought it was more like 9-10 l/100 kms highway and 10-12 l/100 kms in city traffic?

What can be expected from the 2.5L and 3.0L; highway and city cycles?

I never said 7-8 l/100kms city for 3.5L

average is 12-15 l/100kms city for 3.5L from what I've seen across various 350GT so far

8-10 is achieveable freeways

7-8 l/100kms I think can be achieved by the 2.5L (two and a half litres) engine (the 250GT)

[Son Gokou]

With my 250GT, i got 8.8km/l city drive!

As i drive on Punt rd every morning and stuck in the traffics for around 45mins.

I only have the car for two weeks now and i took a week off work.

So i havent fill up the car and i do 500km a week just travel to work.

[Haxorz]

Has anyone done any fuel tuning with their V35 / V36's?

I'm getting a V36 soon and was thinking it would be a good first mod as these things are used to Jap fuel anyway which is slightly different.

Unsure to go a Unichip, Greedy Emanage or a S-AFC though.

[xscape237]

The factory v-LSD on the manuals is pretty poor anyway.. might as well be an open wheeler.

[xscape237]

*open diff

[nachoman]

apologies for semi hijacking a thread

but is the 300gt 5 speed auto easily serviced by a nissan dealer ? i know the 350gt is essentially the same motor as a local 350z and can be serviced by those guys.

Is the 300gt reliable and economical enough for a daily driver ( replace the missus commodore , finally )

As much as i would prefer the xtra power etc on the 350gt , there are 300gt's for under 20k now which there a plenty of good examples to choose from