Newbie

[trappedunderice]

g'day all, just recently became the proud owner of a 34 and had a few questions that probably seem ignorant.

i'm completely new to mods and have no clue as of yet to the specifics of things so any help would be appreciated.

where do i begin? my first guess was a new exhaust system, ecu, pod filter, electronic boost controll etc etc etc...

just going by what i read on a forum in regards to stage one tuning

cheers for any help, i'm pretty inexperienced so sorry if this all sounds completely rediculous.

[Damo_R34]

what do you want out of the car?

[dark.sky]

Welcome Sam!

One of the first things I would do, is have the car checked over (suspension, steering, leaks etc), and a quick dyno run, to make sure there are no nasties that can be dealt with now before they cause major problems. This will give you a solid base for some modification and reliability. Many reputable places can do this; BoostWorx, Smooth Garage, Morpowa, Southern Hi-Tech, Classic Performance etc etc.

A full, turbo back exhaust system with a minimum diameter of 75mm (3") is essential. There are many, many, many different types of off the shelf systems, or you can have a custom one made by someone like Andrew from AM Peformance. You could install a pod filter, but make sure its secured. A decent panel filter (HKS, TRUST etc) is also just as good, and IMO better because skylines "sneeze" with pods. Unless you want to run VL style flutter. An upgraded intercooler is also a good thing, again, many off the shelf kits. Be aware some of the kits require you to cut the crap out of your bumper and reo bar, you dont really want this. You could get an electronic boost controller or a bleed valve (electronic boost controller recommended) and up the boost a little bit. I'd say you would be pretty happy for a while with those things done. Dont forget also things like decent brake pads, and quality tyres aswell so it stops as good as it goes. Then you can look at things like coilovers etc to upgrade handling.

[trappedunderice]

what do you want out of the car?

power/torque specifically i guess, i don't use it for anything in particular it's just my daily drive.

[trappedunderice]

Welcome Sam!

One of the first things I would do, is have the car checked over (suspension, steering, leaks etc), and a quick dyno run, to make sure there are no nasties that can be dealt with now before they cause major problems. This will give you a solid base for some modification and reliability. Many reputable places can do this; BoostWorx, Smooth Garage, Morpowa, Southern Hi-Tech, Classic Performance etc etc.

A full, turbo back exhaust system with a minimum diameter of 75mm (3") is essential. There are many, many, many different types of off the shelf systems, or you can have a custom one made by someone like Andrew from AM Peformance. You could install a pod filter, but make sure its secured. A decent panel filter (HKS, TRUST etc) is also just as good, and IMO better because skylines "sneeze" with pods. Unless you want to run VL style flutter. An upgraded intercooler is also a good thing, again, many off the shelf kits. Be aware some of the kits require you to cut the crap out of your bumper and reo bar, you dont really want this. You could get an electronic boost controller or a bleed valve (electronic boost controller recommended) and up the boost a little bit. I'd say you would be pretty happy for a while with those things done. Dont forget also things like decent brake pads, and quality tyres aswell so it stops as good as it goes. Then you can look at things like coilovers etc to upgrade handling.

thankyou very much, this is a great deal of help

[jrm]

One of the first things I would do, is have the car checked over (suspension, steering, leaks etc), and a quick dyno run, to make sure there are no nasties that can be dealt with now before they cause major problems. This will give you a solid base for some modification and reliability. Many reputable places can do this; BoostWorx, Smooth Garage, Morpowa, Southern Hi-Tech, Classic Performance etc etc.

Could not agree with this more. Ensure you have a solid starting point before proceeding with modifications. Last thing you want to do is end up breaking something because the car was inadequately maintained.

It's probably also worth changing all major fluids if you do not know when they were changed last (gearbox, diff, brake, oil, etc)

A full, turbo back exhaust system with a minimum diameter of 75mm (3") is essential. There are many, many, many different types of off the shelf systems, or you can have a custom one made by someone like Andrew from AM Peformance. You could install a pod filter, but make sure its secured. A decent panel filter (HKS, TRUST etc) is also just as good, and IMO better because skylines "sneeze" with pods. Unless you want to run VL style flutter. An upgraded intercooler is also a good thing, again, many off the shelf kits. Be aware some of the kits require you to cut the crap out of your bumper and reo bar, you dont really want this. You could get an electronic boost controller or a bleed valve (electronic boost controller recommended) and up the boost a little bit. I'd say you would be pretty happy for a while with those things done. Dont forget also things like decent brake pads, and quality tyres aswell so it stops as good as it goes. Then you can look at things like coilovers etc to upgrade handling.

To add to what dark.sky has already said, be aware that in South Australia, you're going to be targetted by police, and any modifications you do will likely end up with your car going through an inspection at Regency Park. You'll want to try and keep legalities in-mind with every modification you do. For instance, with regards to the exhaust, ensure that it's within legal dB limits.

With regards to a pod filter, you can likely get away with a simple high-flow panel and not really run into any restriction until you get into the 250+rwkw area (as evidenced by many on these forums).

A bigger intercooler is a good thing, but as above, any modifications to the re-inforcement bar is a defectable item, and may cause you dramas with insurance claims. I do not believe there is any off-the shelf (even return-flow) front-mount intercooler that will fit without modifications (even slight) to the re-inforcement bar (There is the ARC SMIC, but its incredibly expensive, and not front-mount).

A boost controller or bleed valve will also be easily recognisable by police officers and regency inspectors. You may be better off looking at an R32 wastegate actuator - these are 10psi, bolt straight on, and are not easily detectable.

Be aware with suspension modifications that you may run into issues with getting coilovers through a Regency inspection without having them engineered.

Removal and replacement of the HICAS (another common mod) will also require engineering to pass through a Regency inspection.

For basic upgrades, I'd probably suggest:

* A legal 3" exhaust, turbo-back

* Upgrading brake pads (QFM?) & braided brake lines

* Some sort of legal suspension (bilsteins?)

* Camber/Castor kits, front & rear (once you lower it, youre going to have camber issues)

* Rear subframe bushes (pineapples)

* Some sort of legally fitted front-mount intercooler

* Increased boost (10psi R32 actuator?)

* Nistune ECU (Not easy to detect through an inspection unless they physically open up your ECU casing)

This should net you somewhere in the region of 210+rwkw, and a car that will handle and brake better than factory.

You may also need to replace both your coil-packs and spark plugs to achieve this goal, depending on their current condition.

The whole path of modification of cars in South Australia is quite a mine-field. It's definitely best to work out your goals, figure out what you need to do to get there, and try and work out the most legal way to get there to avoid dramas with police, inspections and insurance. You'll end up saving both time, money and your own sanity that way.

[i just wrote way more than I was going to... woah.. ]

[trappedunderice]

Could not agree with this more. Ensure you have a solid starting point before proceeding with modifications. Last thing you want to do is end up breaking something because the car was inadequately maintained.

It's probably also worth changing all major fluids if you do not know when they were changed last (gearbox, diff, brake, oil, etc)

To add to what dark.sky has already said, be aware that in South Australia, you're going to be targetted by police, and any modifications you do will likely end up with your car going through an inspection at Regency Park. You'll want to try and keep legalities in-mind with every modification you do. For instance, with regards to the exhaust, ensure that it's within legal dB limits.

With regards to a pod filter, you can likely get away with a simple high-flow panel and not really run into any restriction until you get into the 250+rwkw area (as evidenced by many on these forums).

A bigger intercooler is a good thing, but as above, any modifications to the re-inforcement bar is a defectable item, and may cause you dramas with insurance claims. I do not believe there is any off-the shelf (even return-flow) front-mount intercooler that will fit without modifications (even slight) to the re-inforcement bar (There is the ARC SMIC, but its incredibly expensive, and not front-mount).

A boost controller or bleed valve will also be easily recognisable by police officers and regency inspectors. You may be better off looking at an R32 wastegate actuator - these are 10psi, bolt straight on, and are not easily detectable.

Be aware with suspension modifications that you may run into issues with getting coilovers through a Regency inspection without having them engineered.

Removal and replacement of the HICAS (another common mod) will also require engineering to pass through a Regency inspection.

For basic upgrades, I'd probably suggest:

* A legal 3" exhaust, turbo-back

* Upgrading brake pads (QFM?) & braided brake lines

* Some sort of legal suspension (bilsteins?)

* Camber/Castor kits, front & rear (once you lower it, youre going to have camber issues)

* Rear subframe bushes (pineapples)

* Some sort of legally fitted front-mount intercooler

* Increased boost (10psi R32 actuator?)

* Nistune ECU (Not easy to detect through an inspection unless they physically open up your ECU casing)

This should net you somewhere in the region of 210+rwkw, and a car that will handle and brake better than factory.

You may also need to replace both your coil-packs and spark plugs to achieve this goal, depending on their current condition.

The whole path of modification of cars in South Australia is quite a mine-field. It's definitely best to work out your goals, figure out what you need to do to get there, and try and work out the most legal way to get there to avoid dramas with police, inspections and insurance. You'll end up saving both time, money and your own sanity that way.

[i just wrote way more than I was going to... woah.. ]

thankyou for what i think will prove to be vital information, i understood to a certain extent that mods attract police attention but not the the extent you mentioned, also being on my provisional license and having plates up doesn't help my cause! thankyou very much for your help, for the moment i'll look at getting an exhaust sytem custom fabricated i reckon, then go from there. is it true some aftermarket ecu's negate the 180 limiter? not that im considering it solely for that reaon.

[Krishy]

^^ just to point out Jenna i dont think that with 10psi on a stock turbo will see you over 200 let alone 210+rwkw on a reputable dyno

Welcome aboard Sam

Make sure that your well aware of the forum rules...mods would appreciate that and you wont get the usual flamage by the rest of us ....to start off with a brief history about the car and what mods it already has would have been nice...but i am guessing that this isnt a FOB??? i would recommend that you get a full service done on the car to start off with, all fluids changed as mentioned above, spark plugs changed and a baseline dyno run to see your current power output and to make sure that the afr's havent been messed with etc etc...

when starting to mod your car be careful of the adr road laws that are enforced here in SA...so mod your car with legalities in mind as Jenna mentioned...first of all i would get a secured pod filter and a full exhaust (Andrew at AM Performance does a great job and is a SAU:SA club sponsor)...running good street rubber and brakes would help a lot...enjoy your mods as you modify your car further mate....

[trappedunderice]

^^ just to point out Jenna i dont think that with 10psi on a stock turbo will see you over 200 let alone 210+rwkw on a reputable dyno

Welcome aboard Sam

Make sure that your well aware of the forum rules...mods would appreciate that and you wont get the usual flamage by the rest of us ....to start off with a brief history about the car and what mods it already has would have been nice...but i am guessing that this isnt a FOB??? i would recommend that you get a full service done on the car to start off with, all fluids changed as mentioned above, spark plugs changed and a baseline dyno run to see your current power output and to make sure that the afr's havent been messed with etc etc...

when starting to mod your car be careful of the adr road laws that are enforced here in SA...so mod your car with legalities in mind as Jenna mentioned...first of all i would get a secured pod filter and a full exhaust (Andrew at AM Performance does a great job and is a SAU:SA club sponsor)...running good street rubber and brakes would help a lot...enjoy your mods as you modify your car further mate....

thanks very much

[Dohmar]

^^ just to point out Jenna i dont think that with 10psi on a stock turbo will see you over 200 let alone 210+rwkw on a reputable dyno

You can also buy garrett actuators for $250 a pop, 14psi or 21psi

-D

[dark.sky]

You can also buy garrett actuators for $250 a pop, 14psi or 21psi

-D

Both of which will mince a standard turbo in about 3 seconds. Unless its been highflowed

Krishy, you'd be suprised, dont forget the NEO motor is a good 22kw more powerful from the factory than the non-NEO RB25.

[Krishy]

well every motor is different.....as in even from factory they have different power outputs.....my motor made more then a neo on same boost and similar mods Dion....but then again mine has been a bit of a freakish motor

[dark.sky]

well every motor is different.....as in even from factory they have different power outputs.....my motor made more then a neo on same boost and similar mods Dion....but then again mine has been a bit of a freakish motor

Hehe, this is true, kinda like my old RB20 haha

Anyway, I'm getting OT.

PS. Join SAU-SA, and get club discount, access to shows, trackdays, dinners etc etc. A few times a year we hit the road for country auto expo's. Epic fun to be had.

[trappedunderice]

this is probably irrelevant now but the car as it is remains completely stock, right down to the rather unsightly 17 inch alloys

where's the best place to get it serviced? i was considering the obvious like ultra tune but i'd much prefer a place that deals specifically with imports. again any info is great! thanks guys

[dark.sky]

this is probably irrelevant now but the car as it is remains completely stock, right down to the rather unsightly 17 inch alloys

where's the best place to get it serviced? i was considering the obvious like ultra tune but i'd much prefer a place that deals specifically with imports. again any info is great! thanks guys

Definately go to a import tuner/mechanic. What area do you live in?

[trappedunderice]

Definately go to a import tuner/mechanic. What area do you live in?

i live between prospect and croydon aha :\ more so croydon. i'm aware of car toys at hindmarsh just off port road which is really close but was uncertain wether they do services..

[Krishy]

this is probably irrelevant now but the car as it is remains completely stock, right down to the rather unsightly 17 inch alloys

where's the best place to get it serviced? i was considering the obvious like ultra tune but i'd much prefer a place that deals specifically with imports. again any info is great! thanks guys

mate the best advice i can give you is to take your car to an import specialist workshop...i advice you strongly against using the services of ultra tune there are a few reputable workshops that you can take your car to and have the piece of mind that it will be well looked after....boost worx, willall racing, morpowa, southern hitech, graham west workshops there are the ones off the top of my head at

i live between prospect and croydon aha :\ more so croydon. i'm aware of car toys at hindmarsh just off port road which is really close but was uncertain wether they do services..

you will find that there is a whole lot of stuff cheaper on these forums, online retailers like nengun, and also using the traders on the main section

[dark.sky]

i live between prospect and croydon aha :\ more so croydon. i'm aware of car toys at hindmarsh just off port road which is really close but was uncertain wether they do services..

BoostWorx - 8260 5566

U8 8-12 William Street Cavan S.A 5094

OR

Smooth Garage - 8244 4344

177-179 South Tce Wingfield SA 5013

Havent had anything to do with BoostWorx, but I can vouch for Smooth Garage's awesomeness.

[Rbware]

Welcome

[trappedunderice]

thankyou all very much, couple of final questions, i saw a member with a white 33 sporting the skylines australia logo sticker, is there a way i can get my hands on one? do i have to make a donation or? i could make my own being a signwriter and all but theres no fun in that plus i don't want to piss people off by circumnavigating possible "sticker requirments" aha thanks everyone. and finally are there any open entry level meetings or whatnot coming up? i'd be keen to meet some other enthusiasts.

cheers!