First Time Skyline Owner in Virginia USA

[LiteraCola]

Good evening everybody! My name is Jesse and I’m the proud new owner of a 95 Skyline GTS25T! This is actually my first foray into RHD territory. I’ve always been a 90’s Honda guy at heart; I’ve owned many good (and bad) Civics and Preludes over the years. I’ve also got a C5Z06 Corvette with “a little” work done. I’ve always been in love with Skylines and jumped at the chance to own a piece of Japanese automotive history. I’ve had this Skyline for a few weeks now and so far, I love it. She only has an HKS intake and an APEXi catback, full exterior LED conversion, but otherwise stock. Right now I’m just working on the usual maintenance stuff and soon I hope to get started with a mild build. I look forward to learning more about this car and its limits! Thanks! 
 

[Murray_Calavera]

Welcome!

That looks like a really clean example, nice work getting your hands on it

[LiteraCola]

Thanks! It looks like it was painted maybe a few years ago, but has one little spot of rust where the front bumper meets the drivers fender, easily repairable. I do some car detailing as a side gig, so I’ve got plans to try out a paint correction and ceramic coating. ??

[PranK]

Welcome Jesse, car looks great! Any more pics?

[LiteraCola]

I don’t have too many photos as of right now... but here are a couple more...

”Hey buddy, you’re sittin on the wrong side!” ?

First “mod” was replacing the leaky OEM radiator with a Mishimoto unit. I guess this car sat for months before being shipped here, and I’ve been driving it everywhere on 95+ degree days so it was bound to pop!

 

Edited July 29, 2020 by LiteraCola

[Duncan]

looks like the correct side to me, and good score on the light up rear panel.

But you really need some wider wheels on it

[LiteraCola]

6 minutes ago, Duncan said:

looks like the correct side to me, and good score on the light up rear panel.

But you really need some wider wheels on it

Wait, that’s supposed to light up??? Mine does not. 
 

Yes, I’m well aware the wheels are trash. Im working on getting the Jap stereo out of there and then I’ll be getting the wheels and tires straight! 

[LiteraCola]

Well I'll be damned; I didn't know that was a thing. I'll have to dig a little deeper and see about getting mine to work. 

[elohim_imanu]

Nice example there. I think only certain option pack Skylines have the self lighting garnish. Do your homework before you start pulling it apart.

[LiteraCola]

I'm learning something new about this car every day, I swear. I'm a mechanic by trade so I learn by tearing shit apart; I was never much on homework ?.

[MindlessR33]

2 hours ago, LiteraCola said:

Wait, that’s supposed to light up??? Mine does not. 
 

Yes, I’m well aware the wheels are trash. Im working on getting the Jap stereo out of there and then I’ll be getting the wheels and tires straight! 

It's a pretty rare factory option. I've been trying to buy one but for what they cost ($1000+ USD) I'm just going to make my own. 

[LiteraCola]

That's crazy! I found a few online for between 7-800. I'm gonna see about getting mine working. I'd still like to retain the OEM look with the greenish blue light. I guess we'll see!

[joshuaho96]

Be very careful with those Mishimoto radiators, they're garbage.

[GTSBoy]

20 minutes ago, joshuaho96 said:

Be very careful with those Mishimoto radiators, they're garbage.

This. I came here to say the same. Car is quite likely to run hot due to the crappy rad. Keep $500 on hand for a Fenix, or better, for when you can no longer stand it.

[LiteraCola]

19 hours ago, joshuaho96 said:

Be very careful with those Mishimoto radiators, they're garbage.

 

19 hours ago, GTSBoy said:

This. I came here to say the same. Car is quite likely to run hot due to the crappy rad. Keep $500 on hand for a Fenix, or better, for when you can no longer stand it.

Could you guys be more specific? What about them is garbage? 
I mean, it’s already in the car so I’m committed. I’ll keep an eye on it, like I normally do anyways. I’m used to driving older cars so I pay close attention to any weird noises, feelings, etc. 

I’ve also been in the car game long enough to know that no matter what you buy (car or parts), there’s always someone that says it’s garbage. 

If it fails I’ll fix it haha

Edited July 30, 2020 by LiteraCola

[KiwiRS4T]

They don't cool the engine enough - on a hot day in traffic, when pushing the car e.g. on the track etc. Usual fix is to replace it but if you have no problems congrats.

[joshuaho96]

1 hour ago, LiteraCola said:

 

Could you guys be more specific? What about them is garbage? 
I mean, it’s already in the car so I’m committed. I’ll keep an eye on it, like I normally do anyways. I’m used to driving older cars so I pay close attention to any weird noises, feelings, etc. 

I’ve also been in the car game long enough to know that no matter what you buy (car or parts), there’s always someone that says it’s garbage. 

If it fails I’ll fix it haha

Just keep a close eye on the coolant temps, if it spikes over boiling coast to a stop immediately and blast the heater, the Mishimotos are notorious for causing overheating.

[LiteraCola]

13 hours ago, joshuaho96 said:

Just keep a close eye on the coolant temps, if it spikes over boiling coast to a stop immediately and blast the heater, the Mishimotos are notorious for causing overheating.

I'll do that. Thanks for the heads up! Luckily, the high temps have finally left (if only for a week or so). I don't daily this car; I've got a 98 EK Hatch for that). The Skyline just sits in the garage with the other toys haha. Speaking of toys...

 

[teddlon]

Cool cars. Any info about the blue one?

[Duncan]

1 hour ago, teddlon said:

Cool cars. Any info about the blue one?

Pretty sure it has had an LS swap like every second modified car in Oz.