Buyer's Guide - The Nissan C34 Stagea

[Kojack]

I'm chasing a manual, though I have thought about doing a manual conversion if I can source it all for the right price. I'm not sold on the 260s as I'm planning on using it for a tow car, and I think they are too nice to be used for that. I'm also thinking the R34 front conversion might be a good project down the track, which I wouldn't even consider on a 260.

I've look at the M35s, apparently they aren't too bad, though I like the thought of having the same drivetrain in the tow car as the track car; will make maintenance a breeze.

Also, as far as budget goes, I'll looking around the 15k mark, but if it's nice enough I may stretch it a little. And if it's in need of work in the right places (ie things I can fix myself) I'm not against saving money.

[hkspwr]

Went and had a look at this today ( http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=11458359&__Qpb=1&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1||pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294963846 410 901&silo=1011&PriceTo=410&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=343&__sid=132443BA580D) appears to be pretty clean, was thinking of getting it checked over by a workshop. Does anyone have any idea of furthur things to look out for?

[W0rp3D]

Im very interested in getting C34, currently i have an r33 gtst and an older fairlane, i wont a car that has the things that both of these have in one package, 2 questions:

Can you use nistune?

And possibly the killer, have not seen it listed as a feature, do they have cruise control?

[Marshstag]

Im very interested in getting C34, currently i have an r33 gtst and an older fairlane, i wont a car that has the things that both of these have in one package, 2 questions:

Can you use nistune?

And possibly the killer, have not seen it listed as a feature, do they have cruise control?

1) You can use Nistine on the C34 series 2 (type 4 board).

2) No they don't have cruise control. There are aftermarket options available though.

[Big Fella]

I'm chasing a manual, though I have thought about doing a manual conversion if I can source it all for the right price. I'm not sold on the 260s as I'm planning on using it for a tow car, and I think they are too nice to be used for that. I'm also thinking the R34 front conversion might be a good project down the track, which I wouldn't even consider on a 260.

I've look at the M35s, apparently they aren't too bad, though I like the thought of having the same drivetrain in the tow car as the track car; will make maintenance a breeze.

Also, as far as budget goes, I'll looking around the 15k mark, but if it's nice enough I may stretch it a little. And if it's in need of work in the right places (ie things I can fix myself) I'm not against saving money.

if you're keen come to the next stagea cruise and have a suss, plenty of guys have done the manual swap and could give you a hand.

And if you're talking 34 GTR front end, what better colour than Bayside blue

[bigkevracer]

If you're looking at a Stag as a tow car, go the C34. Higher towing capacity than the M35 as far as I can tell, since the M35 has an alloy subframe.

Buy Robbie's Stag. Convert to manual. Convert to R34 front. Win.

[Kojack]

if you're keen come to the next stagea cruise and have a suss, plenty of guys have done the manual swap and could give you a hand.

Yea, I'm not going to be around for the cruise =(

A manual swap isn't too hard, but it's the time and effort required. I have been stalking Robbie's thread... plus a few others. I'm not going to buy till January as I'm overseas till then.

[Big Fella]

Keep in contact mate, I'm not in a hurry to sell. My new car won't be viable till mid next year.

Gotta get enough dollars through my business so I can get the new vehicle as a company owned toy

[Kojack]

Sounds like a plan =)

[Big Fella]

If you want some more pics, or to have a look let me know

[sriver killer]

Hey guys,

I have done a bit of a research without much luck. this new forum layout is doing my head in xd

looking at buying a c34 series one (non tiptronic) for a bitof an all rounder.

camping on the weekends and bit of towing here and there.

Any good for heavy towing? are the non tiptronic boxes okay for towing with?

I would think with heavy loads you would want to be in 3rd gear and keep it out of overdrive where possible.

I am looking at a C34 RSfour auto awd,

[DaveB]

If I recall right, SK used his series 1 as a towcar for years without problems. He suggested upgrading the standard trans cooler though (it's just a small tube-and-fin unit on S1's) and I think he used a Davies Craig unit. I suggest talking to a reputable trans specialist for finer details. If you're stuck for one try MV Automatics in Blackwood, Adelaide. Mike knows automatic transmissions.

[GoldZilla]

Exactly true, Sydneykid used to tow an R33 GTSt with his s1 (and probably still does - he hasn't been on here for quite a while as far as I know, so we have no idea).

Also, Duncan would probably still be using his s1 to tow his R32 GT-R around if he wasn't busy with other things at the moment. (On a side note, though, Duncan has upgraded his car to an RB30 and replaced the auto box with a manual.)

[oscillo hero]

i use my 260 stagea to tow my boat, it has the power to pull it and rides well. only problem is fuel consumption, it might be the tune but it uses roughly 25L/100km. the boat weighs 1100kg plus the weight of the trailer. so it pulls it but its expensive

[daneprostamobrown]

hi i was looking at buying a stagea rs for my first car in qld (will be on p plates)

i love the look of this wagon and i have my heart set on owning one eventually and will do an r34 conversion eventually, but i was wondering if this is practical for p plates. i have seen that this car presents issues with insurance premiums. also does the rb25det turbo engine require much service and additional cost if i plan to leave the engine stock?

[KiwiRS4T]

hi i was looking at buying a stagea rs for my first car in qld (will be on p plates)

i love the look of this wagon and i have my heart set on owning one eventually and will do an r34 conversion eventually, but i was wondering if this is practical for p plates. i have seen that this car presents issues with insurance premiums. also does the rb25det turbo engine require much service and additional cost if i plan to leave the engine stock?

I thought you were not allowed a turbo on P plates? If you leave it stock servicing should be within your capabilities - all the info is on this site. Insurance will only be a problem because of your age.

[66yostagea]

The S1 C34 RB25DET can be driven by a P plater but you have to apply for a Certificate of Exemption for High Powered Vehicles.

My 21 yo had to get one. Incidently the S1 stock auto is only classified as a "Moderately Powered Vehicle"

One thing to remember is that the Exemption is vehicle specific. Each type you want to drive needs a specific exemption.

Insurance is no problem. It just costs.

[daneprostamobrown]

has anyone has any experience with importing cars, and more specifically a stagea. been looking at pacific coast jdm importing but im not too sure who is the best importer. chasing an autech version btw

[GoldZilla]

Try using Kristian at Iron Chef Imports.