Buying Nissan Skyline R35

[[PIMPIN]]

the culprit is the launch control..not the gearbox...34's are more driver oriented compared to GTR's...nevertheless is amazing machine. There are lots of 34gtr's for sale the trick is to get the get right one

I don't think the R35 is any less of a driver oriented car. But the huge jump in technology and sophisticated electronics over previous GTRs comes at a cost which seems to be maintenance and reliability (compared to robustness of previous GTRs).

And that launch control. Sigh. GTRs are all about the launches. But isn't it the launch control which is the culprit for gearbox issues?

The R32 to R34 GTRs have so much in common and difference is obviously design and improved versions of the same systems like ATTESSA and HICAS to name a few. The R35 is totally alien but in time when the next GTR and the one after that is introduced, they'd probably have a lot in common between them.

I think all GTRs are fantastic and we're just helping Pravind decide on which to buy.

 

[tony5050]

Hi guys,

I reckon is a little bit unfair if we keep comparing it back with the earlier R32-34. Having the 34 and 35, what i can say is this. For the 32-34 to drive and fly like the stock 35, I don't know how. You can have more power and torque then the 35 but drivability, I doubt so.

Daily driver, no where that a 550bhp BNR can come near. Well at least your left foot is busy. I've traveling and going to work with the CBR for the last 2 years with now 35k km from new, no major issues for me.

It's a new imported 2008 with chasis 36xx and the transmission software was the older version where is not really good to drive in auto mode but got all those sorted out locally. Now many shops in KL can perform a lot of maintenance on the GTR as long as they have the right diagnostic tools namely the Consult.

Engine oil is motul, like the one I have for the RB26. transmission oil is good for 10-15k if there's no overheating of it. I do transmission oil on the 34 often too to make sure it stays fit.

Although the aftermarket parts are now 'still' rather expensive to buy, but I think it will come down through time. I remember how much was the HKS Hiper exhaust system for the 34 back in 2002, what, about 4k cheaper compared to those for R35 today?

Anyway, I love GTRs. Nissan tried hard to bring the GTR to the higher level playing ground in global super cars category, in their performance at least if not the brand and physical outlook.
And with the car selling well in the US, browse the net for parts you would need from US, you'll be surprise to see what US has done for the car. Japanese companies has now much lesser aftermarket parts for the car compared to US.

Conclusion, R32-34 and R35, they are GTRs but I cant think of a good way to relate them in an overall way. Love them all.


Tony

 

[[PIMPIN]]

Hi guys,

I reckon is a little bit unfair if we keep comparing it back with the earlier R32-34. Having the 34 and 35, what i can say is this. For the 32-34 to drive and fly like the stock 35, I don't know how. You can have more power and torque then the 35 but drivability, I doubt so.

Daily driver, no where that a 550bhp BNR can come near. Well at least your left foot is busy. I've traveling and going to work with the CBR for the last 2 years with now 35k km from new, no major issues for me.

It's a new imported 2008 with chasis 36xx and the transmission software was the older version where is not really good to drive in auto mode but got all those sorted out locally. Now many shops in KL can perform a lot of maintenance on the GTR as long as they have the right diagnostic tools namely the Consult.

Engine oil is motul, like the one I have for the RB26. transmission oil is good for 10-15k if there's no overheating of it. I do transmission oil on the 34 often too to make sure it stays fit.

Although the aftermarket parts are now 'still' rather expensive to buy, but I think it will come down through time. I remember how much was the HKS Hiper exhaust system for the 34 back in 2002, what, about 4k cheaper compared to those for R35 today?

Anyway, I love GTRs. Nissan tried hard to bring the GTR to the higher level playing ground in global super cars category, in their performance at least if not the brand and physical outlook.
And with the car selling well in the US, browse the net for parts you would need from US, you'll be surprise to see what US has done for the car. Japanese companies has now much lesser aftermarket parts for the car compared to US.

Conclusion, R32-34 and R35, they are GTRs but I cant think of a good way to relate them in an overall way. Love them all.


Tony

I agree with what you're saying. But the OP brought up the R34 as an alternative which is what led to the discussion on the differences, etc. And since cost was brought up, its only natural to highlight the differences, etc.

No doubt all GTRs are fantastic, its just a question of him finding the right one for him.

 

[tony5050]

Ahhh....got carried away somewhat .. :)

 

[Kevin Lee]

well at least its a good read and an awesome write up from a gt-r owner, least something i could expect if i ever do own one in the near future

 

[[PIMPIN]]

Ahhh....got carried away somewhat .. :)

We all get carried away hahah. Driven by passion.

 

[mizunori77]

We all get carried away hahah. Driven by passion.

must be getting late, and therefore, my eyes are blurry...

i thought i read "driven by poison"...

 

[brian@ams]

agreed bro..tats why am not looking for heavy modded skyline..am looking for near stock version so tat i can tune da baby myself n noe him in n out..cuz tats wat separate us the true skyline fan from a wanna be...thx for advice too bro...will let ya noe when i got it d..i always notice u all goin tea tarik session..soon will join u all if its not a trouble for u all...cheers...

Regards,
Pravin

---------- Post added at 12:32 PM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 12:28 PM ----------

about the gearbox prob...this is da answer i got from a sifu...

"you can solve the gearbox problem by updating the gearbox software by using Nissan Diagnostic Tools "Consult III"."

so its not an issue after all..

Pravin,

From what you stated throughout your posts, I'd say the R35 is the way to go. As I recall 1) total cost of ownership is not an issue. 2) You are looking for a vehicle that is not heavily modded (easier to find an R35 in such condition which will help retain value and give you a clean slate to work off of). 3) This would be more of a weekend car since you work offshore most of the time so performing maintenance would occur less frequently. (Sometimes a few hours downtime for maintenance is just as frustrating if not more than the cost associated with it) 4) You would only launch or race if you had to. Hmm? :hmmmm: You'd probably find that most people around town who challenge you are not worth your time anyway and they already know that.

If you decide to go with the R35, things I would recommend (two of them as stated by NeniNeniBoBo) Replacing the circlip is important and simple to do. 1st gear upgrade if you find yourself launching more than you originally expected to or if want more peace of mind. And because of the hot weather, a transmission cooling unit.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Veloc]

R34 are not hard to find. I've seen quite a number advertised on Mudah and ZTH. The really rare one is the V-Spec.

Having said that, now about the R35. I'm no pro or sifu in this and these cars would probably be out of my reach in my lifetime. But I am a follower as I'm a fan of it. Just don't use the "launch control". It will fk up the tranny and void the warranty of the car! Came out in the news last time. Using launch control, the car can only be used up to 4 times before busting the tranny. Then yo'll need a complete gearbox change. And Nissan stated in the warranty that they do not cover for damages if launch control is used.

I've seen some comments above stating that the gearbox has problem. Well, no. It does not have problem and won't give you problem as long as launch control is not used. So since you said you bought it from a friend, ask him whether if the launch control was used before.

And about the plasma lined engine, it is okay. Going for a recoat is best. But without doing it, i reckon that it will still be highly drivable and raceable even. As the coatings are used to reduce friction. They are similar to nikasil coated cylinder walls in older high revving engines such the 2ZZ-GE and VTECs. We still see many godly VTECs and Yamaha around right?

 

[khoyos]

i do not own r35 but my close friend has one and i followed his maintenance and basic upgrading path. drove his car during slow drives, had a few "tutoring" laps in SIC and "raced" with him on MEX highway with my old junk.

basically, the gearbox problem is as per the above replies: updated versions have lower launch control rpm level so that alone is enough to extend the lifespan of the gearbox. and on the contrary to what other people claim, there are parts (OEM or aftermarket - enhanced) to rebuild GTR gearboxes and if u send to the right people, it wouldnt cost as much as some owners experienced.

for upgrading, a simple change of full exhaust system (hks in the region of 8k, or meisterschaft/tubi for more "rempit" sound) and reflash of cobb accessport (with increase in boost pressure) will yield nearly 100whp over stock. that is already enough for the 1st year and enough to kill F430s on the road (proven).

maintenance-wise, yes the brake rotors are super expensive, the tyres will make people like me cry but for such performance and level of engineering, it is quite acceptable. my friend didnt even blink an eye when he was quoted the prices for rotors and tyres hahaha. i think basically if u can afford to buy the car, u can definitely afford to maintain and upgrade it.

i highly recommend ATS as they are very knowledgeable in GTR maintenance, repairs and upgrading. they are also willing to teach GTR owners on the functions of the car. my friend previously sent to Links. some things happened at Links that made him look for another workshop that can take care of his car without being kept in the dark on what did he actually pay for (plus burning big big holes in his pocket).

 

[[PIMPIN]]

must be getting late, and therefore, my eyes are blurry...

i thought i read "driven by poison"...

Sometimes they're one and the same

I've seen some comments above stating that the gearbox has problem. Well, no. It does not have problem and won't give you problem as long as launch control is not used. So since you said you bought it from a friend, ask him whether if the launch control was used before

Doesn't that actually mean its a problem given the fact that you can't use a factory supplied function as and when you'd like? Why did Nissan incorporate an Achilles heeled function in their flagship?

Not long after the R35 first came to our shores, I asked my dealer to find me one. He came back with a few horror stories and ever since then, I haven't been able to convince myself to buy one. I know the newer versions are much improved but the thought still lingers. Its like watching the Exorcist and not being able to shake the image of that girl when you go to the toilet in the middle of the night.

 

[Pravin Kumar Balachandran]

If GTR35 is what u looking, I suggest u to go for year 2009 gtr35(or UK spec), with the latest transmission software build in, this is suggested by "Norman" from our local GTR35 forum. To own gtr35, u must change your transmission oil on time, especially the 1st and 2nd time, u will be surprise to see how dirty inside there, and clutch learning must be done to arrange your plate pressure... Besides that, wrong driving method will make your gearbox history(Even u upgrade your gearbox)
Suggestion is get an 09 Gtr35> change all lubricant by pro> clutch learning> drive in correct way while at the same time slowly upgrade your transmission gear(eg: circlips, clutch basket, tranny cooler etc)

thx for ur comment bro..am planning to take 2009 model..will follow ur advice regarding da lubrication n clutch..am not da type tat love to stand on pedal guy..i prefer smooth ride..am getting this is all becuz of pure love to godzilla n not race..thx bro...

---------- Post added at 07:57 AM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 07:41 AM ----------

Still have it but don't drive much. I've managed just over 6000km since Nov 2009 haha. When I was younger, I used to have the R34, a V9 STI Spec C and 350z all at one time but I've sold the other two. Not in line with my priorities so bought one Hilux for KL but traded with Dad's Fortuner but I'm still short of one car at the moment. Ideally I need a sedan for KL, 4WD for Perlis and the GTR is my gift to myself I guess haha.

Anyways, one of our regular members in the past Russell did something along the lines of what you do. He'd be away for like 3 months at a time working on oil rigs all over the world etc. You guys get paid massive amounts of cash! But I guess its only fair given the personal sacrifices.

If your Mum needs a driver while you're away... :rolleyes: J/K I'd break it for sure.



Damn, so no daily launches

yeah..i read all bout tat story..seen russ's blue baby too in jb as am from jb...he changed to 350z uh?3 super baby at 1 time?tats like having 3sum man...wish i can do tat..i dream is to have r34 n r35 side by side in porch..hehehe..soon...6000km in 3 years??man tat baby is lucky to be rested so well..cuz i seen sum guy just trash da car to max..just donno aw to appreciate da baby...my mum needs a driver??haha..she is a beta driver than i' n she asking for Ferrari bro..haha..will surely ask sifu like u to test drive da car on i got it k?cheers bro...

---------- Post added at 07:58 AM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 07:57 AM ----------

Hi guys,

I reckon is a little bit unfair if we keep comparing it back with the earlier R32-34. Having the 34 and 35, what i can say is this. For the 32-34 to drive and fly like the stock 35, I don't know how. You can have more power and torque then the 35 but drivability, I doubt so.

Daily driver, no where that a 550bhp BNR can come near. Well at least your left foot is busy. I've traveling and going to work with the CBR for the last 2 years with now 35k km from new, no major issues for me.

It's a new imported 2008 with chasis 36xx and the transmission software was the older version where is not really good to drive in auto mode but got all those sorted out locally. Now many shops in KL can perform a lot of maintenance on the GTR as long as they have the right diagnostic tools namely the Consult.

Engine oil is motul, like the one I have for the RB26. transmission oil is good for 10-15k if there's no overheating of it. I do transmission oil on the 34 often too to make sure it stays fit.

Although the aftermarket parts are now 'still' rather expensive to buy, but I think it will come down through time. I remember how much was the HKS Hiper exhaust system for the 34 back in 2002, what, about 4k cheaper compared to those for R35 today?

Anyway, I love GTRs. Nissan tried hard to bring the GTR to the higher level playing ground in global super cars category, in their performance at least if not the brand and physical outlook.
And with the car selling well in the US, browse the net for parts you would need from US, you'll be surprise to see what US has done for the car. Japanese companies has now much lesser aftermarket parts for the car compared to US.

Conclusion, R32-34 and R35, they are GTRs but I cant think of a good way to relate them in an overall way. Love them all.


Tony

agreed bro...thx for ur view..it really helped in making my decision too...cheer mate...do share more info if u got ne..thx mate...

---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 07:58 AM ----------

Pravin,

From what you stated throughout your posts, I'd say the R35 is the way to go. As I recall 1) total cost of ownership is not an issue. 2) You are looking for a vehicle that is not heavily modded (easier to find an R35 in such condition which will help retain value and give you a clean slate to work off of). 3) This would be more of a weekend car since you work offshore most of the time so performing maintenance would occur less frequently. (Sometimes a few hours downtime for maintenance is just as frustrating if not more than the cost associated with it) 4) You would only launch or race if you had to. Hmm? :hmmmm: You'd probably find that most people around town who challenge you are not worth your time anyway and they already know that.

If you decide to go with the R35, things I would recommend (two of them as stated by NeniNeniBoBo) Replacing the circlip is important and simple to do. 1st gear upgrade if you find yourself launching more than you originally expected to or if want more peace of mind. And because of the hot weather, a transmission cooling unit.

Good luck with your search!

thx bro.. appreciate it...do u work at ams?does ams do all these upgrades??do pm me bro..thx...

---------- Post added at 08:02 AM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 08:00 AM ----------

i do not own r35 but my close friend has one and i followed his maintenance and basic upgrading path. drove his car during slow drives, had a few "tutoring" laps in SIC and "raced" with him on MEX highway with my old junk.

basically, the gearbox problem is as per the above replies: updated versions have lower launch control rpm level so that alone is enough to extend the lifespan of the gearbox. and on the contrary to what other people claim, there are parts (OEM or aftermarket - enhanced) to rebuild GTR gearboxes and if u send to the right people, it wouldnt cost as much as some owners experienced.

for upgrading, a simple change of full exhaust system (hks in the region of 8k, or meisterschaft/tubi for more "rempit" sound) and reflash of cobb accessport (with increase in boost pressure) will yield nearly 100whp over stock. that is already enough for the 1st year and enough to kill F430s on the road (proven).

maintenance-wise, yes the brake rotors are super expensive, the tyres will make people like me cry but for such performance and level of engineering, it is quite acceptable. my friend didnt even blink an eye when he was quoted the prices for rotors and tyres hahaha. i think basically if u can afford to buy the car, u can definitely afford to maintain and upgrade it.

i highly recommend ATS as they are very knowledgeable in GTR maintenance, repairs and upgrading. they are also willing to teach GTR owners on the functions of the car. my friend previously sent to Links. some things happened at Links that made him look for another workshop that can take care of his car without being kept in the dark on what did he actually pay for (plus burning big big holes in his pocket).

yeah bro..tats da prob with sum garage..they just dont tell me wats wrong n why v need to change...whr is this ATS?hope u can share more info about ur fren's gtr for my knowledge..thx man...

 

[iloveskyline]

get R35 Spec V

 

[Pravin Kumar Balachandran]

get R35 Spec V

bro..tats like 800k bro..can get 2 premium spec bro..mutiara motor is offering me a R35 completely tuned up by M7 Japan...but i wonder will it still b a daily as da stock is...

 

[iloveskyline]

ya, lol....800k, better get lamborghini if 800k. haha! anyway, bro. good luck on ur new ride. =)
M7 tuned R35 is same as the one own by Dato Lee Chong Wei. hehe.

 

[khoyos]

bro..tats like 800k bro..can get 2 premium spec bro..mutiara motor is offering me a R35 completely tuned up by M7 Japan...but i wonder will it still b a daily as da stock is...

bro try to test drive the car and u will know how nice it is for daily use. in auto mode (WITH MODERATE THROTTLE CONTROL - must emphasise this), the car is as docile as a W204 merc C200 in daily traffic. it is very comfortable and easy to drive. however, even with the slightest tap in throttle, the car launches forward with a neck-snapping g-force! plus the brakes are damn good. really up to it to slow the car down in time...

however the fuel consumption is another matter to worry about hahaha

 

[tony5050]

launch control? i wonder when do you need it. I've not used mine since new and have not met any car that can stay in front of me longer then 2nd gear! haahahahahah..including my own R34 with Vpro and launch control of 5500rpm, dynoed 507whp...
your free left foot will make it up without launch control..

 

[Veloc]

launch control? i wonder when do you need it. I've not used mine since new and have not met any car that can stay in front of me longer then 2nd gear! haahahahahah..including my own R34 with Vpro and launch control of 5500rpm, dynoed 507whp...
your free left foot will make it up without launch control..

Agree... It is not practical at all to be used in street drive. I think it is mainly for time attacks.

But having said that, this is one stupid mistake Nissan did. Providing that option but stating that warranty will be void if you use it. I mean... Who sells cars like that. Even newer protons are not like that anymore...

 

[CasperR]

R35!!!!!!!!

 

[Veloc]

R35!!!!!!!!

Haha... Why edit post CasperR? By the way, may I ask, are you the Casper who owns the detailing centre at Times Square?:hmmmm: