Nissan Skyline Problems

The turbocharged four-wheel drive Nissan GT-R coupe was so successful in Australian motor racing that it forced officialdom to change the rules in favour of homegrown V8s, to avert the threat that touring car racing could implode.MODEL WATCHBefore they could go racing, Nissan had to import 100 Skyline GT-Rs and sell them on the local market. That requirement was satisfied in 1991 with the one and only batch imported by Nissan.  All cars subsequently landed were so-called grey imports brought in under the Specialists and Enthusiasts Vehicles Scheme.That first model brought in by Nissan was the R32, a rather dumpy, plain-looking two-door coupe. Without the war paint of the factory race cars the R32 didn't ooze aggression - until the right foot was buried in the carpet. Then it would explode into action. A stock-standard R32 would thunder to 100km/h in less than five seconds and dismiss the standing quarter-mile sprint in about 13 seconds.It was fast thanks to its twin turbocharged 2.6-litre straight-six cylinder engine that boasted peak power of 205kW. All R32s had a five-speed manual gearbox which was packed full of quite tall gearing. That gave it good top-end performance, but could make it quite hard to get off the line smoothly and quickly.While that made it fast in a straight line, it was a sophisticated four-wheel drive system that let it corner as if on rails. Four-wheel discs with ABS provide powerful and safe stopping power while subtle four-wheel steering adds to its cornering prowess.The R32 is the lightest GT-R built; they gained weight with each new model. Nissan chose not to import the R33, leaving the way open for small-time importers to fill the niche.The R33 was more aggressive visually with more add-ons on the body in the form of a rear wing and side skirts. It was also bigger and a little more plump, but the engine had more torque, which made up for the extra weight. It was also marginally slower than its predecessor, but was still able to cut a sub 5.0-second time for the 0-100km/h sprint as well as a low-13s quarter-mile time. The five-speed manual gearbox was improved with new synchros, which made shifting smoother.With the best ride and roomiest interior, the R33 is widely regarded as the most practical GT-R for use as a daily driver, but it lacks the excitement of the R32 or R34.The R34 followed in 1999. Although it's not immediately obvious, the more aggressive-looking R34 is smaller yet is 10-20kg heavier.  The awesome twin-turbo six was reworked with new camshafts and new turbos with power pegged at 206kW at 6800rpm and torque at 392Nm at 4400rpm.IN THE SHOPBrakes and tyres are the obvious things that take a pounding on the GT-R if driven hard. Check for disc wear and cracking, as these can be quite expensive to replace. The engine is generally rugged, but needs to be well-serviced. Cam belts need to be changed at 80,000km.It's also worth doing a compression test on the engine, and listening for odd noises that might point to internal wear. Main bearings can be a problem in engines that are abused.Early R32 models are known to suffer from leaks around the windscreen and rear window. The screen can be expensive to replace because of the radio antenna.NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R * Awesome four-wheel drive * Get a compression test done on engine * Look for signs of car being thrashed * R32 best performing model * Uninspiring looks * Check brakes for wearRATING 13/20 One of the most awesome performance cars ever built, but be careful of cars that have been driven hard. 

We talk about the big three, Holden, Ford and Mitsubishi, in the traditional segment for big family cars, but there was once another player trying to break in.  That company was Nissan when it was making cars locally, and the model was the Skyline.The 1980s were tough times for local carmakers, struggling to stay afloat or scrambling to restructure as the Government removed protective tariffs.  The Government recognised there were too many carmakers and encouraged companies to produce common models, so Holden and Nissan got together.Holden had found itself with a six-cylinder engine long past its use-by date and not enough money to develop a new one.  The answer came in the form of Nissan's 3.0-litre SOHC six-cylinder engine, which was shoehorned into the VL Commodore. It was a proven engine, though installed in the Commodore it had several problems.But in the R31 Skyline it was a gem. The Skyline should really have won over more buyers than it did. It was a good car, well engineered and built, but let down by its conservative styling.  Ultimately, the company that fell by the wayside in terms of local production was Nissan, which turned importer.MODEL WATCHTHE R31 Skyline was aimed at the buyer of the traditional Australian family car: it was a similar size to the Commodore, with accommodation for five adults, powered by a six-cylinder engine, and drive through the rear wheels.  There was a choice of sedan or wagon. It was squarish, with sharp lines and a rather harsh outline when its rivals were heading down a softer path.If it wasn't the best-looking car on the market, it made up for it with a solid mechanical package and build quality the others could only dream about.  For power, it relied on the RB30E 3.0-litre single overhead cam six. It had two valves per cylinder, and with fuel-injection it punched out 114kW and 247Nm, which gave it some decent get-up-and-go when needed.There was the choice of a Jatco four-speed auto transmission or a five-speed manual box. Later models had a Nissan four-speed auto.  The base model was the GX, with an adjustable steering wheel, cloth trim, power mirrors, power rack and pinion steering, and two-speaker radio cassette sound.In addition, the GXE had power mirrors, a remote boot release and four-speaker sound. The sporty Silhouette had a limited-slip diff, alloy wheels, aircon, sports seats, rear spoiler, and a trip computer.The Ti topped the range and it had standard aircon, alloys, cruise, central locking, cloth trim, metallic paint, power mirrors and windows, four-speaker radio cassette sound, and a trip computer.  There were two minor updates, a Series II in 1987, and the Series III in 1988, which saw the introduction of the Executive auto.IN THE SHOPTHE Skyline is a very reliable car and would suit anyone on a low budget who wants reliable and comfortable transport.  Mechanically, the engine is very reliable, but the valve lifters can become noisy at high mileage.Same goes for the diff, which is renowned for developing a howl.  If you can put up with the noise, they won't be a problem, if not, find a second-hand replacement that should cost about $250.The auto transmissions are generally smooth and stand up well, but can be expensive to fix.  Look for harshness shifting from first to second, and flaring when shifting between second and third on cars with 200,000km-plus on the clock.OWNERS' VIEWSDENISE Wythe owned a 1987 Skyline up until last year and enjoyed 13 years and 300,000km of trouble-free motoring. The only complaint was a leaking boot, the result of a problem in the fitting of the rear lamps, which let water in.Tony Jarvis has owned his 1989 GXE for about three years and loves it. It's powerful enough and the steering is not overly light but has good road feel.  Maurie French owns a 1988 Skyline wagon with 187,000km on the odometer. The diff and lifters are noisy and he has blown several power steering hoses, but it is a joy to drive.THE BOTTOM LINESmooth, comfortable and reliable, a good car for beginners.LOOK FORSMOOTH, powerful six-cylinder engineANNOYING diff whineLIFTER rattle on cold startsAVOID clunky auto transmissionGOOD solid body constructionSOLID reliable carGREAT for novice drivers with a modest budgetRIVALSHolden Commodore VN (1988-91) $3000-$5500Ford Falcon EA/EAII (1988-91) $2700-$4800