Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34): PH Carpool
Yes, it's another PHer in Scotland with a JDM special, but would you just look at it?
Car: 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) MNPIII
Owned since: July 2016
Previously owned: Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33), Nissan Skyline GTS-t (R33), BMW M235i, Vauxhall Vectra VXR, Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo, Fiat Punto HGT, Fiat Punto GT, Honda Civic Type R plus plenty of others.
"Well as I'm now on the wrong side of 30 you can get the idea of the kind of generation I grew up in - PlayStation 2, GT2, GT3, that sort of thing. So yes, I am one of the guys who used to dream of one day owning a car which I had spent countless hours pounding round Laguna Seca in. And of course, Fast & Furious also did wonders for my Japanese car fascination. Fast forward a few years and, if you were in a position to finally own an R34 GT-R before the price spirals out of control, why wouldn't you?"
What I wish I'd known:
"What comes with a car approaching classic status very, very quickly? The good old 'GT-R tax' on most if not all parts at the moment. You shudder at the thought of how much it will be with the word 'NISMO' branded on it. Some of this is down to rarity but mainly down to companies and owners trying to cash in on the popularity. Apart from that I had a good idea of Skyline ownership with previously having a R33 GT-R."
"Where do I start?! Just the presence of the car is enough to sell it to most people, helped by the colour. Even people who have no interest in cars stop to tell you how amazing the paint is. It's a shame to think they only ever built 198 Midnight Purple 3 cars ever. Not only is it a rare sight to see a nice R34 GT-R, it's even rarer in the UK to see one in the sought after LXO paint code.
"I love the sound, too. The twin-turbo straight-six RB26 sounds great at any rpm, but couple that with a Tomei Titanium Exhaust and 8,000rpm and you get the kind of notes and sounds rivalling Bach's greatest hits."
Things I hate:
"Now I love a car which attracts a bit of attention as much as this next person, but that can be a bad thing when nearly every single person's first question is "How much power is that running mate?" clearly awaiting me to tell them it has 1,000hp and does a eight-second quarter mile. Such is the look of pure disappointment when they are told the car still runs the standard 112mph speed restrictor that we usually end up talking about something else. Is it wrong to keep a car like this pretty stock nowadays? It's a question I get sick of asking myself every time I'm asked how much power it has."
"Depends on what you want to do to it; consumable parts are as respectable as pretty much any performance car and are readily available too. It's when it comes to tuning as mentioned above that your wallet can take a good beating. Not a big problem for me as I'm trying to keep the car fairly standard. MPG? I don't check!"
Where I've been:
"Nowhere too exciting yet, sadly. I take the car out the garage as much as I can; it would be a crime to leave a car like that locked up never to be seen, so I try and drive it at least once a week (except winter - a Skyline's worst enemy!) I have plans to do the North Coast 500 and maybe take it over to Europe as well - it is a GT car after all."
What's next?
"The car looks just how I want it and, as far as power goes, I didn't really buy it for that so I'm quite happy keeping it as is. You know how it is though - never say never and all that. I get asked if I will ever sell it and the answer is a firm 'NO' for now, but again coming from a very car based background and having a job in the motor trade the temptation is never far away. I'd quite like a Ferrari at some point..."
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As for power it doesn't need massive amounts, I think anything above 450bhp actually ruins the car but that engine does need to breath. You already have the exhaust so a decent cold air filter and remap really would transform it and it's easily reversible if you want to sell it as standard later on.
Would love to drive one and see what they're like. There is of course a lot of hyperbole on the internet about them so would be fascinating to see a Chris Harris or whoever drive one. I am too a Gran Turismo loving, 30-something, so would certainly add one to my lottery list.
https://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-features/t...
Just in case it helps you or any other owners. My best mate bought a R34GTR Vspec2 last year. Similar to this one its pretty standard with just a few Nismo bits on it.
You mention
"The good old 'GT-R tax' on most if not all parts at the moment. You shudder at the thought of how much it will be with the word 'NISMO' branded on it. Some of this is down to rarity but mainly down to companies and owners trying to cash in on the popularity."
My mate has experienced this. With importers etc charging through the roof for any parts. he decided to try the local Nissan dealer. Turns out they can get most parts for them and at much more reasonable prices.
Just for example he wanted to get a new GTR badge for the front grill as his was a bit tatty. quoted from a few tuners/ importers and best price was about £170. Nissan dealer got him a genuine one in a matter of days for about £47. So he now gets all his genuine Nissan stuff from them now instead.
You can enjoy it as it is AND make a packet in years to come.
I look through the classifieds and all I see are modded ones and cringe tbh.
As alluded to, aftermarket parts cost a bomb and are usually sold it sets.
Knackered OEM shock? Buy one/pair. Knackered aftermarket shock? Whole set.
Same for wheels, same for sections of exhausts, etc etc.
Leave it as it is
You can enjoy it as it is AND make a packet in years to come.
I look through the classifieds and all I see are modded ones and cringe tbh.
As alluded to, aftermarket parts cost a bomb and are usually sold it sets.
Knackered OEM shock? Buy one/pair. Knackered aftermarket shock? Whole set.
Same for wheels, same for sections of exhausts, etc etc.
Leave it as it is
Had a 520bhp+ Bayside Blue one myself back in mid 2004. Blistering speed, but difficult to drive given it had a triple plate clutch that was like an on-off switch, and very Jekyll & Hyde dynamics thanks to big turbos. It certainly left an impression.
Such a lovely example you've got there, and MP3 is an amazing paint. Enjoy in good health
Had a 520bhp+ Bayside Blue one myself back in mid 2004. Blistering speed, but difficult to drive given it had a triple plate clutch that was like an on-off switch, and very Jekyll & Hyde dynamics thanks to big turbos. It certainly left an impression.
Such a lovely example you've got there, and MP3 is an amazing paint. Enjoy in good health
Even though it did make over 520bhp it never felt that fast to me. The 996 Turbo and Sierra Cosworth I owned at same time were WAY faster. I loved the looks of the car.... but never really loved the car. The Porsche was on another planet in every way.
A "mild" tune of around 400-450 makes it very quick while still nice to drive. Once you start throwing triple plate clutches and single turbo conversions at it, it becomes a different car.
Any excuse to post one of my favourite GT-R vids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHRK5bJ6nPw
Love the way this thing accelerates, just look at the tacho almost jump to 9000rpm.
We were parked a few rows down from you at Crail a couple weeks (or Months? I lose track) ago. We had the Rocketbunny MX5, wide 370z and a few more. Beautiful car.
Yeh i remember the cars, think that was for the willie memorial day? My car won an award that day "Top5" of the show. Was a good day.
Thanks for all the positive comments guys. It really is a pleasure to own a car i lusted over for so many years.
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