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The Prodigal Son Returns. R32 GTR build and other Far East Adventures
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You guys know I love you and couldn't stay away long. So I've been living about an hour outside of Tokyo flying for the world's best Navy for a year now. I miss the Miata, and I miss all you cynical bastards. So, while this is in no way shape or form Miata related, I figured you'd all get a huge kick out of it anyway. I'm going to post up about some of the stuff I've done in Japan, mostly car related, and also detail my 1990 R32 GTR which I now own and intend to bring home when I come back stateside in 2016. Hope you enjoy.
First, when I arrived here I was very lucky to make some friends pretty high up in the car industry here in Japan. We did some kart racing together and they were impressed with my times and that I was not a typical Gaijin (obnoxious, fat, etc) so we became close. That's how I got pit passes to a GT500 race at Fuji Speedway. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684110 I love umbrella girls https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684110 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684110 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684110 |
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Next, I started going around Japan and seeing some local speed shops. Here's a Supra with a compound turbo (OMFGOMGOMOGOMGOMGMOZOMGBBQ!!!)
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684464 And an RX-8 made entirely of Carbon: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684464 With a N/A 20B mounts where the stock dash would be. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684464 |
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Next I went to Tokyo Auto Salon and saw many things. Most Notably:
Toyota 2000GT, possibly the most beautiful car ever made. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684677 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684677 And the undisputed God of all car-dom: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684677 |
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Alas, as a dog of the military, we all have to deploy eventually. But port stops can be baller.
India is mostly a dirty scary place, but it has some nice scenery: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684960 A super swank hotel: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684960 And 1000 year old ruins https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684960 I also saw Saipan, which is a haunting but gorgeous tropical paradise with some really shady bars and SKETCHY AS FAWK strip club. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684960 After I returned home, my karting with the locals became an obsession and I purchased one for myself. I got a used Birel Chassis from a friend and imported a PRD Fireball 125cc watercooled 2-stroke putting out about 28hp. That's good for 100mph and 0-60 in about 3seconds. It is possibly the most frightening vehicle I have ever driven. I try to do so every weekend. I recommend this to any car guy, it is by far the cheapest way to go fast, and you go FAST. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407684960 |
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Then it happened. I met Godzilla. Since I moved here it was a goal of mine to purchase a GTR. I hooked up with an auctioneer who goes every day and scours for vehicles for people. Usually he gets people deals on cheap runners but I came to him on a mission. I wanted something in top shape with tasteful mods than I could build upon, but wouldn't have to build. He blew me away. For a 1990 this thing is crazy.
I was expecting a 25 year old Nissan. And it is. But it's so NICE. No creaks, no rattles, just an absolute delight to drive. It's quiet, comfortable, and an all around good car. I kind of expected to be buying a horsepower bitch but this made me change my plans a bit. It's a mostly stock engine, with a 3.5inch HKS Exhaust, Nismo charge pipes, and a 4" thick trust IC. It's tuned and buts out roughly 325awhp at 14psi. It also has Alcon 355mm brakes up front and Nismo Coilovers (the built by Ohlins ones with external reservoirs. I need to snap some pics of that). https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407685562 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407685562 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407685562 I wasnt a huge fan of the Enkeis that came on it, so I turned to Wedsport for one of my favorite wheels in 18x9.5 +12. Wrapped in some 265/35/18 Yokohamas. I had to roll my fenders flat, but I get no rubbing and full suspension travel, and the fitment is pretty nice too! I'm going to try 285's next set of tires. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407685562 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1407685562 |
That's all for tonight but there's plenty more to come. Since buying I've fitted BRIDE seats, a nice Pioneer cd player, custom sub-box, subframe lock collars, and under the body fender braces (like what we do to miatas)
On deck I have a full nismo suspension arm kit, bushings, and sway bars. It's nice having a car that was raced by the factory because you can buy some very well engineered go-fast bits. Everything I've seen made by Nismo is extremely high-quality and fits like OEM. I am also planning a transmission rebuild with OS Giken close ratio gears and some trick synchros a local shop offers, along with an HKS twin plate clutch. I also have 350mm rear rotors with calipers to match the front and an ABS delete kit coming. It's not all candy and nuts however. I've had to fit a handful of things. CV joint boots split, and recently my AC went out. I am converting to an R34 compressor as they are half the size and lighter, so pics will be coming. It's also developed a VERY intermittent stutter (like once every other day or so), so I've taken apart the MAF's and resoldered the circuit boards, and have order a D585 coil kit to replace the stock ones. Hopefully that should sort it as those are the usual suspects for that type of issue. Progress will be slow but steady, but I do deploy for months at a time. Hope you enjoy the ride! |
I've never been GTR YO fanboy, but that is a clean nissan you got there. Pretty awesome, interested to see where it goes.
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Thanks for doing this, most of us never get outside the state we live in, let alone experience the coolness of another country's car culture.
1990, will you have any issues bringing it back? -Jeff |
If you dont mind telling us how much in us dollar you paid for that awesome skyline.. I was in the AF and wanted to stationed in japan but got crappy CA instead I got a feeling if I would have got japan a skyline would have been the first thing I purchased.
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Nice. One of my high school buddies has been stationed over there for about 5 years. He just picked up a R32 GTR as well, same color I think.
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Fuck you
i love that color |
Rx8's are for suckas. Pics of R32 or bs.
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I had a huge response typed but my work connection ate it. Cliffnotes:
Thirdgen: u mad bro? I posted 5 in my last post. If you were expecting a GTI, this is a skyline thread. tee hee. Locomonkeyboricua: I paid about 12K. Decent ones go for about 8K and meh cars about 5K. Because they are about to become legal here the values have been creeping up. there is difinitely a surge in interest for these cars with the flood gates about to open stateside. 2manyhobyz: No there shouldnt be any issues. EPA stops after 21 years. NHTSA after 25. That said EPA requires an engine in "original configuration" so don't expect any epic turbo builds until I have a USA title in a couple years. I will however make the rest of the car flawless so that when I move back I ONLY have an engine build to do. Fireindc: I hate fanboiz as much as anyone. I simply wanted this because I've seen supras and rx-7's etc but I've never been within 100yds of a skyline before. What surprised me is this is a much nicer (in like an old person's definition of it) car than any supra I've messed with. And that's just it: this car is making me grow up a bit. It feels like it's a BMW type of vibe as oppposed to a boy racer toy car. |
This is awesome. Keep taking pictures of all the cool stuff you see in Japan!
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This car was the worlds best car in 1990, no other car came even close. So I would have to imagine that it was way better then supra or rx7 and bmw. 8k for gtr? Or gts? and how much do you think shipping cost is back to usa? Yours looks like its worth every penny at 12k. I hope you get to ship it back free on uncle sams dollar.
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Welcome back! I'm glad you are making the most of your far east adventure. I am looking forward to more updates and pictures of anything and everything you see that's interesting or different. Is it safe to say that it doesn't remind you much of Kansas City?
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Scuba Steve! I was going to give you a day or two to find this then I was gonna come looking. There are a few things that drive me absolutely crazy here but in all, it's the best place I've ever lived. And no, it's totally nothing like the mid-west, though I did have Jehovah's witnesses knock on my door the other day... I have actually found an EXCELLENT BBQ joint in Yokohama but they still give you Japanese portions. I randomly have violent hankerings for Waffle House.
It is a long term goal of mine to attend the Mitty in my R32 and get stupid at your lake Chateau. Locomonkey: The prices I quoted were all GTR. 5K would get you a really nice GTS-T. Shipping is somewhere between 1-2K. I will most likely have to pay but that's my own dumb fault. The military DOES allow you to bring one home. R33's are about the same as R32's. I think the 32's used to be a fair bit cheaper but they have gotten more expensive as sellers are taking advantage of people buying to ship them to the US. I expect R33's to get more expensive as the years go on. R34's are still crazy money. Nice R34 GTR's are easily 30-40K. What totally stuns me is how cheap RX-7's are. I find EPIC FD's here for under 10K all the time. It makes me wonder... |
What do prices look like or C10 gtx and gtr's? Those are on my short list of dream cars.
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Originally Posted by Ryan_G
(Post 1156939)
What do prices look like or C10 gtx and gtr's? Those are on my short list of dream cars.
Gtx's built as gtr clones fetch around 25,000. If you're serious about one I'd get one of these and put a really well tuned 280z engine with webers and bored to the tune of 3.1L. Or something totally ignant like: http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/08/the-v8-hakosuka-rocky-auto-does-it-again/ |
I probably couldn't fit in one but I still like the idea of having a Suzuki Cappuccino.
Maybe one day I'll get to Japan. |
I love cappuccinos. But I think the hatch ALTO works are cooler. Same engine but 4wd. The mazda az-1 also gets me in the knards.
You have two years left of a free couch to sleep on |
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Yes to the AZ-1.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1408019939 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1408019939 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1408019939 No to the ALTO. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...to_Works_1.jpg https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1408019939 The car must also be attractive and not just small and light. A low CG is preferred and the ALTO doesn't have that either. Cappuccino: http://www.classicandperformancecar....re.php?id=7117 http://www.pakwheels.com/forums/atta...k-take-off.jpg |
And be careful offering a couch. You just never know when you might find me sleeping on it.
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AZ-1 is le titties but they are nigh impossible to find....in Japan.
Cappuccino is much more easily available, and is also mostly titties. I told a few of the Japanese guys I used to work with I wanted one and they looked at me like I was mental (I'm 6'1") |
Originally Posted by Efini~FC3S
(Post 1157178)
AZ-1 is le titties but they are nigh impossible to find....in Japan.
Cappuccino is much more easily available, and is also mostly titties. I told a few of the Japanese guys I used to work with I wanted one and they looked at me like I was mental (I'm 6'1") I get that same look when I tell people I drive a Miata. When I tell them I fit fine since I cut a bunch of the foam out of the seat, the look on there face does not change. |
Originally Posted by Efini~FC3S
(Post 1157178)
AZ-1 is le titties but they are nigh impossible to find....in Japan.
Cappuccino is much more easily available, and is also mostly titties. I told a few of the Japanese guys I used to work with I wanted one and they looked at me like I was mental (I'm 6'1") I can't believe there's no love for the alto-works. I think they are quirky and awesome. I've seen a handful EMBARRASS some high-power cars around some tight routes. I am a fan of the "econobox-turned renegade" look, and it NAILS it. Steve, I'd be disappointed if you never made it buddy. I owe you at least a night out in Shinjuku/Roppongi. |
Originally Posted by tasty danish
(Post 1156101)
I had a huge response typed but my work connection ate it. Cliffnotes:
Thirdgen: u mad bro? I posted 5 in my last post. If you were expecting a GTI, this is a skyline thread. tee hee. Locomonkeyboricua: I paid about 12K. Decent ones go for about 8K and meh cars about 5K. Because they are about to become legal here the values have been creeping up. there is difinitely a surge in interest for these cars with the flood gates about to open stateside. 2manyhobyz: No there shouldnt be any issues. EPA stops after 21 years. NHTSA after 25. That said EPA requires an engine in "original configuration" so don't expect any epic turbo builds until I have a USA title in a couple years. I will however make the rest of the car flawless so that when I move back I ONLY have an engine build to do. Fireindc: I hate fanboiz as much as anyone. I simply wanted this because I've seen supras and rx-7's etc but I've never been within 100yds of a skyline before. What surprised me is this is a much nicer (in like an old person's definition of it) car than any supra I've messed with. And that's just it: this car is making me grow up a bit. It feels like it's a BMW type of vibe as oppposed to a boy racer toy car. 1990? Verify that the crank pull/oil pump has been sorted to a 1993+ one they're notorious for engine issues. 325whp seems low for a IC/E/Tuned car though.
Originally Posted by locomonkeyboricua
(Post 1156267)
This car was the worlds best car in 1990, no other car came even close. So I would have to imagine that it was way better then supra or rx7 and bmw. 8k for gtr? Or gts? and how much do you think shipping cost is back to usa? Yours looks like its worth every penny at 12k. I hope you get to ship it back free on uncle sams dollar.
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My buddy with the R32 is asking about the trick synchros for the transmission. Info or links please!
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iTurn: LOL there's no way to verify that without pulling the engine. I expect it's an original R32 item and thus shift at 6500rpm. Like I said, no monster horsepower builds for the time being, US title first. I want this drive-train to last till it doesn't have to.
I would disagree with your HP estimate. R32's had less efficient turbos than 33's or 34's and especially metal wheel upgrades. And with boost being kept at a ceramic wheel saving 12-14psi that's pretty much spot on for an unopened engine. I've seen maxed out R34 turbos thrown down 400 at the wheels. that's all they've got to give. Less turbo, less stress, I don't see where you think I'm leaving power on the table. And when I go, I go big. There's an RB32 and an EFR8374 in this car's future. (distant though it may be) Steve: http://translate.google.com/translat...20%26bih%3D955 Auto Gallery Yokohama is about 30minutes from my house. They convert the stock five speed to double synchros. They also have a gear set out, but most people opt to get an OS giken gearset and have them install the synchro kit. Supposedly these are the best shifting skyline trannys around. Before I leave this country I intend to have one of their jobs with a OS giken set with a hardened input shaft, and reinforced center plate. Should be plenty for 600whp of street/very light HPDE |
Originally Posted by tasty danish
(Post 1157250)
?? AZ-1's are all over goo-net for ~10,000usd. But the suzu's are much more common and cheap.
. Clearly I have no idea what in talking about. I don't think the AZ-1 is worth the premium over the Suzuki though |
Absolutely awesome. Like Fireindc, I'm far from a Nissan or JDM fanboy of any sort, but that car is so clean, and so cool. I hope you keep it fairly stock looking, because Nissan nailed it.
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Originally Posted by turbofan
(Post 1157366)
Absolutely awesome. Like Fireindc, I'm far from a Nissan or JDM fanboy of any sort, but that car is so clean, and so cool. I hope you keep it fairly stock looking, because Nissan nailed it.
Look up "tomei r32" in google and you'll find a blue car that has everything I'm talking about. Basically a stock+ body kit |
Dat blue doe.
Awesome. |
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Originally Posted by turbofan
(Post 1157791)
Dat blue doe.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1408137132 |
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Friends, I have not given up on this. I was deployed for about 3 months, been rather busy since I got back. Updates are coming, Let me snap some pictures of all these damn NISMO boxes...
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We're watching.
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came for the GTR. Stayed for the umbrella girls.
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Originally Posted by cyotani
(Post 1191648)
came for the GTR. Stayed for the umbrella girls.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...2ecc79c9c9eaa2 |
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