Alternatives to a GTR here in the states

[PTrain]

Well it's pretty obvious that very few of us will own a skyline in the near future. So what are some state side options?

There's the full race r14 conversion. I ran into that thread where full race is getting it ready for some time attack stuff. One guy (not full race) said that one of the kits is about 12k. And it looks like that 12k doesn't get you the engine or transmission. So you're looking at possibly dropping $20-25k on this project?

You can go buy a r35, but I think that's out of most of our price ranges.

Other then that I keep on coming back to a vr4/rt tt. Unfortunately it's a compromise in several different areas but it's the only awd gt car that I know of here. It uses macpherson struts instead of a double wishbone suspension, it uses a vcu and a normal awd system as opposed to the attesa system, and it's body styling isn't that unique.

Now all of those 'negatives' really aren't that big of a deal in the long run. Unless you race your car you won't notice the difference in suspension set ups. The awd system can be upgraded with a torsen center diff if you so choose ($2500). And it's not that it's a bad looking car IMO, it can even be said that it's a rare car. I only see a vr4 about once every few months around here.

I guess the only other options would be some exotic swap (which retains the transmission and also incorporates a double wishbone suspension, like some outrageous c4 conversion?) or a custom built frame. In either case the cost would most likely outweigh the benefits. Not to mention that most of us don't have the skills to perform either option.

So, can you guys think of another awd option that we can choose?

[Count Zero]

There's always the BMW 335i / 135i.Nice straight-6, twin turbo, AWD.

The STi and Evo are also decent alternatives, though not the same class of car (compact vs sedan/Salon Car size).

[SullivanRacing06]

Well it's pretty obvious that very few of us will own a skyline in the near future. So what are some state side options?

There's the full race r14 conversion. I ran into that thread where full race is getting it ready for some time attack stuff. One guy (not full race) said that one of the kits is about 12k. And it looks like that 12k doesn't get you the engine or transmission. So you're looking at possibly dropping $20-25k on this project?

You can go buy a r35, but I think that's out of most of our price ranges.

Other then that I keep on coming back to a vr4/rt tt. Unfortunately it's a compromise in several different areas but it's the only awd gt car that I know of here. It uses macpherson struts instead of a double wishbone suspension, it uses a vcu and a normal awd system as opposed to the attesa system, and it's body styling isn't that unique.

Now all of those 'negatives' really aren't that big of a deal in the long run. Unless you race your car you won't notice the difference in suspension set ups. The awd system can be upgraded with a torsen center diff if you so choose ($2500). And it's not that it's a bad looking car IMO, it can even be said that it's a rare car. I only see a vr4 about once every few months around here.

I guess the only other options would be some exotic swap (which retains the transmission and also incorporates a double wishbone suspension, like some outrageous c4 conversion?) or a custom built frame. In either case the cost would most likely outweigh the benefits. Not to mention that most of us don't have the skills to perform either option.

So, can you guys think of another awd option that we can choose?

i just solved the whole not having a skyline problem by buying one...

[Coombs]

i just solved the whole not having a skyline problem by buying one...

That's the way to do it in my opinion. Wait for the right seller to be getting rid of one.

There's always the BMW 335i / 135i.
Nice straight-6, twin turbo, AWD.

In agreement here.. a simple ECU flash can net you big gains in these vehicles--but you're still looking at a pretty steep price tag (the 135i has a starting MSRP of $36,050).

So really it's up to you. If it were me I'd wait for the right R32 to come along or get impatient and go with something else AWD. The attraction of owning what really started the Skyline "legend" has always appealed to me though. Just my $.02