Importing Skylines to USA (i know, i know)

[WideOpen]

Love the forums, first time poster. I don't want any flaming, no bs. If people start flaming i will leave and figure it out on my own. I would just like some input because this is about the most respectable forum I have found. Lets keep it that way. My friend and I have about $800,000 to start up an importing business. Its set in stone. We started different companies but we are working together. We are trying to pick up where motorex f-ed everything up. No s*** get this rolling again. I have all the crash test dockets so I dont need info about that. Ive read your 90 year, 19 page long post on importing skylines. Very good info, sooo much great info on there. Thank you so much AZhitman and Gold Digger and to all those who have posted. I know everything that was said there, so lets not repeat ourselves too much. Lets not make this into a discussion about how it won't ever happen. Help us make it happen. I got the rb26dett obd-II. I have a first class MECP (Never took masters test, because my shop I used to work at didn't really care and I never went for it.). But it wasnt that hard for the OBDII mod with using an aftermarket ECU and wiring. Now my questions are. Does the stock ecu/wiring (So it stays NISSAN) need to be modded for OBDII to pass regulations, or can you make your own ecu? My friend that is doing this with me actually programs his own ecus using daughterboards, flashing, etc... We have the obdII figured out on a 240 with rb26. Now sorry if this is hard to follow, I only have a few mins to get 5 years of info out of my head. We were thinking on getting a 1 year visa, going to another country and finishing our r33 gtr over there so it will completely pass federally with USA, so when we bring it here it will be done and we don't need to worry about the 120 day bs. Once we sell a few r33's and start making some profit we would like to crash test r-34's (No need for r32's, by the time we get it done they will be legal here).

-To pass EPA can it be a home made ecu/wiring harness, or does it have to be a modded skyline ecu/harness?-Is there any way we could bypass crash testing r34's and try and get Nissan Japan to release their crash test data to us? We will then hire the engineers to make the car to USA standards. That would eliminate a lot of BS, speed up the process, and save millions.

We are really at a standstill, we don't even know what questions to ask. Our brains are done, seriously done. We've figured out the emissions, kind of... We still don't know if our ecu/wiring will be legal, because its not Nissan. Now about going for the VIN numbers we are working with lawyers to get us the rights like motorex to make our own. Don't worry about how we made it OBDII, we are actually thinking of releasing harness/ecu combos once we work out all our problems and get the rb26's legal. So people who have RB 240's etc can run obdII and not worry about John Law.

What we need is any info, past experiences, or any advice at all to help us get the ball rolling. Long story short, to get the skyline off the blacklist, and start selling them FEDERALLY legal. We are not trying to steal peoples ideas at all. We just want to finally get Skylines off the blotter and keep it that way.

[Gold Digger]

Actually, the guy you should contact is tyndago. He's a member here on NICO and knows quite alot of the ins and outs of the importing business.

You can find his member profile here.

He could probably answer any/all of your questions.

Also, thanks for the kind words about the forums. You are the people that keep us going, and you are also the people with the right ideas. If you are serious about this, and don't mind the headaches that may follow, take the ball and run with it.

Good luck, mate.

[fritzy]

I agree on getting tyndago involved. He knows his stuff. If I recall correctly he worked with Motorex but left. He can answer all of your questions. And good luck with the adventure of picking up where motorex left off.

[AZhitman]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I will NEVER bash on someone for trying to fnid a way around the retarded importation restrictions.

My function (and tyndago's, and GoldDigger's) is to minimize misinformation AND expose those who CLAIM to have all the answers (but don't), and to protect the unknowing consumer from those who try to skirt the laws at the customer's peril.

You're not in either of those categories, so if what you say is accurate, you'll have our wholehearted support.

Side note - Let's PLEASE keep this thread on-topic. We can discuss the ins and outs of importation in the other thread - This one is for specific and knowledgeable replies to the OP only.

[AZhitman]

To pass EPA can it be a home made ecu/wiring harness, or does it have to be a modded skyline ecu/harness?

Is there any way we could bypass crash testing r34's and try and get Nissan Japan to release their crash test data to us? We will then hire the engineers to make the car to USA standards. That would eliminate a lot of BS, speed up the process, and save millions.

1) Honestly, I don't see this being an issue or a sticking point. As I understand it, as long as an OBDII reader can be plugged in and data can be retrieved, you should be fine. Reasoning here is this: I have a substantial amount of non-OEM wiring in my supercharged G35... My ECU is non-Infiniti, and so are parts of the engine harness (ProEFI) which uses some GM bits. It's smooth sailing through emissions.

2) This could be tough. I'm not sure how much crash testing is done in Japan, because they don't have the NHTSA or FVMSS to satisfy (both Federal compliance issues) - So even if there IS crash testing as we know it in Japan, it's likely to be irrelevant since the standards for compliance are different.

Getting ANY data from Nissan could be a nightmare, because the perception is going to be, "Hey these guys are trying to profit off our efforts." Anything that could potentially expose the company to litigation is going to be off the table. Plus, you have to consider - What's in it for them? You'd have to think like Nissan Corporate in that regard - there's really no reason for them to lift a finger to help, because it doesn't benefit them in any way.

I hope this helps some. Brainstorming is a great first step.

[WideOpen]

As for the Nissan releasing crash test data. I already know they will probably never do it. Like you said, they have spent millions doing it, so why give it up? I don't think they really even care if the Skylines are legal in America because its Japans statemark, they would have given it to Nissan USA if they wanted anyone to have it. Its just a hope hah.

1) Honestly, I don't see this being an issue or a sticking point. As I understand it, as long as an OBDII reader can be plugged in and data can be retrieved, you should be fine. Reasoning here is this: I have a substantial amount of non-OEM wiring in my supercharged G35... My ECU is non-Infiniti, and so are parts of the engine harness (ProEFI) which uses some GM bits. It's smooth sailing through emissions.

What scan tool do you use? We have the data streaming off of an OBDII port to a laptop, BUT there is no scan tools that have nissan-skyline-model embedded into them. So if I take it to the EPA they might be like well thats your own system, it needs to run off of any OBD scan tool. s***. So maybe we will have to get snap-on involved and get them to make a setting for the 96 gtr, then there goes a lot of money and time. And they might not do it. Any ideas on that? The companys will have to make that a setting once the car is legal, but getting them to do it before it is legal is going to be hard

[WideOpen]

Also, thanks for the kind words about the forums. You are the people that keep us going, and you are also the people with the right ideas. If you are serious about this, and don't mind the headaches that may follow, take the ball and run with it.Good luck, mate.

We are very serious. And we appreciate all your help!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I will NEVER bash on someone for trying to fnid a way around the retarded importation restrictions.

My function (and tyndago's, and GoldDigger's) is to minimize misinformation AND expose those who CLAIM to have all the answers (but don't), and to protect the unknowing consumer from those who try to skirt the laws at the customer's peril.

That is exactly why I am at this forum.

[WideOpen]

1) Honestly, I don't see this being an issue or a sticking point. As I understand it, as long as an OBDII reader can be plugged in and data can be retrieved, you should be fine. Reasoning here is this: I have a substantial amount of non-OEM wiring in my supercharged G35... My ECU is non-Infiniti, and so are parts of the engine harness (ProEFI) which uses some GM bits. It's smooth sailing through emissions.

one more question to scratch your brain at. That works fine for your car. It is an Infiniti, no one will question that, it passes smogs, all good to go. BUT... if you were trying to present that wiring and ecu to EPA to get it as a registered legal Infiniti car for America, would it work for them???You see what I mean about presenting the Skyline to them?? Its kind of hard to explain what I mean.

[WideOpen]

Oh, sorry about the multiple posts.

Did Motorex make the RB OBDII?? or get it to pass without it?? I never actually looked into that. Or is that one of the things they kept confidential?

[AZhitman]

They did not, to my knowledge.

[DriftTuners.com]

Oh, sorry about the multiple posts.

Did Motorex make the RB OBDII?? or get it to pass without it?? I never actually looked into that. Or is that one of the things they kept confidential?

OBDII requirement is a Government scam and is not needed. Let's say you live in FL, how can you violate the EPA Clean air Act if it doesn’t apply to your state? Japan has higher emission standards than any other country. Did the Motorex cars have the OBDII system, no, but yet the Motorex Skylines don't get seized, ask yourself why. Economics my friend, nothing to do with emissions at all.

[WideOpen]

Well if thats true then ill have to see. I need to talk to EPA.

I was calling every RI in Cali today and they all pretty much hung up on me when I mentioned skyline. So Im having a hard time even getting ahold of someone willing to try. Do you guys know any good RI's? Im in the LA area till tuesday morning, then im flying back to PA for 2 weeks and I will be busy looking for an east coast company too. G & K automotive out of santa ana, ca was about the most useful place i called. They didnt hang up on me, but they told me to call DOT for an RI that was willing. Well thats out of the question. Im working on setting up a meeting with DOT when i get back and I will keep you guys informed, but in the mean time if you know anyone it would be much appreciated.

*edit* i know some of you guys here are RI's so whatever you can do to help out on getting me set up. I want to get a skyline here and legal before i try and get into the RI business.

[blackr32skyline]

Clean air act applies to all states.Federal law trumps state law.

[sean@z1]

As far as I was aware of the OBDII was started by JWT but never finished they were 70K into the project for Motorex when Motorex went under. the crash testing in a federal facility last time i priced it out it was 300K per car to test Now Motorex tested a R33 GTS non turbo and called it a 99 GTR that was where a lot of fuss whit the GOVT begain.

[AZhitman]

OBDII requirement is a Government scam and is not needed.

No one cares what you think. You're neither a US citizen, nor an expert.

Japan has higher emission standards than any other country.

Wrong. Again, you fail. Their DIESEL emissions standards are the highest.

the Motorex Skylines don't get seized, ask yourself why.

I know why. And you're still pissing and moaning because you couldn't make a car Federally legal.

I'd send you a box of Kleenex, but you might have to pay Customs fees.

[AZhitman]

I want to get a skyline here and legal

Don't we all.

Please don't take offense, but your future intentions don't change the fact that we're all looking to do the same thing.

Sorry to lump you in with the rest of us regular enthusiasts, but when you break it down, that's where you are.

[Ryoga4523]

So how much are you going to charge once this operation gets of the ground. And what is your business model regarding importation from Japan/Canada/Australia/etc, to the U.S.?

[Vandrel]

Did Motorex make the RB OBDII?? or get it to pass without it?? I never actually looked into that. Or is that one of the things they kept confidential?

There is no OBDII for the RB and to be honest, talk to Sean, you won't get it. Motorex used a secret weapon to combat OBDII. Motorex did things from tricking OBDII to pass the inspection to altering stated manufacture years from 96 and above down to 95.

[ollin01]

Thats awsome you seem to be on the right track. I have spent week looking into this and the only method i have found only works you must live in FL (which i do) and have Canadian citizenship (which I don't). But the major thing about the R34 is the crash testing. You would need to get them preformed by a government approved crash tester and then apply to have it add to the list of approved vehicles to be imported to the US. If you get an estimate on the testing you can come up with figures and attract outside investors. A greased senator would help move things along though if you have the connections.

[96NismoZ]

A business partner of mine has approx. seven R32 GTR Skylines for sale. All are here in the states however none are regestered, no papers either. Anyone looking to get their dirty paws on one please email me at the email address in my profile. I likely will not check back to this thread anytime soon.

[Gold Digger]

i have a chance to buy a Canadian titled 1993 r32 gtst with import paperwork from japan to Canada. if i bought it and kept it 10 years would it then be safe to register without all the safety worries?

What is it with people posting the same crap in two differnent threads?

Same goes to "boycottdrifttuners". Post once, I am sure we'll see it. Posting the same thing in multiple threads is just annoying, people.

Come on, work with me here!

[sean@z1]

yes it dose get old

[skyline.1]

hello, was wondering if u could tell me the emissions law in the states (i.e. like the figures allowed ) and the emissions allowed for the skylines , like wht is allowed and what is not would be very helpful for my class report .

[edthemanjp]

Some states don't have emissions tests and California has its own standards. Your best bet is google and you'll have more information than you can handle for your report.

[tyndago]

You can't be that serious if you haven't talked to me.

I know more about the process than anyone.

Sean [email protected] 286 6564