So you want to buy a Skyline in the US....

A forum for owners and fans of the legendary Nissan Skyline and Nissan GTR.
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93 Chuki FB
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i don't have the time or the patients to do that sorry, i don't understand why it makes a difference if its 25 years old or not, why is it my teacher can drive his gay a** model T with a 454 Chevy big block with no hood and no body panels no lights and a bunch of other missing s*** and dual straight pipes with no cats and be 100% legal, this thing would get molested by a geo, and yet we cant drive a skyline even though its a 1,000x better in almost every possible way, that's complete bulls*** and on top of that he puts about 5,000 miles on in a year and the only ticket he's gotten is one for no insurance and yet i get a ticket for have having my car 2in lowered past stock


Hype
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@ 93 Chuki FB: the ONLY 100% street legal R32-R34 Skylines are cars previously imported and modified by MotoRex. Period. No ifs ands or buts about it. They went bust a few years back (tl;dr see the rest of the thread) and there is no one else so any legit ones for sale will be at least $80k IIRC (someone tell me if that number is off).

Even if you buy a non MotoRex'd Skyline and do not register it (trailer it to the track, etc) the feds will still find you and crush your car, simply because it was illegally imported to begin with.

@Mods: Can we please close this thread now, or restrict it to writeable by mods only? I've been subscribed to this thread since the beginning and no good has come out of this, just the same rehash every 2 pages. A few people did actually put some effort in but sadly nothing has come of it.

Mr_Merkur
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Has anyone gotton recent prices on crash testing yet? Supposebly a few people sent out some emails asking. Also does anyone know if you have to be a Registered Importer before you can get the crash testing and petioning done or not? My parteners in crime are helping with most the financial, but I'm stuck trying to be the brains, and well it feels like mine are melting haha, from reading and reading reg after reg. Just need a little help, feel free to PM me or whatever.

And lets say if someone could get a fedrally legit 100% R32 skyline, would people actually pay and be able to pay 60g for one?

HowlerMonkey
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Here are two links that give a bit of insight to what is going on with skylines.

If anything, it's good reading.

http://forums2.nicoclub.com/sh...47776

http://skylinegt-r.wikidot.com/0-60mrex

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93 Chuki FB
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Location: Lynwood WA

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wow!!! i didn't think it got that deep, sucks, under different management motrex would have done well

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93 Chuki FB
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Location: Lynwood WA

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hey what if u buy a skyline as a salvage from an insurance company? i dont thing they would sell it unless it was legal

Mr_Merkur
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how are you gonna find a titled skyline in the J/Y? and would it even be worth it then? much less a fedrally legal one? I'm sure if you found one in the J/Y it SHOULD have a title but depending on the state the J/y may not be able to legally release the car, and if someone let a skyline go to a j/Y there is a reason. No one "accidently" owns a skyline, skyline owners know what they have.

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AZhitman
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93 Chuki FB wrote:i don't have the time or the patients to do that sorry
Then your question won't get answered.

Not trying to be rude, but that's why we've all invested TIME and EFFORT.

Marcus's Z
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I was going to order a R33 skyline off the web by a guy name Jeremy and he said he can legalize it in the US. I dont want to name the site But Iam sure you know what one I am talking about. Is this true?

I was going to try and PM people but I dont know how to.

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Gold Digger
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Marcus’s Z wrote:I was going to order a R33 skyline off the web by a guy name Jeremy and he said he can legalize it in the US. I dont want to name the site But Iam sure you know what one I am talking about. Is this true?

I was going to try and PM people but I dont know how to.
Is his name Jeremy Body? If so, stay away from him. While he may be able to get a car a state title, it doesn't make it federally legal, like he claimed he could do.

NICO has a history with him from around the end of last year, beginning of this year. Search for Drift Tuners and do some reading.

Also, next time you talk to him, you can tell him we at NICO say "Hello". That ought to get him going. LOL.

Marcus's Z
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Gold Digger wrote:
Is his name Jeremy Body? If so, stay away from him. While he may be able to get a car a state title, it doesn't make it federally legal, like he claimed he could do.

NICO has a history with him from around the end of last year, beginning of this year. Search for Drift Tuners and do some reading.

Also, next time you talk to him, you can tell him we at NICO say "Hello". That ought to get him going. LOL.
Iam not sure of his last name but it is from Drift Tuners. He claims he can get me a legal car imported. So hes just BS me I take it. It's true you can get the 1996 R33 in the states? I been reading alot and looking around and your site is the only one with good information. So thanks for the help.

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Gold Digger
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Marcus’s Z wrote:
Iam not sure of his last name but it is from Drift Tuners. He claims he can get me a legal car imported. So hes just BS me I take it. It's true you can get the 1996 R33 in the states? I been reading alot and looking around and your site is the only one with good information. So thanks for the help.
All the info you need is here on the site.

To break it down for ya.

1996-1998 are the only years R33 Skylines can be imported, because they have dual airbags.But, you have to get modifications done to the body to make it a bit more rigid and to strengthen up the crash zones.You also have to figure out a way to get the RB26DETT engine to work with an OBD II system, which is the real hard part.

I heard that apparently someone is using a Z32 turbo ECU somehow, but I don't know if there is any truth to that at all. I haven't seen/read it anywhere else on the net or in any magazines, so take it for what it's worth.

As for Drift Tuners, if he says he can get you a federally legal Skyline, he is full of it. He'll try to tell you that State legal is the same as Fed legal, but it's not. Fed trumps State every time.

If you don't care about legality, then there are tons more options available to you. There are many people selling grey market cars for not to outrageous prices.

Marcus's Z
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Gold Digger wrote:All the info you need is here on the site.

To break it down for ya.

1996-1998 are the only years R33 Skylines can be imported, because they have dual airbags.But, you have to get modifications done to the body to make it a bit more rigid and to strengthen up the crash zones.You also have to figure out a way to get the RB26DETT engine to work with an OBD II system, which is the real hard part.

I heard that apparently someone is using a Z32 turbo ECU somehow, but I don't know if there is any truth to that at all. I haven't seen/read it anywhere else on the net or in any magazines, so take it for what it's worth.

As for Drift Tuners, if he says he can get you a federally legal Skyline, he is full of it. He'll try to tell you that State legal is the same as Fed legal, but it's not. Fed trumps State every time.

If you don't care about legality, then there are tons more options available to you. There are many people selling grey market cars for not to outrageous prices.
Thanks for all the info. Iam new to this so this info helps alot. I been reading up on here to help me out also.

I want a Leagal on for street use in the US. I dont want the car to get siezed / impounded. I see it says I need a Registered Importer to get the car FHVSS requirements. Also I was reading something about JK Tech doing this. Is JK technologies the only one that can do R33s?


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Gold Digger
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Well, considering the info for what needs to be done is now publicly available (don't ask where cause I really don't know), I don't see how they can claim to be the only one with the knowledge to do so.

It's not going to be an easy task to get one federally legal, nor is it going to be cost effective considering the price to get it done most likely will be that the car's actual value. Keep that in mind.

Best bet would be to keep searching for a former MotorEx car that already has it's papers. Or just hang on for a few more years when the R32 hits the 25 year old mark.

Marcus's Z
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Gold Digger wrote:Well, considering the info for what needs to be done is now publicly available (don't ask where cause I really don't know), I don't see how they can claim to be the only one with the knowledge to do so.

It's not going to be an easy task to get one federally legal, nor is it going to be cost effective considering the price to get it done most likely will be that the car's actual value. Keep that in mind.

Best bet would be to keep searching for a former MotorEx car that already has it's papers. Or just hang on for a few more years when the R32 hits the 25 year old mark.
Thanks, I will keep looking around and keep you guys posted if I come across one or pick one up. Thanks for your help. Whats your name btw?

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Gold Digger
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Marcus’s Z wrote:Whats your name btw?
I am the user formerly known as C33LaurelRacer.

In all seriousness, my name is Neal.

Marcus's Z
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Gold Digger wrote:
I am the user formerly known as C33LaurelRacer.

In all seriousness, my name is Neal.
Thanks. I seen you on My350z.com before but wasnts sure.

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Gold Digger
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Marcus’s Z wrote:
Thanks. I seen you on My350z.com before but wasnts sure.
That isn't me. I don't go over there. Never had a reason to. If there is a user with that name, it's a different person.

Eugi
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i cant wait to get a skyline, i am sure it will be hard to legalize but it will be worth it

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Tofubadguy
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I've seen a few R32 GTR's from 10,000 to 12,000. I'm kind of really considering it too. Getting it legal or not, who cares? I mean it would be very nice to have one completely legal to enjoy to it's fullest, true. But getting one here & in your possession just to own and to have sounds relatively easy from what I've read.

In short, some place in Canada, or wherever, you buy your car from has an employee who gets the car currently registered and insured in Canada. The employee decides to go on a little driving vacation to the states and parks the car at a large parking lot type area, where he goes shopping, walking through the park... whatever. He forgets he drove this car over and decides to take a different method back home to Canada.Coincidentally, a shipping company picks the car up at the parking lot on some sort of car hauler and figures out, somehow, that this car he just got should most likely be best delivered to you, and ultimately winds up being dropped off as would any other package/shipment/X-mas present/thing, etc...

It's just a thing after all. A thing that isn't cocaine nor a crate of full auto M16's... It's a car that the US currently doesn't want legal here in the states. You can own one, as in have possession & a bill of sale from a Canadian auto seller, parts house or whoever... all be it for "show" or "exhibition" or "track" or storage, but again who cares? They aren't making any more of them and the ones that are out there are for the most part being hot rodded, raced, broken, blown up, "drifted" or whatever and ultimately wrecked & chopped up. They are going away is what I mean. Such a great car with such a neat history is going away & we are witnessing it happen. There are still a few here & there, & because I happen to be in a position to ponder ownership, I can't help but favor any tactic whatever (that's personally morally correct) to get one.

So to just get one to have it, I wouldn't mind trying the method above.

Russell

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AZhitman
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Which brings to mind another point I'd like to make.

If you're REALLY interested in seeing things like this straightened out, GET INVOLVED.

Join the SEMA Political Action Committee (and support their work) - They're the car enthusiasts' voice in Washington.

Sitting around and complaining won't help.

imwright1985
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Does anyone know the where i can get skyline pcm wiring schematics and possibly schematics for a z32 turbo or some other US legal obd2 6cyl nissan turbo car that would be legal, im contemplating trying to make an obd2 harness and if i can get that done and find specs for the rest of the import mods would just need an RI to allow me to do the mods, maby import to bahamas then take a vacation to do the work and photo's to prove the work was done than import the car with little left to be done for the 120 day deadline to get legal so i have more time

91BoostLee
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Hi, There are such ways to legalize as an individual and not an RI. There is a list of mods you can do to the car to legalize it to meet USDOT standards. Problem is this could take months, but the average mechanic can do more than half of these mods. Couple of the mods are you have to reinforce the sides of the car "Crash Zones", too easy. Junkyard 240sx strip the metal from the doors and transfer. Another are the seatbekt brackets don't meet the requirements. New brackets have to be fabricated to do so. The most time consuming and difficult one would be the firewall "crash zone" . An extra firewall has to be built to go over the orgiginal to strengthen it. I have all the specs to do this. The reason it can take months is because you have t break down the car and make these mods and photograph your whole progress one by one and send it to congress. Now if you have ever sent anything to congress to over viewed you know they dont respond for months. Not to mention once they recieve your photos your request has to be sent up the chain of command and approved. then and inspector from your state has to inspect the car and make sure all mods were done properly to meet the correct standards. The inspector then tells congress that it does meet requirements and there you have it. If you have the time shoot for it! like i said most mods are dumb like the headlights, in the description of what needs to be changed they make sound hard and difficult. GTRamerica sells USDOT headlights for all model skylines. BAM one down. The side view mirrors also, GTRamerica or just buy a sticker that says "things are closer than they appear. Really it's dumb stuff but necessary. I'm in the process right now on a R32 shell. I also have the list if anyone needs it. Downside congress only allows you to register as kit car or antique but upside the title still says skyline

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Gold Digger
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If it were as "easy" as you say, don't you think that every Tom, d!ck and Harry would be all over it?

Simple fact is that the whole Skyline craze has blown everything so far outta wack that the gov't doesn't even want to think about it.

BUT...on the upside, it could be one of those things where if enough people were to mobilize and try to lobby some type of action, it might bring the situation to the eyes of those in charge and possibly take some form of action to get legislation changed to make importing cars a little less difficult.

If you are in the process, please, fill us in so we can follow your progress, cause one of only two things will happen.

1. You car will be legal in every way shape or form, or...

2. You're gonna be just like everyone else, trying to bypass laws.

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AZhitman
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91BoostLee wrote:Hi, There are such ways to legalize as an individual and not an RI. There is a list of mods you can do to the car to legalize it to meet USDOT standards. Problem is this could take months, but the average mechanic can do more than half of these mods. Couple of the mods are you have to reinforce the sides of the car "Crash Zones", too easy. Junkyard 240sx strip the metal from the doors and transfer. Another are the seatbekt brackets don't meet the requirements. New brackets have to be fabricated to do so. The most time consuming and difficult one would be the firewall "crash zone" . An extra firewall has to be built to go over the orgiginal to strengthen it. I have all the specs to do this. The reason it can take months is because you have t break down the car and make these mods and photograph your whole progress one by one and send it to congress. Now if you have ever sent anything to congress to over viewed you know they dont respond for months. Not to mention once they recieve your photos your request has to be sent up the chain of command and approved. then and inspector from your state has to inspect the car and make sure all mods were done properly to meet the correct standards. The inspector then tells congress that it does meet requirements and there you have it. If you have the time shoot for it! like i said most mods are dumb like the headlights, in the description of what needs to be changed they make sound hard and difficult. GTRamerica sells USDOT headlights for all model skylines. BAM one down. The side view mirrors also, GTRamerica or just buy a sticker that says "things are closer than they appear. Really it's dumb stuff but necessary. I'm in the process right now on a R32 shell. I also have the list if anyone needs it. Downside congress only allows you to register as kit car or antique but upside the title still says skyline
"Send it to Congress", huh?

Dude, whatever.

Not only do you have no idea what you're talking about, but you failed American Government.

"Congress" is not interested in your poorly-written stuff, nor your made-up list of modifications, nor pictures of a hacked-up car.

Try again. We're not your ricer buddies, and we're not impressed.

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Vandrel
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Gold Digger wrote:BUT...on the upside, it could be one of those things where if enough people were to mobilize and try to lobby some type of action, it might bring the situation to the eyes of those in charge and possibly take some form of action to get legislation changed to make importing cars a little less difficult.

If you are in the process, please, fill us in so we can follow your progress
You NICO guys need to get with the times :D

SOUSA with the assistance of Sean Morris has already pulled together nearly all known U.S. Skyline owners to accomplish this. There's been phone conference calls and documentation already drafted up. All future information pertaining to the subject for the public will be posted on http://www.legalizeimports.com (The site is in it's beta stage currently). Furthermore, a large group of Kaizo owners are heading to court in the near future.

There's a lot of behind the scenes work in progress that we try and keep behind closed doors
Modified by Vandrel at 8:44 AM 9/23/2009

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edthemanjp
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Vandrel wrote:
You NICO guys need to get with the times :Modified by Vandrel at 8:44 AM 9/23/2009
Please, when did you start july august. I'd be carefull on another level as well did you know even though you are discussing things behind closed doors you can be monitored and that all your stuff can be subpoenaed. Even if you erase your infomation it can be recovered. If you send information across the web anybody even though you think you have a secure process with enough intelligence can get it.


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Vandrel
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edthemanjp wrote:
Please, when did you start july august. I'd be carefull on another level as well did you know even though you are discussing things behind closed doors you can be monitored and that all your stuff can be subpoenaed. Even if you erase your infomation it can be recovered. If you send information across the web anybody even though you think you have a secure process with enough intelligence can get it.
All efforts have been going since the start in June. The vast majority of information on the case that's floating around the internet has been passed from our side of the house.

I'm well aware of the Government security, judicial subpoena process and IT section, that's where I work and what I do for a living

When I say behind closed doors I mean we are not openly discussing topics for the general public that is not involved to chime in on. All matters are limitted to Skyline owners only and those of interest in the subject.

There's still a few lone ranger Skyline owners running around NICO and Fresh Alloy that have not jumped in on the group effort.
Modified by Vandrel at 12:07 PM 9/23/2009

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edthemanjp
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Lone Rangers, you mean people with Motorex cars. People with legal cars are probably the only ones not envolved. A lot of the orginal owners of Motorex cars (the ones who edured years of waiting or litigation to recover their cars) don't see the need nor have the desire to get envolved.

Let me point out a few things, in Jan 2006 and the later part of 2005 before the orginal petition VCP17 was rescinded there were a few of us writing and calling DOT, NHTSA, and Congressmen to try and halt it from being rescinded. Our efforts were fruitless

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Vandrel
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edthemanjp wrote:Lone Rangers, you mean people with Motorex cars. People with legal cars are probably the only ones not envolved. A lot of the orginal owners of Motorex cars (the ones who edured years of waiting or litigation to recover their cars) don't see the need nor have the desire to get envolved.

Let me point out a few things, in Jan 2006 and the later part of 2005 before the orginal petition VCP17 was rescinded there were a few of us writing and calling DOT, NHTSA, and Congressmen to try and halt it from being rescinded. Our efforts were fruitless
No I don't mean Motorex owners, there's plenty of them on SOUSA that are more then willing to get involved and help, guys from Fresh Alloy, SO, NICO, etc. and as I mentioned Sean is on there as well from time to time. When I say lone rangers I mean ones like you that have yet to poke your head in and say hi. There's lots of military guys (retired and active), myself included, Motorex, Kaizo, everyone.

Don't be a stranger to the community because your car went through Motorex. Every car has it's own story, in the end it's just a car.


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