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

A forum for owners and fans of the legendary Nissan Skyline and Nissan GTR.
AustinandSarah
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2012 4:46 pm
Car: 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS
Location: Purdy, MO

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Bit of a random question, but how would one go about importing a V35 Skyline, aka Infiniti G35 for those of you just joining the conversation. IF i read the links provided in the very first post correctly (and i may not have so please correct me if i'm wrong) it's possible to import a JDM model of a car bound for the US. Everything I've read about the V35, it was the first Skyline intended for the US market, and it broke with Skyline tradition. So, if I'm right in thinking, because the car was also offered in the US, it is possible to import a V35.

Also, how come i didn't see a Silvia on the list by the NTHSA? is it because it's so close to the S13 and 14?

I'm looking into buying a DR30 from JDM Legends in a couple years. Might say heck with it and get an R32 sedan by then, as the R32 turns 25 this year. Would like to get my wife a coupe. The Skyline is the only car in my life i'd ever drive a sedan as a personal choice.


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zdavid408
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Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2007 7:08 am
Car: Nissian 1990 240sx

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I have a Skyline GT-S R33 for sale. Only 98k miles on it.

AustinandSarah
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Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2012 4:46 pm
Car: 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS
Location: Purdy, MO

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Was it manufactured between January 1996 and June 1998, or from the Motorex scandal? As tempting as it is, I'd like to know some info first.

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zdavid408
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Car: Nissian 1990 240sx

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Its a 1997 Skyline GTS R33.

Pics below.

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Image

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AZhitman
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This isn't a for sale thread, Daoud.

Post up in the proper area, and include bond release documentation and legalization docs (or clearly state it's an illegally-imported car).

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zdavid408
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Car: Nissian 1990 240sx

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Oh my bad, I dont get what you mean by Illegally-imported car? This car has title and registered in CA, I had it smogged last week.

My name is David btw.

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Gold Digger
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If it doesn't have the proper documentation, i.e. bond release papers and legalization papers, along with having all the modifications done to make it compliant with NHTSA regulations, than it's an illegally imported car. Just because it has a title doesn't mean squat. Need the other documents to go along with it.

Remember, federal rules trump state every single time.
Make sure you read up and make sure you're informed of the situations regarding Skylines right now in the U.S.

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AZhitman
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zdavid408 wrote:Oh my bad, I dont get what you mean by Illegally-imported car? This car has title and registered in CA, I had it smogged last week.

My name is David btw.
You didn't read the thread.

Ignorance is no defense, and as much as I don't like the rules, a silly CA registration is meaningless. The guys at the smog station have probably already let the Feds know about your car, and it's just a matter of time before they seize it.

By the way, I know what your name is, Daoud Zazai. I probably know a little more about you than you want me to.

AustinandSarah
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2012 4:46 pm
Car: 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS
Location: Purdy, MO

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As soon as he posted it, I smelled a rat. SOMETHING didn't add up. I figure that one that was PROPERLY imported the owner would state he has the documents and show pictures of the documents. Like i told him, as tempting as it is, I wanted to know some info.

I'm thinking about just going to JDM Legends and getting a DR30 or 31. I know they import their cars legally, with all the documents and such and restore it. I've thought about just having them import and legalize it and if the body isn't in too rough shape, just leave it.

But, on a slightly different topic, is it true that JDM front clips ARE NOT legal for import into the US? I heard that curious rumor. I was wondering if it would be possible to import a V35 front clip and converting a G35 to a Skyline. Nobody seems to have much love for the V35 Skyline. I know Nissan broke with the Skyline tradition with it, but for Pete's sake, it's still a Skyline. I guess you could call me obsessed with Skylines.

Also, IF i read the links correctly, IS it possible to import a JDM model of a car offered in the US (i.e. V35 Skyline)?

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AZhitman
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Not sure why you'd want to, other than making it RHD. They're virtually identical.

AustinandSarah
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Location: Purdy, MO

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That they are, but I'm the kind of guy who likes doing things different. From what i heard, customs won't let them past the border, but there are RHD clips here. So i was wondering, is this true? My wife and i are looking into getting a second car, and that was one of the mods i wanted to do, aside from performance and body styling.

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AZhitman
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Have fun with that - I suggest a class in electrical engineering, considering the new G uses can-bus wiring configurations and the gauges / ECU / BCM are all tied in together.

If it were easy, there'd be 50 of them.

People like "doing things different" until it comes with a year of downtime and a $20K modification budget. ;)

AustinandSarah
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Car: 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS
Location: Purdy, MO

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AZhitman wrote: People like "doing things different" until it comes with a year of downtime and a $20K modification budget. ;)
you can say that again. My wife and i are fixing up our Eclipse and it's been down for about a year and a half. Started when the clutch went out (totally my fault). I had to over rev the engine for a bit in order to move it out of the highway or get creamed by a Peterbuilt. That caused a knock that i eventually tried rebuilding the engine. That was back in August. Got a new motor in February and took the car in to have it put in after trying to remove the balance shafts. Now they're finally in the process of getting the engine back in the car. Eventually, we will be doing a few things that are different to the Eclipse, including a wide body and an engine swap. Would love to get a V35 though...

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AZhitman
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Been there, done that (lots), bought the t-shirt. :)

sketch
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Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:22 pm
Car: 1996 R33 GTR

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Quick question here, is there truth behind Motorex stay on the crash data being up? I had a friend show me all the specs on what needed to be done, very detailed to convert the car. If this is true what is lacking just the OBII change over? And a RI willing to do it?

PLXGirl
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Great info! Would mind having an imported R32.

zdavid408 wrote:Its a 1997 Skyline GTS R33.

Pics below.

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Image

Sick!

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AZhitman
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sketch wrote:Quick question here, is there truth behind Motorex stay on the crash data being up? I had a friend show me all the specs on what needed to be done, very detailed to convert the car. If this is true what is lacking just the OBII change over? And a RI willing to do it?
Sure.

Now figure out what it'll cost to replicate the manufacturing processes for all the crashworthiness functions and safety equipment of a multi-billion dollar corporation with state-of-the-art machinery and tooling (gotta pass FMVSS requirements)... Pray someone from the NHTSA will risk their job and certify your work as equivalent to Nissan's.... then stop and realize there's no way to make an RB engine OBDII-compliant. There's no "change-over". It's not like you're dropping an SR in a 240sx.

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Tofubadguy
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AustinandSarah wrote: But, on a slightly different topic, is it true that JDM front clips ARE NOT legal for import into the US? I heard that curious rumor.
When I had my R32 GTR front clip shipped in, the engine and tranny were pulled from the clip. Engine and tranny were on a sturdy pallet crazily wrapped in plastic and the clip was on it's own huge sturdy pallet in a big cardboard box, then plastic wrapped.

I was told they had to be separated to be compliant.

Kommander Kirby
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Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2012 2:21 pm
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I would say, if you had such a bank account and wanted a Skyline, move to where you can!!

cyclechic
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Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:49 am

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Hi, I'm new to this forum and read through all 30 pages and still have a question: I'm looking at buying a FL titled 1996 GTR. I was told it was a Motorex car, but does not have certification (can't track down paperwork from previous owners). I understand it is illegal without DOT/EPA papers, but since it is already here, is there any way to apply for or get this to make it legal? JK says it has to be exported and re-imported but not sure I believe them since they charge 36K+ for conversion of imports.

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AZhitman
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If you have the VIN, we have someone here who can verify if it's a real Motorex car.

Is it silver, and for sale in the Orlando area?

cyclechic
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The car belongs to a friend (I have VIN, but they don't want it posted). How soon after joining can I send a private message?

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AZhitman
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If the "friend's" initials are R.B., I know the car. Otherwise, I don't.

10 posts for PM privileges. Welcome aboard, btw (I always forget that part)!

b4l
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dam 10 post before i can pm again i miss my old login name. oh well. number 1 with new name since i dont have my old email anymore. oh and forget trying to import a skyline to the us just build one its cheaper. :chuckle:

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AZhitman
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What was it? I'll reactivate it and change the email.

Kyle Anderson
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Car: 1997 BMW Z3

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So I saved these pictures from a car I saw for sale several years ago, and I wanted to see what you made of it.

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Apparently it was imported by U.S. Specs in 2008. Anyone know anything about this car... perhaps the owner is a member? I just find it intriguing since it's the only example I have ever seen of "legally" imported car other than from Motorex. Legally is in quotes because the car should have been a 1996-1998 and also converted to OBDII to be compliant in 2008. Anyone know the full story from US Specs on what they're capable of, and if they can currently import an R33? Just for the sake of curiosity because I certainly can't afford it.


On an unrelated note, I've had the pleasure of seeing and meeting the owner of a Motorex R34 here in the Detroit area... seen it several times now, and just saw it again last weekend. Great guy to talk to, and I'm sure he gets sick of telling the same stories every time he takes the car out. Bayside blue and absolutely beautiful.

Image

AustinandSarah
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From what i've read about Skyline's and the MOtorex scandal, it LOOKS legit. However, Sean Morris would know more than me. He worked there i do believe. I'd cut off my right arm just for a chance to drive an R34, much less own one. But, I can deal with an R31 wagon. lol

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AZhitman
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Agreed. It wouldn't surprise me if some of the early RI's got a couple cars in and made them compliant - before realizing it's totally cost-prohibitive.

US Specs remains an approved RI.

That's a gorgeous car, no doubt.

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GTRPower
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Edited...

I didn't see it was a 1994. Carry on!
Last edited by GTRPower on Sun Oct 21, 2012 6:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Kyle Anderson
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GTRPower wrote:I personally would like to see how they implemented the OBDII system.
That was my thought as well. I've read about the possibility of using a 1996 300ZX computer to run the motor. It has been done before... just not sure about in a Skyline.

Still, how the car got approved when it's not in the years on the eligible imports list is beyond me. Someone got lucky.


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