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View Full Version : My R32 Skyline GTR find and build thread


krowles
06-26-2013, 02:30 PM
So this is going to be a sort of "story" on how I acquired my dream car, along with a progression and build thread into hopefully a mind, beautiful, beast of a BNR32.

Some of you may not know me, but my name is Kane. My passion for cars started way before I got my first car, but I always had 2 dream cars, the R32 GTR and a MK4 supra. I swore to myself that some day I would own one of these cars, all I had to do was figure out a plan of action...

At a young age I was able to use the barter system pretty well. I was always trading baseball cards, Pokemon cards, bicycles, etc. Starting with cheap stuff, and gradually working my way to a better end product was pretty much natural and second nature. So at the age of 15 I realized what I was going to do to get my skyline, I was going to trade my way to the top!

So I was 15, I had $1,800 bucks (from selling my card collections and bicycles) and I needed to find my starting block. That's when I ran into my first car, a 1993 Subaru Impreza 1.8L FWD. I drove that for a little bit, than I traded it for a Corrado that didn't run well. I fixed that up and traded the corrado for a mk3 Jetta GLX. Then that Jetta for a boosted and swapped 1995 civic. I played with this Honda for awhile, traded shells for a 1995 si hatch, then traded that entire car for a late 70's nova with a built 383 stroker. My father and I did some tweaking to that, then I traded that for a 2002 RSX-S. This Acura was probably the longest I ever had a car, but it was traded for a 300zx twin turbo putting down around 500hp. This is where I really fell in love with Nissan. But obviously, I traded it lol. I swapped it for an 05 low mileage SRT-4 with a blown turbo. I fixed that up and traded it for a beautiful limited edition 1000rr with a minty EG hatchback. After playing with them for the summer I decided to trade both for a mk5 GLI, then that to a MK4 GTI with a semi built VRT. I stanced that out, bagged it, then swapped that for a kouki with a built 408 stroker LS2. This thing had a lot of issues with it, but with a little time and love I got that beast running fantastic. I kept that car for god knows how long, but one day I found this skyline of my dreams. We were able to settle on a deal, and I traded that for my GTR. A black, low mileage, R32 GTR.

With every one of these trades I got a vehicle that had some sort of un-diagnosed issue, but I knew I could repair it for free or next to nothing, and eventually trade it for something of more value. There was a lot of ups and a lot of downs, but with persistence and my eyes on the goal, I was able to push through.

Did this take awhile? YES! It took me 9 years of swapping to get my dream car.But well worth it.

How much did I spend on my GTR? My initial $1,800 I invested in my Subaru. I did buy various other cars through this 9 years, but only to sell quickly and invest in other cars (example: bought a mk2 jetta coupe with a ton of mods for $1,000, fixed a headgaskted, sold it for $5,000 lol).

Enough of my babble, now on to the pics....

Here is my first pic of her. Picked it up while moving from Charlotte to Williamsport :)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/992969_10201516017489134_1437870925_n_zps54d2db8d. jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/992969_10201516017489134_1437870925_n_zps54d2db8d. jpg.html)

Then I cleaned her up and took a few pics.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/179768_10201532414139040_335843858_n_zpsb2cbe9bb.j pg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/179768_10201532414139040_335843858_n_zpsb2cbe9bb.j pg.html)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/1017279_10201532396978611_1481624878_n_zpse979153c .jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/1017279_10201532396978611_1481624878_n_zpse979153c .jpg.html)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/9353_10201532411898984_1424475980_n_zps7b62327f.jp g (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/9353_10201532411898984_1424475980_n_zps7b62327f.jp g.html)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/969957_10201532406938860_2001955543_n_zps34aeaefe. jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/969957_10201532406938860_2001955543_n_zps34aeaefe. jpg.html)

And a little roller from one of my first cruises :)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/954829_10201561490905941_1399037336_n_zpsabf2882a. jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/954829_10201561490905941_1399037336_n_zpsabf2882a. jpg.html)

Is this everyone's dream car? Absolutely not, but it is mine. I'm just posting this to show everyone that with a little starter cash, a lot of hard work, and even more dedication, anyone can get their dream car! I appreciate you taking the time to read this, and hopefully it will inspire someone to do the same! Please keep an eye on the updates as this will be a complete tear down monster of a build ;)

krowles
06-26-2013, 02:31 PM
After hunting through the car I was able to find a couple of cracks in the turbo manifolds. I called APEXi USA and they were no help... Found out this kit was not sold in USA and is the only kit in North America. So after some hunting I was able to get a full gasket set for the turbo kit. Also discovered a few vacuum leaks and the clutch booster was split (more overnight parts from Japan).

So goals for the next couple weeks...

1. Repair cracks in manifolds and weld braces. Also replace all gaskets involving turbo setup and new t-bolt clamps.
2. Replace clutch booster, flush system, DOT4 fluid.
3. Tune!!! Hoping for IveyTune seeing how the car has HKS Fcon and he is the only local that can do it.

Follow for more pics and updates!!!

vJilly
06-26-2013, 03:26 PM
where exactly did you find this? just curious.

krowles
06-26-2013, 04:06 PM
where exactly did you find this? just curious.

The interwebz. But I believe Craigslist. Their was a couple I was looking at all at the same time so I had a tendency to get them mixed up

vJilly
06-26-2013, 04:19 PM
The interwebz. But I believe Craigslist. Their was a couple I was looking at all at the same time so I had a tendency to get them mixed up

word. i was just curious, seems like when i look for r32's for fun i cant find but one haha. thats soo sick man glad you got your dream car!

krowles
06-26-2013, 05:56 PM
word. i was just curious, seems like when i look for r32's for fun i cant find but one haha. thats soo sick man glad you got your dream car!

Yea it was difficult and I dedicated ALOT of time. But I couldn't of found a better one :)

Homeboyx
06-26-2013, 06:18 PM
Baller! Congrats on your acquisition!

krowles
06-26-2013, 06:45 PM
Thank you sir!

sydwyz95
06-27-2013, 10:53 AM
Beautiful car and awesome project start!

Mitsuboost30
06-27-2013, 11:14 AM
where exactly did you find this? just curious.
car was listed for awhile. guy was asking way to much for it.


Congrats on the pickup! They are fun cars. And hard to get away from once you have owned them!

krowles
06-27-2013, 11:22 AM
Beautiful car and awesome project start!

Thank you very much! Got some great parts and just needs love.

car was listed for awhile. guy was asking way to much for it.


Congrats on the pickup! They are fun cars. And hard to get away from once you have owned them!

Yea I remember he wanted an big price, but for that the car needs to be perfect lol and this isn't. But a great start, and yea I can't see myself getting out of them, ever lol

trale
06-28-2013, 02:01 PM
this is my dream car for sure. Congrats man hopefully ill find something similar one day :2f2f:

RB180sxChris
06-28-2013, 02:08 PM
congrats bro!

krowles
06-28-2013, 02:34 PM
Thank you very much! I'm sure there are easier ways to get one, this was just the most practical for my situation haha

familycar
06-29-2013, 05:15 AM
sold mine last year. def miss it...sometimes haha

krowles
06-29-2013, 10:18 AM
Lol sometimes???

savannaae
06-29-2013, 04:06 PM
Sweet. Congratulations!

SupaDoopa
06-29-2013, 04:47 PM
You lucky, lucky man.

krowles
06-30-2013, 10:55 AM
Hahaha thank you fellas

Nismo_fox
07-16-2013, 07:37 PM
Nice!! I.could nvr get my hands on a r32 so I built my own from a 93 s13 coupe. Totle cost was 2600
Didnt get a rb though :( went with a 302 n but it.
Sadly I sold it it may R.i.p

krowles
07-22-2013, 11:25 PM
Nice!! I.could nvr get my hands on a r32 so I built my own from a 93 s13 coupe. Totle cost was 2600
Didnt get a rb though :( went with a 302 n but it.
Sadly I sold it it may R.i.p

Very nice!


Finally got my parts in so more pics will be coming soon!!! As long as I stop buying guns -_-

Sil-Eighty SE-K
07-24-2013, 03:51 PM
nice car.

welcome to the club.

I like the twin setup, what kind of power can that put out?

Corbic
07-24-2013, 05:20 PM
...at a young age? You're fucking 25. Most people are in their 50's or 60's before they get their "Dream" car.

GTR-Garage
07-24-2013, 05:51 PM
BNR32 + Nice Wide Wheels + Suspension = Perfect

krowles
07-24-2013, 07:14 PM
nice car.

welcome to the club.

I like the twin setup, what kind of power can that put out?

From what I've read the kit is rated to 1000hp

...at a young age? You're fucking 25. Most people are in their 50's or 60's before they get their "Dream" car.

I guess I view my self as old seeing all these kids running around lol

BNR32 + Nice Wide Wheels + Suspension = Perfect

Couldn't agree more brother!!!

Sil-Eighty SE-K
07-25-2013, 08:47 AM
BNR32 + Nice Wide Wheels + Suspension = Perfect

AMEN
im slammed and wide too :)

krowles
07-25-2013, 09:59 AM
AMEN
im slammed and wide too :)

I wouldn't say I'm slammed, but 10.5" all around lol

dat925stunna
07-28-2013, 04:38 PM
Get low jack and full coverage that car is beautiful im happy for you man


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

krowles
07-28-2013, 04:52 PM
It's got a pretty intense security system haha thanks bud!

SidewaysS13ka
07-28-2013, 10:29 PM
hey krowles your buddy damien showed me your car the one day when we were chilling at his house and was telling me about your v8 240. glad to see that you finally got your hands on an r32.

krowles
07-28-2013, 10:34 PM
hey krowles your buddy damien showed me your car the one day when we were chilling at his house and was telling me about your v8 240. glad to see that you finally got your hands on an r32.

Yea I'm trying to land him in the Nissan world shortly, but yea that LSX kouki was a beast. The GTR is hands down one of the coolest machines I have ever driven! Nothing beats the sound of an rb26!

SidewaysS13ka
07-30-2013, 04:25 AM
Haha Damien won't leave his sti and once I get my five lug on and fit my mustang reps we should all meet up and get some pictures.

krowles
07-30-2013, 07:28 PM
Haha Damien won't leave his sti and once I get my five lug on and fit my mustang reps we should all meet up and get some pictures.

I'm always down for photo shoots!

Relighten
08-04-2013, 12:12 AM
Great story and beautiful car!

krowles
08-04-2013, 10:46 AM
Thank you sir!

StrictlyImportMotorsports
08-06-2013, 09:18 PM
Love the car!! Your story reminds me of myself when I was 16 starting with a 88 Camaro and traded my way up to a Evo 8!! Gl with everything im jealous of the car :)

LuckyLuciano
08-07-2013, 09:40 AM
Drooool.

One day, I too will have one. But until then, the drooling will continue.

In for more.

krowles
08-07-2013, 10:40 AM
Thanks for the positive words. Car is currently appart, more pictures to come!

91es13coop
08-09-2013, 07:28 PM
waiting on pics!!!! THIS IS AWESOME. as cliche as it is NOW, this was and has been my dream car for about 15 years now.

To see that you were able to do this in almost the same way MOST of us obtain cars is really inspiring. Cant wait to see where this goes.

Dolph_KYAS13
08-13-2013, 08:58 AM
sold mine last year. def miss it...sometimes hahahttp://erjie.smokemaps.com/16.jpg

I think most skyline owners have a love hate relationship with their cars.

Congrats on joining the club.

krowles
08-20-2013, 09:54 AM
Tons of pics coming very soon! Thank you very much for the positive support. And the love hate comment is 100% accurate hahaha I'll post pics to prove that!

B2FiNiTY
08-23-2013, 11:13 AM
Looks like a great start

krowles
08-27-2013, 12:38 AM
Ok I've been slacking. Here are some pics. First thing I did was get rid of the crappy boost controller and get something to monitor the AfR. Love how they fitted up.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zps18ee4a64.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zps18ee4a64.jpg.html)

Then I started to polish some things up. nhttp://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zpsf373e18a.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zpsf373e18a.jpg.html)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zpsf707b1e2.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zpsf707b1e2.jpg.html)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zps7ce01117.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zps7ce01117.jpg.html)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zps284c0c82.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zps284c0c82.jpg.html)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zpsbd422f0a.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zpsbd422f0a.jpg.html)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zps93685e34.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zps93685e34.jpg.html)

krowles
08-27-2013, 12:39 AM
After some investigation I found the clutch booster was shot. I cleaned it up and a friend tack welded it in place till it came in. http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zpsf77e8f63.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zpsf77e8f63.jpg.html)

Then i put the New brake booster on. http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zps15be0fd4.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zps15be0fd4.jpg.html)

Started investigating and found boost leaks. Gaskets were blown appart and worse. http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zpsfb3e9a8c.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zpsfb3e9a8c.jpg.html)

Found multiple Cracked manifolds. http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zps45cc2fe2.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zps45cc2fe2.jpg.html)

So i tore down bay http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zps2e9c373a.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zps2e9c373a.jpg.html)

krowles
08-27-2013, 12:40 AM
Put the parts on shelf http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zpsfd9e0b6a.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zpsfd9e0b6a.jpg.html)

After getting it back together I still wasnt happy. New turbo came into play. http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zpsbdf6639a.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zpsbdf6639a.jpg.html)

Started to re-Freshing up paint in the mean time. http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zps1b20029c.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zps1b20029c.jpg.html)

New manifold is being made. Top mount twin scroll with dual 44mm waste gates. http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zpsa31c585e.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zpsa31c585e.jpg.html)

krowles
08-27-2013, 12:42 AM
Car was attracting attention and got a shoot from my good bud. Here is a shoot teaser http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f343/civicb18tkid/image_zpsc16f03e2.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/civicb18tkid/media/image_zpsc16f03e2.jpg.html)

Much more to come. This car will be epic by the end and I plan on having a GTR that will run with the best and live up to Godzilla's name.

krowles
08-27-2013, 12:45 AM
https://www.facebook.com/andrewbarshingerphotography

Go to this guy for pics! He is amazing! More to come!

aga
08-27-2013, 02:01 AM
the car is absolutely beautiful! personally i just dont like the steering wheel, dunno if you put it in or the last guy... good luck with the tune, the fcon is great, too bad it doesnt have english software...

krowles
08-27-2013, 07:13 AM
Yea wheel came with the car. Trust me, it WILL be gone. Just getting it running to where I'm happy first. As for tuning, I guess I'm lucky I'm close to IveyTune :)

jsu1012
08-27-2013, 07:47 AM
needs ccw lm5's.. :coold: na but looking good bud. can't wait to see pics of that manifold when it's done.

go7roo7
08-27-2013, 08:03 AM
Congrats on the R32! I have personally loved both the Mk4Supra and the R32-34s and hopefully In the future I will be able to acquire one of these gems. But if the wife and I want to have kids in the future, I might have to purchase a used GTR, cause you know they have rear seats for kids :D and keep my Z33 in the garage while adding parts to it. Congrats again sir!

krowles
08-27-2013, 12:23 PM
needs ccw lm5's.. :coold: na but looking good bud. can't wait to see pics of that manifold when it's done.

Ahhhh you tease! Give me them!

Congrats on the R32! I have personally loved both the Mk4Supra and the R32-34s and hopefully In the future I will be able to acquire one of these gems. But if the wife and I want to have kids in the future, I might have to purchase a used GTR, cause you know they have rear seats for kids :D and keep my Z33 in the garage while adding parts to it. Congrats again sir!

Hahaha yea back seats are nice to have! Thanks!

jsu1012
08-27-2013, 12:48 PM
Ahhhh you tease! Give me them!

lol! hit me up.

supersayianjim
08-27-2013, 04:40 PM
good shit!! a thread on zilvia worth reading!!

a real BARTER KING

krowles
08-27-2013, 06:26 PM
Hahaha thanks man

Sil-Eighty SE-K
09-17-2013, 09:24 PM
lets see more manifold progress pics!!!

who's fabbing it?

Sil-Eighty SE-K
09-23-2013, 11:39 PM
or not......

CharCharXD
09-24-2013, 12:50 PM
or not......

lol msglnth

krowles
09-24-2013, 04:12 PM
or not......

My bad man! Did a move and career change so I haven't had much quality time with the car lol

Hatemy7
09-24-2013, 04:28 PM
Dude I am so jealous of your car!! seriously. Beautiful car.

SevenPistolero
09-29-2013, 11:08 AM
I'm truly happy you got your dream car. Its one of mine also and but i'm gonna wait for the 25 year law to hit before i head to Canada

mxracerjason
10-02-2013, 12:01 PM
Like where this is going. Good job.

krowles
10-29-2013, 08:47 AM
It's got a pretty intense security system haha thanks bud!http://erjie.smokemaps.com/16.jpg

Hahaha thank you fellashttp://www.pczuha.com/9.jpg

What the hell are both of you talking about?

WheelWhore
10-29-2013, 08:51 AM
jelly.

one day I will acquire a BNR32