Looking at a GTR with a bum motor

[SkylineRookie]

Hello , new to Skylines. I have found a 1990 GTR RB26DETT , but it appears that there are 2 cylinders that are low compression. Spoke with the mechanic that inspected it and suggests a rebuild. The seller is offering to give another motor with a solid bottom end and the original motor has a solid top end. Basically from what I understand it would be a 2 make one motor. I would like to use it as a project / learning car but seeking some advice / wisdom on whether or not it would be worth while to do. The rest of the car is in very good shape.

Car runs but throws nasty smoke. Turbos are making boost.

Or should I check the for sale page and get one that is good to go then worry about fixing later.


Thank you in advance for your time.

[markc32]

well its all about the money and patience...good learning exp. better if u have ur own garage to do the build...if the price of the car is right, y not

[mitch32]

Hello , new to Skylines. I have found a 1990 GTR RB26DETT , but it appears that there are 2 cylinders that are low compression. Spoke with the mechanic that inspected it and suggests a rebuild. The seller is offering to give another motor with a solid bottom end and the original motor has a solid top end. Basically from what I understand it would be a 2 make one motor. I would like to use it as a project / learning car but seeking some advice / wisdom on whether or not it would be worth while to do. The rest of the car is in very good shape.

Car runs but throws nasty smoke. Turbos are making boost.

Or should I check the for sale page and get one that is good to go then worry about fixing later.


Thank you in advance for your time.

I'd rebuild the whole thing top and bottom. If you get a good deal on the car I'd go for it. I wouldn't take the other bottom end unless it was free or cheap. You can do a proper rebuild for 8-10k$ and it'll be hella fast when your done. It's probably just me but I wouldn't swap in another stock engine (or even the bottom end) unless it was a low km r34 engine or a NUR spec. A stock r32 and even r33 motor are older and will eventually probably give out.

[SkylineRookie]

He is asking 8k for it . but could probably snag it for around 6ish possibly 5. Hmmm, 8-10k rebuild is a whole lot out of my budget atm. Might have to let this one pass me up. Or would it be worth while to just "frankenstein" the 2 motors for the time being and then start to stock pile parts for when it needs to be done again ?

Don't plan on tracking / drifting it. Pretty much will be used as a daily driver with the odd autocross.

[Nismo BKK]

He is asking 8k for it . but could probably snag it for around 6ish possibly 5. Hmmm, 8-10k rebuild is a whole lot out of my budget atm. Might have to let this one pass me up. Or would it be worth while to just "frankenstein" the 2 motors for the time being and then start to stock pile parts for when it needs to be done again ?

Don't plan on tracking / drifting it. Pretty much will be used as a daily driver with the odd autocross.

8-10K rebuild is if you're serious of throwing some big numbers in the engine with upgraded internals, (oil pump, crank) you can do a cheaper basic rebuild and if you can do it yourself, it isnt too bad. Generally, your looking around 6 grand range if you get a shop to rebuild it with oem specs.

[mitch32]

I agree, but once your taking the engine out mothers well spend the 2-4K extra and make something a lot better then stock. A GTR is an expensive car even though you can buy them for cheap, parts are expensive. Honestly if your looking for a good daily driver with good auto-x abilities go for the GTS. The GTS is a great car, ppl put done solid numbers with them for cheap and there pretty damn reliable. A GTR has alot of different features and therefore you have more stuff to go wrong. Go for the GTS you'll be a lot more happier, its just my opinion though.

[SkylineRookie]

Thank you all for your imputs. Lots to think about , will have to do some more research on both skyline styles. I have to admit I do favor the GTR but I am starting to realize that with all the extras come the extra cost in maintaining it. However the GTS can be done up quite nice and not nearly as hard on the bankroll. Again my thanks , will continue to ask questions and inquire about different things. I am so glad a friend pointed me to this site ! *bows deeply* you guys are all fantastic !