Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34)

Loss of boost on one or both turbochargers. In severe cases, ceramic wheel fragments are ingested by the engine, causing catastrophic damage to the cylinders and pistons.

The factory T28 turbochargers use ceramic (silicon nitride) turbine wheels. Ceramic is lighter than steel, which gives faster spool-up, but it is brittle. Thermal shock (rapid temperature changes), over-boost, and age cause the ceramic to crack and eventually shatter. A shattered turbine wheel sends fragments through the exhaust manifold and, if the fragments pass through the wastegate, into the intake tract.

Replace the factory ceramic-wheeled T28 turbochargers with steel-wheeled equivalents. Genuine Nissan steel-wheeled T28 replacements are available, as are aftermarket upgrades (Garrett GT2860RS is a popular direct replacement). Steel-wheeled turbos can handle higher boost and are not susceptible to thermal shock failure. Cost: $2,000-5,000 for a pair of quality replacement turbos, plus fitting.

Engine misfire, loss of power, intermittent cutting out, or complete no-start. The misfire may be random or consistent, and can come and go.

The CAS is a magnetic pickup sensor located inside the front timing cover, driven off the exhaust camshaft. It provides the ECU with engine position data for ignition timing and fuel injection. The internal components wear with age and heat, and the signal becomes erratic. CAS failure is one of the most common problems on all RB26DETT engines.

Replace the CAS. Genuine Nissan units are available ($300-500). Aftermarket trigger kits (which use a crank-mounted trigger wheel and external sensor) eliminate the CAS entirely and are more reliable for high-RPM applications. Cost: $300-600 for a CAS replacement, $500-1,500 for an aftermarket trigger kit.

Coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, milky oil, and/or combustion gases in the coolant (detectable with a block tester).

The factory multi-layer steel (MLS) head gasket is adequate for stock boost levels (0.55-0.7 bar) but is the first point of failure when boost is increased. The RB26's long, slender head is prone to lifting between cylinders under high boost, which breaks the gasket seal. Even on stock cars, age and thermal cycling can cause the gasket to fail after 200,000+ km.

Replace the head gasket. On a stock engine, a genuine Nissan MLS gasket is adequate. On a modified engine (above 1.0 bar boost), an aftermarket metal gasket (Tomei, HKS) with head studs (replacing the factory bolts) is required. The head must be checked for flatness and machined if necessary. Cost: $1,500-3,000 all-in for a stock replacement, $3,000-5,000 for an upgraded gasket with studs.

Rough idle, misfire, rich or lean running on individual cylinders.

The factory Nismo 440cc injectors are good quality but can become clogged or develop leaking seals after decades of service. The injector O-ring seals harden and leak fuel, causing a rich condition and fire risk. On modified cars with larger injectors, incorrect sizing or poor tuning causes drivability issues.

Have the injectors professionally cleaned and flow-tested ($150-250 for a set of six). Replace O-ring seals ($20-40 for a set). If the injectors are beyond cleaning, Nismo 740cc or 1000cc injectors are the standard upgrade for modified engines. Cost: $600-2,000 for a set depending on size.