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Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34)

1989-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems All workshop issues
Critical Engine

Ceramic Turbo Wheel Failure (All Models)

Symptoms

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.

Cause

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.

Fix

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.

Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $2,000-5,000 for a

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// More Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems

Other known issues

Minor Engine

Oil Pump Drive Collar Failure (R32, R33, CRITICAL)

The engine loses oil pressure instantly and without warning. The oil pressure gauge drops to zero, the engine seizes within seconds. Total engine destruction.
Critical Engine

CAS (Crank Angle Sensor) Failure

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

Head Gasket Failure

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

Coil Pack Failure

Misfire on one or more cylinders, rough idle, loss of power.
Critical Engine

Injector Issues

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

Boost Leaks

Sluggish acceleration, reduced boost pressure, the car feels slow despite the turbos appearing to spool.
View all 16 Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems