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MOTRS

Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34)

1989-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems All workshop issues
Common Turbocharger System

Wastegate Actuator Wear

Symptoms

Over-boosting (boost exceeds the set level), erratic boost control, or inability to maintain target boost.

Cause

The factory wastegate actuators use a diaphragm and spring that weaken with age and heat. The actuator rod and pivot point wear, introducing slop. On a stock car, this can cause boost to creep above the factory 0.55-0.7 bar target.

Fix

Replace or rebuild the wastegate actuators.

Aftermarket actuators with adjustable preload are available.

An aftermarket electronic boost controller (Turbosmart, HKS, GReddy) provides far more precise boost control than the factory system.

Cost: $200-500 for actuators, $300-800 for an electronic boost controller.

Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $200-500 for actuators$300-800 for an

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

Other known issues

Common Turbocharger System

Boost Leaks

Sluggish acceleration, reduced boost pressure, the car feels slow despite the turbos appearing to spool.
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

Ceramic Turbo Wheel Failure (All Models)

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.
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.
View all 16 Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems