Purchased a second RB26DETT engine for my rebuild project

It has always been my intention to purchase a second RB26DETT. The aim was to rebuild the engine and when it was ready, pop the new powerplant into the R33 GTR. That way, I wouldn't experience any downtime and the car would not be stuck at the workshop for weeks on end. It'll also mean that I will be able to install the performance engine parts that I've been stockpiling since last year (please refer to this earlier blog entry).

Lo and behold, I was able to fulfil this goal recently. A friend of mine was looking to sell his R32 GTR's bottom block along with a R33 GTR head. He has recently embarked on a RB30DETT project and as such, will not be able to utilise the bottom block. Whats interesting about this block is that it has been rebored to fit HKS 88mm drag spec forged pistons.

One of the HKS 88mm forged pistons

The actual bottom block

After carrying out the necessary machine shop tests to check the health of the pistons as well as the bottom block and the head, I decided to purchase the lot. The pistons are in excellent condition (near new in fact), the head needed only one minor weld and skim work, while the block itself passed the water leak test. Whats especially pleasing was that the crank was not bent.

The R33 GTR head

Stock RB26 oil and water pump, which will be replaced with Tomei Oversize Oil Pump and a N1 Water Pump

Work on this second engine will start after Chinese New Year holidays and I can't wait to source all the necessary parts like Nismo bearings :).

 All of that came from this particular R32 GTR engine

1992 R32 GTR Skyline Going For RM85,000

This car came up for sale in the Zerotohundred Skyline Club forum. 

 

 
This BNR32 is being imported into Malaysia, from the UK, on a student AP. As such, ownership is not transferable until two years has lapsed starting from the time the car is registered.

Note: If the student were to die, the new owner has to make sure that a signed transfer application to a relative of the student is ready - not to mention the transfer of ownership form signed by the relative to the new owner as well. Talk about complicated but here is a chance for someone to own an old school Godzilla.

Mileage:
80,xxx kms

Description:
import car from uk. use student AP.
cash buyer only. tiptop condition.

Contact:
Efendi - 0104265404 / 0192128085
 

Skyline Club of Malaysia's Family Day BBQ

Thanks to the efforts of Azmir Zainuddin, PIMPIN and Feedzya, Malaysian Skyline owners (myself included) had an awesome day today in Janda Baik. The trio had organised a BBQ for the club and it was a great way to end the year in the company of like minded people & friends. 

At last count, there were:

1 x R33 GTR

2 x R32 GTR

3 x R34 GTR

3 x R33 GTS

4 x R32 GTS

6 x R34 GTT

The Petronas station after the Karak Highway Toll (where I met up with the convoy, some 18 Skylines in a pack!)

The convoy making our way to Janda Baik (I was third from the front by this time)

The road got a little bit twisty as we got nearer to the BBQ venue

Then it got a little bit more smaller as we got closer to our destination

It was a very scenic drive as the lush greenery around us made it not so much a journey but more of an adventure

Finally arrived at the venue and being welcomed by our generous host hehe!

The boys slowly getting their cars parked as we prepared to head on down to the BBQ area and the river - it was awesome to see so many Skylines together

Holy Skylines Batman!

Everyone parked and we slowly made our way into the house

We were greeted with this sight - a great BBQ chill out area and a lovely river in which the kids (there were some 'big' ones mind you) to swim in

The lovely venue which is a private home of one of the club members - it was very kind of him to open it up and made arrangements for the BBQ

The food that Azmir and the boys had brought with them were being cooked - smelled heavenly!

There was more awesome food being cooked but this was my only shot of the feast as I was too busy eating to take more pictures!

It was Azmir's birthday today and so his wife along with PIMPIN surprised him with a birthday cake! :) Happy birthday again dude!

All good things must come to an end and we slowly started to line up as a convoy for the drive back to KL

... not before an impromptu night run along the twisty b-roads of Janda Baik! Felt really good to be doing it with other Skylines!

Thanks again boys! Was a great day that ended well and looking forward to the next event!

Italia Auto Ulu Yam Dawn Run

Finally managed to have a shakedown run to get a feel of the new car. I guess theres no further need to hide the identity of the vehicle as its pretty obvious. Its a 1997 R33 Skyline GTR (BCNR33).

I invited Temujin, a member of the Skyline Club of Malaysia, to come along in his R32 GTR (BNR32) which had recently come out from GT Auto with a dyno figure of 380 bhp. He too wanted to have a shakedown session to get a 'feel' of the Angry Kermit (his car is green you see).

The meeting point for this weekend's run was at Petronas Batu Caves and as the title of this post clearly indicates, we were running with the Italia Auto boys (IA). I arrived at 7 am and it was a massive turnout. Nearly 40 cars, mostly Italians (Alfas and Fiats) but also some Frenchies, a Lotus and our JDMs (Temujin's R32 GTR, my R33 GTR and ToE's R35 GTR).

The weather was beautiful and the sun had just risen as we roared our way past the lake on the outskirts of Kampung Batang Batu (the settlement before Ulu Yam town). The car handled really well and is a testament to my foreman who serviced it after I had purchased the GTR. He made sure that the car was refreshed, not only in terms of consumables but also with parts that needed to be replaced due to wear and tear (long story). Although I do have to say that the twin turbo setup which makes quite a large amount of power, takes some getting used to especially when taking sharp corners (nearly did a drift at one stretch of the road). Gotta get used to braking early and ease off in the turn then power out.

From Ulu Yam, we then made our way to Gohtong Jaya to have breakfast at the mamak next to Hotel Seri Malaysia. Had a great time catching up with some of the IA guys and looking at each others' cars. Some Golf GTI buddies of mine from the Volkswagen Golf Club of Malaysia, who were in the area, dropped by to have a look at the GTR. Got to catch up with them as well before they headed down to GT Auto for a dyno day.

Here is footage taken by ognam of IA, which he edited into a video for our viewing pleasure. Especially liked that early bit of the silver car rolling into the Petronas station ;).

Till the next run which will take place in 2 weeks time - hehe - drive safe everyone.