Iconic 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO Unleashed

Iconic 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO Unleashed

Meet the Classic: 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO

Let’s talk about a legend—specifically, a 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R that’s not just any GT-R; it’s one of those mystical NISMO editions everyone drools over. Only 560 of these were ever made, and this one found its way to the U.S. back in 2017. A proud possession of the current seller since that very year. What makes the heart of this beast tick? A 2.8-liter stroker inline-six, armed with a Borg Warner turbocharger and acutely directed by a Haltech Elite 2000 ECU, sending all that muscle to the pavement through all four wheels—thanks to a manual gearbox that requires, you know, a proper showing-off of one’s shifting prowess and a Cusco 2-way limited-slip rear differential.

A Sight for Sore Eyes

Of course, it’s dressed to impress in Gun Gray Metallic with a cabin that doesn’t just say “modified” but screams it in black. The exterior is adorned with a GReddy body kit, custom hood and spoiler, 18″ Rays TE37 wheels, and Aragosta coilovers. Let’s not skip over the serious braking upgrade with GReddy/Brembo/Z32 components. The pièce de résistance? A custom roll cage and Sparco-Recaro seats that make you feel like you’re not just driving but piloting a fighter jet.

Did you know? The Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO was lovingly nicknamed “Godzilla” by the Australian auto press.

The Detailed Rundown

Into the Nitty-Gritty

These R32 NISMOs only come in that sultry shade of Gun Grey Metallic—we’re talking standard-issue stuff here. This particular beauty wears a GReddy body kit spruced up with a lot of carbon-fiber toppings: a vented hood, a ducktail rear spoiler, and a heat shield on the rear bumper. The seller might casually mention recent paintwork on the mirrors, front bumper, and trunk lid, but don’t let that distract you from dings, rust bubbles on the rooftop, or that glaring paint chip on the driver-side.

Wheels and Powertrain

Rolling on 18-inch Rays TE37 wheels wrapped in Toyo R888 rubber, the HICAS four-wheel steering system is gone, swapped out via a Driftworks kit. This baby is not sitting factory height anymore, thanks to some Aragosta coilovers—and it’s not just for show. Nismo control arms, SPL PRO tie rods, and Kansai strut bars are doing the heavy lifting here. And the brakes? GReddy calipers up front, Nissan Brembo’s for the vented rotors, Z32 calipers at the back, stainless-steel lines, and pads that are as Endless as they claim.

  • Adjustable Aragosta coilovers
  • Nismo upper and lower control arms
  • SPL PRO v5 outer tie rods
  • Kansai strut bars front and rear
  • GReddy six-piston front calipers

The Interior Experience

Inside, it’s right-hand drive—you know, for that full-on authentic JDM vibe. A Sparco Circuit II for you, Recaro Classic for your mate, and Sparco harnesses keeping everyone snug. Red-stitched custom leather boots here, Alpine tunes there, even a few rips in the roll cage covers to keep things interesting. The place is decked out with JDM Nismo mats, while the steering wheel boot tells tales of time long past.

Fun Fact: The ’90s Skyline is considered a purveyor of tech with its ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive and Super-HICAS four-wheel steering system.

Under the Hood

Now, the magic under the metal. The RB26DETT is enlarged to 2.8 liters thanks to an HKS kit, boasting a V-Cam system, a Borg Warner 300SX turbo, and a Wiring Specialties wiring harness. Modifications? Oh, there’s a whole laundry list:

  • Induction & Exhaust: GReddy manifolds, intercooler, and exhaust, Turbosmart blow-off valve, Tomei titanium exhaust
  • Fuel: Custom AN lines, AEM pumps, Bosch secondary, a Turbosmart regulator, plus a cheeky GM flex fad with a Nissan Pathfinder sensor thrown in
  • Cooling: Mishimoto radiator with an electric fan, more GReddy oil coolers and Chase Bays reservoirs

Rebuilt by the magicians at Dyno Source Performance in May 2022, don’t just take the seller’s word for it—an invoice backs it all up.

Behind the Wheel

So how does it drive? Power’s channelled through all four for that Porsche Cayenne-like confidence. And yes, we’re talking manual transmission here for the purists, and a Cusco 2-way diff setup, naturally. Service updates as recent as February 2023 have kept everything tight—engine oil, differential oil, clutch, brake fluids, and all those replaceables you don’t fancy breaking down on mid-spin have been given fresh life.

Did you notice? “Rebuilt” title here means this ride had to face its battles before emerging stronger and… well, rebuilt.