Nissan Skyline R33 Inspection Checklist

lowSuper-HICAS rear-steer faults

Look for: GT-R and some GTS cars use Super-HICAS four-wheel-steering; the actuator/solenoid and bushes wear, giving vague or twitchy rear-end behaviour. Many owners fit a HICAS lock/delete.

If you find it: Repair the HICAS components or fit a quality lock-bar kit; check tie-rod and bush condition.

From 150k+ km (age) · ~$300-1500

lowAged suspension, brakes and electrics

Look for: Bushes, ball joints, shocks, brake rotors/calipers and 1990s electrics (window regulators, climate flaps, dash) are all due for attention on 25-30 year old cars.

If you find it: Standard older-performance-car refresh; prioritise brakes and suspension before driving hard.

From 120k+ km (age) · ~$500-2500

lowIdle hunting / stalling (AAC valve, coils, TPS)

Look for: Erratic idle, hunting and stalling are classic RB ailments, usually a dirty AAC (idle air control) valve, tired ignition coil packs, or a worn throttle position sensor.

If you find it: Clean AAC valve, replace coil packs (OEM or quality Splitfire), check/replace TPS, reset ECU idle.

Any · ~$150-600

lowNVCS (variable cam timing) rattle

Look for: The inlet-cam NVCS unit can rattle on cold start as it wears, a known RB25DE/DET trait.

If you find it: Replace the NVCS solenoid/unit; ensure correct oil viscosity and clean oil.

From 120k+ km · ~$300-900

lowIdle / coil pack issues

Look for: Hunting idle and misfires from a dirty AAC valve or failing coil packs - typical RB maintenance.

If you find it: Clean AAC, replace coils and check TPS.

Any · ~$150-600

lowIdle / ignition gremlins

Look for: Hunting idle and misfires from AAC valve, coils/leads and a worn TPS - standard RB fare.

If you find it: Clean AAC, service ignition components, reset idle.

Any · ~$150-500

Skyline R33 inspection checklist

All engines

2 of 4 engines

2.6L RB26DETT twin-turbo (GT-R)

2.5L RB25DET turbo (GTS25t)

2.0L RB20E NA (base GTS)