Turning Japanese

[GregorJP]

After many months of pontificating and carefully reading some of the threads on here on the subject, I bought a GTR today. It's a 59 car, 14k on the clock, Stage 2. Time will tell whether I love it or end up being indifferent, but it was definitely an itch I had to scratch. I know a couple of guys on here have or have previously had GTRs, so any tips or advice gratefully received. It's very fucking quick, so the advice to myself is to try not to stack it in the first month of ownership.

Meantime, even though I could do with releasing the cash, I can't bring myself to sell the CSL, so she's going to Elms for a health-check and then into storage. Let's hope prices keep going up to justify the storage.

Good showing of CSLs at the DN8 event a few weeks ago, and nice to meet a couple of you from here.

Pics of GTR to follow.

[Steve B]

A friend of mine has 1 that's around 600bhp.... Even std they are a weapon.
Nice choice..!!!


Steve

[shane@mbtech]

I'm currently pondering another one. I was waiting for pdk 997 turbo to drop down in price, but that's a few years away yet.

I've had 2, trying to have owned one in every colour lol.

I'm back from Florida on Monday and going straight to middlehursts to see one.

They are a weapon, but are more to maintain than csl.

My mate tunes them, so if you need any advice just ask!

What colour did you get?

[Eduardo]

Do they feel like a boat?

Had a Mustang with 520 BHP, very powerfull and fun but felt big.

Is it the same with the GTR ?

Takes away the fun feel for me if it is.

Thanks,

Eduardo.

[GregorJP]

I got it in silver. The previous owner added a suspect (but no doubt expensive) carbon fibre package to the sills and rear spoiler which I may revert back to standard. The wheels have also been painted black, which I don't like. However, the mileage, price, history and everything else was right and I decided to overlook the cosmetic disasters. I'm contemplating adding the wheels that the Litchfield cars run, though, as they look sweet.

I've driven several GTRs and have friends that own them. We go to the 'ring and track days often together and there's no question that the GTR murders the CSL in terms of lap time. However, in my view it's such a different driving experience that it's unfair to compare them. The CSL feels slow in comparison on the straights. However, it's far more finessed in the corners, requiring smooth inputs and traditional rear-wheel drive balancing, whereas the GTR seems to react best when you take liberties and dive in deep and get on the power early.

The other reason I couldn't sell the CSL is because it has class and rarity, and makes such a beautiful noise. I would also venture that in the long term, it has more to give back in terms of driver enjoyment. Plus it seems to be soaring in valuation... :finga:

[derek]

Enjoy your car Gregor, I bought one same spec in April. the acceleration is awesome, but same as you not sold the csl yet. One needs to go soon they are two total different cars.:thumbs:

[gingernuts]

Think we need to go out for a drive again derek to make your lads convince you to keep the CSL!!

[GregorJP]

So went to Litchfield to collect the GTR on Friday morning and had a frustrating journey into central London to the office. Ditto the journey home.

Had more chance to play this weekend and impressions are:

- Compared to 9 months of 911 ownership and 2 years in the CSL, the car attracts a lot more attention.

- With the boost turned up on the Stage 2 map, it's hilariously fast and has entertained everyone I've taken in it.

- You can feel the weight throughout the car, especially when braking from speed.

- The interior is a horrorshow that will not wear well, I think.

- Cannot wait to take it to the 'ring and see how it goes. May try a session at Bedford to familiarise myself first.

Dropped the CSL to Elms today for a service and the contrast with the GTR is obviously huge. CSL makes such a lovely noise and feels light and sprightly in comparison. Was also a lot slower, though - my wife, not known for her lead foot, led the way to Elms and left me for dead on the dual carriageway.

Now debating whether I can justify keeping CSL or whether I should sell on.

[GregorJP]

Pic attached.

[derek]

Pic attached.

They do like a drink,:-D:-D

[shane@mbtech]

Very very nice.

Looking at a couple of silver ones myself a the minute.

Lichfield have a 10 plate silver one for sale ATM.

Can get a decent 09 plate one, but in 2 minds.

[GregorJP]

The MY10 at Litchfield is actually the one I went up to see, but it so happened that he also had the 59-plate one that I bought available at the same time, and it was a few grand cheaper AND had already had Stage 2 done.

I did look at the MY10, though, and it was mint. Looked like it had just come out of the showroom and Ian reckoned that it had never been tracked, launched, etc. It was in a lot better nick than a few others I have looked at.

[shane@mbtech]

The MY10 at Litchfield is actually the one I went up to see, but it so happened that he also had the 59-plate one that I bought available at the same time, and it was a few grand cheaper AND had already had Stage 2 done.

I did look at the MY10, though, and it was mint. Looked like it had just come out of the showroom and Ian reckoned that it had never been tracked, launched, etc. It was in a lot better nick than a few others I have looked at.

That's great to know, as always better to get an unbiased version of a car before travelling.

Although it is a bit richer than I was wanting.

Middle hurst are getting an 09 black edition with 28k on the clock for £35k ish,, I was thinking of that and mods, or just going 10 plate for a few k more.

Jct 600 have a 14k 09 plate I can have for £37k,

I'm torn at the minute. Gtr or RWD BMW.

They are great cars, and with me doing less track days than I did, are appealing again.

[digi]

GTR is a great piece of kit. The quicker you go the better it feels. The car has immense capabilities and during normal speeds you will not even tickle any of its talents.

Worse thing about the R35 is the ride. Best to change the tires to MPSS and better yet, install litchfields new suspension.

Mine has 3" gotboost intakes, cobb's stage 2 map for BigSF, HKS tranny pan, eibach roll bars, AP disc's/pads, dodson tranny upgrades, DIY 4 led, non-res mid-pipe, mpss square setup, tranny cooler etc. Lightly modded but more than enough for the road (600bhp). Litchfield kits are top notch and they tend to go with ECUTek which is very good too.

Super Silver (best color) :thumbs: with black wheels. ENJOY!!!

P.S. Make sure you install a bigger intercooler and an additional tranny cooler if you intend to track it as the tranny temp tends to rise pretty fast and if it goes over 100, you will need to change out the tranny fluid as it no good after that.