How does this work then?

Legally, I mean - NC title and a CA registration? Smells iffy like an iffy thing (and yes, I'm aware of the whole Skyline import fiasco).

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/2694544836.html

I may be wrong, but it looks like an S-chassis, which will take an RB rather easily.

Nope, that's definitely an R33 Skyline in the photos. I've looked at enough of them in the UK .

I'm used to the Japanese version. The mixup likely has to do with California law. The you may not need a California title to register the vehicle there. I have no clue. I assume it has the RB25DET in it?

Isn't the R33 different looking in Japan?

Edit: nope, you're right. Just different recognize the body kit.

N Sperlo wrote: I'm used to the Japanese version. The mixup likely has to do with California law. The you may not need a California title to register the vehicle there. I have no clue. I assume it has the RB25DET in it? Isn't the R33 different looking in Japan?

That one just isn't a GTR. I fear imports like that. The government has every right to seize it at any point and that would just suck.

I got tags and registration in Florida without showing them the title I forgot to bring with me. I just told them the vin and all the other relevant info. Oh, the office I went to was very much in the ghetto in Miami though... so I probably shouldn't have gotten away with that.

Yea, looks legit. Probably has a home in NC and needed it smogged and registered for California. Smogging is what needs to be done for import anyway. Not sure of the process, but people do it.

In reply to N Sperlo:

Unless the car was sold here in at least some form, it has to be 25 years or older to be imported. Or it has to be on the Show and Display list. Or it has to be a track car and never see public roads. Skylines made in the last 25 years are illegal and do get seized.

There's no such thing as a Canadian version. Skylines were all Japanese domestic market cars never originally destined for export. This example (a GTS) was likely imported to Canada (as they can be once they are over fifteen years of age) and then imported to the US, hence the Canadian reference.

I have learned something from both of you today.

Now what if I put a skyline engine in a USDM car. Can that be ceased?

N Sperlo wrote: I have learned something from both of you today. Now what if I put a skyline engine in a USDM car. Can that be ceased?

You're good to go there, as long as it passes any relevant emissions test.

There was a time when the government cared a lot less about grey imports - see 80s BMWs for examples. Technically I think there are still laws allowing for the federalization of vehicles on an individual basis, but Skylines actually stand as the primary example that even though you might pay a small fortune to a company to do that, the car can still end up being illegal, you can still be fined and you car can still be seized and destroyed. It's just not a game I'd play.

N Sperlo wrote: I have learned something from both of you today. Now what if I put a skyline engine in a USDM car. Can that be ceased?

that swap is fair game... HERE IS AN EXAMPLE of that swap - a RB swapped AWD S14 is one of my bucket list cars...probably in my top 5. Engines can be imported easily. There is an import fee/tax/duty/whatever you call it, but its legal. Different localities have different requirements where the engine is concerned. In Cali you gotta get smog certified, so mods are tough to get thru without a bunch of cash...and for cool guy points, right now Im listening to Dre and Pac: California Love

HIpster said: I was listening to Tupac before he was dead...

In reply to N Sperlo:

I don't know what ceased means. Executing engine transplants is no cause for a car's seizure. FYI, don't forget that you cannot export a diesel engine from Japan though. Apparently, they are branded as items that are used in weapons of mass destruction(!) No joke.

Autocorrect error. Ceased means stopped, LOL, but I meant seized. I own no WMDs, but I do have a skyline engine sitting in a rusted out s13, that in wiring/ firing up before transplanting. I never found any legal issues with it, just figured I'd ask while we were at it.

meh. Legal or otherwise, it's ugly. Like a stretched maxima. I'd rather have the bastardized s14 version.

R33's are the only ones that are currently legal in the states... if that helps any.

@ ultra: The R32 is certainly much prettier.

Also, what is with Skylines and those freaking 'cannon' mufflers?? Without exaggeration, every single one I've ever seen has an exhaust tip I could fit my head inside. And they sound bloody horrible, too, totally detracting from what could be a nice straight-six exhaust note.

In reply to Luke:

Turbo engines benefit from larger exhaust piping upgrades that increase flow characteristics. I have had nothing but compliments about the way my car sounds on the track. Straight sixes, in my opinion, make some of the nicest sounds.

mndsm wrote: R33's are the only ones that are currently legal in the states... if that helps any.

Anything made 25 years ago or earlier is free and clear, so that's not accurate. Moreover, R33s would still have to be federalized and that's much easier said than done.

I prefer the sharp R32 design. Picking up an exhaust system this weekend for 40 bucks. 3 inch. In fact, I may be able to fit my head in there...

I understand the benefit of larger diameter piping (and mandrel bends) on a turbocharged car, but why does the tip have to be so gigantic? They mostly just sound 'loud' to me. Anyway, not intentionally being contrary or trying to start an e-fight with ya'll

mndsm wrote: R33's are the only ones that are currently legal in the states... if that helps any.

IIRC, the scandal was caused when Motrex got an R33 Federalization process approved, legally, but then used their paperwork to import R32s and R34s, illegally. However, the ruling for how to Federalize an R33 is still there and would still allow these to be brought over.

Luke wrote: I understand the benefit of larger diameter piping (and mandrel bends) on a turbocharged car, but why does the tip have to be so gigantic? They mostly just sound 'loud' to me. Anyway, not intentionally being contrary or trying to start an e-fight with ya'll

shakes fist

The large diameter tips are pointless. Id prefer the tips to match the piping throughout the exhaust. They ARE loud, but sometimes we like to wake the neighbors.

MadScientistMatt wrote: IIRC, the scandal was caused when Motrex got an R33 Federalization process approved, legally, but then used their paperwork to import R32s and R34s, illegally. However, the ruling for how to Federalize an R33 is still there and would still allow these to be brought over.

Funny thing about laws, they are extremely hard to strike from the books. Did you know that in Nashville, you must fire a shotgun into the air when approaching an intersection to warn other horse carrages of your presence. Look it up. Its dead to real.

I want to know what is sitting on the drivers seat that was "edited" out.

damn atlanta CL

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/2695507205.html