1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R

1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R

In the United States, most peoples introduction to the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R was through videogames. With its twin-turbocharged inline 6 and all wheel drive, it was as dominant in games like Gran Turismo, as it was on the race track in the Japanese Touring Car Championship, but unfortunately, it was never offered for sale in the United States. Now that the cars are more than 25 years old, they are legal to import from Japan, and American buyers can finally experience the outstanding performance of the GT-R stateside. This 1990 Skyline GT-R is no ordinary example, benefiting from more than $80,000 in mechanical upgrades that turn it from a quick car into a supercar beater.

This GT-R is finished in a beautiful shade of black, and is largely free of exterior modifications. Sitting on a set of Desmond Rafamaster Evo 5-spoke wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4s, the car looks rather understated, even when you factor in the rear decklid spoiler. A large, but not oversized single exhaust tip pokes out from beneath the rear bumper, and a very JDM rear window wiper is fitted. The only angle of the car that really clues you in to what lays beneath the hood is the front view - where a sizable front-mount intercooler is clearly visible through the bumper, but without that, you might mistake this for a stock car.

Open the door and you are met by a pair of Bride bucket seats, upholstered with black Alcantara outers and a gray Bride gradient fabric in the centers. In front of the driver sits the stock 3-spoke steering wheel, which frames a gauge cluster that will look familiar to owners of many 1990s Nissans, except for the gauge in the top left that shows the torque going to the front wheels. The two rear seats remain in place and a very period set of HKS oil slick floor mats with neon colored striping sit in the footwells up front.

Where things get really interesting is under the hood. The 2.6-liter RB26 is a notoriously stout engine, but this one has been completely gone through and is now built to handle up to 1,000 horsepower. This project began by completely tearing down the engine and boring it .30 over, it then received an uprated crankshaft, main bearings, rods, pistons, valves, head studs and oil pump. A metal head gasket was installed to handle the boost from the large single BorgWarner turbocharger which replaced the smaller twin-turbo setup. The head received a three-angle port and the individual throttle bodies were all rebuilt with anodized hardware. Now, the car runs on a Link G4+ ECU with an uprated fuel and ignition system. Built by GT-R specialists U.P. Garage in University Place, WA, the engine is currently tuned for 500 horsepower but could easily be dialed up for significantly more.

While getting these engine modifications, other systems in the car were upgraded to handle the power as well. The 5-speed manual gearbox received an upgraded clutch and flywheel, and the notoriously temperamental HICAS four wheel steering was removed. A set of coilovers were installed with upgraded camber arms, and control arms, and the suspension received urethane bushings all around. Improved brake rotors were fitted, along with ceramic pads which give the double benefit of improved stopping and minimal brake dust.

With just 8,000 km added since completion of the engine build, this GT-R remains in excellent condition and is ready to be enjoyed. With receipts for more than $80,000 invested in the drivetrain alone, this car represents a fantastic deal for someone looking to enjoy a high-power GT-R at a fraction of what it would cost to have one built. There is no better way to find out just what the US was missing out on with the R32 than getting behind the wheel of this GT-R on your favorite road.

Key Features

U.P. Garage 1,000 Horsepower Engine Build

Tuned for 500 HP
Overbored .30
BorgWarner Single Turbo Upgrade
Metal Headgasket
Upgraded Crankshaft
Upgraded Main Bearings
Upgraded Oil Pump
Upgraded Rods
Upgraded Pistons
Three Angle Valve Port
Link G4+ ECU
Rebuilt ITBs

HICAS Delete
5-Speed Manual

Upgraded Clutch/Flywheel

Coilover Suspension
Camber Arms
Control Arms
Urethane Suspension Bushings
Desmond Rafamaster Evo Wheels
Bride Seats
4-Point Harness
Air Conditioning Delete


Additional Information

Build Invoices and Full Mod List
Import Paperwork


For more information on this 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R or any of our 100+ High-Performance, Exotic and Special Interest cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or always feel free to drop by our 40,000+ sq ft of Indoor Showrooms in Bellevue, WA - Home of an Exciting Inventory of Luxury, Exotic, High Performance and Collectible Automobiles. Nobody Has What We Have!