Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Where to race your Skyline: Dunnville Autodrome
This is a track southwest of Toronto. You can see their website at http://www.dunnvilleautodrome.com
Nostalgic Hero
Nostalgic Hero is one of my favourite Japanese Magazines. I have about 4 issues so contact me if you want to buy one. They tend to focus on very old Japanese cars, but I know for a fact that they have done an issue on the GTR R32. I would love to get my hands on that issue. They are published by this company
http://www.geibunsha.co.jp/teiki/mo_nh.html
Hyper Rev Magazine.
I have this issue if anybody wants to buy it off me (GT-R No.6, Vol.120). The Hyper Rev series is the most complete magazine and parts guide for the Skyline on the planet. Unfortunately, it is only written in Japanese. So unless you can read it like me, you will just have to enjoy the pictures. Either way, it is well worth it if you can get your hands on a copy. The American website is http://www.hyperrevusa.com/
Check it out!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Killer Links
Here are some great links!!
http://www.skylinegtrhome.com/
http://www.skylineowners.com/forum/
www.gtrcanada.com
Gtrcanada.com is a great site! Perfect for skyline owners in Canada. I found my car on this website, and was very happy with the results. There were quite a few cars to choose from, so I feel that I made a good choice given the options I had. In saying that, it is always best to take a trip to Japan and pick you own, but not everybody has the time or money to do that.
Anyway, GTRCanada has lots of users and lots of valuable information on their forums. You can find almost any part you are looking for. Give them a try if you live in Canada or one of the neighbouring states. Look me up on the forums too. My user name is samsam81073
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Nissan Skyline spotting in Toronto!
A black GTR I spotted on Bloor street. right in front of the Roots store. September, 12th, 2007.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Let Me Introduce You To The Nissan Skyline
Not commonly found in the United States, the Nissan Skyline is a Japanese sports car with a lot of history. Dating back 45 years, the Nissan Skyline has received many awards and has earned the nickname “Godzilla.” While it’s far from being the monster machine that it’s nickname implies, this Japanese original is larger than life.
After an absence in production for 10 years, Nissan announced that it would release a new GT-R Skyline model in 1989. It was set to compete in the Japan Touring Car Group A racing series and lead the field in an undefeated first season. For the next four years, the GT-R Nissan Skyline was awarded the Japan Touring Car Group A championship. In 1994, in honor of it’s spectacular achievements, the Nissan Skyline was given it’s own series, which was called the Japan GT Car series. For the years ahead, the Nissan Skyline proved to be a dominating force in Japanese racing. Ultimately, there was never a Skyline GT-R made to comply with standards set forth by the United States. However, Motorex imports and modifies the Nissan Skyline GT-R in order to meet requirements so that the cars may be sold in America.
The Nissan Skyline automobiles are popular among youngsters, as well. Ok, so maybe they don’t have a license to drive, but they can certainly burn some rubber on video games and that’s exactly what they are doing. Throughout the years, racing video games have become very popular among kids of all ages - both young and old. The Nissan Skyline has appeared in numerous video games after being recognized for it’s speed and sleek sporty design. Along those same lines, the Nissan Skyline has been recognized in many of the biggest motion pictures to feature a racing theme. Clearly, the motto for these cars are outlined in their sleek design and sports car appearance.
The Nissan Skyline is an intermediate-size automobile, which is originally manufactured in Japan before being exported to other countries. It is sold as either a coupe or sedan style automobile and has been produced, in various models, since the 1950s. In 2008, the next generation of Nissan Skyline GT-R automobiles may be sold in the United States. Until that time, these luxury style sports cars can be converted to local standards by various manufacturers who agree to sale the automobiles. Only time will tell what the Nissan Skyline has in store but, with its rich racing history, you can bet they will race out of stock.
Vincent Abrugar is the online publisher of http://www.nissaninfo.com a website about nissan skyline.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_Abrugar
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
Problems I have had with my Skyline.
The car is 15 years old after all so I have had my fair share of problems. However in the end, I still think the car is worth all the problems. Here are a list of the problems I have had.
1. The clutch gave out after a few weeks. I think the sellers didn't warn me about this and wanted my business so they could work on the car and get even more money out of me.
2. I was in Japan for 3 months this summer, and when I got back, the battery was completely dead. This is to be expected, but I should have removed the negative connection to the battery.
3. Tragically, while the car was sitting for 3 months, the transmission completely froze up. Somehow the clutch was fully engaged. This cost about $600 to have the transmission taken out, repaired and put back in.
4. Not a problem, but I needed to get a new set of tires. A set of Sumitomo's set me back another $600.
5. The lower black spoiler on the front was torn off countless times due to driveways with very uneven surfaces. I just took it off completely, and to tell you the truth, I think it looks better without the spoiler.
So be aware about all the potential problems a 15 year old car can have. Could you imagine if this was a 25 year old Skyline.
1. The clutch gave out after a few weeks. I think the sellers didn't warn me about this and wanted my business so they could work on the car and get even more money out of me.
2. I was in Japan for 3 months this summer, and when I got back, the battery was completely dead. This is to be expected, but I should have removed the negative connection to the battery.
3. Tragically, while the car was sitting for 3 months, the transmission completely froze up. Somehow the clutch was fully engaged. This cost about $600 to have the transmission taken out, repaired and put back in.
4. Not a problem, but I needed to get a new set of tires. A set of Sumitomo's set me back another $600.
5. The lower black spoiler on the front was torn off countless times due to driveways with very uneven surfaces. I just took it off completely, and to tell you the truth, I think it looks better without the spoiler.
So be aware about all the potential problems a 15 year old car can have. Could you imagine if this was a 25 year old Skyline.
Here is an interesting article from Japanoid.com
"I feel very passionate about this topic and I sure hope they never change the law in Canada about this. There should always be room for the car enthusiast in any society. Here is the article, I hope you find it as interesting as I did."
Peter Albrektsen
Stop the 25 year rule!
Transport Canada is thinking about changing the vehicle import law from 15 years to 25 years old, help us send them a message; THIS IS A BAD IDEA.
According to current law, Canadian citizens can import any vehicle outside North America that was manufactured 15 years ago or older. American citizens can also import vehicles to the US, but they have to be 25 years or older. Pressure is building for Canada to change our law to match the United States, 25 years. This change in law would unfairly limit Canadian consumers and destroy many small businesses. Imported vehicles are safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective, and in such low numbers they pose no threat to the Canadian public.
Transport Canada claims that since these vehicles are not manufactured to American Standards, they don't belong on Canadian roads. While this is true for some imported vehicles, the origin of nearly all imports is Japan, Germany and the UK; not exactly countries known to be unsafe. All three of these countries rank in the top 10 for road safety; while Canada and the US rank 11th and 25th respectively, Germany (#8) Japan (#6) and the UK (#2) do a much better job. According to 2002 statistics, 9.3 Canadian drivers died for every 100,000. In the United States this number is 14.9; not a system we should align with. And although Transport Canada claims Canadian and American standards are better than the 52 countries who are part of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, most experts fiercely disagree. Ask a Swede (#1) or the Dutch (#3), heck even the Swiss (#5) are in that club.
Please share!Digg it
digg_url = 'http://www.japanoid.com/petition.php';
digg_bgcolor = '#f0f0f0';
digg_skin = '';
Send a letter to Transport CanadaPostal Code:
Did you know?
In British Colombia motorcycles are exempt from carbon emissions tests. Most motorcycles in BC are above 750cc. Kei cars are not exempt in BC but their engines are 660cc and smaller.
It can be claimed that imported cars are in fact safer than their domestic counterparts of the same age.
A majority of these foreign imports are arriving from Japan. Besides the recognized quality of Japanese cars, domestic use 15 year old Japanese cars are amazingly well maintained. The Japanese don't fool around with safety; they force every car on the road to pass a strict inspection every two years. This system of Japanese inspection standards called the "Shaken", tests brakes, emissions, shocks, tires, body condition, everything. As a result, the most popular imports are much safer than vehicles sold in North America 15 years ago, which don't have mandatory inspections.
Find out more about the Shaken
Besides, Canadians who import 15 year old cars don't exactly bring these vehicles in and drive away. Upon entry, importers pay custom duties and tax, go through agricultural inspections, modifications inspections, provincial inspections and in BC, emissions testing. Any and all maintenance, repairs or modifications have to be made before a vehicle is granted approval for road use. More often than not, new headlights, tires, reflectors, catalytic converters, and day-time running lights are added to these vehicles, making them compliant to Canadian standards to the very last detail.
Find out more about Federal and Provincial Vehicle Compliance
Canadians buying these vehicles are looking for a healthy alternative.
A majority of the cars imported are fuel efficient or Bio-diesel ready. Diesel Toyota Lancruisers, Mitsubishi Delicas, VW Sycros and Jettas are often readily converted to Bio-Diesel. There is no real domestic alternative to these multi-passenger four wheel drives. Additionally, many Canadians prefer the smaller set, the Kei Cars with 660cc engines. Kei cars get an average of 5.8l/100kms, which if sold new would qualify for an ecoRebate from the Canadian Government. And although Transport Canada claims that older vehicles and smaller engines don't always mean fewer pollutants, California's Smogcheck Program exempts diesels and engines under 800cc. In addition, Kei Cars save space on our crowded roads and public spaces. And unlike their hybrid counterparts, take much less energy to manufacture and dispose because of their small size and simple materials.
Transport Canada and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) also claim that Canadian drivers are incapable of operating Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles safely.
This claim has no evidence to back it up. Japan and England drive on the left side of the road and thus manufacture RHD Vehicles. However, Japanese and British citizens have the freedom to import vehicles from Left Hand Drive (LHD) countries like Canada and the US. Ford, Mercedes, Chrysler, and General Motors left hand drive vehicles can be bought new in Japan without any question. Vehicles imported to Japan do not have to meet Japanese Safety Standards, only emissions regulations. The Japanese do not pay more for insurance; are not required to take additional tests and are not subject any other form of prejudice for choosing a foreign vehicle. The Japanese even provide LHD toll-booths to facilitate LHD vehicles. If Canadian authorities feel the Canadian driver is not as competent as the Japanese or British driver, they should provide us with the basis for this belief. Some attribute our Canadian policies to pure protectionism.
Find out more abotu LHD vs. RHD
Transport Canada instituted the 15 year old import law in 1986 for the benefit of car collectors collecting American muscle cars.
Today many Canadians are taking advantage of this law to import environmentally friendly vehicles from places like Japan and Germany. Given the current concerns with global warming and the movement towards freer trade, it is difficult to understand why Transport Canada wants to change the law to 25 years. Just like back in 1986 the number of imported cars on Canadian roads is extremely low. Out of the more than 18 Million cars in Canada there are no more than 73,000 cars that fall under the 15 year import rule; this is only 0.004% of cars on the road. And many are driven only on weekends or off-road. Clearly not a threat to the motoring public.
As their owners will tell you, imported cars provide for a need in the marketplace that currently does not exist. Imported vehicles are safe and on average, more environmentally friendly and cost effective than domestic vehicles. Changing the 15 year import law now would be a big mistake and send the wrong message on the environment and free trade. Not only would it negatively impact choice for the car collector, many small businesses across Canada would be destroyed. Keeping the current law is in the best interest of all Canadians. Please Stop the 25 year import law change.
To find out more:Visit the Canadian Association of Vehicle Importers CAVI.ca
Or Send an Email to Transport Canada and tell them how you feel
Printer friendly version of this page.
Peter Albrektsen
Stop the 25 year rule!
Transport Canada is thinking about changing the vehicle import law from 15 years to 25 years old, help us send them a message; THIS IS A BAD IDEA.
According to current law, Canadian citizens can import any vehicle outside North America that was manufactured 15 years ago or older. American citizens can also import vehicles to the US, but they have to be 25 years or older. Pressure is building for Canada to change our law to match the United States, 25 years. This change in law would unfairly limit Canadian consumers and destroy many small businesses. Imported vehicles are safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective, and in such low numbers they pose no threat to the Canadian public.
Transport Canada claims that since these vehicles are not manufactured to American Standards, they don't belong on Canadian roads. While this is true for some imported vehicles, the origin of nearly all imports is Japan, Germany and the UK; not exactly countries known to be unsafe. All three of these countries rank in the top 10 for road safety; while Canada and the US rank 11th and 25th respectively, Germany (#8) Japan (#6) and the UK (#2) do a much better job. According to 2002 statistics, 9.3 Canadian drivers died for every 100,000. In the United States this number is 14.9; not a system we should align with. And although Transport Canada claims Canadian and American standards are better than the 52 countries who are part of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, most experts fiercely disagree. Ask a Swede (#1) or the Dutch (#3), heck even the Swiss (#5) are in that club.
Please share!Digg it
digg_url = 'http://www.japanoid.com/petition.php';
digg_bgcolor = '#f0f0f0';
digg_skin = '';
Send a letter to Transport CanadaPostal Code:
Did you know?
In British Colombia motorcycles are exempt from carbon emissions tests. Most motorcycles in BC are above 750cc. Kei cars are not exempt in BC but their engines are 660cc and smaller.
It can be claimed that imported cars are in fact safer than their domestic counterparts of the same age.
A majority of these foreign imports are arriving from Japan. Besides the recognized quality of Japanese cars, domestic use 15 year old Japanese cars are amazingly well maintained. The Japanese don't fool around with safety; they force every car on the road to pass a strict inspection every two years. This system of Japanese inspection standards called the "Shaken", tests brakes, emissions, shocks, tires, body condition, everything. As a result, the most popular imports are much safer than vehicles sold in North America 15 years ago, which don't have mandatory inspections.
Find out more about the Shaken
Besides, Canadians who import 15 year old cars don't exactly bring these vehicles in and drive away. Upon entry, importers pay custom duties and tax, go through agricultural inspections, modifications inspections, provincial inspections and in BC, emissions testing. Any and all maintenance, repairs or modifications have to be made before a vehicle is granted approval for road use. More often than not, new headlights, tires, reflectors, catalytic converters, and day-time running lights are added to these vehicles, making them compliant to Canadian standards to the very last detail.
Find out more about Federal and Provincial Vehicle Compliance
Canadians buying these vehicles are looking for a healthy alternative.
A majority of the cars imported are fuel efficient or Bio-diesel ready. Diesel Toyota Lancruisers, Mitsubishi Delicas, VW Sycros and Jettas are often readily converted to Bio-Diesel. There is no real domestic alternative to these multi-passenger four wheel drives. Additionally, many Canadians prefer the smaller set, the Kei Cars with 660cc engines. Kei cars get an average of 5.8l/100kms, which if sold new would qualify for an ecoRebate from the Canadian Government. And although Transport Canada claims that older vehicles and smaller engines don't always mean fewer pollutants, California's Smogcheck Program exempts diesels and engines under 800cc. In addition, Kei Cars save space on our crowded roads and public spaces. And unlike their hybrid counterparts, take much less energy to manufacture and dispose because of their small size and simple materials.
Transport Canada and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) also claim that Canadian drivers are incapable of operating Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles safely.
This claim has no evidence to back it up. Japan and England drive on the left side of the road and thus manufacture RHD Vehicles. However, Japanese and British citizens have the freedom to import vehicles from Left Hand Drive (LHD) countries like Canada and the US. Ford, Mercedes, Chrysler, and General Motors left hand drive vehicles can be bought new in Japan without any question. Vehicles imported to Japan do not have to meet Japanese Safety Standards, only emissions regulations. The Japanese do not pay more for insurance; are not required to take additional tests and are not subject any other form of prejudice for choosing a foreign vehicle. The Japanese even provide LHD toll-booths to facilitate LHD vehicles. If Canadian authorities feel the Canadian driver is not as competent as the Japanese or British driver, they should provide us with the basis for this belief. Some attribute our Canadian policies to pure protectionism.
Find out more abotu LHD vs. RHD
Transport Canada instituted the 15 year old import law in 1986 for the benefit of car collectors collecting American muscle cars.
Today many Canadians are taking advantage of this law to import environmentally friendly vehicles from places like Japan and Germany. Given the current concerns with global warming and the movement towards freer trade, it is difficult to understand why Transport Canada wants to change the law to 25 years. Just like back in 1986 the number of imported cars on Canadian roads is extremely low. Out of the more than 18 Million cars in Canada there are no more than 73,000 cars that fall under the 15 year import rule; this is only 0.004% of cars on the road. And many are driven only on weekends or off-road. Clearly not a threat to the motoring public.
As their owners will tell you, imported cars provide for a need in the marketplace that currently does not exist. Imported vehicles are safe and on average, more environmentally friendly and cost effective than domestic vehicles. Changing the 15 year import law now would be a big mistake and send the wrong message on the environment and free trade. Not only would it negatively impact choice for the car collector, many small businesses across Canada would be destroyed. Keeping the current law is in the best interest of all Canadians. Please Stop the 25 year import law change.
To find out more:Visit the Canadian Association of Vehicle Importers CAVI.ca
Or Send an Email to Transport Canada and tell them how you feel
Printer friendly version of this page.
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