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Maintenance Requirements for 1989-1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R

Sean Morris Posted on October 18, 2018
1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 imported to the USA
1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) legally imported to the USA by Importavehicle.com

Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 (1989–1994): Maintenance, Service Intervals & Specs

Browse Skyline GT-R Generations:

How much maintenance does a stock R32 need?
The 1989–1994 R32 Nissan Skyline shares many parts (and suppliers) with other Nissan models, so routine service is straightforward once you know what to plan for. If a car has no service records, assume maintenance has not been done and budget for the basics: fluids, spark plugs, and a timing belt service at minimum. At Toprank Importers, we list the work we’ve performed in each vehicle listing so you can buy with confidence.

R32 GT-R Buyer’s Checklist (Quick Inspection + First-Service Plan)

Use this as a quick “what to check first” list when buying a stock-ish R32—especially if service history is unknown.

Before you drive it hard
  • Fluids: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering.
  • Timing belt status: if unknown, plan timing belt + water pump service.
  • Boost / vacuum leaks: inspect intercooler piping, clamps, and hoses.
  • Ignition: confirm spark plugs type/condition; check coil pack boots/connectors.
  • Cooling: radiator cap condition, leaks, and stable temps at idle.
  • Brakes: pad thickness, rotor condition, and pedal feel (no sinking/spongy feel).
Common “age items”
  • Old tires (dry rot) even if tread looks good.
  • Cracked vacuum lines and hardened coolant hoses.
  • Worn suspension bushings and ball joints.
  • Old battery/charging issues (especially after storage).
Drivetrain / AWD system basics
  • Transmission: smooth engagement into 2nd/4th when cold and warm.
  • ATTESA: confirm no AWD warning lights; no binding or weird noises.
  • Differentials: fluid condition/leaks front and rear.
  • Clutch: engagement point, slip in higher gear pulls, and shudder.
Paperwork / compliance
  • Title/registration path: confirm your state’s import registration requirements.
  • As-Is sale: understand that imported vehicles are sold without warranty.
  • California: not registerable until brought into CA compliance.
Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, do a “baseline service” (fluids + plugs + filters) before chasing performance issues.

Maintenance Requirements for RB26DETT / R32

 
Air filter element Fram CA4309
K&N 33-2031-2
Every 36,000 miles
Oil 10W-30 or 15W-50 3,000 miles or 6 months
Oil Filter OEM 15208-60U00
Fram PH3682
Mobil 1 M1-208
OEM (R34) 15208-9E000
Every 3,000 miles
Spark Plugs NGK PFR6A-11
BCPR7EIX (one heat range colder iridium)
Every 60,000 miles
Timing Belt OEM 13028-20P25
Tensioner - 13070-42L00
Idler - 13074-58S00
Tensioner Spring - 13072-58S10

Water Pump - 21010-21U26
N1 Water Pump - 21010-24U27

Oil Seal - Camshaft (x2) 13042-16V00
Oil Seal - Crankshaft Front - 13510-19V00
Every 60,000 miles
Suspension ball joint grease Grease Every 72,000 miles or 4 years
Manual transmission fluid GL-4 75–90
OR Redline Shockproof Heavy (we recommend)
Every 60,000 miles or 2 years
Differential Fluid - Front GL-5 85W-90 or Shockproof Heavy
Front diff fill plug - 00931-2121A
Front diff drain plug (magnet) - 32103-01A01
Every 60,000 miles or 2 years
ATTESA Fluid - Center Nissan Automatic Fluid D Every 60,000 miles or 2 years
Differential Fluid - Rear LSD GL-5 80W-90 or Shockproof Heavy + LSD additive Every 60,000 miles or 2 years
Fuel Filter Purolator F44663 (same as 1996 Infiniti J30) Every 15,000 miles
Wiper Blades Right Front
Left Front
Rear
19.5 in
18.5 in
16 in
Radiator Cap OEM 21430-4B700  
Brake Pads - Front AP460 R-4S
FMSI D460, D647, D1182, HB178
As required
Brake Pads - Rear AP109 .595 R-4S As required
Brake Rotor - Front 296 mm x 32 mm — 40206-05U02 (RH), 40206-05U03 (LH) As required
Brake Rotor - Rear Same as Z32 TT — 43206-05U13 As required
Power steering belt
A/C belt
Alt / Water Pump / Fan
4PK 950
4PK 925
4PK 880
4PK = 4 rib
950 = 950mm

Start Here: The GT-R Maintenance Ecosystem (Baseline Service Strategy)

Think of GT-R ownership as a simple “ecosystem” of baseline work you repeat on a schedule. Most problems on newly-imported cars come from unknown history, old fluids, or aging rubber parts—not exotic failures.

Phase 1: Baseline Service (Day 1–30)
  • Engine oil + filter
  • Coolant service + inspect hoses/clamps
  • Brake fluid flush + inspect pads/rotors
  • Spark plugs + basic ignition inspection
  • Air filter + fuel filter
  • Check for leaks: oil, coolant, power steering
Phase 2: Driveline & AWD (Month 1–3)
  • Transmission fluid
  • Front + rear diff fluids
  • ATTESA center fluid
  • Inspect axles/boots, driveshaft joints
  • Alignment check + tire condition

R32 GT-R Parts & Upgrades

Curated OEM, aftermarket, and rare R32 GT-R parts — updated regularly.

R32 Skyline GT-R

Helpful R32 GT-R Links

Buy USA-legal R32 Skylines at Importavehicle.com!
Buy-R.com for Nissan Skyline GT-R and GT-R parts.

GT-R Alignment Specifications

  BNR34 BCNR33 BNR32
Front Camber -0°50' ±45' -0°50' ±45' -0°55' ±45'
Front Caster 3°55' ±45' 3°55' ±45' 3°40' ±45'
Front Toe (mm) 2~1 0~2 1 ± 1
Front Kingpin 15°20' ±45' 15°20' ±45' 15°25' ±45'
Rear Camber -1°15' ±30' -1°05' ±45' -1°05' ±30'
Rear Toe (mm) 4~0 0~5.2 2 ± 2

Importing JDM Cars to the USA (25-Year Rule)

Toprank Importers specializes in importing and selling JDM (Japanese domestic market) cars. Vehicles 25 years and older can be legally imported to the United States under the federal 25-year rule (by build date). We can also assist with vehicle sourcing, importing from other countries, and special cases like Show or Display and race vehicles.

How to Buy and Store an R34 GT-R in Japan until it’s 25 years old (toprankjdm.com/BuyR34)

Financing Available. Nationwide shipping available.
Contact us: 844-523-2233 or sales@importavehicle.com. FAQ

All vehicles are sold AS-IS. No warranty. Imported vehicles cannot be registered in California until brought into California compliance. Please check your local state laws for title/registration requirements. Federal exemptions: FMVSS at 25 years and EPA at 21 years (state rules may still apply).

Find Your Car: Looking for a car we don’t have in stock—or one that becomes legal soon? Learn more: toprankjdm.com/Find

 
 
 
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