If you are looking for a car that combines Japanese engineering of the 80s, cult status and potential for tuning, then Nissan Skyline R31 The 1985 model is one of the brightest candidates. This model has become a transitional link between classic “boxes” R30 and revolutionary R32, laying the foundation for future sports sedans Nissan. In 1985 Skyline received not only an updated design with angular shapes, but also first turbocharged engine in the range RB20ET with electronic injection - a decision that later made the model a legend among enthusiasts JDM.

Today R31 - This is not just a car, but a collectible. He is appreciated for naturally aspirated and turbo engines of the RB series, rear-wheel drive (or all-wheel drive) ATTESA in later versions), as well as electronic “stuffing” unique for that time. However, before buying, you should know: not all copies are equally good. Some require major repairs, others have already undergone restoration and stand like new GT-R 90s In this guide we'll look at technical features, weaknesses, tuning options and current prices on the market.

Technical characteristics of the 1985 Nissan Skyline R31

In 1985 Nissan offered to buyers Skyline in three main bodies: 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe (Hardtop) and station wagon (Wagon). But the main difference lies under the hood. Basic versions were equipped with naturally aspirated engines CA18 or RB20E, and the top ones are turbocharged RB20ET power 180 hp (according to Japanese standards at the time). For comparison: European analogues produced no more than 130–150 hp.

Key Features R31 1985:

  • 🔧 Engines: CA18S/E (1.8 l, 90–110 hp), RB20E/ET (2.0 l, 130–180 hp), diesel LD28 (2.8 l, 95 hp).
  • 🚗 Drive: rear (FR) or full (ATTESA in versions GTS-R since 1987).
  • ⚡ Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission (Jatco).
  • 📏 Dimensions: 4620x1690x1380 mm (sedan), wheelbase - 2615 mm.

The system deserves special attention HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) - rear steering suspension, which improved handling at high speeds. However, today it often becomes a headache for owners due to the complexity of repairs and the lack of spare parts.

📊 Which R31 engine are you interested in?
  • RB20ET (turbo)
  • RB20E (atmo)
  • CA18E (atmo)
  • Diesel LD28
  • Other

RB20ET and RB20E engines: pros and cons

Heart Skyline R31 - these are series engines RB, who later became famous on GT-R R32. In 1985, buyers could choose between atmospheric RB20E (130 hp) and turbocharged RB20ET (180 hp). Both engines had a cast iron block, an aluminum head and a timing belt drive, but differed in potential.

RB20ET - the most desirable option among tuners. Its features:

  • 🔥 Turbine Garrett T25 with intercooler (in later versions).
  • 📉 Boost pressure - 0.5–0.7 bar (depending on the firmware ECU).
  • ⚠️ Weak points: oil burns after 200 thousand km, problems with the turbine (resource ~150 thousand km), oil leaks through the valve cover.

RB20E easier to maintain, but less interesting for tuning. Its advantages: reliability (lifespan up to 300 thousand km with proper care) and low cost of spare parts. Cons: weak dynamics (acceleration to 100 km/h in 10+ seconds) and lack of “safety margin” for boosting.

What are "Redtop" and "Silvertop"?

In the context of the RB20ET, the terms "Redtop" and "Silvertop" refer to the valve cover color and ECU version. The "Redtop" (1985-1988) has a red hood and more conservative firmware, while the "Silvertop" (1988+) has a silver hood and an improved control system. The latter are considered preferable for tuning.

Parameter RB20E (atmo) RB20ET (turbo)
Power, hp 130 180
Torque, Nm 172 225
Fuel consumption (city), l/100 km 10–12 12–14
Resource to capital, thousand km 250–300 200–250
Cost of contract motor, $ 800–1200 1500–2500
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Skyline R31 with RB20ET Be sure to check the condition of the turbine. Typical signs of wear: blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, oil in the intercooler, extraneous noise during acceleration. Replacing the turbine will cost $800–1500, plus tuning ECU.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Nissan Skyline R31 — a reliable car, but 35+ years of operation leave their mark. Here's what to look for during your inspection:

Body and rust:

  • 🚗 Wheel arches and sills are the first zones of corrosion. They often rot from the inside.
  • 🔩 Rear suspension mounts (HICAS) - rust and require welding.
  • 🛑 Spars under the battery - if there are holes there, it’s better not to take the car.

Electrical and electronics:

  • 🔌 Problems with ECU (especially in the early RB20ET). Symptoms: floating speed, errors Check Engine.
  • 💡 The fuses of the climate control unit blow out (a typical problem for everyone R31).
  • 📻 Radio Nissan Clarion often fails - replacing with a modern one is not easy due to the non-standard connector.

Chassis:

  • 🔄 Silent blocks of front levers - resource 50-80 thousand km.
  • 🛞 Wheel bearings “run” 100–120 thousand km, but often come out earlier due to water ingress.
  • 🔧 System HICAS — if it doesn’t work, it is most often turned off (parts cost $500+).

Check the body for rust (arches, sills, side members)|

Start the engine when cold - there should be no knocking or smoke|

Make sure that the turbine (if any) does not "whistle"|

Check the operation of all electrical appliances (window lifters, climate control) |

Inspect the suspension for play and leaks -->

⚠️ Attention: If the seller claims that the car is “completely original”, but there are non-standard pipes or wires under the hood, this is a reason to doubt. Often R31 collected from several donors, masking traces of accidents or corrosion.

Tuning and modernization: what can be done with the R31

Skyline R31 — an excellent platform for tuning, especially if there is RB20ET. Here are the main directions of modernization:

Engine and turbo:

  • 🔥 Replacing the turbine with Garrett T28 or T3/T4 (will require an upgrade of the fuel system and firmware ECU).
  • 🛢️ Installing an oil cooler is critical for forced engines.
  • 🔧 Replacing pistons and connecting rods with forged ones (for example, from JE Pistons) to improve reliability.

Suspension and brakes:

  • 🚗 Installation of stands Tein or BC Racing to improve handling.
  • 🛑 Replacing brake calipers with 4-piston ones from R32 GT-R (will require adapters).
  • 🔄 System shutdown HICAS (unless you're planning on drag racing).

Exterior and interior:

  • 🎨 Repainting in original colors: Wine Red (AH3), Black (KH3), Silver (KL0).
  • 🪑 Replacing seats with sports ones from Recaro or Bride.
  • 📻 Installation of a modern radio with support Apple CarPlay (will require handlebar adapter).
💡

If you plan to tune RB20ET, start by replacing the fuel pump with Walbro 255 l/h and installation of the fuel pressure regulator. This will prevent the engine from starving at high speeds.

How much does a Nissan Skyline R31 cost in 2026?

Prices for Skyline R31 vary greatly depending on condition, configuration and region. In Japan, a “tired” copy costs $3,000–5,000, while restored cars with RB20ET can cost $15,000–25,000. In Russia and the CIS countries the picture is as follows:

Condition Price, $ Notes
Project for restoration 2000–4000 Rust, faulty engine, requires major repairs.
On the go, but with problems 5000–8000 The engine runs, but there are oil leaks and electrical problems.
Good condition (daily driver) 10 000–15 000 No rust, engine is fine, minimal tuning.
Restored (show-car) 20 000–35 000 Full painting, interior like new, souped-up engine.
Rare versions (GTS-R, HR31) 40 000+ Four-wheel drive ATTESA, limited editions.

The cost is affected by:

  • 📄 Availability of original documentation (especially Japanese Shaken).
  • 🔧 Service history (records about replacing the timing belt, turbine, etc.).
  • 🚢 Delivery method: cars brought by sea often suffer from corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful with cars imported from the Baltic states or Poland. They are often “cosmetically” prepared for sale by masking the rust with putty. Check with a thickness gauge!

How to legalize Nissan Skyline R31 in Russia?

Import Skyline R31 to Russia is possible, but associated with bureaucratic difficulties. Main stages:

1. Customs clearance:

  • 📋 A contract with the seller is required (original + translation).
  • 💰 Payment of duties: 54% of the cost (for individuals) or 15% (for legal entities upon certification).
  • 📑 Receipt PTS through the traffic police (examination for compliance with standards will be required).

2. Technical nuances:

  • 🔦 Replacement of headlights with European ones (or installation of “decoys” to pass technical inspection).
  • 📡 Installation Euro 4 catalyst (if you plan to drive around Moscow or St. Petersburg).
  • 🔊 Replacement of the signal with a European one (Japanese “tweeters” do not comply with GOST).

Average cost of legalization: $3000–5000 (including fees and work). An alternative is to buy a car that has already cleared customs, but such vehicles are usually 20–30% more expensive.

💡

The easiest way to legalize is to purchase Skyline R31 through a dealer who handles turnkey customs clearance. This will save time, but will increase the budget by 15–20%.

Nissan Skyline R31 vs competitors: which is better?

In the 80s Skyline R31 there were several direct competitors. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter Nissan Skyline R31 (RB20ET) Toyota Chaser X70 (1G-GTE) Mazda Luce (13B-RE)
Power, hp 180 210 200 (rotor)
Engine reliability ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (resource 200+ thousand km) ⭐⭐⭐ (problems with the turbine) ⭐⭐ (rotor requires frequent maintenance)
Controllability Good (but HICAS complicates setup) Excellent (rear wheel drive + short wheelbase) Medium (heavy nose)
Market price, $ 5000–25 000 8000–30 000 10 000–40 000

What to choose?

  • 🚀 If needed potential for tuning — Skyline R31 with RB20ET.
  • 🏁 If important controllability — Toyota Chaser X70.
  • 🔥 If you want uniqueness — Mazda Luce with a rotary engine.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline R31

Is it possible to put the engine from the R32 GT-R into the R31?

Technically yes, but it is a complex and expensive project. You will need:

  • Replacement of subframe and engine mounts.
  • Transmission adaptation (box from R32 does not fit directly).
  • Replacement of the brake system and suspension for increased power.

Budget: $10,000–15,000 (excluding donor cost).

What kind of oil should I put in the RB20ET?

Recommended semi-synthetics or synthetics with viscosity:

  • 10W-40 for temperate climates.
  • 5W-40 for cold regions.

Volume: 4.5 l (with filter replacement). Replacement interval is every 5000 km (or once a year).

How to distinguish RB20E from RB20ET?

Main external signs:

  • RB20ET has an intercooler and additional pipes.
  • On the valve cover RB20ET there is an inscription "TURBO".
  • RB20E has a simpler intake system (no turbine and bypass).

You can also check by VIN code (the engine is indicated in the 8th character).

How much does Skyline R31 weigh?

Weight depends on the configuration:

  • Sedan: 1200–1300 kg.
  • Coupe (Hardtop): 1150–1250 kg.
  • Station wagon: 1300–1400 kg.

Models with RB20ET 50–80 kg heavier than atmospheric ones due to the turbine and intercooler.

Where can I find spare parts for the R31?

Main sources:

  • 🇯🇵 Japanese showdown: Amayama, JDM Parts.
  • 🇷🇺 Russian groups on VK and Telegram (for example, "Nissan Skyline Club").
  • 🇺🇸 American sites: Enjuku Racing, Z1 Motorsports.

Delivery time from Japan: 1–2 months. Prices for contract parts: from $100 (headlights) to $2000 (engine) RB20ET).