Nissan Skyline 29 (V35/R34): JDM legend with turbo and naturally aspirated

Nissan Skyline 29 - an iconic model that has become a bridge between classic R34 and modern V35/V36. This generation, released from 2001 to 2007, combined aggressive design, advanced technology and legendary engines VQ35DE And RB25DET. For some, this is a family sedan with premium comfort, for others, it is a base for tuning with a potential of 500+ hp.

In this article we will analyze all modifications of Skyline 29, from atmospheric 250GT to turbocharged 350GT, compare them with competitors (Subaru Legacy B4, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution), and also reveal unique problems of the RE5R05A transmission, which the manufacturer has not fully resolved. We will pay special attention to tuning - from firmware ECU before the swap on RB26DETT.

1. History and generations: why Skyline 29 is special

Model code V35 (for Japanese market) and R34 (for export) denotes 11th generation Skyline, which debuted in 2001. This was the first generation to be developed entirely under the auspices of the alliance. Renault-Nissan, which was reflected in the platform FM (Front Midship) - the engine is moved behind the front axle for better weight distribution.

In Japan Skyline 29 sold as Nissan Skyline, and outside of it - like Infiniti G35 (sedan) and Infiniti FX35/FX45 (crossover on the same platform). I wonder what Episode 29 became the last to use the legendary inline six-cylinder RB - in V36 they were replaced by VQ And VR.

• 📅 2001–2003 - debut with engines VQ30DD (3.0 l) and RB25DET Neo (turbo).
• 🔥 2004–2007 — restyling, appearance VQ35DE (3.5 l) and VQ25DD (2.5 l).
• 🏁 2006 - special version Skyline 350GT-8 with a 6-speed manual transmission (rare!).
• 🚗 2007 - cessation of production, transition to V36.

Key difference from R34: Skyline 29 lost all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS in basic versions, but received a more modern suspension Multi-link and electric power steering. Turbocharged versions (25GT-t) saved ATTESA, but in a simplified version.

2. Engines: VQ vs RB - which is better for tuning?

The choice of engine determines the character of the car. VQ-series - these are reliable aspirated engines with the potential for boost, and RB25DET — classic JDM with a turbine and the possibility of swapping RB26DETT.

Engine	Volume	Power (drain)	Torque	Tuning potential	Weaknesses
VQ35DE	3.5 l	280–308 hp*	363–371 Nm	400–450 hp (on stock unit)	Oily appetite, timing chain (stretches to 150 thousand km)
RB25DET Neo	2.5 l	280 hp**	353 Nm	500+ hp (when swapping turbine and intercooler)	Cylinder head gasket, turbine (lifetime ~100 thousand km)
VQ25DD	2.5 l	215 hp	263 Nm	280–300 hp (chip tuning + exhaust)	Poor dynamics, problems with the throttle valve

* In version 350GT power was limited by the Japanese "gentleman's agreement" (280 hp), but in reality the engine produced ~308 hp.

**Turbocharged RB25DET Neo had an electronic speed limit (6800 rpm), which can be easily removed by firmware.

What to choose?

• 🔧 For drag racing: RB25DET - cheaper than swap RB26, but requires investment in a turbine and fuel system.
• 🏁 For the track: VQ35DE with manual transmission - better balance of power and reliability.
• 💰 For daily driving: VQ25DD - the most economical, but weak option.

3. Transmission: weak points of the RE5R05A automatic transmission and rare manual transmission

Most Skyline 29 equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission RE5R05A, which became a headache for the owners. Main problems:

• ⚠️ Overheating: There is no standard ATF cooling radiator, which leads to oil degradation and wear of the clutches.
• ⚠️ Shocks when switching: the fault lies with the solenoids and valve body (solved by replacing Sonnax).
• ⚠️ Lost from 3rd gear: a typical problem after 150 thousand km, requires major repairs.

Solutions:

1. Install an additional ATF cooling radiator (required!).
2. Change oil to Motul Multi ATF or Amsoil ATF every 40–50 thousand km.
3. Flash the box control unit (for example, TCM from UpRev).

Check ATF level (hot!)|Install an external radiator|Replace solenoids with Sonnax|Flash TCM for smooth shifts-->

Mechanical box (FS6R31A) was placed only on 350GT-8 (2006–2007) and is considered reliable, but has weak grip - it is replaced with Spec Stage 2+ at power above 350 hp.

How to check an automatic transmission when purchasing?

1. Warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km).

2. Check mode switching Manual — delays of more than 1 second indicate problems with the solenoids.

3. Pay attention to vibrations during acceleration (the torque converter may be worn out).

4. Look at the color of the ATF: if the oil is dark or smells like burning, the gearbox requires repair.

4. Suspension and steering: what breaks first

Platform FM provided Skyline 29 excellent handling, but the suspension has weak points:

• 🔩 Wheel bearings — fail at 80–100 thousand km (symptom: hum at speeds of 60+ km/h).
• 🛞 Stabilizer bushings — they begin to creak after 50 thousand km (solved by replacing them with polyurethane ones).
• 🔧 Front suspension arms — silent blocks “die” at 120 thousand km.
• 🚗 Electric power steering - may give an error C1130 (torque sensor malfunction).

Suspension tuning recommendations:

• 🏁 For the track: springs Tein Super Street + shock absorbers KW V3.
• 💨 For drag: rear racks BC Racing with adjustable hardness.
• ⚠️ Attention: if lowered by more than 30 mm, the stabilizer mounts will have to be modified.

To diagnose the steering, check:

Консоль → Self-Diagnosis → Steering Angle Sensor

If an error appears C1609, sensor calibration is required (done via Consult III or Nissan DataScan).

5. Electronics and on-board computer: typical mistakes

Skyline 29 equipped with a system Nissan Intelligent Key (keyless entry) and multimedia system Bose with navigation Carwings. Main problems:

• 🔋 The battery in the key is low — leads to blocking of the immobilizer (solved by replacing CR2032).
• 📻 Navigation failure — cards Carwings outdated, but can be flashed on Android Auto through Joying.
• ⚡ Error P0340 (camshaft position sensor) - a common problem on VQ35DE.

How to reset errors?

1. Connect the scanner ELM327 to the connector OBD-II (located under the steering wheel).
2. Use the program Torque Pro or Nissan DataScan.
3. To reset throttle adaptations:

   1. Заглушите двигатель.
   2. Включите зажигание (не запуская мотор).
   3. Нажмите педаль газа до упора и удерживайте 10 секунд.
   4. Выключите зажигание, подождите 30 секунд.

💡

Error P0420 (catalyst) on VQ35DE often appears due to faulty lambda probes. Before replacing the catalyst, check the sensors Bank 1 Sensor 1/2!

6. Tuning: from chip tuning to engine swap

Skyline 29 - one of the most tuned cars in the line Nissan. Let's consider the main directions:

6.1. Atmospheric engines (VQ35DE, VQ25DD)

• 🔥 Chip tuning: firmware UpRev or EcuTek adds 20–30 hp (for VQ35DE).
• 💨 Exhaust: collector 4-2-1 + forward flow HKS Hi-Power (gain ~15 hp).
• ⚡ Supercharger: whale Vortech V-3 or ProCharger (up to 450 hp).

6.2. Turbocharged engines (RB25DET)

• 🌀 Turbine: replacement of standard TD05-16G on Garrett GT2860 (up to 400 hp).
• ⛽ Fuel: injectors Nismo 550cc + fuel pump Walbro 255.
• 🔧 Swap: installation RB26DETT (requires modification of fastenings and wiring).

Swap cost RB26DETT:

Accessories	Price (USD)	Notes
Engine RB26DETT (used)	3000–5000	It is better to take one with mileage up to 80 thousand km
Turbokit Tomei or HKS	2500–4000	Includes intercooler, downpipe, exhaust
ECU Haltech Elite or Link G4+	1200–2000	Necessary for ignition and injection settings
checkpoint OS Giken or Nismo	3500–6000	Clutch Spec Stage 3+ necessarily

What happens if you put RB26 on a stock RE5R05A box?

Stock automatic transmission won't stand it torque over 450 Nm. With a power of 400+ hp. its resource will be reduced to 10–20 thousand km. It is recommended to either swap to CD009 (from 350Z), or installing a sequential box PPG or Holinger.

7. Buying a used Skyline 29: what to look for

Prices for Skyline 29 in Russia and the CIS vary from 800,000 to 2,500,000 rubles (2026), depending on condition and modification. Checklist during inspection:

• 🔍 Body: Check the sills and arches for rust (a typical place is the rear wheel arches).
• 🛢️ Engine:
  • On VQ35DE listen to the knocking of the hydraulic compensators (a characteristic “tractor” sound).
  • On RB25DET check compression (should be 12+ bar in all cylinders).
• ⚙️ Box:
  • On RE5R05A test the smoothness of switching in mode Manual.
  • Check the oil - if it is dark or smells like burning, the box is on the verge of death.
• 📡 Electronics: Make sure all sensors are working (especially AFM And MAP).

Cost of ownership (average figures per year):

• 🛢️ Oil/filters: 15,000–20,000 ₽ (synthetic 5W-40 or 10W-40).
• 🔧 Consumables (brake pads, filters): 30,000–50,000 ₽.
• 🚗 Insurance (CASCO): 40,000–80,000 ₽ (depending on power).
• ⚡ Diagnostics/repair: 20,000–100,000 ₽ (if there are no serious problems).

💡

The most problematic years of production are 2001–2003 (the first batches with raw VQ30DD and weak box). It is better to take restyled models from 2005–2007.

8. Comparison with competitors: which is better?

Skyline 29 competed with Subaru Legacy B4, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII And Toyota Chaser (X100). Let's look at the pros and cons:

Model	Pros	Cons	Price (used, 2026)
Nissan Skyline 29 (VQ35DE)	Reliable engine, comfort, tuning potential	Problematic automatic transmission, expensive suspension repairs	1 200 000–2 500 000 ₽
Subaru Legacy B4 (EJ207)	All-wheel drive, turbo engine, cheaper to maintain	Body corrosion, weak automatic transmission (4EAT)	900 000–1 800 000 ₽
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII	Legendary handling, reliable manual transmission	Hard suspension, noisy interior, problems with 4G63T after 150 thousand km	1 500 000–2 800 000 ₽
Toyota Chaser (1JZ-GTE)	Indestructible engine, simple design	Outdated suspension, weak brakes	800 000–1 500 000 ₽

Conclusion: Skyline 29 wins in terms of comfort and tuning potential, but loses Evo VIII in controllability and Chaser in reliability. If you need fast sedan for the city — VQ35DE with manual transmission. If you want drag car — RB25DET with swap.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline 29

❓ Is it possible to install a 350Z engine on Skyline 29?

Yes, VQ35DE from 350Z (VQ35DE Rev-Up) is installed without modifications to the fastenings, but you will need:

• Firmware ECU (For example, UpRev).
• Exhaust replacement (manifolds are different).
• Modernization of the cooling system (radiator from 350Z wider).

The power increase will be ~20–30 hp. due to better cylinder head and intake.

❓ What oil should I put in VQ35DE?

Recommended oils:

• 5W-40 (synthetic) - Motul 8100 X-Cess, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf.
• 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) - Idemitsu Zepro (if mileage >150 thousand km).

⚠️ Attention: Avoid oils with tolerance API SN - they can cause leaks through the seals (better API SM).

❓ How to distinguish Skyline 29 from Infiniti G35?

Externally, the models are almost identical, but there are key differences:

• Headlights: y Skyline - round (like R34), y G35 - angular.
• Radiator grille: y Skyline - with emblem Nissan, y G35 - without emblem.
• Tail lights: y Skyline - red, y G35 - with white inserts.
• Engines: G35 did not have turbocharged versions (RB25DET was placed only on Skyline).

❓ How much does a swap on RB26DETT cost in Russia?

Average cost (2026):

• Used engine: 200,000–350,000 ₽ (with mileage up to 100 thousand km).
• Turbokit: 150 000–250 000 ₽ (HKS or Tomei).
• checkpoint: 100 000–200 000 ₽ (OS Giken or Nismo).
• Firmware and configuration: 50 000–100 000 ₽.
• Additionally: exhaust, intercooler, fuel system - another ~200,000 ₽.

Total: 700,000–1,100,000 ₽ (excluding work).

❓ Which tires are best for Skyline 29?

Recommended sizes and models:

• Stock wheels (17"): 225/50 R17 — Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (summer), Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (winter).
• Tuning wheels (18"): 235/40 R18 — Yokohama Advan Sport V105.
• For drifting: 245/40 R18 — Federal 595 RS-R (soft, smoke well).

⚠️ Attention: when installing wheels wider 245 mm may rub against the wing - arches need to be rolled out.