R31
Australian R31[edit]
Early 1986 to mid 1988 were Series 1 and 2
- Pintara
- GX
- GXE
- Silhouette
- Ti
- GTS1
Late 1988 to 1990 were Series 3
- Pintara
- Executive
- GX
- GXE
- Silhouette
- Ti
- GTS2
You will find pictures of most models here.
Identification[edit]
- The locations of the various identification plates, and how to translate what is on the plates.
- SVD GTS vehicles have an additional plate on the firewall, as shown in the GTS2 chapter.
* Transmission codes translate as follows:
- FS5W71C = manual transmission
- 4N71B = automatic transmission
- E4N71B = automatic transmission
Series Differences[edit]
While the shape of the Pintara stayed the same, the Skyline underwent some changes.
- The differences between the series 1, 2 and 3 Skyline are mainly cosmetic.
- Series 1 and 2 has a square-ish front, series 3 has a more angled front.
- Series 1 and 2 has strip style tail lights, series 3 has hotplates.
- Series 1 Silhouette was painted a solid colour, grey lower half was introduced with series 2.
- Series 3 Silhouette received a new rear spoiler
Series 3 also included some slight mechanical changes. Amongst these was an updated gearbox.
The series 1 and 2 Skyline models use a combination lamp assembly with a composite lamp mounted on the inner side of the combination lamp. The combination lamp consists of an outer low beam and an inner high beam. The composite lamp is a high beam.
For more information, see the Headlights article.
- Front end
- The series 3 Ti has a different bonnet and grille.
- The standard series 3 bonnet extends nearly half way down the centre of the headlight.
- The series 3 Ti bonnet is shorter, so the grille is taller to compensate.
- A different shaped filler panel is used to accommodate the new bonnet/grille/headlight combo.
- Tail lights and rear garnish
- Series 1 and 2 tail lights are the same as Pintara, but Pintara has no coloured strip in the centre.
- Series 3 tail lights are commonly known as "hot plates".
- Series 1 and 2 Skyline has a flat rear garnish.
- Series 3 rear garnish is shaped to follow the slight curve of the tail light cover.
- Series 3 tail lights with the plastic cover removed
For more info on this, check the Tail lights -Taking apart tinting sealing article.
If you would like information on how to update the front (or rear) of your R31 Skyline or Pintara,
check out the Series 1 and 2 to series 3 front and rear conversion article.
Accessories and trim[edit]
This is not exact, it is just a rough guide, some trim will vary.
- Paint codes and corresponding trim details can be found here.
| Available Feature -- Model | GX | Executive | GXE | Silhouette | Ti |
| Power Steering | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 4 Wheel Disc Brake | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Auto Transmission | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Manual Transmission | Y | N | Y | Y | N |
| LSD | N | N | N | Y | N |
| Speedometer | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Tachometer | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Fuel and Temp. Gauge | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Volt Gauge | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Oil Pressure Gauge | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Seat Belt Warning Light | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Low Fuel Warning Light | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Rear/Brake Lamp Failure Warning Light | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Trip Computer | N | N | N | Y | Y |
| Cruise Control | N | N | N | N | Y |
| Power Mirrors | Y* | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Leather? Steering Wheel | N | N | N | Y | Y |
| Central Locking | N? | ? | N | N | Y |
| Velour Trim | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Velour Door Trim | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Velour Roof Lining | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Adjustable Lumbar Support Driver | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Adjustable Lumbar Support Passenger | N | N | N | N | Y |
| Front Headrest | Y | Y | Y Adjustable | Y Adjustable | Y Adjustable |
| Adjustable Seat Height Driver | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Door Armrest | Vinyl | Vinyl | Velour | Velour | Velour |
| Rear Headrest | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Rear Centre Armrest | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Split Fold Rear Seat | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Front Door Map Pockets | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Interior Carpet | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y (Plush) |
| Kickpads | N | N | N | Y | Y |
| Front Maplight | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Console Bin Lid | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Door Step Lamp | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Time Delay Interior Light | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Boot Light | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Illuminated Ashtray, Glovebox and Ignition Switch | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Extra Boot Carpet | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Rear Headphone and Volume Adjustment | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Sound System | 2 Speakers | 2 Speakers | 4 Speakers | 4 Speakers | 4 Speakers |
| Power Antenna | N | N | N | N | Y |
| Powered Windows | N | N | N | N | Y |
| Air Conditioning | Optional | Optional | Y | Y | Y |
| Chrome Grille | N | N | N | N | Y |
| Body Coloured Bumper | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 Tone Paint | N | N | N | Y | N |
| Alloy Wheels | N | N | N | Y | Y |
| Chrome Strip -Bumper and Body Moulding | N | N | N | N | Y |
| Extra Sound Deadening | N | N | N | N | Y |
- series 1/2 Only.
GTS1[edit]
- Nissan SVD released the GTS1 in late 1988.
- 200 were made.
- They were all white.
- Manual transmission only.
- Sedan only.
- RB30E engine.
- 16" mags
- LSD.
The GTS1 was based on the early Silhouette.
It has the same front air dam as the series 1 and 2 Silhouette, LSD, 11 spoke 16" white powder coated mags, rear spoiler, sports interior, stage 1 camshaft, extractors, 2.25" exhaust and oil cooler.
In order to try and track down the remaining GTS vehicles, we have created the GTS Register, which lists the build number of the vehicle, the state the vehicle was last known to be registered in, and the vehicles status -active, stolen or RIP.
- Media
- GTS1 brochure (478 KB .pdf)
- GTS1 Technical bulletin (2.18 MB .pdf)
GTS2[edit]
- Nissan SVD released the GTS2 in 1989.
- Sedan only.
- 200 were made.
- They were all red.
- Manual and automatic transmission
- 16" mags
- RB30E engine
LSD, 6 spoke 16" white powder coated mags, rear spoiler with stop lamp, sports interior. 97 of these vehicles were blessed with a manual transmission, while the remaining 103 recieved an automatic transmission. Stage 3 camshaft, original ECU piggy backed to run ignition timing for camshaft, ported exhaust ports, extractors, 2.5' exhaust, oil cooler and auxiliary auto transmission cooler.
GTS2 camshaft is similar to AVO stage 3 camshaft. It has a piggyback to the ECU to modify injection pulse width/timing.
The piggyback was used because Nissan/Bosch agreement on warranty did not allow standard ECU to be modified. Changes are similar to Chiptorque HP3 (which increase richness around idle, leaner and more advanced timing around mid to top end)
Porting - increase flow at low valve lift figures. In the GTS2 it is only really seen at about 6000 rpm (not achieved with regular driving). Must match valve cutting and flow to be effective. GTS2 apparently only has the exhaust ported.
In order to try and track down the remaining GTS vehicles, we have created the GTS Register, which lists the build number of the vehicle, the state the vehicle was last known to be registered in, and the vehicles status -active, stolen or RIP.
- Media
- GTS2 brochure (621 KB .pdf)
- Niche Picker, Wheels magazine article.(609 KB .pdf)
- GTS buying guide, ZOOM magazine article. (1.07 MB .pdf)
- GTS2 Review, Car Australia magazine article. (311 KB .pdf)
- GTS2 "The Sequel", Motor magazine article. (1.78 MB .pdf)
Ti[edit]
The Ti is the top of the range, luxury R31.
- Made in Australia between 1986 - 1990
- RB30E motor
- Automatic transmission only.
- Sedan only.
- Full electrics and plush interior.
- 15" mags.
- Exterior Distinguishing Features
Radio Antenna fitted on left rear quarter panel next to boot.
Series 1 and 2 have a colour coded strip on the tail lights.
GX[edit]
The GX is the base model of the R31 series.
- Made in Australia between 1986 - 1990.
- RB30E motor.
- Manual and automatic transmission.
- Sedan and wagon.
- Exterior Distinguishing Features
Hubcaps, Standard Radio Antenna located about drivers door.
GXE[edit]
The GXE is a slightly upperclass version of the GX.
- Made in Australia between 1986 - 1990
- RB30E motor.
- Manual and automatic transmission.
- Sedan and Wagon.
- Exterior Distinguishing Features
- Hubcaps (series 1 and 2 different to series 3)
- Radio Antenna located on rear left quarter panel next to boot.
- Series 1 and 2 have colour coded strip on the tail lights.
Good enough to win "Car of the year"!
Executive[edit]
The Executive was a base model much like the GX, but in Series 3 and automatic form.
- Made in Australia from late 1988 - 1990
- RB30E motor.
- Automatic transmission only.
- Sedan and wagon.
- Exterior Distinguishing Features
- Standard Radio Antenna located about drivers door.
Silhouette[edit]
The Silhouette is the "sports" version of the R31.
- Made in Australia between 1986 - 1990
- RB30E motor
- Manual and automatic transmission.
- Sedan only.
- 15" mags.
- LSD.
- Exterior Distinguishing Features
- Radio antenna located above centre of the windscreen
- Front air dam on series 1 and 2,
- Silhouette Stickers/labeling, Some have black painted trim over top of doors(normally chrome plated).
Pintara[edit]
- Made in Australia between 1986 - 1989
- CA20E motor
- Manual and automatic transmission.
- Sedan and wagon
Models
- GLi
- GX
- Executive
- GXE
- TRX
There was a "TRX" package available for the GX and GXE Pintara.
The bodykit included a front and rear air dam, rear spoiler, side skirts, grille, and alloy wheels.
Wagons[edit]
The Skyline and Pintara were also both available in wagon form.
Models
- Skyline GX
- Skyline GXE
- Skyline Executive
- Pintara GXE
- Pintara GX
The series 3 Skyline wagon received the same updated front as the series 3 sedans.
 |
 |
|
| Early Skyline/Pintara | Series 3 Skyline | Wagon profile |
Japan[edit]
HR31 started being built in 1985. Models ranged from 2 door coupe to 4 door hardtop and 4 door sedan. The 4 door sedans are basically the same as the Australian built R31. The 4 door hardtop is actually similar to sedan, but doesn't have a B-pillar hence "pillarless" term often used, it also has a lower roof-line.
Models[edit]
- 1800 Passage
- 1800 G
- 1800 Extra G
- 1800 Excel
- 2DOOR GTS-X TWINCAM 24VALVE TURBO
- 2DOOR GTS TWINCAM 24VALVE TURBO
- 2DOOR GTS-X TWINCAM 24VALVE
- 2DOOR GTS TWINCAM 24VALVE
- 2DOOR GTS-X
- GT PASSAGE TWINCAM 24VALVE TURBO
- GTS TWINCAM 24VALVE TURBO
- GT PASSAGE TWINCAM 24VALVE
- GTS TWINCAM 24VALVE
- GT PASSAGE TURBO
- GT PASSAGE
- GT PASSAGE D
- GT EXCEL
- GT EXCEL D
- STATION WAGON
- GTD
- PASSAGE GT-D
- HR31 GT Passage LIMITED EDITION
- GTS-X
- GTEX
- GTSN spare parts list model type
- 1800 V
- 1800 G
- 2000 Y taxi?? od cancel on dash bench seat?as per Laurel
- Tommy Kaira M20
- Tommy Kaira M30
- Autech
GTS-R:
There were 800 of these vehicles produced.
- Engine: RB20DET-R, 2,029cc, 6-Cylinder in-line DOHC 24VALVE
- Bore x Stroke: 78.55 x 69.7mm
- Performance: Max.Power: 400PS/7,200rpm
- Max.torque: 42.0kg-m/6,000rpm,
- Weight: 1,180kg
- Dimensions: Overall length x width x height: 4,660 x 1,690 x 1,325mm
- Wheelbase: 2,615mm, Tracks: Front 1,469mm, Rear 1,465mm
- Transmission: 5-speed, Manual, Floor-shift
Picture from unknown source (if you know where it came from let us know!)
Engines[edit]
CA18S RB20E RB20ET RB20DE RB20DET RD28
Accessories and trim[edit]
- Four different trim levels: Advance, Modern, New Classic, GTS
- HICAS 4 Wheel steering
- GT Auto-spoiler
- ASCD cruise control
- Automatic windscreen wipers
- Automatic headlights
- Cornering lamps
- Air bag front seats
- Climate control air-conditioning
- Fold in rear view mirrors
- Keyless entry
- 5 stack tape deck, premium sound system
- 2 mode power steering
Headlights
- The early Japanese R31 had headlights and grille similar to a Pintara
- "Projector" or "Parabola" type headlights were fitted to the newer updated models.
- There was also a Japanese headlight very similar in appearance to the Australian series 3.
Tail lights
- Early Japanese import tail lights are commonly called "stove tops".
- The matching rear garnish is flat.
South Africa[edit]
For more detail information and pictures follow this link: R31 Skyline Club South Africa
July 1987 to November 1989 were the "New Era"
December 1989 to December 1992 were the "Face-lift"
- 2.0GL - CA20S
- 2.0GLE - CA20S
- 2.0SGLi - RB20E
- 3.0SGLi - RB30E
You will find pictures of all the models here.
Identification[edit]
- The location of the identification plate where you can find the model code, can be found here
The following table shows the model codes, model description, build dates and built numbers 
Series Differences[edit]
The Skyline underwent some minor changes during a facelift at the end of 1989.
- The differences were as follows
- New Era has a square-ish front (as Australian series 1 and 2), facelift has a more angled front (as Australian series 3)
- New Era GL and GLE models had black bumpers, facelift models had colour coded bumpers.
- New Era bumpers and side strips had a chrome insert, facelift bumpers didn't.
- New Era rear garnish was silver/grey, facelift garnish is semi-gloss black.
- New Era had brown or blue dashboard, facelift only came with black dash.
- Facelift had different style seats.
- Facelift had re-profiled rear wheel arches, giving some 50mm more rear leg room.
- Facelift 6-cylinder SGLi models had a new Electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Headlights and Front end
The South African Skyline models all use a combination lamp assembly. The combination lamp consists of an outer low beam and an inner high beam.
- The bonnet of the facelift model is the same as on the Australian series 3 Ti
- The facelift has a uniquely South African grille
- A different shaped filler panel is used to accommodate the new bonnet/grille/headlight combo.
Rear and side
- New Era rear garnish is silver/grey, facelift garnish is semi-gloss black
Photos showing the exact differences can be seen here
Accessories and trim[edit]
This is not exact, it is just a rough guide, some trim will vary.
- A rough guide to the colours the South African model came in can be found here
| Available Feature -- Model | 2.0GL | 2.0GLE | 2.0SGLi | 3.0SGLi |
| Power Steering | N | Y | Y | Y |
| 4 Wheel Disc Brake | N | N | Y | Y |
| Auto Transmission | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Manual Transmission | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Independent Rear Suspension | N | N | Y | Y |
| LSD | N | N | N | N |
| Speedometer | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Tachometer | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Fuel and Temp. Gauge | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Volt Gauge | N | N | Y | Y |
| Oil Pressure Gauge | N | N | Y | Y |
| Seat Belt Warning Light | N | N | Y | Y |
| Low Fuel Warning Light | N | N | Y | Y |
| Rear/Brake Lamp Failure Warning Light | N | N | Y | Y |
| Trip Computer | N | N | N | N |
| Cruise Control | N | N | N | Y |
| Power Mirrors | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Power Windows | N | N | Y | Y |
| Adjustable Tilt Steering | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3-spoke Sport Steering Wheel | N | N | N | Y (facelift) |
| Central Locking | N | N | Y | Y |
| Cloth Trim | Y | Y (Velour Cloth) | N | N |
| Velour Trim | N | N | Y | Opt |
| Leather Trim | N | N | Opt | Y |
| Adjustable Lumbar Support Driver | Y (New Era) | Y (New Era) | Y (New Era) | Y (New Era) |
| Adjustable Lumbar Support Passenger | N | N | N | N |
| Front Headrest | Y | Y | Y Adjustable | Y Adjustable |
| Adjustable Seat Height Driver | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Centre Console with Glovebox | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Rear Headrest | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Rear Centre Armrest | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Split Fold Rear Seat | N | N | N | N |
| Front Door Map Pockets | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Interior Carpet | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Drivers Footrest | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Front Maplight | N | N | Y | Y |
| Time Delay Interior Light | N | N | Y | Y |
| Boot Light | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Illuminated Ashtray, Glovebox and Ignition Switch | Y? | Y? | Y | Y |
| Instrument Dimmer Switch | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Sound System | N | 2 Speakers | 4 Speakers | 4 Speakers |
| Power Antenna | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Remote Boot & Fuel Flap Release | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Air Conditioning | Optional | Y | Y | Y |
| Body Coloured Bumper | N (Y on facelift) | N (Y on facelift) | Y | Y |
| Black Door Frames | N | N | Y | Y |
| Alloy Wheels | N | N | Y (14") | Y (15") |
3.0SGLi[edit]
- This was the top-of-the-range Skyline in South Africa.
- RB30E engine with 126kW and 260Nm.
- Manual and automatic transmission.
- Independent rear suspension.
- 4-wheel disc brakes.
- 15" mags.
- Leather upholstery.
- Remote radio controls.
- Cruise control.
- 3-spoke sports steering wheel on the facelift model .
The 3.0SGLi shares all its underpinnings with the smaller-engined 2.0SGLi.
The only differences is changed gear ratios, bigger wheels and tyres and obviously the engine.
The interior specification adds leather, cruise control, remote radio controls, premium sound system and (in the case of the facelift model) climate control on top of the specification of the 2.0SGLi.
2.0SGLi[edit]
- The 2.0SGLi is the smaller engined brother of the top-of-the-range 3.0SGLi.
- RB20E motor with 85kW and 174Nm
- Manual and automatic transmission.
- Independent rear suspension
- 4-wheel disc brakes
- 14" mags
- Velour upholstery
The 2.0SGLi has central locking, luxury velour trim, extra instrumentation, maplights, a 4-speaker sound system, independent rear suspension and 14" alloys on top of the specifications of the 2.0GLE.
2.0GLE[edit]
- The GLE is the higher specced version of the base model 2.0GL.
- CA20S motor with 78kW and 163Nm.
- Manual and automatic transmission.
Mechanically similar to the 2.0GL, the GLE specification adds power steering, air conditioning, velour cloth upholstery, 2-speaker sound system with electrically operated antenna and mudflaps.
2.0GL[edit]
- The 2.0GL is the base model.
- CA20S motor with 78kW and 163Nm.
- Manual and automatic transmission.
The CA20-engined models had a live rear axle with drum brakes at the rear. Being the base model, it came without air conditioning, power steering, a sound system or central locking. It has cloth upholstery, adjustable steering tilt, instrument brightness adjust, remote boot and fuel flap release and 14" steel wheels with plastic wheel covers
See also[edit]
Compiled by
Fenn, SKY031, EDS33T, Chooch, Docomo, davehoos, Skylinefreak, DANS-GT-R31, Redline