Boost Gauge or Boost Gage in a Nissan Skyline

Voltage, Engine Oil Temperature, and Factory boost gauge in an R32 GT-R

Now look carefully at that boost gauge.  That probably doesn't say what you think it does.  It goes from -7 to +7.  However it isn't psi.  It isn't kg/cm2. It isn't bar.  It is mmHG. Not only is it millimeters of mercury, but it is x 100. 

Since the gauge is divided into equal sections above and below zero we assume the hash marks are 3.5 x 100 = 350 mmHG. 

So if your boost gauge reads to that first hash mark, you are running around 6.7 psi of boost.  A factory R32 GT-R should be slightly above that mark, or about 10 psi of boost.

If your boost gauge pegs at 700 mmHG, you are running above 13.5 psi of boost.   Running too much above about 1 bar of boost, on stock ceramic turbos is not recommended.

Missing ceramic exhaust wheel

If you are modifying the car, get a real boost gauge, so you have a proper indicator of boost, because no one real, runs less than 14 psi anyway.

Look a perfectly removed ceramic exhaust wheel. 

Head back to the basics here.

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Where do I tap my RB26 for a Boost Sensor , or Boost Gauge?

The sensor on the left is a factory Nissan Skyline boost sensor. The one on the right is an aftermarket sensor

I have gotten this question a few times.  Seems like there are some special strawberries out there, that need their hand held, and shown exactly how something should be done. Step by step, no thought process, or reasoning required.  So here you go.

The factory boost sensor in a Nissan Skyline GT-R only drives the gauge on the dash.  That is it. It is not an input in the ECU for engine control.  The small line on it often comes off the balance tube as it gets hardened with heat over time.  They are often split.  It is a tough line to see on the car, but you can feel it fairly easily.  The balance tube is the cast aluminum piece under the plastic wiring harness.

This tube supplies the OEM boost gauge. If you want a signal pick it up here. This is the top of the balance tube. This is the rear part of the balance tube.  It is upside down to how it is mounted in the car. 

OEM fuel pressure regulator. Line has been tapped to add a boost gauge. DO NOT DO THIS

Do not tap off the fuel pressure regulator line.  Sure its easy to get to.  Sure the boost controller manual says to tap there, DON'T.  Every extra T you add, adds failure points in a very critical system.  More info

Apex'i says to tap into the individual ports to supply a source to their boost sensors for a Power FC D-Jetro.  We have tried it. It doesn't provide a very stable or consistent source, as you aren't getting a summed value, rather just a few cylinders.  Despite what the instructions say, connecting them to the rear of the balance tube, seems to make tuning the Power FC D-Jetro much easier. 

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Throw Out Bearings for Nissan Skyline and RB26dett

There are two main types or styles of throw out bearings (TOB) for a Nissan Skyline, push and pull.  There is a third style that isn't OEM for these cars, but is used OEM on many later cars which is a hydraulic throw out bearing.

If you are swapping or changing parts on a push style transmission. You should always check for free play.  Free play is the distance between the clutch face and the throw out bearing. If you have too much free play the clutch will not disengage.  If you have too little, the clutch will always slip and you will burn it out. Ask me how I know about that last part.   I have installed clutches, not checked free play, and hurt the clutch just cruising around.  Don't be like me. Check and see. Many aftermarket clutches require a different throw out bearing. Know what clutch you have, and what the manufacturer recommends. If you don't have instructions, then you are going to have to ask the Google.

OEM R32 GT-R early clutch. Notice clutch fingers. This is a push clutch

Factory Clutch
R32 GTR(There are early and late R32, so double check this)
Disc- C0100-05U15
Cover-30210 - 05U01
Bearing- 30502-21000
R33 GTS
Disc- 30100-21U01
Cover- 30210-21U00
Throw out bearing- 30502-12U00 (300ZX part) or 30502-45P00 (300ZX part)
Bearing Sleeve- 30501-S0200 (18mm)
R33 GTR
Disc- 30100-0V708
Cover- 30210-24U00
Bearing- 30502-12U00
R34 GTR
Disc- 30100-0V708
Cover-30210 - AA300
Bearing- 30502-12U00

Nissan Skyline throw out bearing carrier. These are available in many different heights. It is important to check free play

Depending on what clutch, and flywheel you are running, you may need a new throw out bearing sleeve for the early, push style clutches. The height listed is from the front side of the fork to the seat position of the bearing.

30501-22102 8mm
30501-B5000 10mm
30501-A3800 12mm
30501-N1601 14mm
30501-U0200 16mm
30501-S0200 18mm

30501-B6000 20mm
30501-S0160 22mm
30501-K0404 24mm
30501-K0510 26mm

30501-1C104 28mm

30501-U8584 32mm

The height of the carrier sets your free play.  I don't know what yours is, I don't know what carrier it should be. You can reuse the old parts and hope. You can read the instructions that came with your clutch for guidance.  Please don't ask me which you need. You have to assemble and measure/ check free play. 

OS Giken TOB sleeve recommended lengths. 

All the early cars have push style clutches.  That is 1989- Jan 1993.  However, it is 2019.  You don't know what happened in your cars life. If you blindly chose parts without checking, you are probably in for a rude awakening. Look at the car, its pretty easy to check, and know if your car is push or pull clutch. You don't want to find that out, after you have ordered parts from Japan, have the transmission out, and realize you have the wrong part.   The later transmission bellhousings normally have both bosses on them for either throw out bearing. However the early transmissions do not have the later bosses on them.

Late R32 bellhousing. This has bosses for push and pull clutch. It is currently a push clutch, or early.

This is a conversion kit from OS Giken to convert a pull style transmission to a push style clutch. 

Getrag with a pull to push conversion kit for an ATS carbon clutch

Hydraulic throw out bearing and a Tilton triple plate carbon clutch. This is a big boy clutch

Hydraulic throw out bearing on a Getrag transmission

The later cars, and the R34 GT-R all have pull style of clutches. Part numbers are above.

How to release a pull style throw out bearing

Pull style clutch. Notice ring at center

Showing throw out bearing for a pull clutch

Nissan Skyline GT-R Transmission information
Clutch
Clutch Weights
How to install a 6 speed Getrag in a R32/R33 GT-R

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10 Steps to Prep an RB Block - Platinum Tech

In this episode of Platinum Tech we look at 10 steps to prep your RB block for a build. From measuring and cleaning to machining and the little special touches.

1. Check bore thickness
2. Clean
3. Drill for over sized studs
4. Machine annular groves
5. Machine for brace
6. Grout filling if required
7. Tunnel bore and hone
8. Offset cylinder bore and hone
9. Deck block
10. Final Clean

Watch the video for more information


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