When the R33 made its debut stateside six years ago, enthusiasts were torn, as its styling and cockpit redesign were a far cry from the R32 that preceded it. It didn’t take long for demand to catch up, however, as the chassis was far more powerful, comfortable, and still plenty stylish with cosmetic upgrades. Our 1993 GTS25-t Type M is a certified stunner, originally (KH3) it has been refinished in Midnight Purple (LP2) and set off by a factory rear spoiler, OEM rainguards, Apex’i exhaust, and 17″ Gewalt wheels. It’s also a rare find, with only 62k verified and documented miles on the clock. A few light paint imperfections do little to take away from this turbo coupe’s appeal, and coming in at a fraction of the cost of an R34, it could very well be the more economical buy. It’s a beloved chassis that’s widely supported around the globe, and rewarding every time you get behind the wheel. In other words, it’s a genuine Japanese Classic!
We’re partial to the R33’s interior for a lot of reasons. It fits our larger American frames nicely with increased head and legroom. The upholstery is soft to the touch, the seats are comfortable on longer drives, and the slate of power equipment is easy to access and reliable for daily use. This includes power windows, locks, and mirrors, which function. We installed a USDM Boss headunit to supplement your commute and Bluetooth hands-free tech is ideal for those who prioritize safety. The clarity is fantastic thanks to a couple Kenwood door speakers. Other aftermarket touches include a Greddy shift knob, which adds to the racey aesthetic. This example was clearly well cared for in a prior life, as the patterned cloth bucket seats have resisted any major tears, holes, or bolster wear. The dash is also in good shape overall, showing no cracks or distortion from day to day use. It has a small cut in the center but it’s hardly noticeable. Intuitive in design and easy to operate, the factory digital automatic climate control and radio work like a charm, with the former doling out cold A/C and hot heat on request, ideal for our Virginian clientele. The back seat has enough room to carry the little ones around, and the trunk is still plenty spacious, despite housing the factory 12v battery for better weight distribution. The headliner and carpets are tidy, and if we had to scrutinize the cabin at all we think it’s worth noting some wear to the shifter trim. For those who care about the details, the OEM carpet mats are on hand to protect the cabin against future wear, and the owner’s manuals and maintenance booklets are safely stored in the glove box.
The RB25DET under the hood is a real powerhouse and a fan favorite amongst enthusiasts for its abundant parts availability. It’s also easy to turn a wrench on, although our trained technicians have knocked out some good preventative maintenance and basic service already. We got down and dirty with a comprehensive timing belt and water pump job, where we replaced all new serpentine belts and the thermostat to help regulate internal temps. We also took care of a pesky leak at the valve covers, and installed new gaskets to remedy the issue. We also dropped in six new spark plugs while we were performing the reapir. This six pot fires up with haste thanks to a new 12v battery and purrs at idle through an aftermarket exhaust. A manual gearbox puts power down swiftly to the rear wheels, and we performed a fluid flush in the rear differential to get you on track for future maintenance. Lowered onto new adjustable coilovers, the R33 rides firmly yet corners flat and looks incredible. The brakes bite down hard when called upon. The HICAS rear steering is in good working order, and to optimize traction and maximize comfort, we wrapped the 17″ alloys in fresh rubber, good for tens of thousands of miles of stress-free cruising. New front caster arms were replaced prior to its VA state saftey inspection, too. Freshly aligned, she tracks straight as an arrow and the power steering is communicative and direct.
*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.