GT-R Post-Build Disaster

Before I begin with the details, note the following for clarification. My disaster experience is rather unique with a mix of bad luck, coincidences, and the domino effect of a broken part. The issues are not related to the shop, mechanic, and tuner I work with. I do not cut corners in my builds whether on parts, or partial upgrades. All upgraded parts installed are TOP TOP. Now onto the details.

The Build

Got my GT-R Black Edition (2014) brand new, back in the states, and started upgrading until reaching FBO by 2016. After that, moved back to Saudi Arabia and worked with the most reputable shop & tuner in the region. On April 2021, with 37K miles (60K km) and after 7 years owning the car / 5 years at FBO with no mechanical issues, I decided to start the big build. Rebuilding the Short Block, Clutches, Gear parts, and Fuel system to Alpha 9 using all AMS Performance parts for the engine, and Dodson Motorsports for the Trans/Clutches. I’ve upgraded ALL the necessary parts to handle 900whp (Parts & Build Details here).

Post-Build & Damage #1 (FWD Gears)

During the break-in period everything was running fine, until about a month later when the FIRST damage began. The gears started making loud noises. Louder than usual for upgraded gear parts. Took it back to the shop, to drop the Trans & inspect…and they found the Factory Circlip, which clips onto the FWD Gear Pinion, broken and came off. A very common issue with GT-Rs. This $0.73 circlip, causes a catastrophe as it did with my FWD Gear Pinion & Output shaft. The clip came off, which loosened the Gear Pinion allowing it to scrape against the Output shaft and damaging both ends.

I had to replace the whole gearset, FWD gear pinion, and upgrade to the Dodson FWD Heavy Duty Gearlock. This Circlip damage causes Damage #2 (Hence, the Domino effect I mentioned). So regardless if you have a stock, FBO, or built GT-R…Guys, replace that factory Circlip ASAP!!!!

Damage #2 (Trans Oil Pump Filters)

A month later, the readings on the Trans Oil Pressure gauge were very low. Back at the shop, and turns out there were damages to both Trans Oil Pump Filters. When the FWD Gear Pinion came off and scraped against the output shaft (Damage 1), tiny metal pieces made their way into the filters clogging them and eventually damaging them. So those had to be replaced. The issue replacing these parts are the labor costs of dropping the Trans.

Damage #3 (Shift Fork 1/R)

8 months later, suddenly lost 1st & Reverse gear and throwed off code P2715 on the COBB AccessPort. That code links to Pressure Control Solenoid (D) being stuck, another common R35 issue caused by dirt, clogs or defective solenoids (Troubleshoot Solenoids here). However, all my Solenoids were fine. The issue turned out to be from my factory Shift Fork 1/R ends being chipped for some “wondering” reason, which neither of us knew why. Common damage factors would be from too much force while shifting, bad clutch, gear synchros sticking out, or just bad TCM tune.

Until Damage #6 later on, I had no idea what caused the damage and honestly still can’t say for sure, but I believe it had something to do with the Gear Synchros. My other WILD guess is metal parts from (Damage #1) made it’s way onto that fork…long shot, but possible. I replaced the part with the Dodson Heavy Duty Billet Shift Fork 1/R.

Damage #4 (Engine Oil Cooler)

2 months later, noticed puddles underneath the car after a drive. The Engine Oil Cooler was leaking. Shop managed to fix it well, instead of a new replacement. This is the only damage that’s unrelated to my post-build disaster, just bad timing haha. Over-time, the coolers tend to leak/break from either road vibrations, corrosion or rust.

Damage #5 (Trans Heat Exchanger, Clutches, Rear Diff)

5 months later, the main drama $h!tshow & unbelievable coincidences began! First, I decided to switch from COBB to Ecutek and had a custom tune with TCM tuning as well. On my first 2 cold starts, the car would jerk forward a little and then stalls. Starts back normally on the 2nd time. I thought the battery was dying and replaced it.

Next, went on my first drive with the new EcuTek tune. I noticed some heaviness as I drove out, but fades as soon as the RPMs pick up. I had the CP/TP all set to 0,0,0,0 and then adjusted to +2,+2,+2,+2 and still felt that heaviness.

I then proceeded to do my first pull and just when I hit about 15psi at 3K RPMs, a massive boost cut, went on limp, and 1 code popped: P0011 (Camshaft Position A – Timing Over Advanced B1). I parked, cleared the code, and did a 2nd gear relearn and adjusting all to -1,-1,-1,-1. Drove off again, and suddenly got both ECM/TCM CEL and lost, I think 1st gear. (I can’t remember which. At that point I was too frustrated to focus). The same P0011 ECM code appeared and TCM code: P283C (Shift Fork C Position).

Got a flatbed the next day to take it to the shop. Started the car, same stall again, but now driving off slowly felt even heavier, almost like you’re riding the handbrake. Sudden bangs from the Rear Differential, especially while reversing.

At the shop the engine was checked first, and noticed the Coolant fluids had a white milky texture. Next, all engine & trans fluids were drained and the trans fluid was also very milky. Result was from a crack in the Trans Heat Exchanger, which was pushing oil into the water line and contaminating the coolant (explains the milky texture). But wait, there’s more…

With all the contaminated fluids seeping all over, the shop had to drop down the trans AGAINNN to inspect the clutches & gears. As they expected, fluid all over with damages to all my Dodson Clutches, which had to be replaced. (writing this now is boiling my nerves just thinking about how many times I had to pay for Trans labor…google it, it’s a B**ch! and now a new set of Dodson 8/8/ clutches, it’s like I’m building 2 GTRs). anyways..

The other major issue was the Rear Differential. That heaviness & banging, means the fluids most definitely made its way into the diff. Rear Diff damage is the MOST annoying part you can damage in the R35…Why? Because there is no part replacement you can buy! The Rear Diff is attached to the Transmission…you want it from Nissan? You buy a whole new GR6 transmission, which is ~$20K..no thank you, I’ve already sunk in costs on repairs with almost half the amount it cost me building the car!! The only other option is looking for a totaled GTR with a mint rear diff, and buy it off, which I ended up doing with the help of the shop finding the diff in UAE.

As for the P0011 Camshaft timing issue, which is usually caused by clogs / dirt in the VVT Solenoids, or Timing Chain damage and skipping a tooth. Chains were fine, but went ahead with replacing the Chain Tensioners, Cam Sprockets, and VVT Solenoids. Guess what? P0011 still coming up & throws into limp.

Damage #6 (Shift Fork 2/4)

Still with the injured rear diff, I had a couple of slow drives out until suddenly TCM up again killing all gears except 2nd & 6th…and loud gear whines and grinds. 2 TCM codes: P2841 (Shift Fork D Pos) and P284B (Shift Fork C Stuck). Back at the shop again, to find out that the Factory Shift Fork 2/4 broke, along with the Gear Synchros. Both need to be replaced with the Dodson Heavy Duty 2/4 & Dodson GR6 Synchros.

And the solution for the Camshaft timing issue (P0011), the engine needs a full Refresh by replacing all the Engine Bearings, Full Engine Gasket Kits, Engine Oil Pump, Fluids and probably Spark Plugs.

At that point (Mid October, 2022), I was too frustrated with the hit after hit, costs of damage replacements and labor, and the hunting for the rear diff & getting a good deal on it. Took a break. Until we found the Rear Diff, by end of Nov. so go that at least.

For now, car is still at the shop until I give the green light to strip that b!*ch down fully and rebuild…praying to god I don’t get a phone call post-strip saying “guess what else we found is broken” : ‘( So here’s that update.

My 2 cents take good care of your builds, when a part fails do a through check on other components that might be affected by that part to avoid that domino, and sh!t happens with builds so don’t give up on her yet.

Until then, stay tuned. That’s if I have any body parts left unsold