Cheap Nissan GT-R Differential

The Nissan GT-R (R35 generation, produced from 2007 onwards) uses the VR38DETT engine throughout, so the engine code stays consistent across that 2012 to 2015 span — however, Nissan updated the GT-R's drivetrain components at various points mid-production, and whether the differential from a 2012 car crosses cleanly into a 2015 car is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration. Give the breaker both registration numbers so they can check the exact spec. Never assume fitment without that check.

The R35 GT-R received a notable update in 2011 and further revisions in 2016, and while the VR38DETT engine and all-wheel-drive layout carried through, differential specifications and associated mounting or electronic calibration details can change across those boundaries. Whether a pre-2016 differential transfers directly into a post-2016 car is something to confirm with the breaker against both registrations rather than assume. Quoting your V5 engine code and the donor car's registration gives the breaker the best chance of verifying the match.

For the GT-R, trim level does not determine which differential is fitted — the mechanical specification follows the engine code (VR38DETT) and the model year, not the badge on the back. A differential from a Premium-trimmed car and one from a Track Edition car of the same year should be the same unit, though cosmetic or interior differences between those trims are irrelevant to the part. Always confirm with the breaker using your registration to be certain, as small production changes can occur within a model year regardless of trim.

The most useful things you can supply are your registration number, the engine code from your V5 (VR38DETT on all R35 GT-Rs), and ideally the registration of the donor vehicle the breaker is pulling the part from. The GT-R uses a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled differentials, so year of manufacture matters alongside engine code. ECU pairing or calibration requirements for the differential are something to raise directly with the breaker rather than assume will be straightforward.

All R35 Nissan GT-Rs sold in the UK use a dual-clutch automated gearbox (ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system), so there is no manual gearbox variant to create a mismatch within the R35 range. Fitment differences between individual car years remain the key variable, and you should still confirm the specific unit against your registration with the breaker. If you are sourcing from a GT-R in another market, be aware that specification differences may apply and should be checked carefully.

Both years fall within the early R35 generation and share the VR38DETT engine, which is a positive starting point, but Nissan made incremental updates to GT-R drivetrain components during those early production years. Whether a 2008 differential fits directly into a 2010 car without any ancillary or calibration differences is something to confirm with the breaker against both registrations rather than take as given. Providing the engine code and both registration numbers gives the breaker what they need to give you a confident answer.