Second Hand Nissan GT-R Turbo

The R35 GT-R has been in continuous production from 2007 onwards, all powered by the VR38DETT twin-turbocharged V6, so the engine code is consistent across the entire UK model run. That said, Nissan made running production changes throughout the years, and ancillary fittings, oil feed pipes, and mounting brackets can differ between earlier and later builds, so confirm with the breaker against your exact registration rather than relying on year alone. The VR38DETT code stamped on your engine is the most useful detail to give them.

Both years sit within the R35 generation (2007 onwards) and share the VR38DETT engine code, so the core turbocharger unit is the same family. However, Nissan updated the GT-R specification in 2011 and again in subsequent years, and whether ancillary brackets, wastegate actuators, or oil and coolant connections cross that boundary without modification is something you need to confirm with the breaker against your registration. Always quote your engine code and full VIN when asking for a quote.

For the GT-R, trim level – whether Premium, Black Edition, Track Edition, or Nismo – does not determine which turbocharger is fitted; fitment follows the engine code (VR38DETT) and the model year build specification. The Nismo variant does use uprated turbos as part of its performance package, so a Nismo-sourced unit is not a straight like-for-like swap onto a standard car and vice versa – confirm this carefully with the breaker. For all other trim levels, trim name alone is not the deciding factor.

The GT-R's engine management is sophisticated, and whether a replacement turbo or its associated sensors require any ECU matching or recalibration to your car is not something we can state as fact here. You should confirm with the breaker and discuss with a specialist GT-R technician before purchasing, as an incorrectly mapped setup on a high-output twin-turbo engine can cause serious damage. Never assume a direct plug-and-play swap without checking.

Many GT-Rs in the UK are Japanese domestic market (JDM) grey imports, and while the VR38DETT engine is fundamentally the same unit, JDM cars can have different specification levels and build dates that affect parts compatibility. Give the breaker your full VIN and engine code from the V5C or a VIN check, and flag that it is a grey import so they can match the correct specification. This is especially important with turbos as pipe routing and sensor connections can vary.

The GT-R runs a twin-turbo setup with a nearside (NS) and an offside (OS) turbocharger, and the two units are not identical or interchangeable with each other due to differences in outlet orientation and pipe connections. When getting a quote from a breaker, specify clearly which side has failed – NS (left when facing forward) or OS (right) – to make sure you receive the correct unit. Providing your engine code and registration will help the breaker pull the right part.