Nissan Owner in the US Attempts to Obtain Rare Engine Conversion Kit
Nissan’s Nismo Heritage Parts program offers brand-new components for some of the brand’s most iconic models, such as the R32, R33, and R34 generation Skyline GT-Rs. While many of these parts can be delivered to enthusiasts worldwide, one owner from the United States recently encountered a restriction: a specific part is unavailable to him.
Shareholder Complaints and Search for Solutions
The owner, who is also a company shareholder, shared his frustration on Reddit. He noted that Nissan North America, the dealer parts department, and Nissan Consumer Affairs all refused to sell him the required component. According to the user, Nissan explained that this part cannot be sold outside of Japan and offered the option of shipping the car to Japan for installation.
Dissatisfied with this response, the owner reported that he filed a corporate governance inquiry with the Japan Exchange Group, a complaint with the ADR depository, and contacted the Nissan Board Secretariat. He posed the question: why does the company publicly advertise parts that are prohibited for US customers to purchase?
Program Details and Nature of the Request
However, the situation has important nuances. First, the Nismo Heritage Parts program does not have a separate US website, so the owner was likely browsing the Japanese resource aimed at local consumers. Second, it later became clear which specific part he wants to purchase.
It concerns an expensive conversion kit for the L-series engine to Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC). This kit includes a new cylinder head, increased cylinder bore, head tensioner, sprockets, chain guide and block tensioner, as well as new ignition coils and gaskets. Such a modification allows the classic inline-six engine to develop up to 300 horsepower and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque.
Nissan refuses to sell NISMO heritage parts to U.S. owners — I’m a shareholder and had to escalate this to JPX (Tokyo Stock Exchange)
Limited Series and Installation Conditions
Nissan’s website states that only 300 DOHC kits will be produced, with orders starting in January of next year. The company clearly specifies that installation must be performed by a specialist in L-series engine tuning. The cost of the kit is 3,850,000 yen, or approximately $24,700 USD.
It is unclear whether Nissan is aware of this customer’s complaints or if the company would be willing to sell him the kit. However, this seems unlikely. Nissan sets its own sales policy, and nowhere has it been stated that this kit is available for purchase by customers in the United States.
This story highlights the complexity of global service for car enthusiasts, especially when it comes to exclusive, limited-series parts for historic models. While the Heritage Parts program is an important step in supporting older cars, geographical and legal restrictions sometimes create barriers for international customers. The owner’s desire to upgrade his car using official components is entirely understandable, especially given his shareholder status; however, safety, warranty, and logistics requirements often dictate the availability of such products in different markets. Similar cases can stimulate dialogue between manufacturers and the global enthusiast community to find a balance between exclusivity and accessibility.