Advice needed 2+2 NA

Hello guys, I purchased my 89 J spec zed a month ago. I have been stalking this forum and finally decided to pop up and say hi

I am not looking to do a TT swap (at least currently) as NA engine is just easier to maintain.

Odo is 160k. I have done the major timing belt service. Replaced all belts, water pump and upgraded to an UD pulley. Spark plugs have been changed too. I need some advice and directions on what to do next.

1. Header - I bought the Top speed header because the factory one is making crazy rattling noise (I think it's the heat shield). I am wondering what else can be changed when doing this job? I am thinking replace the tie rods, tension rods and upper control arm.

2. Plenum pull - have all the valve cover gasket. Wondering if it's a good time to replace/upgrade fuel injectors and fuel rail?

3. 98 spec manual transmission - current one grinds between 3rd and 4th. Have tried Redline 90 with no noticeable difference. This is an expensive upgrade. I have read some negative feedback around the new tranny. Just wondering if anyone has done a swap and whether it's worth it?

Thanks a lot guys and have a good day.

 

Hi hypervel, welcome aboard.

I would suggest you get yourself a notebook & start recording how much you are spending on your recently acquired 1989 JDM Z32.

 

In regards to the headers, make sure they are RHD specific as the LHD ones won't fit without modification as the O2 sensor bungs hit on the steering rack. If you plan on keeping it NA for a while, then it sure is a worthy upgrade as you can definitely feel the difference.

If you after suspension bits let me know as i have some brand new & used that i won't be using anymore as plans have changed.

Pennyarvs on the forum does injector servicing which is a cheaper than buying new injectors/rails because the ecu will need to be chipped/tuned if the injectors are upgraded.

There are quite a few members here that run the 98 spec manual transmission & it is meant to be better than the original transmission.

Im local to you near the CBD so if you need a hand with anything let me know. Good luck.

 

Thanks East Coast Z for your advice

 

Hi ABZ300, thanks for taking your time to answer my questions

I will definitely be in touch about suspension parts!

With the headers, I bought off CZP and there is no mention of RHD or LHD. Would you mind take a quick look for me so I can prepare if mod is required? https://conceptzperformance.com/top...teel-headers-non-turbo-14000-vp100_p_1008.php

Thanks again mate.

 

They are definitely LHD headers. Ive got a set of Megan Racing extractors which were originally LHD, but ive had them modified to fit RHD. The only modification needed is to remove the o2 sensor bungs & relocate it so it doesnt hit the steering shaft. If my memory serves me right, it cost me less than $100 to get it modified.

Most parts on CZP are LHD. If there is a RHD specific version, they normally list it saying so. So your cheapest option would be to modify the headers you have as it would be quite hard to sell them locally as anybody who would buy them will have to modify them inorder to fit them so you would be loosing money...just my suggestion.

 

Thanks a lot Rob. I am sure these questions are answered million times and I appreciate your time

 

Thank you mate. Do you have any recommendation on which shop I can send this job too? Cheers!

 

Were you going to install them yourself? Or by an exhaust shop? Any exhaust shop should be able to do it for you as long as you tell them exactly where you want the o2 sensor bungs moved to...just make sure you measure it up properly...i think i got mine tig welded which was a bit more expensive if I remember correctly

If you near the North, there is an exhaust shop in Epping on one of the side streets on the LHS heading towards Epping Maccas...you can see the railway station from the shop & there is a wreckers on the same street. That is where i got mine done but that was quite a few years back now so not sure what they charge these days

 

Cheers mate.