hi im new here, but the main reason i joined was that i plan to buy a 300zx twin turbo, but before i go and blow serious cash, i wanted to ask afew owners what they thought about them and the problems they have faced...some personal feed back about mechanical bugs would help me make a firm decision on wat i should do and how much money i need for maintaining the car.. cheers
Hi and welcome to the forum. The main thing you need to do is to ensure the cooling system is well looked after and to do the 100k service.
well.. like any cars, things wear out but when it comes to fixing them, Z's can be tough to work on. ie. there isn't much room in the engine bay and often having to remove things to get to others which in turn means more time involved and higher labor cost. If you're willing to get stuck in and do a few things yourself, a Z won't be that much more expensive than others, you just might get hit with the occasional $1500 engine pull, still I'm sure a lot of members here haven't needed that yet. I think the most expensive thing for me regarding my Z is that after owning many cars, this is the first time I've even cared whether things were 100% with it or not. I'm not too concerned though as unlike other cars, I don't consider it transportation but a hobby and everyone has something they blow money on.
im getting the same way since i had my prang ive been getting the car back to exactly how it was, at first i was going to just get rid of the antenna but now i want it all back in perfect like before which is almost is. once thats delivered all will be good. got the new speedo also which should look amazing once in. bought the door sills, and slowly buying other performance bits to hot her up some more.
Re: Personally I would go for a 91+ model Perhaps fill in all your profile details too . (like your state) Often a forum member might be able to meet you somewhere to do a Datascan or ConZult test on a Z if required!!
Cheers... ah yeh nah i dont mind doing maintenence at all, but is there any problems with the factory turbos and factory trans that will cost me alot if i do buy one and something goes rong ?? cuase ive herd that there are afew bugs within the 300zx twin turbos, but if that was the case id rather spend 13000 on my VK.. cheers
nah the turbos last a long time, heard of some going strong past 200k's, mine even survived a total blockage in the coolant line to the turbo for months the only problem with them is where they're located. The transmission is also good and you won't find a much stronger diff, the only thing I can think of that tends to re-occur is the tailshaft center bearing but you can replace the tailshaft with a 1 piece for around $500 and eliminate the problem. There's always the chance for something major to go however, a timing belt may not last 100k's as it should, a water hose may go and without a warning device you could cook your engine, these things can happen with any car, how much more expensive it is when it happens to a Z, I'm not sure.. Have been quoted 4k for head work, 6k for a rebuild, replacement engine (installed) probably somewhere inbetween.
Re: Personally I would go for a 89+ model Also a few auto box's have been having problems lately. Get your auto's serviced and get a tranny cooler! Or buy a manual
Re: hey ah yeh, i mean il be getting thing serviced and tuned alot so it wouldnt die becuase ive treated it like ****, but failure of parts is what im worried about..i mean with all the half cuts coming into Perth shouldnt be to expsensive to replace a part..$4000 for head work ? thats abit steep..$6000 for a rebuild is steep also..why is is so much ??
labour and parts are what make up the high costs. Labour hours accumulate very quickly on the 300. Parts, especially genuine from nissan are also very expensive. You can get them a lot cheaper from the US though. Plenty of old parts from half cuts, but when you pay the majority of the cost in labour, most people choose to spend the extra dollars on new rather than risk the replacement being faulty. Head work for $4000, thats a lot of work, I doubt most people spend that much. $6000 for a rebuild is nothing though. Depends what your replacing.
Re: yeh i thought u just meant a port and polish and maybe new springs and vavle seals..but for that ud want stainless steel valves, top of the range springs port and polish to the point of having the metal brought up to a mirror finish.... im thinking of spending about 13 000, mainly beccuase i want good credit for wen i go and put down a deposit for a house. and what should i look for when i go look at one and drive it..
There is a good guide in FAQ on what to look for prior to buying. Also a good idea maybe to get a local member to come have a look. I'd suggest any purchase being dependant on a mechanics check and taking it to someone who really knows their zeds like Dave at precise before buying.
