Greeting, Ive just inherited a '91 300zx. Has 150,000 kms on it. Seems to be factory original. Not turbo. Pristine condition inside and out. Very chuffed! I have 2 reasons for this post: 1) Any advice on it will be truly appreciated. Things like fuel (Im assuming 95 octane), how to tell if its an import (Im assuming it is....there isnt any english on any of the labels), things to watch out for, etc... 2) Any advice on how to spend money on it. I don't really want to go nuts, but there are a few things Im thinking. New mags, it has slight bubbling on the rear spoiler so Ill get that sorted...things like that. Im even (as embarrassing as it may be to say at 46yo...) putting a sub or 2 in the back - on that...where do we all stand on powered and slimline subs? Cheers, Andrew
i'd first find out if its had its major service done yet and how long ago the timing belt was done. preventative maintenance > looks
As Frysie said check timing belt and such. Performed a plenum pull and coolant bypass. There's some nice sub boxes coming out of the UK check them out. Bp or caltex fuel, stay away from shell. If its an import you'll have a compliance plate under the hood. Should be green. If not then blue... Welcome to empty wallet and ramen territory..
Is it registered and has it got compliance plate in engine bay. If it does its Jap import if it hasnt it still may need to be complianced or if its Aus spec it will have Nissan Australia plate
Distant relative died almost 2 years ago and it hasn't been driven since. I have had it over the pits and its been registered. Im actually a little bit in love with this car...
Whats the story with the plenum pull and coolant bypass? Searched through the forum and it seems a lot of ppl have done them but there is no mention of why... Or indeed....what they actually do.... Forgive me my newbie ineptitude.....I am a humble drummer....
Hi Andrew Welcome to the insanity. The plenum pull and water bypass is done to remove the water circulation under the plenum, and remove the 8x small hoses that can burst and cause a catastrophic overheat. The water flow under the plenum is for extreme cold country climates (snow) to stop the throttle bodies freezing up. The temp gauges on these cars is not to be trusted as some have had overheating problems and the temp gauge stayed in the middle. If your in Sydney then go along to the next cruise and ask questions. The guys will be able to tell you if a bypass has been done.
Ill get right on to pix as soon as it stops raining in Sydney... So....a bit of an update now that I have had the car for a month: It seems I have that weird fuel spout leak that ppl have mentioned is quite common. Fuel smell....especially upon complete filling of tank. Also noticed upon vigorous driving....which...lets face it....as all the time. Seems like an easy fix....even for a mechanically deficient drummer. Ive replaced the after-market audio system that was in the car with a brand new Alpine bluetooth system. Also installed a active slimline Pioneer sub. Did all THAT myself and I'm powerfully chuffed with the results. Killer sound, loud enough to get over the exhaust note, but not loud enough to piss off The Accountant. Now. You have all (and by "you all" I mean all the forum searching I did) scared the bejesus out of me regarding this plenum pull thingy. I swear its probably just in my mind but i was convinced I was smelling hot water while stuck in peak hour traffic last friday. Its not using coolant/water and the gauge never went above just under half but i don't think I can rest until its either done or someone says its already done. Given my previously mentioned mechanical inability would this job be too much for a novice to simply follow all the instructions and pix on this forum? Or should I be trusting it to a proper mechanic who will, Im sure, make me pay thru the ass as punishment for becoming expert at drinking booze riders at gigs instead of getting grease under my fingernails?
Yeah there is alot of over-engineering on the Z's engine. One thing is the mass of cooling under the plenum, lots of little short pieces linking up hard lines to other hard lines...it's a mess! All only to pass the hot coolant an inch or so across the Throttle Bodies, which is really only for the colder climates. Once all these are deleted, the only coolant pipes at the back of the engine is two large pipes for the heater. This makes for a far more reliable long lasting confidence that there shouldn't be any more leaks that can't be fixed without the plenum pull. Call a "Tech day" in your local area and hopfully you'll find someone that has done the plenum pull and can show you the ropes. Most of the usually easy service jobs on other cars require a fair amount of work on our Z. So when the time comes, try and spend the money once, and replace/service everything you can.... Replace/clean plugs the lot. Makes for a reliable Z.
