Recommended preventative mods/maintenance?

Discussion in 'Non Technical' started by BodenM, Mar 24, 2013.

  1. BodenM

    BodenM No ZX just yet :(

    Hi all,
    I'm looking at a Z32 right now (actually going to inspect it this afternoon), and it's got 250k on the clock. Other than doing a 120k mile service (from the pictures, it doesn't have the red sticker to indicate the service has been done, so better to be safe than sorry) and a S2 PTU swap, what other preventative mods and maintenance can be done to increase reliability (and maybe performance)? I was thinking of things like a thermoelectric fan, plenum pull w/ hose reroute and coolant system flush (including radiator rodding).

    P.S: if my parents find the car acceptable, I'll be going back again next weekend to do a deeper inspection, so I was wondering if anyone had a Consult USB cable (that works with ECUTalk/ScanTech) I could borrow so I could check if the ECU is throwing error codes.
     
  2. WhiteNight

    WhiteNight Littering and...

    Dont buy it from a dealer.

    With 250k im guessing its a 4 seater non turbo?
     
  3. BodenM

    BodenM No ZX just yet :(

    If you're talking about the car, it's from a private seller.
    You're correct, it's a 2+2 Aus-spec with an auto tranny.
     
  4. WhiteNight

    WhiteNight Littering and...

    250k and 23 years is a lot to go on a single VG. You can expect to need to freshen up the engine in the coming years.

    Preventative maintenance can be a lot of things depending on whats been done or not yet.

    The engine wiring can be crusty and corroded and need replacing.
    The injectors should need a clean.
    The radiator might be shot and need replacing.
    The block may need a coolant flush.
    The fuel hoses and coolant hoses in the engine bay would need replacing.
    PCV valves and hoses to be replaced.
    May have vac leaks needing to be addressed.
    The exhaust may be in poor shape and need components replaced.
    The auto tranny might be old and need to be replaced.
    Your motor may need lifters or valve replaced, bearings may need to be changed or the head gasket may need to be done.

    You may need all of these things or you may need none.

    Might be able to get away with a plenum pull and a freshen or you might need to replace everything you see in the coming years.

    Without taking the car to a Z friendly shop and having everything looked at your taking a bit of a gamble.
     
  5. East Coast Z

    East Coast Z Well-Known Member

    If the car has been......

    properly maintained, it shouldn't require any immediate attention.
    If it hasn't been properly maintained, well that's another story & will probably lead to heartache & additional expense.
    A car that has been well looked after is generally easily identifiable by its appearance & performance on the road.
     
  6. Medallion Man

    Medallion Man New Member

    there are many opinions on electric fans but you don't need one as long as your coolant system is well maintained. however if you must make sure you get one that will do the job better than the existing system.

    second.. ecu codes you don't need software... (but you will need a screwdriver).

    http://www.pexcom.com.au/z32cms/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.417
     
  7. BodenM

    BodenM No ZX just yet :(

    Went and looked at it today, clean as! Revs cleanly and smoothly, no hesitation or stumbling. Interior's clean and stock, although the driver's side bolster next to the door has some damage (obviously from when one would be getting in and out of the car). Spoiler has paint peeled a little on the leading edge, but the spoiler itself is not lifting. Bands of putty are still on the front fenders too, and the panel gaps are even and narrow like they should be. Couldn't take it for a drive, since two of the tyres are flat. Going back tomorrow with my mechanic cousin with Consult cable in hand to take a deeper look at the ECU, crossing my fingers that it turns out ok :D
     
  8. frysie

    frysie FRYTECH

    and whats he asking?
     
  9. BodenM

    BodenM No ZX just yet :(

    $2300, Dad says he'll offer $1950 or somewhere around there.
     
  10. ryzan

    ryzan Moderator Staff Member

    Sounds like a good buy. Seriously I wouldn't be too put off by kms on the odo. Considering the vast majority of imports have had theirs wound back and many are now probably hitting 200,000 for the second time round. My zed has 240,000kms on it and it has actually been the most reliable of all. After 20 years what it really comes down to is the condition of the car and how it's been treated and looked after over those last 20 years.
     

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