hey guys, just joined up and couldnt find an intro/newbies section? anyway, thought id say hello. Have always liked Z32's and wanted one since like 1999, but since getting into modding cars i've become a bit of a mistsubishi guy, dont hold it against me haha The project car is getting ready for a engine swap so i need a daily driver but if im going to spend a few grand on a another car, may as well get something i can work on and enjoy: enter the 300zx the one im looking at hopefully is a stockish 1989 model, 5spd, 2 seat slicktop. anyone have any links or info on what z32 specific stuff to look out for? i know the VQ30DE is pretty rock solid, gearbox too, bar synchros if someone has been "granny shiftin, not double clutchin like they should be":br: the Zed in question: and because people like pics, here's my two VR4 galants and my current project lancer coupe (yeah im one of those weird mitsubishi guys hahaha) 1: 2: coupe...which is not very photogenic hahaha: cheers lads, Paulie
Welcome to the forum. You're a brave man choosing a Z32 as a daily, they're not as bad to work on as their reputation suggests but its often tricky to get work done in a day or weekend when you need the car for work. Heading problems off early is a great idea and should give you a very reliable car. In the menu bar near the top of the screen there's a link to this site's tech section with how-to's and technical information including links to the factory service manual. http://z32.wikispaces.com/ also has info and service manuals available. The only hardware fault that comes to mind is the early style PTU for the ignition system which was recalled in the US but not here, they tend to fail after years of heat and vibration. Other than that its basically just making sure everything is serviced correctly, good corrosion inhibitor in the radiator, make sure all fuel and coolant lines look healthy, make sure electrical plugs are water tight and free from corrosion. Look into whether its had a major service (timing belt, water pump etc.) recently and maybe budget to do one if you want the car to last a long time. Our ECU's have a fairly easy to use diagnostic mode for certain circuits that can help track down problems and worth checking during a pre purchase inspection http://www.pexcom.com.au/z32cms/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.417 Also to aid your future searches the Z32 has a VG engine,VQ are alloy block and came out a bit later.
thanks for the tips. i daily drove my VR4's for 5 years, east west DOHC v6 with two turbos, a gearbox and a transfer case all shoved in one little engine bay. im used to "theyre a bitch to work on" thing. my thought process is a NA will require less time under the bonnet...good idea in theory i guess haha hmm i did know they had a VG...maybe i had VQ on the brain as i have been searching for them a lot this week.
Welcome. Seems I'm not the only Mitsu convertee. That Lancer packing a 6A12 by chance? My Z will become my car daily. My motorbike for when it's not raining. Wife's FTO for backup. lol, ever reliable group.
Yeah I was thinking after posting that the VR4 is probably more tricky, often the delay with the Z is finding parts/getting them delivered although that's getting better with some locals setting up parts shops. All of the 5000km service stuff on a Z is actually easier than many other cars. Going NA pretty much means the only things you'll pull the engine for are exhaust manifold gaskets or head gaskets, everything else in the engine bay at worst you just pull the upper plenum (injectors, knock sensor, coolant lines at the back of the block). Major service is the usual disassemble the front of the engine deal. Once you're practised with the Z you'll get pretty quick at doing most things. There's a pre-purchase inspection checklist someone made up around here somewhere but I can never remember where.
Click here http://tech.aus300zx.com/ and scroll down to... Buying a Zed , What you should know ... should give you the info your looking for Mate and Welcome to the fun of Z32 .. Lloyd
Sorry you'll have to click on the .... click here to view content.. be for you get to the list where the buying a zed part is .. Lloyd
Nice Thats some nice VR4 action you have their. I've always liked the VR4s As for the Zed and what to look for, being an NA, its really just the normal old car type stuff. Oil leaks? coolant leaks?? Does the engine sound rattly when started? IS the gearbox smooth or notch? Zed engines often develop oil leaks at the rear of the CAM covers. Its nothing serious, but can be a pain to fix as you have to do a plenum pull to get them. If buying an old Zed, check when the 100K service was done. Have a good look around the engine bay for any signs of leaks, or even signs that the engine was recently cleaned to hide potential leaks. have a look at the oil and coolant. Does it look ok or looks like its been neglected? Start the car when cold and listen to the engine. Any ticks or knocks? Could indicate worn lifters or more serious trouble such as worn bearings. Lifter tick can be common, and if it only ticks for a few seconds when started and then goes away, then no probs. If it continues to tick loudly, then the lifters may need to be replaced. Take the car for a drive and listen for groans, vibrations. Vibration from the back at 80+Km can indicate a worn centre bearing.
Where abouts in Queensland are you. As it might pay too get one of the local with some experience to cast an eye over the car. There are a couple of the guys on here who are mechanics by trade and with the right arm twist ( aka a few bucks ) they can check it out. Also a good source of parts locally and internationally as follows http://www.z1motorsports.com/index.php https://conceptzperformance.com/Cart/list.php?Car_Type=NIS300 http://www.uniqueautosports.com.au/ http://www.rgsperformance.com/ http://www.carcraze.com.au/
