Hi Guys, I'm new here and I'm wanting to buy my very first Z. Now I was after a Z32, but with money being a bit tight atm, I may end up going after an Z31. So I've got a few newbie questions for you guys, if I may. (I'm thinking of taking a look at this Z31 (I think they've put a newer engine in it) - http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?p=872047#post872047) How much does a 2+2 and 2+0 wiegh? How good are these old turbo's. ie, how much mantenance do they require, do I need to take engine out to access etc. What are some common mechanical problems with a car like this? Common rust spots? Any other things I should look out for?
They do cost alot of $$$$$ to repair if you can find someone to work on them. But they are worth it. Wicked to drive and look the same.
Well I would do most of the work myself (or whatever I could). Problem is I just bought a house, and most of my $$'s are going into the damn thing...
1. 1,310 - 1,373 kg 2. No idea sorry, i've only delt with NA. 3. - Injectors are known to be leaky especially if you use certain additives that corrodes the seals. Replace with RB30 injectors. - CHTS connectors get damaged after a while, replace it. 4. Door sills, in the boot under the carpet due to the rear vents leaking. 5. You cant get coilovers for it, you'll need to get them custom made if you want them.
Brilliant... Do Z31's and Z32's have timing belts or chains? How often to replace them? Is this a difficult engine to work on (comming from an commodore engine bay )
if you came from a commodore you will be ripping your hair out when trying to do anything. i know the Z32 has a timing belt. If you know how the engine works you shouldnt have an issue doing a timing belt. They ususally get changed every 80,000 to 100,000 km.
Thanks mate, great info. I'm planning to go have a look at this car (http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?p=872047#post872047). Does anyone here know this car, or give me some pointers and advice (remember, my first zed). Cheers
Check for fuel leaks and rust. The car looks pretty good from the photos. I'd pay $4k for it no problems.
Models of Z31 here. You may already know this, but the models of Z31 are: In Australia, from 1984, a 2+2 NA with T-Roof. From 1986 they introduced a 2+2 Turbo with T-Roof. From 1987(?) the NA was abandoned and the slightly restyled so called "Californian" model was introduced. This was only sold in 2+2 Turbo with T Roof. You can readily pick the Turbo cars because they have 5-stud wheels. NA 31's have 4 stud wheels. In Japan many Z31's were sold with a VG20ET engine, as the tax on engines over 2 litres was high. This tax was repealed about 1988, so no VG20DE or VG20DETT. There may be a few VG20ET engined imports in Australia - I would think they would be worth avoiding! Later in Japan another "line" of Z31 was available, called ZR. These were lighter and less well trimmed - more of a performance car like the 180sx. These used the RB20DET straight six engine and were much better performers than the VG20ET models. I think some of the engine swappers who put RB's in Z32's must look to these models as justification for their work. The 3-litre ZR's used the VG30DE engine for the first time in a Z , but with a different style plenum to the one used on the Z32's VG30DE. Less power too, about 142Kw instead of an NA Z32's 165.5. There are a few ZR's in Australia. As with Z32's, any 2-seat Z31 or Z31 without a T-roof is an import. Many Z31's had digital dashboards, which do tend to fail. I would imagine they could be hard to fix and/or expensive. Another fail point I have just remembered is the copper oil line to the Turbo. Mine got really brittle and broke as I was taking out the Turbo. Enzed made me up a new one though - the part was unobtainable from Nissan - and this was in 1998!
Nope, engine is listed as the standard VG30ET (single overhead cam per bank rather then two per bank)
I'd be almost certain it was an engine swap, except I'm surprised to see that it has a digital dash. That could have been done later too (but why?) or this car is one of very few sold here where the buyer opted for a digital dash. The fact that it's an '84 and the earliest model turbo was an '86 (in Australia) would indicate its not an Australian model unless it's an Australian NA with an engine swap. It's hard in the photos to see if the wheels are 4 or 5 stud. That would also help. If they're 4 stud, I'd say definitely an engine swap.Apparently, turbos had bigger brake discs on the front too. If this car had large brake discs, and 5 stud wheels I'd tend to think it was an imported Japanese turbo model. Except I've never seen photos of a Japanese turbo without the rear spoiler.
