We have an Aus 1995 25th Anniversary 300zx. Picked it up cheap and overall in pretty clean condition, but with knowledge of mechanical issues. These can be related to having racked up just under 300,000km (much of it daily short commutes) and imperfect maintenance - oil was changed regularly but water used instead of coolant Auto: mostly stuffed, rarely engages 1st, has fault codes realted to solenoids and the trans fluid is burnt/black. Engine: rear main oil leak, pinhole leaks in metal heater pipe(s), overheating, headgasket may be blown. Doesn't blow any smoke though and otherwise runs well Main purpose of the car is to keep it as a comfortable GT without spending bucket loads of cash. Options would seem to be (doing it ourselves): 1. rebuild original engine and gearbox ($7k-$10k+ ?) 2. swap from donor na (~$3K ?) 3. swap from donor TT (~$4k ?) Leaning towards doing a swap from an earlier model (ie '89-'91) half-cut or donor car keeping costs around the $3k-$4k mark. I'll be very happy to be incorrect, but I've gotten the impression that there may be differences in electronics, fuel injection VCT that may make the donor option much harder (particulalry TT)? Would appreciate any expert advice...
This by no means is expert advice, more my own opinion but take it as you will Being an ausspec anniversary model it is only 1 of 40 ever made which makes it rare to a purist (will most probably go up in value as the vehicles get older and older). Although the high klm's would be a bit of a set back for any 'purist' or collector. Still to keep the car as original as possible a rebuild of the auto box and original engine would probably be the best way to go. Non turrbo motor swap? Piss easy to pick one up for dirt cheap, do 200k service while it's out and any other preventative maintenance needed... though TT owners will all tell you don't bother and to get a TT instead. TT motor swap could possibly make it the only 2+2 TT stillen 25th annivversary zed in the world, though any kind of motor swap will offput a purist remember that. You will need a motor with a wiring loom (and maybe a few other bits) if you plan to swap an earlier model engine into it. Keep that in mind because apparently it's a real pita job to do. Also i'm pretty sure an na wiring loom will work with a tt engine as long as you get an aftermarket boost controller. Otherwise you could always part it out and sell me all your anniversary body panels and rear wing for my car Oh and by the way... :worthless:
Being a 25th anv model, it would be advisable to keep the car original rather than swapping to earlier parts or TT conversion, that is just my opinion btw. An engine and trans rebuild will not be too bad price wise, and the 25th anv car is very desirable so well worth spending the money on. Give me a call during business hours, I can sort all these thing for you working with in a set budget. Phone number and contact details below.
Being in the middle of restoring a 240z with original matching motor I can appreciate where you are coming from regarding originality. Good news is we just patched the heater pipe and the cooling system now appears to be holding pressure, not blowing bubbles out the radiator and didn't overheat on a bit of run. Still concerned about the extent of alloy corrosion that may be present from running without proper inhibitor. drz400y we'll be in contact, thanks.
At the very least you will need a full cooling system overhaul and flush. By the sound of things a rebuild isn't required and money could be better spent on a 100k service and plenum pull and bypass. Give me a call and we will arrange a time to have a look over it and give you a proper quote to repair.
