I'm only in the 'looking for a car' stage at the moment, however many of the manual TT cars seem to have been struck down by boy racers. Plus limiting myself to manual (along with my other constraints) reduces the number of available cars for purchase, and there seem to be a few clean auto's around. If I were to buy an auto, my wife would start paying me out for being a pansy auto driver, plus autos suck so I'd need to convert it to a manual. No big deal, as I've done it before with other cars. After a search, I've found a few prices ranging from 1-2 grand according to this thread which is a year old: Manual Conversion and $1850 US (+$400 or so shipping) from the Z1motorsports. Are these prices still current? I'm aware of the softness of Z gearbox syncros so would probably replace the syncros and bearings in the box before the install. Does anyone have a price for a basic rebuild kit with syncros and bearings? I'm assuming the gears and shafts shouldn't require replacement. If they do, I'm using the wrong box. Basically, if I know a manual conversion is going to cost me xx dollars, I can make an allowance with cars in my price range.
Find someone selling a kit. Expect change from 1500. Remember its more than just the gearbox you need.
dont forget there is a six(6) speed kit that installs into the Auto bell housing. Look it up on the forum. It might be suitable if you buy an auto TT. Someone on this forum has one in their Zed. Remember that autoTT engine is also slightly different to ManTT engine, but you have to decide if you ultimately want max power or just Manual gearbox, it might affect whether you buy an auto or manual engine.
A quick google tells me the cams are different and the turbos are smaller so the auto engine makes 20 hp less. I already have one T28 (bush bearing from an S14) sitting in the shed, so I'm halfway to an upgrade already and I'm sure the cam issue can be sorted easily enough. As for the 6 speed, are these from the 350Z, where the general concensus is they aren't as strong and the final ratio is the same anyway? 5 gears is enough for a car anyway unless you have an all out race car with a narrow power band you don't want to drop out of. If I factor in around $1500 for a conversion if I happen to end up with an auto then I think everything should work out OK.
Okay having a quick look at your thread, you have a few options to consider, how much money are you looking at spending all up ?. Yes you can buy an auto and convert it over too manual, that's not an issue it's an easy enough job with all the right bits. BUT it's all a matter of motor, body, money.
The main things I'll be looking for are 2+2, neat paint and no bodykit. I don't want something that looks like a broke P-plater or drifter should be driving as those cars attract bad attention. Not red is also very high on the list. Engine condition will obviously come into it also, but I don't really have a budget. Just cheap as possible If the car I want turns up and it's auto at least I know what it'll cost to fix it.
are you a P-plater? http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/rochedale-south/cars-vans-utes/nissan-300zx-coupe-2-0-turbo-manual/1045087546
I've never been a p plater. In fact if someone didn't know me well, they'd say this is an early mid-life crisis car. Unfortulately that car isn't a 2+2 otherwise it would be ideal. Any car I get needs to be able to fit my daughter and her capsule/booster seat in the back so if something happens with the wife's car, we can still all move around.
I was suggesting Gumtree (in general) buy something and be prepared to contact someone like 90TTZ. The other option is keep an eye out on this forum for members who have just become new parents, but be prepared to offer a decent chunk of cash because they would only be parting with their pride and joy because they have their newest project to focus on. Those babies are a money pit.
My daughter is only 5 months old, so I know what babies cost plus I have a mortgage Hence I'm getting rid of 2 of my 3 cars and replacing them with something in the 5-7 grand range to use as a daily. I've been keeping a close eye on Carsales, gumtree and boots classifieds. They seem to be the more popular ones but there are a few others to check too.
You're looking for a pretty serious bargain to get a TT that doesn't need a lot of work for $5-7k, if that's your price range you'd have more fun buying a healthy NA. Going NA also means you can go aus delivered which saves you having to deal with registering an import (not sure how tough it is in QLD but in the ACT it can be a bit of work) You can buy a TT for that price but expect up to about $2k in servicing per year if you do all the work yourself
Like these? http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329522 http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328443 Advertised price /= selling price. I'm expecting to replace all water hoses and water pump, timing belt etc on purchase. The engine and driveline on these things are pretty tough and reliable. I'm not sure where your 2g a year upkeep comes from. Oil and filters don't cost that much and I only do 7-8000km a year anyway.
Yeah, I actually had a look at Keza's a little earlier and I think that is a bargain. Dano's has less info so you may end up with problems in the more annoying to fix areas, injector O-rings, electrical connectors, 'bastard hoses' plus suspension can often be neglected so keep an eye on tie rod and sway bar ball joints and steering rack and other bushes. Evidence that a proper 100k/200k service has been done will save you a fair bit of money. These cars have a lot of parts and pretty much anything rubber, plastic or bearing/bushing related may be showing age if not already replaced so it can add up quicker than you might think
Noted that you are aware of Keza's Z - I had thought of pointing you towards it. I've known Kerry and his Z since the early 2000's, and for the price this car would be a good buy. The red paint and the rear wing might be stumbling blocks for you though.
A subtle kit or wing doesn't worry me, it's the veilside kits and giant bi-wings that I want to steer well clear of. I haven't seen a pic of Keza's car so can't really comment on that yet. Red isn't a total dealbreaker, however there are other colours I would definitely prefer.
Buy the car not the colour. You might want to fork out for a respray because paint may need redoing anyway.
Also have a look at my car, i have it up for sale, slight bodykit nothing garish, but an auto. It may not be exactly what you are after, but it may give you some ideas and you can work out more of a style you are after. http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/garage_vehicle.php?do=view_vehicle&id=1425 Gumtree AD http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/redcliffe/cars-vans-utes/1990-nissan-300zx-coupe/1046057169
Exactly, it's expensive and a lot of work. I've painted a car before so I know what's involved. Hence I have do desire to do it again at this while renovating a house and looking after a new baby. I could come across the nicest 300zx in Australia but if it was painted bright pink I still would't buy it because the colour is part of the car.
