| Answermid |
Hey all, before buying a 300Z what are the pros and cons about it? The only issue I could find was that the engine bay is tight. I'm newb when it comes to deciding, so I hope you guys will steer me the right way.
Thanks alot :thumbup: |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by Answermid
Hey all, before buying a 300Z what are the pros and cons about it? The only issue I could find was that the engine bay is tight. I'm newb when it comes to deciding, so I hope you guys will steer me the right way.
Thanks alot :thumbup:
A Z31 (84-89) or a Z32 (90-96)?
Turbo or NA? |
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| Answermid |
quote:
Originally posted by Inzane
A Z31 (84-89) or a Z32 (90-96)?
Turbo or NA?
A Z32 and I was wondereing about both N/A and turboed. |
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| vorpalz |
Well, I've owned (and currently own) both an NA and a TT.
Pros:
- Drop-dead gorgeous look. People still stare, 17 years after the start of production.
- Comfortable cabin, well-placed, intuitive controls
- take a lot of abuse... however I've heard of people burning out aftermarket carbon-carbon clutches on Z32's so never underestimate the previous owner's hooliganisms.
- a few common failure prone systems, and those are well known: Power Transistor Unit, factory Bose speaker amps, connector corrosion affecting coil packs, temp sensors, injector harnesses. Detonation sensor harnesses are also a common failure item.
- are fairly cheap to pick up these days, Trader lists 17 priced from 8-15K. Mostly JDM, but a few LHD ones as well.
- good parts support through Z Tune in Vancouver and Concept Z in the US. Many other aftermarket suppliers out there as well. In fact, we seem to be in a bit of a renaissance with new R&D for the Z: MS manifolds, 300Degree fuel rails, Fast Intentions 3" exhausts, Powertrix suspension parts.
- excellent internet forum: twinturbo.net (technical archives, FAQ's, experienced folks to answer questions)
Cons:
-Not for the mechanical novice, Factory Service Manual highly recommended.
- modding is more expensive than your average sport compact (2X turbos, 2X intercoolers, 2X exhausts), but then again, the Z32 is neither average or a sport compact :D
- tight engine bay. This leads to heat and difficulty of service. Upgraded cooling on turbo cars is a must. Frankly, I think the Z is fairly straightforward, but you do need small hands for some jobs (DP replacement, turbo work, etc.) There are other cars out there that are just as difficult to work on. And I still shake my head at RB26DETT swaps into Z32's with the major reason stated as 'ease of maintenance'. :confused:
- braking not up to today's standards with the stock units. I've noticed on all 3 of my Z32's, the stock brakes were inadequate. Better pads, SS lines and a better grade of brake fluid (and a 300Degree Brake M/C brace) is a good step up.
- can be expensive to maintain, especially if it has been abused, and lots of regular items need replacement. Once you get past that initial expensive period of ownership, the Z hasn't cost me more than any other car I've owned (minus modifications, of course ;))
- gas mileage: um, er, next question please.
Regards, |
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| Answermid |
quote:
Originally posted by vorpalz
Well, I've owned (and currently own) both an NA and a TT.
Pros:
- Drop-dead gorgeous look. People still stare, 17 years after the start of production.
- Comfortable cabin, well-placed, intuitive controls
- take a lot of abuse... however I've heard of people burning out aftermarket carbon-carbon clutches on Z32's so never underestimate the previous owner's hooliganisms.
- a few common failure prone systems, and those are well known: Power Transistor Unit, factory Bose speaker amps, connector corrosion affecting coil packs, temp sensors, injector harnesses. Detonation sensor harnesses are also a common failure item.
- are fairly cheap to pick up these days, Trader lists 17 priced from 8-15K. Mostly JDM, but a few LHD ones as well.
- good parts support through Z Tune in Vancouver and Concept Z in the US. Many other aftermarket suppliers out there as well. In fact, we seem to be in a bit of a renaissance with new R&D for the Z: MS manifolds, 300Degree fuel rails, Fast Intentions 3" exhausts, Powertrix suspension parts.
- excellent internet forum: twinturbo.net (technical archives, FAQ's, experienced folks to answer questions)
Cons:
-Not for the mechanical novice, Factory Service Manual highly recommended.
- modding is more expensive than your average sport compact (2X turbos, 2X intercoolers, 2X exhausts), but then again, the Z32 is neither average or a sport compact :D
- tight engine bay. This leads to heat and difficulty of service. Upgraded cooling on turbo cars is a must. Frankly, I think the Z is fairly straightforward, but you do need small hands for some jobs (DP replacement, turbo work, etc.) There are other cars out there that are just as difficult to work on. And I still shake my head at RB26DETT swaps into Z32's with the major reason stated as 'ease of maintenance'. :confused:
- braking not up to today's standards with the stock units. I've noticed on all 3 of my Z32's, the stock brakes were inadequate. Better pads, SS lines and a better grade of brake fluid (and a 300Degree Brake M/C brace) is a good step up.
- can be expensive to maintain, especially if it has been abused, and lots of regular items need replacement. Once you get past that initial expensive period of ownership, the Z hasn't cost me more than any other car I've owned (minus modifications, of course ;))
- gas mileage: um, er, next question please.
Regards,
Wow thanks alot man that was exactly what I needed to know :thumbup: and thanks for taking the tim to write all that. One more question is what's the difference in gas of a twin turbo vs. a N/A or is there any? |
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| 300zxgal |
- tight engine bay. This leads to heat and difficulty of service. Upgraded cooling on turbo cars is a must. Frankly, I think the Z is fairly straightforward, but you do need small hands for some jobs (DP replacement, turbo work, etc.) There are other cars out there that are just as difficult to work on. And I still shake my head at RB26DETT swaps into Z32's with the major reason stated as 'ease of maintenance'.
- braking not up to today's standards with the stock units. I've noticed on all 3 of my Z32's, the stock brakes were inadequate. Better pads, SS lines and a better grade of brake fluid (and a 300Degree Brake M/C brace) is a good step up.
- can be expensive to maintain, especially if it has been abused, and lots of regular items need replacement. Once you get past that initial expensive period of ownership, the Z hasn't cost me more than any other car I've owned (minus modifications, of course
Quoted for purpose of reiterating these 3 points |
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| chewy |
| props vorpalz.. i don't think u missed anything! |
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| Inzane |
Overall weight is another con, and relates to the stock braking issue mentioned above. (The heavier the car the more work the brakes need to be capable of handling). A consequence of this excess heft is it takes a lot of horsepower to achieve a similar power-to-weight ratio as some of the smaller more nimble cars out there today.
And not really a pro or con but if given the choice I'd have gladly taken some kind of traction control system over SuperHICAS any day.
Other than that, just a few odd minor niggles. Such as: power-retractable radio antennas SUCK! The Z32 does not escape this general problem. I haven't met too many Z32 owners who have not had some kind of issue with their antenna during the life of the car (whether just the mast sticks periodically, or completely seizes, or suffers a motor failure altogether). Some opt to just delete/shave the damn thing and be done with it. |
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