My TT Project - Build Thread (Shibui)

[Ziggy1621]

Just purchased this beaut for $1000 on Tuesday. Has a blown motor. Got big plans for it! so this will be my update thread.

Already has KYB AGXs, JWT Genie stainless exhaust, SBC Blitz timer and controller. Not bad! Body is in great shape. Can't wait to get her home and begin tearing down! Oil is milky, so I'm guessing head or gasket, but I'll pull it out and see what's going on.

[Rager]

nice find for only 1000. hows the interior? and why are the picture so small ?

[Ziggy1621]

Interior is good. Minus seat covers, bottom cushion on drivers seat, and one hole in the drivers door panel upper. Carpet and plastic looks awesome!

Pics are small because my iphone got wet before I left Florida last week. I'm using a crappy flip phone. But you can click the images for a bigger image... resolution not so good.

[StockTurbosFTW]

Hell of a price. For that price I would buy it just to let it sit in the driveway

[kowboydmac]

Nice catch

[Rager]

Hell of a price. For that price I would buy it just to let it sit in the driveway

me too for future projects

[300ZXttZMAN]

Doesn't look like a bad deal. I wish the pics weren't so small.

So do you plan on doing any mods while your in there?

Give us more info! haha.

[Ziggy1621]

Those images are links, so click them to see larger. I have a set of mods to put on, but haven't really set any concrete motor plans until I get into this one. I want to see if there are any mods that are salvageable on it now. But I would like to get it between 375-400rwhp. Something fun, but still daily driven. The odometer says 30k miles, I'm gonna poop my pants if when I get it rolling I see that odometer working. Guess I can run a carfax too just out of curiosity.

But I planned on putting the Terminator front bumper, jdm tail lights, obviously exhaust is done as long as there are no leaks. Suspension should be good as long as they aren't shot.... maybe some bushings. Gonna leave stock wheels for a while because I like the stance it is at right now. Then again, motor mods will determine what I can pull off and what still works. Its an older Blitz setup, but if it works... I'm cool with that And I'm thinking a bright red on the paint color, but changing my mind every two weeks .... In the middle of fixing up a 92 2+2 I bought a few months ago to sell, then I'll get my hands dirty in this one... about 2 weeks I guess... Can't wait!!!!!!

[Ziggy1621]

Sorry for the double post.. but the guy I'm looking at getting the JDM motor from is charging $300 more for a manual than auto saying "Yes, Manual one has different / slightly bigger turbos."

Is that correct?

[nissanfreak12]

Yes, the housings on an auto are .54 and 5 speed are .63. If you have the .54 on a 5 speed they spool up quicker, less lag, but run out on top end. Its like you get the power quicker, just shifting sooner.

I have the 5 speed turbos on mine with a NA rear, I rarely feel a lag when switching gears. Absolutely love it. I would honestly buy the cheaper engine and uprgade turbos with new ones. I would really hesitate on keeping the stock turbos from a JDM motor. They are usually bad and are a PIA to get to once the engine is in. It will just be very frustrating when you get the motor in and find out the turbos are bad. Just skip the whole mess and either get some used turbos in known good condition or upgrade.

I know there is a thread going around about JDM motors, they are really a crap shoot. I have had a good experience, but I bought mine from a guy who bought it from a JDM importer. They already changed out the oil pan, pump, and a few other stuff. A lot of people have have very negative experience.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Bingo ^

Just for reference i'll post the link for the JDM engine thread.

jdm-engine-experiences-noobs-read-t530009.html

[Ziggy1621]

cool, thanks for the pointers. The reviews on this shop are very good, so I'll probably go with it. I'm going to have him change the timing belt while in there. Are you referring to the fuel pump?

[Ziggy1621]

well thats a scary thread... so let me ask this. If I were to get this one rebuilt... assuming it needs heads or maybe just a gasket set, what $ should I be expecting. Keep in mind I'm not going for a race car, but a fast daily driver. I do have a budget, but it is a little flexible. Thanks

[canadian booster]

$1000 ? nice! OoOoo a Nismo oil cap, i wanted one of those just for show but they're like $100 where i live :P i'll give ya $20 for it! LoL

[Ziggy1621]

Lol, nice...

[nissanfreak12]

cool, thanks for the pointers. The reviews on this shop are very good, so I'll probably go with it. I'm going to have him change the timing belt while in there. Are you referring to the fuel pump?

I was referring to the oil pump. If you get it rebuilt, there should be no issues with it then, but it will be pricey. You might as well rebuild what you have to the specs you want.

[Ziggy1621]

Cool thx

[Ziggy1621]

Opinions on whether or not I should try saving that blitz controller?

[mrmoose]

ditch it, greddy or hks IMO

[bartZ32tt]

ditch it, greddy or hks IMO

Why? The blitz spec r and blitz sbc id 3 are arguably the best available

[nissanfreak12]

Keep it if it still works, save the money for better upgrades.

[Ziggy1621]

Ok, cool. It is an older one, but I think I found the manual so I can remove it properly and reinstall when I put the new motor in. I have swapped out 3 motors in my lifetime, so I have the general principles. I found a step-by-step process that i would like you guys to comment on if you have the time as I will be using it to follow for my swap for the JDM. And yes I will be doing maintenance/upgrades before it goes in and having the seller do compression tests before I pay a dime

Here is the article I'm talking about http://diy.icydesigns.com/article/170/N ... _WdMfVjdO0

[z32loverboy]

it looks fairly sound to me, though its been awhile since I've pulled a VG. If you have the basic's of engine removal down you should be alright. Just document removal and go in reverse order of your pics, that's what I do. That article seems right to me though, to answer your question.

[Ziggy1621]

Sweet Thanks! well throwing her on a car hauler in Louisiana and bringing her home to Florida on Saturday! wish me luck

[Ziggy1621]

Ok, two questions...

1. HOw can I tell if the ecu has been tuned?

2. The guy said these were "fancy" intercoolers.... His word not mine they look stock? http://img600.imageshack.us/i/imageiee.jpg/

Sorry for the link instead of image... On my iPad

[nissanfreak12]

Those are stock.

[Ziggy1621]

Thought so... any idea how to check the ECU?

[Ziggy1621]

Ok, so here is a list of Mods the car has, and list of Mods I'm planning on doing... It will be about 6 weeks before she is running (bad motor), and the cosmetic stuff will be longer because I want this to be fun and not a rush

Mods on the car as purchased:
- JWT Genie Turbo Exhaust
- JWT Pop Charger
- KYB AGX Adjustable Struts
- Blitz Turbo Timer
- Dual SBC Blitz boost controller
- Cosmetic Intercooler Piping
- Don't forget the super duper nismo oil cap

Performance Mods/Maint I plan on doing:
JDM Motor - cause I don't want to get into a rebuild... Don't worry, I'll have compressions tests done in person as its 40 min away
Oil Pump and Spark Plugs
60k Timing kit
Underdrive Pulley kit
Godspeed FMIC
Z1 ECU Upgrade

Cosmetics:
Leather Seat Covers
Interior trim kit
New Rubbers (window/door)
Transformer Front Bumper
OEM Spoiler (old is hosed)
HID 6000k Conversion
Smoked Tail Lights
Wheels TBD - stock for now


Hoping to have a slick looking car with 330-350hp. Should be fun! Now to finish my wife's kitchen remodel so I can start getting dirty on my Z

[StockTurbosFTW]

When you have some extra money in the future you should get the SZ exhaust, even if it is only the 2.5". It will give you more hp than that Genie...That Genie is gross...
Genie...
http://www.czp.us/cart/image.php?II=628
look at the bends in the Genie compared to the SZ exhaust...

It's almost as bad as my Stillen...

[Ziggy1621]

well, the Genie is already there... so basically free.... and the bends would only matter if I was going to really max out the HP, but for 30-50hp over stock I believe it will do the job. Thanks for the info tho! that is a good looking exhaust