1991 300zx help. power loss.

[mariosleal]

Hello everyone. I am new to this site. From what I have seen so far, it's pretty awesome. I just bought a 1991 Nissan300ZX NA with a manual transmission. It has 190,000 miles plus. I want to do an engine rebuild. I want to do this because of the high mileage and also because I have driven one of these in the past and the one in the past had a lot more kick than the one I have. It was the exact same, no mods. Same year same engine. The one I have now won't even squeal the tires. I even held in the clutch and pressed the gas to about approximately 4500 to about 5000 RPM and released the clutch and nothing, it just took off like a normal car. I know this car has way more potential. Also, could a few holes in the exhaust rob enough power to steal that much HP. I don't have a fortune to spend, but I want to do it right. What should I purchase and from where? Also, could you possibly send a price list or an overall estimate.Just a good engine rebuild setup with a few mods or performance pieces. I can pretty much learn anything that is hands on, on the fly. That is why I prefer to do the rebuild myself as opposed to someone else doing it. A parts list, where to find them for the best quality/price and possibly a good place for reference material. I don't need a crazy set up that produces 500 HP or anything just a good list of rebuild items that will make it like new with a few mods of course. Every where I search for a rebuild kit the only thing that I see is just a gasket and pistonring set. It doesn't seem like very much to make an engine like new. Thank you to everyone that responds.

[ZL8NING]

Welcome to the forum.

It eventually boils down to your preference, and it's your money, your call. There is no definitve " engine rebuild kit" per sè. You will find gasket kits, as you've already discovered.

What I suggest you do is read through some of the "rebuild" threads on the forum, so as you can get a feel of what many of the members here have done. Then you can kind of envision what you want to do, and what you want to leave out. Granted, most rebuild threads are "upgrade" centered, which is why you will probably leave out some of the "upgrade" parts from your list.

After reading through the rebuild threads, then you will be in a position to make a list of what you want to do. Then the next phase will be shopping! You don't have to buy all the parts all at once, unless of course you got it like that! You can buy parts little by little, e.g. the timing belt kit, then the head gasket kit, then the injector kit, the connectors kit, and so forth.

But like I said, it will depend on what you end up deciding to do, yourself. Just read through a bunch of rebuild threads for research. They are quite educational too. You will start to form a picture of what you wanna do as you read.

Good luck, and welcome to the club. Pictures of your ride, please!

[Ziggy1621]

welcome to Nico. I've got some bad news tho, if you are looking to rebuild, you won't be able to couple that with not spending a lot. You want to do it right the first time, and that costs $.

That being said, have you done a compression test? Also, have you checked ECU codes?

[mariosleal]

Thanks to you both. I will check the rebuild forums. I also understand that I am getting ahead of myself. To Ziggy, I'm stationed in Maryland and I purchased the car two days before my leave ended in Oklahoma. I am stationed in Maryland and the car is still in Oklahoma. So I didn't have time to do anything. I will start with your suggestions though. My next block of leave is during Christmas and I think that I will bring it up here then. To ZL8NING, I don't any pictures at the moment, but I will have my brother send me some pics. It is currently at his house. Thanks again. Will update later.

[Ziggy1621]

I'm guessing 'stationed' means military... so thank you for your service

[mariosleal]

Thanks man.

[amiry36]

What has caused it for you to do a rebuild? Maybe all your engine needs is a little tune up. Your problem with the clutch could be as simple as just a worn out clutch or inproperly a adjusted clutch.