300ZX Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement?

[TheN00b]

Hey, I'm a new moron on the forums. Hopefully a future 300ZX owner, but that requires getting one first, right?

So, that leads me to my question. Local Craigslist has a 300ZX, needs exhaust manifold gasket. $10 part, but from what I know, they can be a total PITA to replace. So, has anyone done this on a Z32 300ZX? Did you have to pull the engine? I was told all I needed to do was loosen the engine mounts and remove some hoses, but looking at that cramped engine bay, it might just require the engine to be pulled. Which sucks because I don't have an engine hoist.

By the way, the owner currently says he still drives it, even with the bad gasket, which is surprising. Wouldn't it have compression problems, emission problems, and be LOUD?

Thanks and I'm sorry for my stupidity.


Yes, I did look at other places. Nothing really answered my question.

[nissanfreak12]

Welcome to the forum. You are not a Moron so lets not start that!!!

On to your question, you can replace the gasket with the engine in the car. if its an NA. It is still a major PITA, but can be done. No, it will not cause low compression. Yes, it ca cause emission issues and it will be louder than normal. I have driven a car with a bad exhaust manifold gasket before, obnoxious, but it is driveable. Head gasket issues will cause compression issues among other things.

If you do not know a lot about cars, these are not the best to learn on. If you have a daily, and extra money, by all means get a 300zx. They are expensive, a pain to work on, and very picky on parts. But they are also a blast to drive(even NA), attractive, and rewarding(when you fix it)

[TheN00b]

Thanks for the reply, nissanfreak! I do indeed have extra money and a daily to drive, so I think I might just go ahead and check it out.