'88 300ZX Take car back to it’s former glory

A home for 1983–1989 300ZX owners!
Bnsturdy
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 10:26 pm
Car: 1988 Nissan zx

Post

Hey
So here is the situation. I bought a 1988 Nissan 300ZX and I have no clue what I’m doing but I really want to learn this stuff. I just want to take the car back to it’s former glory but sprinkle in some new features where possible without changing the overall look of the car. I want to put a turbo in it and do some mods that will make this car a little quicker and fun to drive maybe even make it a manual if possible. Budget isn’t an issue but I really don’t want to crazy wild with it either. I just need you guys to help with finding parts and giving me the input on what you would need to finish this car. I’m really excited about this project. Thanks I’m advance for your help
Last edited by Rogue One on Thu Apr 11, 2019 11:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Revise Title


Bates_
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2011 10:32 am
Car: '02 Spec-V
'78 280Z
'76 280Z

Post

The Z31 world is a small one. Aftermarket and parts in general are not easy to come by as it is the red headed step child of the Z family.

If you have a running, driving Z31 don't start messing with it to do a Na2T upgrade or a 5 speed swap. Start with cleaning up the engine with a fresh tune up (DO A TIMING BELT IMMEDIATELY!), and start cleaning up the suspension. New struts, fresh bushings, and take care of any rust the car might have. Start simple before you get in over your head.

BadQ45t
Posts: 3249
Joined: Fri Jul 26, 2002 7:54 am
Car: 21' Leaf SL Plus (wife's car)
05' X-Terra S 4x4
97' Q45t SOLD! Miss the old girl
84 300ZX (Original Owner)
2016 Mercedes Benz S550e V8 Power and 35 MPG
Location: Half Moon Bay, CA

Post

You just got great advise from a guy with 3 posts, well said Bates. I have owned a 1984 300ZX NA since new in Feb of 1984, yes, I am old :). To add turbo there is a big lift, it can be done but you'll need to find a donor car to take a bunch of parts.

What I did to mine is 1) have it running 100% power, 2) cold air intake, 3) cat back exhaust, 4) Bilstein or KYB shocks/struts 4) Eibhach or similar lower springs, 4) bigger sway bars front and rear, 5) front strut brace bar 6) add kick butt stereo, 6) bigger sticky tires with new rims...that will get you a fun to drive car. Yes, you can do turbo conversion, but honestly if that is your goal find another Turbo and sell this one, it will not be worth the expense and pain. believe me in my 35 years of ownership I have weighted all the choices, it just isn't worth it.

Bates_
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2011 10:32 am
Car: '02 Spec-V
'78 280Z
'76 280Z

Post

Yea I am on my third Z31, and 5th Z overall. I know these cars pretty damn well. I am hoping to get my new one back from the shop soon so I can enjoy it.

BadQ45t
Posts: 3249
Joined: Fri Jul 26, 2002 7:54 am
Car: 21' Leaf SL Plus (wife's car)
05' X-Terra S 4x4
97' Q45t SOLD! Miss the old girl
84 300ZX (Original Owner)
2016 Mercedes Benz S550e V8 Power and 35 MPG
Location: Half Moon Bay, CA

Post

Nice, veteran! I particpated in z31.com or .org I cannot remember back in the day. There are not really any good active forums, I think AZBum and one or two others are survivors from that original board that I got tons of good information from. I keep hoping this forum will wake up, I did most of my pasts for my 97' Q45 that i just sold after 19 years of ownership.

Bates_
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2011 10:32 am
Car: '02 Spec-V
'78 280Z
'76 280Z

Post

Z31Performance still has some active members and that's where I usually go.

BadQ45t
Posts: 3249
Joined: Fri Jul 26, 2002 7:54 am
Car: 21' Leaf SL Plus (wife's car)
05' X-Terra S 4x4
97' Q45t SOLD! Miss the old girl
84 300ZX (Original Owner)
2016 Mercedes Benz S550e V8 Power and 35 MPG
Location: Half Moon Bay, CA

Post

Thanks I think I saw this once before. Do you remember z31.com site, Morgan was the godfather of that I got lots of good advise. It is unfortunate that this site is pretty dead for Z's. Same thing for me XTerra where I have another forum I use but it was great for my 97' Infiniti Q45

BadQ45t
Posts: 3249
Joined: Fri Jul 26, 2002 7:54 am
Car: 21' Leaf SL Plus (wife's car)
05' X-Terra S 4x4
97' Q45t SOLD! Miss the old girl
84 300ZX (Original Owner)
2016 Mercedes Benz S550e V8 Power and 35 MPG
Location: Half Moon Bay, CA

Post

thanks Bates, I used that site a number of years ago and then forgot about it. I am going to get active on that, with my Q45 sold I need an outlet with an acstive community


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