93 Nissan 300ZX convertible in need of some TLC

[tawollen]

I have a 93 Nissan 300ZX convertible that is in need of some TLC, hoping someone here can give me some advice.

Issues:
I think it is only running on 3-4 cyl (probably needs fuel injectors replaced). Runs, but really rough
Electrical gremlin that discharges battery in a week or so.
May have fuel problems since gas has been sitting for a couple years. (should have had stable put in though, i Hope )

Another electrical gremlin causes electric logs to lock/unlock, pulled fuse

I would love to take this to someone that is reasonable in price, but more importantly knows the 300ZX well.

I currently live in Michigan, but am moving to Seattle. One option is to get fixed before, another is send it out and get fixed in Washington state somewhere. A 3rd option is to send it somewhere CA? and then fly down and pick it up when it gets fixed.

Any thoughts on either issues, or hopefully contacts on someone that can get my car back on the road? Oh, ~60k miles on it if that matters.

Thanks

[DCaff300ZX]

Welcome!
If you are looking to get the car repaired in Washington State, then you would want to contact Doug Smith at Fairlady Motors and he will fix you up correctly.
I have used Doug for many years, and he is the only person I trust to do the upgrade and service work on my TT that I could not do.

[RubyRed300ZX]

I can give you some advise, though not exactly the advise you asked for in your post. I'm not able to recommend a shop; because, 1) I'm in Minnesota, and 2) I do all my own work. Several members here are in Washington.

The 60,000 miles or so on your Z just means no bottom-end work. It's the age of the car (24 years). Plus with the electrical gremlins and being in Michigan, I can almost guarantee that you have a multitude of wiring issues caused from sitting for a few years and mice. You have old style fuel injectors (your car is actually a 1992); so, all six need to be replaced with new style, hardware, and connectors. You'll need to replace all the fuel lines, clamps, vacuum hoses, coolant hoses, cleaning of damn near every electrical connector (or replacing) and cleaning all the electrical grounds. You can probably count upon replacing the battery terminals and their wiring all the way to the starter. You'll need what is often referred to here as a 120K kit. That means timing belt, water pump, tensioner, cam seals, etc. Now assuming I am correct that you or the previous owner took it out for that one last nice cool crisp late fall drive, before putting it away for the winter in storage, the mice probably went for that warm spot down below the intake manifold (below the plenum) in the valley of the block between the heads. Their favorite thing to chew on appears to be the knock-sensor harness wiring. So, you can add that to the list along with new intake manifold gaskets at $55 each. Then you get into the "while we're in here phase" which entails replacing all the sensors (coolant temp, fuel temp, throttle position, etc.). At this point, it's time to think about suspension bushings (old, brittle, hard and cracked).

So, your interest in finding some shop well versed in Z work is a smart choice. Not that you asked, but you should count upon $3,489.52 in parts (I know). Though that includes Minnesota sales tax, and/or shipping, and pricing from 5 years ago (almost to the day). That does not include new tires, keeping in mind that tires more than 6 years old should be replaced. As for labor, I would image a reputable shop would want about $3,500 to $4,000 for the work. Thus, you'll have at a minimum $7,700 to say $8,700 (with new tires if you can still find 225/50 X 16 rubber, or else new wheels too) into it plus the cost of shipping your car.

Unfortunately after all that, you'll have a 24 year old 300ZX, assuming the interior and body (including the convertible's two "Z" brackets" and plastic windows) are near perfect, worth about $7,000 to $7,500. That's pretty much all the advise I can give you.

[DCaff300ZX]

The above is DEFINITELY true.
IF you do go ahead with the plans to rework the car, as I and many others have and at or (in my case at least) well above the costs listed, it will be for a labor of love and not good fiscal sense...or really good sense in any way except how much you love your car (plus the cost and hassle of replacing it).
I spent more just getting my engine resealed and my turbos and other upgrades installed by Doug than the damn car cost me originally...but it is really, REALLY fun to drive now!

[tawollen]

OUCH.. thanks for the useful information, I may call doug and get his thoughts and maybe estimate to get it running at least. It was fun to drive when I did drive it (and yes, it needs new tires too.. basically slicks now )

[DCaff300ZX]

Definitely talk to Doug and have your cars' condition and issues well in mind so he can get a good sense, although he does not (like to) make guesses. He will however lay out the general path most Z32's go and best practices, etc so you can get an idea of what you are looking at.
If you are a Go and serious, Doug and Eric WILL make the effort worthwhile and you will be able to enjoy your Z32 for many more years and with just the "normal" maintenance and repair issues we go over here all of the time for you to deal with, mostly DIY-able stuff and which is how we fiscally-irresponsible Z32 guys try to make it all work.

[auddog007]

I also have a 93 Z convertible .. it's amazing how many of the items that were listed that I have had to replace over the last couple of years. I would recommend reading a lot of the forums for your 'sore' spots as they are full of knowledgeable posts from really helpful people. I have learned that the convertible's two "Z" brackets" are made of aluminum which can easily be welded back together. It's way cheaper to weld them compared to finding and purchasing new ones. Best of luck!

[DCaff300ZX]

True, the longer you own your Z32 the more you "refresh"...

[rgregoryb]

And sometimes refresh again

[BenWP]

If you want an expert Z mechanic in Michigan to look at your car, try Terry at Ann Arbor Nissan. I have a '93 converible also.