94 300ZX NA Potential Upgrades

[Cloud123]

Hello all,

After a few mishaps with the car (electrical issues), I have recently decided to move forward with more of the mechanical preventative measures in order for me to be able to drive the car with no worries. I have a 120k service scheduled / spark plugs install as well coming up so I am happy for all that.

I am working on coming up with some specifics for continuing to build this car up (but not by any crazy measure). I have done my research on some springs / catback exhausts / air filters etc. and I am wondering what some good ones are for those categories? I was thinking some TEIN springs but would they work fine on the stock struts? Any other less expensive alternatives I could look into for lowering the car maybe 1.5 all around? Any good setup that does not compromise daily driving comfort?

Also for exhausts I did see some videos of people just cutting the muffler and welding a muffler on it which produced some pretty decent sounding exhaust. Would that be a fine way to go around things? I want a catback but they all seem so expensive (dont feel like placing 800+ down atm ) Any suggestions? The stock mufflers are rusted up so thats why I just feel like cutting them off as a cheaper alternative.

Lastly I do have some rust near the rear wheels on both sides:


What would be the best way to go about getting rid of this and replacing it? Maybe sanding it all down and putting a side skirt? Any ideas? The rust is about a foot or so in length from that area.


Also any suggestions with links or other categories I did not talk about would be very beneficial for me as I continue to spend money to make the car a bit nicer to drive around in .

Thanks everyone!

[z32loverboy]

I haven't heard much about lowering springs other than eventually everyone goes and buys coilovers in the end. Theres some Z32 groups on facebook that have good used exhausts. Theres a guy in Murfreesboro, Tn on craigslist that has two HKS hi-power catbacks for sale for like $425 right now plus shipping. I get all my used parts from him since he's pretty local. As far as rust repair, maybe some of the other guys would have a better idea. Only thing i know to do is cut it out and replace the rusted metal with the same part from another Z and repaint that area. But I'm not a body guy so i may be wrong.

[DCaff300ZX]

^^^^Agreed on everything, solid advise. The rust repair metal can be a replacement panel piece cut from another panel (expensive), or simple but similar gauge steel made to fit.
Another cheaper exhaust option is having an exhaust shop chop the dead old mufflers and weld on new similar type mufflers. Be aware that the single enter/dual exit mufflers can sometimes be harder to find in the right size (magnaflow is a good choice) which may require also buying a tip solution but this is a solid, budget way to go.