Advice on old Q45

[90Q45blue]

Ok guys, I am a sucker for the Q45 and am getting my transmission replaced. The car has 245,000 miles on it. Everything is stock. Any advice on what I can do to 1) increase performance and/or 2) keep the car lasting for a long time

Any help is appreciated. I'm still a big NOOB when it comes to my Q.

[911/Q45]

Your car has already lasted a long time and is probably needing many expensive repairs. Any performance increases will likely reduce it's remaining life. You can chase repairs for the next few years or you could drive it as is and look for a lower mileage replacement, many of which are available for less than $8000.

[greg_atlanta]

The best mod is simply keeping the car running in tip-top shape AS DESIGNED.

Only worthwhile mods are new computer for engine (ECU) and trans (TCU) from Jim Wolf, about $1200 (??) for both. But might be better saving money for future repairs.

Change all the fluids, including brake, power steering, differential. Have the intake and injectors cleaned. Might want to use syntethic motor oil and change to synthetic ATF on the new transmission after a year or so.

What other major work has been done? How long have you owned the car?

[PalmerWMD]

Congrats to your desicion for keeping the car anything else comparable in comfort/performance cost a multiple.

When you get the new transmission, start it off right with a premium ATF such as MOBIL1, AMSOIL, redline, or for a little less but still premium Valvoine SynPower ATF(this one is actually a blend hence chaeper than the full syns).

Add a transmission cooler too (is cheap if DIY $65).

I want to add to Greg recommendations tho for performace improvements.That is a 4.08 rear diff, avalable from BAD ( email me for contact info) for 950$.

Supposedly very hi payoff modification for improved times.

Keeping a clean throttle body is also very important for performance.

A dirty TB can rob a lot more HP than most PPL think.

Fred...

[Mayhem_J30]

fred, i thought supersyn was full synthetic but the durablend was the high grade blend.Blue, with that mileage it's probably time to have all bushings in the suspension replaced. sway bars bushings are probably the easiest and the tie rods.

[aaacomp]

After having four 1st generation Q's and the one I liked the most had over 240K on it when burned to the grnd. Oh, If you haven't changed the coolant, knock, O2 sensors, and driveshaft it's past due time. Most important is the sensors first. I've noticed with the Q's over 200k having cooling problems so the temperature sensors and knock are mandatory with your mileage. Since you'v made it over 200k you've done some maintance. Read the threads on this forum and you'll know what to do next. Or just leave a post on your problem. There will be several people glad to help you. If your in Texas, give me a call there's a few Q owners here that are keeping their cars up and exchanging ideas..:thumbup

[PalmerWMD]

fred, i thought supersyn was full synthetic but the durablend was the high grade blend.Blue, with that mileage it's probably time to have all bushings in the suspension replaced. sway bars bushings are probably the easiest and the tie rods.

You are correct when it comes to nomenclature for Valvoline Motor oils.SYNPOwer= full synthetic PAO oil.

But for its ATF, Valvoline calls it's blended ATF "synpower".

Probably not quite as good as MOBIL1 ATF or AMSOIL ATF or redline ATF, but I trust it to be a very good fluid for the money.More$ than standard ATF but lot less than full syn ATF's.

Fred...

[PalmerWMD]

90Q45blue:

On Item 2).

Conduct a search in tiuming chain guides, or go to search for article (really a compilation of posts of our olf site) titled "90-93 Q45 chain guides.

Important info, even tho your hi milage makes me wonder if your haven't been done already.

Fred...

[90Q45blue]

I've already had the fuel injectors replaced, the fuel pump and water pump replaced, a 2-week carbon clean service performed on the car. Obviously now a new transmission, and other various things. I will look into those sensors. How much $$$ are we talking here. As I'm buying a new transmission I don't have a lot of money to play with right now

Thanks for the advice guys.

[DAEDALUS]

The factory sensors are about $100 each, but I think you can get the vendor's equivalent for about half that. You can even find the part number if you search around enough on this site. Either way, they will most likely pay for themselves over the next 60k with improved fuel economy. Where are you located?

[fxjackso]

You may have already invested in the new (Nissan rebuild?) trans, but if you have not yet signed on the dotted line I have a used one, with about 45,000 miles. Installed by dealer in my 1990. I have now driven 5,000 miles and it seems fine. There was a flush done at 30,000 miles by dealer. This trans is in the car, and you could drive it here in Maryland.

I have a parts car with a Level Ten rebuild that I want to swap into my "new" car. That's the only reason that I offer the current one.

I do not know where you are located but I am sure we could manage shipping somehow.

Email if interested in following up.

[90Q45blue]

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look into getting those sensors installed. What's the cost of the other things such as driveshaft, etc. I'd like to get it all done in about 2 weeks so I don't have to worry about taking the car back and forth and since I already have an appointment to put Tokico's on, I thought I might as well.

As for the transmission w/ 45k on it. Thanks man but actually I got a hell of a deal on mine. Turns out the transmission shop here in Kansas ****ed up and already rebuilt my transmission without my permission that their other store thought the store in town told them they had. So long story short I'm gettin a brand new rebuilt transmission w/ all the upgrades and the cooler w/ a 3-year warranty for 850 Pretty sweet huh. Thanks anyway though man.

If anyone has any more suggestions on what to do to make my car last let me know. My engine doesn't burn a drop of oil, I take very good care of my cars. The engine should last a long long time. Hopefully with the collective help of NICO, I can roll over 300k Thanks guys.

[DougQ45]

Buy a 1993 TCU at a junkyard for around $150. This allows the the transmission to start in first gear---big difference in performance/driveabilty. Also reported to pro long trans life with less stress placed on transmission compared to 2nd gear start. Don't forget the transmission cooler and Mobil1!!! TCU installs in about 15 minutes with a phillips screwdriver and a 10MM socket.

[DAEDALUS]

90Q45Blue, I just realized you were asking about both O2 sensors and knock sensors that aaacomp mentioned--I should have been more specific. The 02 sensors are what I was referring to--$100/pair. The knock sensors are about $200 each and you'll need two. After you pay the money and then recieve them, you'll think of filing a fraud complaint with the DOJ against Nissan. They're just little solid-state components, about the size of 6 keys stacked together. That can't POSSIBLY cost $200 each, you'll say to yourself. The OTHER big cost there is with the labor, though, since you have to remove the plenum. While you're in there you will really want (need) to replace all rubber components as well as the knock sensor harness. $400 for knock sensors. $60 for harness. Maybe $300 for new rubber. And a weekend or two of labor.

[90Q45blue]

Thank you for the price quotes on those parts. Where are those from and is Scottsdale the place to go for those or do you know of anywhere else with better prices?

Also, while I have the knock sensors, harnes and O2 sensors replaced, is there anything I should get done while he's got the plenum removed? All the rubber was replaced 2 months ago.

[AZhitman]

Not likely to beat Joe's (Scottsdale) prices on parts.

O2 sensors are $92 / pair from sparkplugs.com.

Full plenum cleaning probably a good idea while they're in there, as well as throttle body, intake, MAF, etc. Checking all injectors and doing a rail flush...

[DAEDALUS]

Yeah, I forgot about the cleaning! You'll free up the airflow and recover some power. Clean also the IAC on the back of the plenum and the EGR. 2 month old rubber will come right off and back on again. I would still replace the rubber gaskets under the plenum. They're cheap. Your fuel hoses might be OK, but while you're in there, what the heck, have them done too if they're original.Hey, my 100th post!

[PalmerWMD]

As for the transmission w/ 45k on it. Thanks man but actually I got a hell of a deal on mine. Turns out the transmission shop here in Kansas ****ed up and already rebuilt my transmission without my permission that their other store thought the store in town told them they had. So long story short I'm gettin a brand new rebuilt transmission w/ all the upgrades and the cooler w/ a 3-year warranty for 850 Pretty sweet huh.

OhMyGod!!

That's gotta be some kind of a record!.

Fred...

[90Q45blue]

Yeah, I was pretty pleased when i found out they screwed up. I don't know exactly how a professional transmission shop can mess up so bad, but they're the ones that have to pay. I don't have to pay for any labor charges since I didn't authorize it and since I could legally sue them or make them take all their parts out of my transmission (which would void them and make them unreturnable) They gave the parts to me at 25% off.

So basically they lost anywhere from 400-500 dollars on this deal. I love it.

Also, all those suggestions sound good for the full plenum cleaning, throttle body, etc. We'll see if I have enough money to do all that.

[maxnix]

As it's mostly labor, be careful, go slow, and do it yourself while it's all apart.

Should give you 60K miles before you have to remove plenum again and save you all that labor.

[90Q45blue]

I just got my car back yesterday and she's running great as ever. I can't wait until my trip home next week. Highway driving in the Q is the best. Oh and by the way, that 3-year warranty turned into a lifetime warranty yesterday while we were haggling over price Call me a jerk but I love benefiting off of other people's mistakes

Nick

[texasoil]

I do not think it is fair or right for one to take unfair advantage of anyone's honest mistake. If your transmission needed rebuilding, and you were going to do it, and timing of the permission is all the issue, look in the mirror and do the honorable thing. Pay their costs--parts cost +10%, labor at full cost including benefits. they don't make any money, you get a great deal, and you earn their everlasting respect and customer service support. The innocent mechanic gets paid and can feed his family this week.

If your transmission did not NEED the work, that's a different story. Parts at actual cost, labor at actual wages to mechanic.

Be fair and honorable.

[90Q45blue]

I respect your opinion texasoil, but first you need to know the whole story. I was not going to have those guys rebuild my transmission because they said it would cost 2400 when I guy in my hometown said he would do it half that with a better warranty. Also, when I told the transmission guys i wasn't going to get it rebuilt they offered to buy the car from me for 500 bucks. I laughed and hung up the phone. When I called back two days later and told them somebody was going to buy it from me for 1500 (which was true) then they immediately offered me 2000. Anyone who can go up 400% at the drop of a dime was obviously trying to screw me in the first place. Moreover, I later found out this guy was trying to buy it for personal use when he made it sound as if his boss wanted the car for business. I didn't appreciate their dishonesty and when I went to have my towing company get the car I got a call saying they accidentally rebuilt it. He told me I wouldn't have to pay labor so I told him I would match the other guys price of 1200 which was what I was thinking about doing. He said he'd give it to me for 900 which i agreed to. I didn't take advantage him without cause. I think it was poetic justice. Anyway, INFINITIS RULE!!!!!

P.S. Anybody have more suggestions for me to get my car back to tip-top shape and run a 12.0 quarter-mile?

Let me know.

Nick

[AZhitman]

12 seconds? Hmmm... This shouldn't be hard. First you're gonna need a Sawzall...

[Q451990]

Just a word of caution... aftermarket rebuilds don't have a really high sucess rate, and this story about these guys makes me a bit nervous... I'd make sure that warranty is well documented.

Heath

[90Q45blue]

Heath,

You're right to be nervous. I was as well. That's why I drafted up a contract to have them sign that guarantees me a lifetime warranty on all labor, parts and cost of the transmission (yadda yadda yadda....no one wants to hear the legal jargon) as long as I get the fluid filled every 12,000 miles or once a year. So I think I did a pretty good job of covering my butt. Thanks for the concern though.

P.S. I'm taking my car to Major Infiniti in Kansas City next Thursday. Anyone have any experience with them? Let me know what you guys know or if I should be going elsewhere. Thanks.

Nick

[texasoil]

Blue, Good For You. I am glad you posted all the story about the transmission rebuild mess. If we always do the honorable thing ( and you certainly did) we improve the world a little bit at a time.

They were the shady ones.

It would be helpful to other members perhaps if you would tell us the name of the dishonest shop so we can avoid them.

[90Q45blue]

Cottman Transmission is the name.

[AZhitman]

Cottman Transmission is the name.

OMG - I could write VOLUMES about my hassles (x2) with them here in Phoenix... Beware!! Get the word out, stay away!!!

[90Q45blue]

Hitman,

Seriously? That sucks. I had no idea the guys were this bad. I was really in a bind so I had it towed out to them until I figured out what I was going to do. As I'm up at college I couldn't just let it sit in a driveway, seeing as I don't have one. Anyway, I wasn't too impressed either.

P.S. Anyone have an opinion on Major Inifiniti in KC?