Appropriate Mods for a Z31?

[Oprichniki]

I've recently purchased a silver 1986 Nissan 300ZX (3.0 L VG30E SOHC V6 engine) and was wondering what changes would be 'appropriate'. I want to make the car slightly faster and better looking without ruining the classic image of the car. Also, I have no experience working with cars at all (but I'm willing to do anything to learn). Also, I'm on a bit of a budget.

The first thing I was considering was replacing the seats, since the driver's seat has a large tear on the side, and this is something I'm fairly certain I could do.

Thanks in advance!

[gmac708]

Hi and welcome to NICO

A simple way to improve performance is to start with a good tune-up. It's also a good way to get to know your car and improve your technical skills. Also look into a cold air induction type of modification. Those will help in performance and fuel cost. Exhaust systems are mostly "bolt on" from "cat-back" to a complete exhaust manifold to tailpipe.

Just a few ideas. Be sure to post some pictures of you adventures. Good luck.

Gord

[Oprichniki]

Thanks for the advice, I'll have pics tomorrow!

[Oprichniki]

Sorry I'm late with the pictures, and I only have one.



Also, I've done something very important before doing any work on the car- I've actually driven it and gotten to know the car.

I've learned that the steering needs some work since I'm currently unable to properly execute a U-Turn. I've learned that the Z31 is heavy. I've learned that the speedometer doesn't really work if you're going under 15. I've learned that the trunk has trouble staying open. I've learned that I miss my 240.

So, now that I actually know my car, I think I can plan what I'm going to do:
-Fix steering
-Strip unnecessary interior parts and replace seats with lighter versions
-Fix trunk
-Fix speedometer

If anyone has tips or objections or instructions, please respond. Thanks!

I'll have more pictures next weekend when I'm not busy with classes.

[BadQ45t]

This was a completely different car than a 240. It is a bit heavier but actually wasn't a complete pig. The stripping of interior parts is not going to make any real difference in performance you feel, so it will just make the car look ugly.

The seats if they are cloth you should chuck them, if leather I would consider a recover....are the mechanical or electric? As for the trunk, do the little struts no longer hold up the hatch? If so that is a very easy fix plenty of 3rd party replacements available. the same for the hood struts if those are shot now too.

Also you didn't mention if this was a Turbo, I am guessing that it isn't. If you really want to have a higher performance and faster Z you should sell this one find a Turbo car. The NA is simply not well setup for off the shelf go fast mods. The Turbo is easy for a few grand to get over 300 horsepower.

That said I have had a NA for many years and while not fast it is still fun. I have used Eibach springs, KYB shocks/struts, Addco sway bars and bushings and pretty much replaced all other rubber and power steering rack. It handles quite well while not a drifter car it is very nimble.

[evildky]

The seats are fairly heavy, especially if it's a GLL, nothing wrong with something a bit lighter and more supportive.

The car pictured is an n/a.

[BadQ45t]

yes, that is what I thought. I have a GLL and they might be heavy but the drivers electric/leather seat is still amazingly comfortable. Way better than my 05' Nissan Xterra's and maybe better than my 97' Q45's. How much will 35 pound seat swap matter on a NA?

[evildky]

Thats a more than 1% weight reduction, alone not worth much but do both seats add in a lightweight battery, dump the spares and tools as well as the heavy rear floor foam and you could save a hundred lbs, which about a tenth off your quarter mile. Granted that will not make it a fast car by any modern measure. If you want a fast car, it's turbo time, that or LS swap depending on how deep your pockets are.

[AZ-ZBum]

Speedometer issue is most likely a leaking speedometer pinion gear seal. Simple to replace, but the cleaning of the instrument cluster is the time consuming part.

What's wrong with the steering that prevents you from executing a proper U-Turn? And how do you define "proper u-turn"?