Engine rebuild help VG30DE

[mariosleal]

Hello everyone. I am new to this site. From what I have seen so far, it's pretty awesome. I just bought a 1991 Nissan 300ZX NA with a manual transmission. It has 190,000 miles plus. I want to do an engine rebuild. I want to do this because of the high mileage and also because I have driven one of these in the past and the one in the past had a lot more kick than the one I have. It was the exact same, no mods. Same year same engine. The one I have now won't even squeal the tires. I even held in the clutch and pressed the gas to about approximately 4500 to about 5000 RPM and released the clutch and nothing, it just took off like a normal car. I know this car has way more potential. Also, could a few holes in the exhaust rob enough power to steal that much HP. I don't have a fortune to spend, but I want to do it right. What should I purchase and from where? Also, could you possibly send a price list or an overall estimate.Just a good engine rebuild setup with a few mods or performance pieces. I can pretty much learn anything that is hands on, on the fly. That is why I prefer to do the rebuild myself as opposed to someone else doing it. A parts list, where to find them for the best quality/price and possibly a good place for reference material. I don't need a crazy set up that produces 500 HP or anything just a good list of rebuild items that will make it like new with a few mods of course. Every where I search for a rebuild kit the only thing that I see is just a gasket and piston ring set. It doesn't seem like very much to make an engine like new. Thank you to everyone that responds.

P.S. even though my car is in such rough shape, I love it.

[ezb57e]

Congrats on the Z. Start out by doing an accurate compression test of your present engine. Even though its got a lot of miles, it may be in better shape that you think, and your money could be better spent elsewhere.
And even if a test says the engine is tired, the results will help you do a better repair by telling you things to look for while you are doing the inspection on disassembly.

And no, a few holes in the exhaust will do nothing to take away power.
Heck, maybe the timing is a little late or the accell cable isn't adjusted right and keeping you from full throttle., who knows, but slow down and don't overlook the basics.