Finally something NICO related to post about

[Mkiisupra]

Hey guys long time member here but havent posted in years. I have a green 95 J30t with a little over 175k on the odometer. Its pretty stock with the exception of a 6000k HID kit and tinted windows. Ive been wanting to do some work to it for some time now but as we all know there really isnt much to do with these cars.

Recently the CEL has come on a couple times and I checked the code and came up with a 32 for the EGR system. So one of these days Im going to need to clean out the system. I was wondering if anyone has posted a write up of how to clean out the system and how difficult it might be, as well as any special tools I might need to finish the job.

Also, Ive been using 87 octane for the past year now, thinking it would be ok. 91 is so damn expensive in CA and these things are gas hogs! This is probably why my EGR system is getting clogged up as well. Im wondering how much Ive been hurting the engine? The car is a daily commuter which has seen very very little aggressive driving. Ive recently had issues with losing coolant and leaking on my inclined driveway whenever driving the car aggressively, so Ive refrained from beating on it and it hasnt lost coolant since.

Other minor annoyances have been the broken antenna, rotors that need turning, cracked driver signal lense, broken interior pieces (b pillar trim, drivers seat control panel), problems with 3 of the 4 windows going up and down properly, and the Bose stereo working whenever it feels like. I also receive static interference while driving with the HIDs on. A few months ago I was also sideswiped on the drivers side at a red light by someone who decided to turn into me instead of going straight while I was in the turn lane and he was not. So needless to say this car has been through a lot. Also a notable mention is a damaged spoiler from using a cheap bike carrier on the trunk and scuffed rear bumper from using tire chains a bit too big.

Future plans would love to see a black interior, newer Infiniti G35/37 or 350z wheels, firmer, slightly lowered suspension, an intake of some creation, 5 speed swap (a far stretch), an exhaust system, and some new aero. I wont hold my breath on that last one though as I know these cars werent very popular in Japan and anything I do find would be extremely expensive.

Overall I like the car a lot and definitely wish there was more aftermarket support and more people doing more modifications than Ive seen here.

Ive noticed someone talking about a Z32 brake swap on the front. I have a pair of 4 piston R32 GTS calipers that I have saved from many years ago for another car that I may want to put on the J. Any thoughts or ideas on this? I am up for almost anything and would love to see some better performance from this car. Of course budget is of concern and I dont need 2 project cars when this one has been so reliable since Ive been with it.

Something about a wall of text and it being 2:30am, pictures to come someday soon. Hope to hear some great ideas and any suggestions for the problems Ive described above. Thanks for reading.

[wingFeather]

On the subject of octane & fuel economy: The engine in my J30 was in TOP shape after all the reconditioning I did, and it paid off. I was able to get 27 MPG on the highway at 80 MPH. In the beginning I ran 87 regular, but began to have all sorts of issues. Later, I switched to premium... and wow was it worth it! I could peel out at stop signs - was like a totally different car, a real torque monster. Watching it shift at 7,000 RPMs was a treat.

[GerryO]

Recently the CEL has come on a couple times and I checked the code and came up with a 32 for the EGR system. So one of these days Im going to need to clean out the system. I was wondering if anyone has posted a write up of how to clean out the system and how difficult it might be, as well as any special tools I might need to finish the job.

Also, Ive been using 87 octane for the past year now, thinking it would be ok. 91 is so damn expensive in CA and these things are gas hogs! This is probably why my EGR system is getting clogged up as well. Im wondering how much Ive been hurting the engine? The car is a daily commuter which has seen very very little aggressive driving. Ive recently had issues with losing coolant and leaking on my inclined driveway whenever driving the car aggressively, so Ive refrained from beating on it and it hasnt lost coolant since.

The EGR system code problem could be as simple as a leaky or disconnected vacuum hose connected to the EGR control valve. Best way to clean the system is to remove the plenum and it's worth maintaining, as it does provide some anti-knock protection. Coolant loss could be water pump related or from any number of hose connections, including quite a few located under the plenum. It's also amazing just how loaded up with debris the front of the radiator can get on a car this age.

[JP72]

Maybe we could get shark in here to give a good detailed guide as to how he did his egr delete?? It may or may not also help with your mpg/hp. Lots say it do, lots say it doesn't.. I eventually plan on finding out for myself:)

[Mkiisupra]

Thanks for the replies guys. When I get a chance I will take a peek inbetween the radiator and a/c condensor and remove any debris that worked its way in. On my 82 Supra I actually pulled a fully laid out plastic bag from between the rad and condensor, dont ask me how it got there. I dont believe the J has any vacuum leaks but I know it doesnt hurt to look around. Ive never worked on a V6 engine before but just looking at how cramped everything is I know its going to be labor intensive.

I have no desire to remove the egr system as it is my daily driver and must pass smog and has no problem doing so currently. I think Im just going to wait until I have my Civic registered before I start any serious work on the J.

Im also looking for wheel fitment info without fender modification or stretched tires. Id ideally like to have at least 8in wide all around without poking past the fenders. Really wish I had jumped on the pair of G37 19s that were for sale locally a couple months ago, but tire cost and not having matching fronts kept me from it. Not many cheap 5 lug rims for sale as I thought there would be, mainly looking for some P45R or Sportmaxx 962s if I deviate from OEM.

It just rained tonight after washing the car the previous day so pics are delayed yet again

[driverdriver]

Just an FYI, using a lower grade gas shortens the life of the fuel injectors.

[JDM_J30_tx]

I am gonna have to agree on the unleaded gas. I made the mistake of accidently using bass grade. Made the car putter and feel like it had a loss of power.

As for the leaking coolant after getting on it a bit. I think it is the weep hole on the water pump. You may want to replace it soon before it gives out on you at a bad time. Rad change would be good if it is still the original. Being 10+ years old plastic loses it structral stability.

As for your future plans it is very doable on a budget. Hell l found my rims and tires practically new for $300.

[Mkiisupra]

I didnt know that lower octane would actually damage the injectors... Im not sure how it would but gas prices have been rising even higher here and its not even summer yet. Its nearly $4 a gallon and I can hardly afford gas as it is the way this things sucks it up, even accelerating as slowly as possibly. Being a 3500lb+ sedan sure doesnt help. Ill definitely look into the water pump and check if the weep hole is leaking as losing the engine is definitely not something I can deal with right now.

As for the loss of power, cant say I noted that too much. I had no intention of, but raced an auto G35 coupe last night coming home with a pizza and was only about a car length behind when I let off at 60. Maybe if I had been full throttle off the line I could have kept up a little more but Im happy with the performance from this nearly 20 year old heavyweight.

When my tax return comes in the mail I plan on a shock replacement on all 4 corners and an alignment. Im just really hoping that those front 300zx shocks are up to the challenge of this heavier sedan.

[driverdriver]

The injectors are a high performance pistol design. One of our old moderators, who was an Infiniti master tech had a write up about it some years ago. Unfortunatly, I can't find the post.

[Mkiisupra]

Ok so today the gf was driving home from work and wasnt paying attention to the car as usual and noticed the temp needle was way up into the H after about a 15 minute drive home from work. Ive always told her DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR WHEN OVERHEATING. Initially I thought the water pump was finally going out, but I had just filled the radiator full a few days ago. I went out just now and filled it up with over a gallon of water. Im now suspecting the worst. Im about to do a compression check and see what numbers I get. What are the other most common symptoms/signs I need to look into for a blown head gasket in these cars?

[Mkiisupra]

After looking under the car I saw the water was running straight out from under the crank pulley which leads me to believe its just the water pump. I havent removed the timing covers yet but the last thing I removed was the crank pulley. I cant find a remanufactured oem pump anywhere and need the car back on the road no later than tomorrow. I think I may be stuck forking over too much money at the dealer tomorrow

Rockauto has Aisin which I believe is OEM manufacturer for $61.79, but

* Stocked in outlying warehouse--shipping delayed up to 2 business days

who knows how long it will take to arrive

[Mkiisupra]

I ordered a water pump and timing belt from Scottsdale Infiniti through infinitipartsusa.com after calling. I was told both of the parts were not in stock and wouldnt ship out until Monday. I guess I got really lucky, I got an email saying they were in stock and had been shipped out. I ordered on Wednesday and have a fedex tracking link that says they should be here on Tuesday. A little bit of ouch factor at $144 but I wasnt willing to compromise on non factory parts after reading some of the stories of other pump housings failing.

Meanwhile Ive been borrowing an 03 Tundra and I must say I cant tell you how much I want my J back on the road. The gas mileage in these trucks suck! Ive gone though $65 in gas just in the past 4 days. Makes me want to hurry up and finish my Civic so I can start enjoying 45mpg. Ill definitely welcome the J's poor gas mileage over the truck anyday.

[Mkiisupra]

Thought I would throw in a quick update. I found a set of G35 rims in Los Angeles that I mistook for 18" coupe rims. When I got there to pick them up it turned out that they were in fact the 17" sedan wheels of the same design. Big letdown there.

Ordered a pair of Power Slot rotors to replace the warped fronts. Installed with some quiet low dust ceramic pads and I though everything was going to be great. Nearly as soon as the job was done and the car on the road my driver front strut completely failed. Paired with a bad driver rear and dying passenger front Im not too happy. Also the front tension rods are completely shot. More money to sink into this ship.

[yodawill2000]

Its a never ending battle with these things.
Cheaper than a New car payment though !!
I keep telling myself that over and over and over.

[jester4666]

i can agree yoda. i bought mine for $600 and have only put around $200 back into it (besides gas). i'm pretty satisfied right now.

[Mkiisupra]

The other night someone came by and stabbed the sidewalls on 3 of my 17" 7 spoke G35 sedan wheels. Not a very happy camper. Luckily I had a pair of 18" 7 spoke G35 coupe rims for backup. Put the 18s on the rear and took the 3 17s to my favorite tire shop to have them removed and replace just one. I bought the pair of 18s from the guy who works there a while back and told him what happened and he showed me a set of 19" forged Rays that came on a 3000GT VR4 he just got in trade for his Z32. Left the shop with a used tire on the 17" rim and will probably be going back later this week to trade the full set of 17s for the Rays. Just hope they fit .

I tried to take pics but it was too dark when I got home. So for now Im rockin a staggered setup 17x7 up front and 18x8 rear. The 17s looked awful on the rear anyways. Pictures to come soon.

[Mkiisupra]

Best I could manage for now

[yodawill2000]

Hows the ride on that setup ?

[Mkiisupra]

Its definitely rough with the struts and shocks not working properly. Im sure it will feel great once I get the replacement stuff installed but that wont be here until wednesday. Also wont be sure if the strut bellows and such will come with them so I may have to order that stuff too.

[Mkiisupra]

New wheels

[yodawill2000]

Lookin' good !

[jester4666]

nice

[Talamascan]

Like 'em. Suprised they don't look too big. My 18s look pretty darn large, but your 19's look just fine.

[Mkiisupra]

Thanks guys. I would have been happy with the 18" coupe wheels but I didnt have the full set. Being the nit picker I am Id love to get another pair of the 8.5" rears for the front but Ill just wait and see how 235/40s look on the front. I cant believe they came from the factory stretched with 225s, looks terrible! I love the way these wheels look though, just need to get them cleaned up and find a cheap lowering spring option. I may look into some sleeve options but will need to go pick up a cheap caliper gauge for measurements.

Still havent gotten a chance to install the struts, the fronts did not come with the rubber bellows so I still need to order them.