Future Advice for Non-Tech Z Owner

[philtex]

OK, here's the deal. After a life long dream of ownership, I bought a 95 Z about 6 years ago and I am absolutely in love with this car. I cannot imagine ever selling it- I would love to enjoy this sweet ride until I can no longer drive. I envision passing it along to whatever currently unborn future grandchild that shows the most interest in it. I am 51 so we are talking about a potential 30+ years (if I am lucky). Here is my dilemma: I bought the car in pristine condition with about 75K on it- it now has about 185K. I use it as my daily driver and the thing is a reliable beast. However, I am about as un-mechanical as one could possibly be. I do not personally perform any maintenance on this machine- just keep it well detailed, clean and garaged, take care of the interior leather, along with consistent trips to change the Mobile 1 oil. I have paid for timing belt/water pump, heater core, new starter, brakes, tires and some a/c work over the years, but other than that, it runs great. My fear is this: how many more miles should I expect to get out of it? And when that day eventually comes, what are my options and estimated cost? I admit, I really have no clue. Is it possible to get a "new" engine installed at some point? Will this be basically a rebuilt engine- or something new from a factory? What kind of expense should I expect to pay? I am just looking for some future advice once the eventual engine problems start to become an issue. When I look at the aesthetics of this car, the way it handles on the highway, and the unbelievable feeling I get when just running errands with the t-tops off on a beautiful day, I cannot imagine buying something new. Any engine advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.. thanks!

[sstroudwku]

As long as you're doing the routine services you can expect many miles of enjoyment out of your ride. Should the day come your engine needs to be replaced a less expensive route would be a rebuild. At the same time you could do a small bore increase and get a little boost in power. However a factory replacement engine for that vehicle will range 5-9grand depending on what all is needed. If you email me your VIN I can give you a more exact price tomorrow when I return to work. [email protected]

[Ace2cool]

Rebuild > replace all day, every day. Stick with what you know and what works.

If you're on the maintenance though, expect it to last.

[H1tman]

If you treat it right and keep up with maintenance, expect another 200k. I recommend taking it to a Z specialist who can look it over and make sure all is in good shape. Crank bearings on a VG are notorious for wearing out so make sure you're using the right viscosity.

There's a guy over here in LA who's z32 is at around 400k miles. My buddy's Z made it to 270k and spun a bearing...on his way home from the drag strip.

I bet your Z's motor has many years left of life. But if you need to know a brand new factory engine for a '95 NA will run you $7,000, or rebuild it for less than half of that.

[DCaff300ZX]

I got 237K out of my '90 NA before it spun a rod bearing, and it got good maintenance from at least me for it's last 8+ years. But it got used heavily it's final years which I feel hurried it's decline, as well as a large mistake on my part with the wrong viscosity of oil for a short stint...just one oil change cycle later the bearing spun.
So expect 230-300K if well maintained and maybe a little more if you're lucky, and look to find a reliable Z mechanic who can set up a rebuild for you when the time comes.
You didn't post or mention anywhere where you live, if you do, someone may know and advise you of a good shop in your area...