Going to T3 for major rehab - Radiator? Injectors? What else?

[jjbuzzman]

I spent a couple of hours in the archives making a list of recommended service when doing chain guides, but current opinions are welcome. I am taking my 1990 Q45 to T3 on March 14 for the complete work-up: Chain guides, belts, hoses, knock sensors, external transmission cooler and filter, plenum hoses, and whatever else they can talk me into. It has 115,000 miles and has been well maintained - I have all the records since new. I recently re-built the entire suspension, but everything else is stock.

Two questions I did not find consensus on are: Installing a new radiator - my original is working fine - and if so, what radiator? Also, I have injector rails I could send to Deutschworks - my current injectors are OK, but require a steady diet of BG 44K to stay smooth - Should I install a rebuilt set while the plenum is off?

Any current advice on what you think should be done while T3 has it on the operating table?

Thanks to all you Q45 gurus for the good advice over the years.

Jim

[96Qowner]

A couple things missing - be sure to replace the KS harness while they're in there, and might as well throw a new set of spark plugs in it while they have it open and accessible.

Not a bad idea to replace the radiator - don't usually last 18 years. Dennis installed a Griffin brand aftermarket in his. At least pull it and clean it up real well.

Q45 Radiator - FYI

As far as the injectors, I wouldn't bother with rebuilt 90-93 injectors if yours are ohming correctly and working well. I'd go for a full replacement with the 94-96 rail and injectors or nothing.

A 90 with 115,000 miles - NICE!

[Q45tech]

Ty says your appointment is for March 18 a Tuesday not 14 !

We have never cross matched 94-96 injectors on a 90-93 not sure we will or would want too.........[labor warranty concerns].

The one thing I've always wished I had was a new injector harness as some of connections ocassionally get intermitent and I have to pull off raise hood and use a long tool to wiggle every 3 months or so - always when its raining. I cleaned them last summer but the rubber boots are cracked and a always forget to order one.

Doesn't seem to be a problem for most but after 18 years and 3 set of plenum hoses it eventually will............it was a serious problem on early 90-93 300zxtt and na.

You are aware that what you have requested will take longer than 1 day, probably 2. We are clearing Byron for 1.5 days now.

[maxnix]

All gaskets.

one thing that is hardly ever mentioned is the specialized little rubber insulated washers that hold the valve covers down. They deform over time and definitely change. I thnk there are 64 of them and they are not cheap.

Did I see thermostat or water pump? Lower sacrificial anode? Heater hoses are not cheap but much easier to replace with the plenum off. All gaskets of course. Belts and pulleys should be available locally if needed.

See if your main fan is cracked.

[Denver90Q]

Bring service history and let them decide. How much in your budget?

[Lifted79CJ7]

Hey jj, let me know if you need a place to crash out! I'm out in the burbs of Atlanta.Jack

[jjbuzzman]

Q45tech - Just checked my actual calender (instead of my casual memory) and you are correct that the appointment is on the 18th. I am planning on staying over one night, and possibly two if needed.

Thanks for all the priceless tech insight over the years. If you ever need opinions on home construction methods or technology maybe I can repay the favor - I build custom homes and employ all the latest materials and techniques. 'Not as complex as a Q45, but then again, a lot bigger, and more costly!

Jim

[jjbuzzman]

Hello again Q45 guys,

And thanks for the advice so far - I will discuss all this with Ty, Byron and others at T3 to see what is best for them to do. A few of these services I can do, or my local mechanic who handles much of my routine service work. As far as costs, I really don't know for sure, but the bill on this will surely be an attention-getter. Then again, I love this old car, and would like to enjoy driving it for a few more years. If I use Q45tech's $3,000 per year schedule, I really have a bunch of money "banked" that I need to spend on my ride!

Jim

[StarPD]

I think you are doing it the smart way by taking it to T3. It'll cost more, but you'll know it was done right, with no shortcuts or any issues missed. Plus you'll know you got OEM or truly equal parts. Best part is it will all be done at one time, saving you not only money, but time spent doing each thing separately in your garage or driveway. I live in Phoenix, and now drive an '05 Q45, but if I still had my '94 "t" model and wanted to refurbish it, I'd drive it all the way to Atlanta and have T3 do it for me.

Peace of mind is worth a lot.

Let us know how it turend out when it's done.

Good luck

[3Q Jay]

one thing that is hardly ever mentioned is the specialized little rubber insulated washers that hold the valve covers down. They deform over time and definitely change. I thnk there are 64 of them and they are not cheap.

Brian- small detail, but you and i are so used to the 94-95 vcg's that we might forget--the 90-93 don't have those inserts (direct rtv perimeter with small bolts [vs. the studs and cap nuts with rubber/metal washer]--and of course the half moons in back).

to Jim- keep us posted and always pictures are appreciated. i might be doing guides for someone soon.

[Haitian_King]

Hello again Q45 guys,

And thanks for the advice so far - I will discuss all this with Ty, Byron and others at T3 to see what is best for them to do. A few of these services I can do, or my local mechanic who handles much of my routine service work. As far as costs, I really don't know for sure, but the bill on this will surely be an attention-getter. Then again, I love this old car, and would like to enjoy driving it for a few more years. If I use Q45tech's $3,000 per year schedule, I really have a bunch of money "banked" that I need to spend on my ride!

Jim

Glad to see all of the work you're doing. I'm undergoing a similar process with my 92 this week. I'd love to be able to take my Q down to T3 and have them give it the business, but time and funds aren't allowing such an adventure.

I think the $3,000 annual Q budget applies to Q's already in perfect condition. Trying to rehab one when there are 65k miles of history missing is a real PITA. This year, I've already blown more than 3/4 of that annual budget. I may be looking at about $5000 or more for the year.

Oh well. It's money well spent. And a serious deterrent against parting with the car. I couldn't justify letting a low mileage Q with so much work done go.