Good place to start with performance

[Recian]

So My 90 is completely stock. I"ve got a 06 SE-R sentra I've been driving for 2 years and it's very peppy. (Wife took claim to it so I bought the Z) It only has nismo bolt ons, CAI, header and cat back. The 300 will eat it alive past 40mph but it doesn't have the kick that sentra does. This car feels heavy and I know it's going to, bigger engine and car not to mention NA. I'm wondering if there's any simple mods that should be done before getting too deep into the car. It's got 84k miles and runs great. I know the car is sound mechanically and I've caught it up on unknown maintenance so it's time to start doing mods.

What should I focus on first? I've read a lot on the forum and I know lightweight underdrive pulleys, cat back (maybe headers and test pipe but I know the VG30/33E SOHC is known to break studs in the heads so idk about headers...), aluminum 1 piece drive shaft, lightweight clutch/flywheel (when OEM one gives up) are in the car's future. I'd love to put an injen intake system on it but it's said they don't give any gains since it's just a shiny pipe and the car already has a CAI. How about putting the car on a diet? Is there enough dead weight that can be taken out without noticing?

I'm wondering if there's a different direction I should look into or am I going the right way? Done a lot of mods but this will be my first Z and I know the Z32s are tempermental. I'd love to use Nismo parts if there's any still available. Other than that what are some good sources for 300zx bolt ons? I don't want ebay china stuff.

Also I looked into tinting the windows but the car has a natural greyish tint to the windows. I haven't seen pics of any other cars online with this. Anyone heard of this?

[300ZXttZMAN]

Honestly you can do all of the things you listed but the problem is that the NA VG doesn't respond well (efficiently) to the mods as other engines do and the other problem is that you can only throw so much money at it before you reach the cost of performing a TT swap.

With that being said you might want to hold off on modding the car and just get your feet wet make sure the maintenance on the car is up to date ect.. Then in the event you get bored with the power level you can start putting together a TT swap for it.

[Recian]

I've considered the option. I found a link here stating the differences and theres alot but itll require another car. Pretty much a front clip with fuel pump, cluster and rear end. Figure I'd pay 4k ish for a running TT regardless of body and go through the engine.
I just did front maintenance. T belt, water pump etc. All it needs is fuel filter,
trans and rear end fluids changed.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Ok well you are defiantly on the right path since you did maintenance. I suggest you keep driving it and get a feel for it.

[NolimitZ32]

For NA Z.
1. Maintenance (Seems like you've got this covered)
2. Weight removal (put the car on a diet by removing extra weight and ad LW pilleys/FW/DS for decreased parasitic loss)
3. Suspension (Higher speed cornering and additional overall FUN Factor)
4. Power upgrades (CAI, Exhaust, Cams, etc.)
The reason power upgrades are last is because bang for your buck they are the worst, you will get the least gain for the most money for those.

[z32loverboy]

Yeah, Arcticdragon has a thread on here of his major N/A build with internals, cams, tune, headwork and he said he's expecting around 240hp. I'm doing a mild build compared to his on my N/A since my motor blew and i'm not even expecting that with 88mm wiseco pistons and major head work with 1mm over valves. Honestly the best bang for your buck is to go ahead and get your car "set up" for more power.
-Weight reduction
-Suspension (Coilovers, control arms, sway bar, poly bushings in everything, ECT...)
-Upgrade your interior (stock seats are heavy, get it all looking pretty)
-Exterior mods to your fancy
THEN put together your TT swap. I would be working on my car this way if my engine hadn't blown. This'll give you time to go through the numerous mods other people have done and see what's available to mod your car to your fancy. You won't have to worry about putting power to the ground once you do have it. That's just my opinion, but you have to make your car yours. If you're just looking to give your Z a little more pep in her step then do basic bolt ons on the motor and do some weight savings and you'll feel a difference in how she drives.

The guys at ConceptZ and SpecialtyZ are really good for getting quality parts and they really know their stuff when it comes to upgrading Z's. It's worth your time to call them and talk over what you're wanting to get done with your Z. Z1 is also good with parts but sometimes it takes awhile for them to get parts out to you. Those are the three main ones we all go to for our parts.

Also, WELCOME to the joys of the love/hate relationship we all have with our Z's!

[Recian]

That's kinda my plan. Get bolt ons like cat back, lightweight pulleys and 1 piece driveshaft that can be used on the turbo also. The suspension is super tight but I'm sure the car being from Ohio and having some salt exposure + 20 years of age the bushings in the suspension will need some upgrades.

Someone in here mentioned the maxima radiator + fans. That may help also get the fan drag off the engine.

[300ZXttZMAN]

That's kinda my plan. Get bolt ons like cat back, lightweight pulleys and 1 piece driveshaft that can be used on the turbo also. The suspension is super tight but I'm sure the car being from Ohio and having some salt exposure + 20 years of age the bushings in the suspension will need some upgrades.

Someone in here mentioned the maxima radiator + fans. That may help also get the fan drag off the engine.

Good thinking... Bushings are actually a major part of the suspension and will greatly effect ride quality and handling. For some reason people often overlook them.

[Recian]

I worked at Nissan in jacksonville (1hr away) for years and got tired of the drive but the local dealer sucks so I work at a Chrysler store and they use "roles" for techs. I'm the suspension/alignment guy and do diesel and mitsubishi work as well. So I deal with suspension on a daily basis. It won't be overlooked I just don't know where to start with this car. I know the rear camber adjusters are a bit tough to turn. May invest in some upper control arms to get the alignment capabilities up to par.