Hey guys, new owner here...

[zacharytb]

First off, I made this account for my son, who "owns" the car. So I will be passing it along, just wanted to stop in for an introduction and a couple of pics.

We picked up a 1996 NIssan 300ZX with around 65K on it. It's in fantastic shape. It's a little dirty now but our weather hasn't been cooperating.




I bought this car locally from a guy I've known since high school. It's had the 60K done already. Brand new Cooper tires. I just hope my son takes the care of it that it deserves (It's his first car). It smells new.

I little background on myself, I am a former owner of a 95 Dodge Stealth Twin Turbo and did quite a bit to it performance wise. I'm sure my son will want to do some things to this car, but we aren't doing anything major. I just signed up here because I know the people on these boards have walked the walk and have a wealth of knowledge to offer.

[darylzero]

Your son is one lucky bastage

[DCaff300ZX]

Welcome to Nico!
I have to say honestly that this is a bad idea.
That's quite a lot of car to put in your son's hands as his first car, I hope he's up to that task...a twin turbo Z is more than I'd ever consider putting in ANY young man's hands, much less my son who I care for and would realize what he most likely will do with it. Pretty much every major accident around here involving a Z is a kid showing off, or racing some other kid who eggs him on.
PLEASE be sure he's able to handle the car well and has it in one piece for more than a couple of months before considering upgrades!

[zacharytb]

darylzero, yes he is.

DCaff300ZX, he's pretty level headed. We live in a small town so anything that happens will get back to me. Plus, it's N/A, but still plenty of power there. He doesn't get his license til July, and he's picked up the 5 speed rather quickly.

He won't be doing any speed upgrades. Maybe wheels, some new speakers, but he's not doing any exhaust or anything like that. Plus it's a 96 and I know that's the year they started with OBD2, so it can get expensive removing cats, etc. On my Stealth it was easy.

Appreciate your concern. You have a sharp car there. I must say I miss my Pearl Stealth and like the styling of the 3/S better, but the 300 handles way better and is actually more fun to drive. Maybe I'll pick myself up a twin turbo. The problem is finding low mileage ones that haven't been raped is hard, and when you do you might as well spend a bit more and get a Viper, lol.

There are pros to this as well. I figured that with only 2 seats he can't have a bunch of jackasses in the car with him.

[DCaff300ZX]

OK, sounds pretty good plus I missed it wasn't a TT...my bad!

Your plans sound good, and you have thought out the important stuff well it seems.

Oh, and yeah- DO IT and get yourself a TT, you won't be disappointed as the TT has better handling bits (stiffer springs and sway bars) and wider tires OEM, and those twins. Get a '94 or '95 for OBD1 and upgraded injectors and do your thing!
Oh, and if you do it and then upgrade the twins, go with 530bb's/DP's/upgraded smics/ECU tuning and you'll love the torque and instant response!

[zacharytb]

Maybe one of these days. The initial plan was sell the Stealth (Got 13 grand for it back in August of 08 right before everything crashed) and it had everything done without getting into fuel and turbos, and to save for a Viper. Well my Viper is now a new house and a 4 year old princess. But I haven't lost sight completely, one of these days. There are just more important things I want than a car right now.

As for the Z, I'm urging him to get on here and just read, basic stuff like how to change oil, things like that. The only issue I've seen with the car is that some red light comes on when we are braking. I'll search for that, I'm sure just like with the Stealth, these cars have common issues that are easy fixes.

[DCaff300ZX]

I hear ya with the priorities, but keep the dream alive!

Great idea with your son, here's a welcome to him to join in and ask away with questions about the car, and indeed read up in the tech section and read the build sheets. Also, the stickies at the top of the page provide a wealth of maintenance and upgrade info that should guide you through 90+% of your needs.

Regarding the red light coming on, that's for power steering fluid being low so get a little added there and you should be fine- they will often lose a little fluid over time, but also be sure the line clamps are tight and there's no leak as it will leak on the alternator and take it out.

Looks like you have your first small repair job lined up, have fun!

[Ace2cool]

Just wanted to pop in and welcome you proper!