In need of advice...

[UofTCadet]

I recently bought a 94 TT MT with 82,000 miles for $8400. It's a beautiful pearl white with a ratty interior that's already cleaning up extremely well. I had it checked out by a Goodyear shop that I have built a bit of a relationship with before I bought the car, but now that I own the car, I get the feeling they don't know what they're talking about with this particular model. When I call specialty Z shops and explain the symptoms, I get a completely different response. Nevertheless, it is still quite concerning.

What I am hoping for is feedback on the possible problems. I plan on taking off work tomorrow to take it to Awesome Z in Houston, TX and figure it out once and for all.

1) There's a gasoline smell when the cars runs; gas is leaking. I know it can be a million different reasons why and Goodyear says the pressure regulator and 2 fuel injector seals need to be replaced. That price is estimated $700-800.

2) Goodyear says the turbos are leaking on the outside. When I called the Z Clinic in Austin they said the turbos really only leak on the inside and that it was probably the valve gasket head covers (not sure if this terminology is right, but it's close) leaking. Does anyone know if the turbos will even leak on the outside? There's no smoke coming from the engine or the exhaust.

I LOVE the car and it feels amazing. I understand there can be problems with an older car, but I'm just concerned this will be more excessive than I thought. I know I could've gotten myself into a little trouble here but to me, like many of you I'm sure, I'm fairly willing to indulge a bit on the Z32. I'm not asking for any type of yes or no answer, just some opinions or advice from someone who would be kind enough. Thanks for your help.

[evildky]

you need to fix the fuel issue right away, the injector O rings are a common issue and very laborious to replace but I'd recomend you contact your local z club (zcca.org) and found out who in your area specializes in Z32's, I'd never let a tire store do serious mechanical work on one fo these cars

and maybe yiu should just go to z clinc and let them have a look, sounds liek they'll have a much better idea of what they are looking at

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Tighten all your fuel clamps first, that could easily be the source of your fuel smell. GY is raping you on the regulator and dampener prices.

Turbos can leak anywhere, inside or outside. What are they leaking, oil or water?

Awesome Z should be able to help you out, from what I've read they're great.

[marty1mc]

you need to fix the fuel issue right away, the injector O rings are a common issue and very laborious to replace but I'd recomend you contact your local z club (zcca.org) and found out who in your area specializes in Z32's, I'd never let a tire store do serious mechanical work on one fo these cars

and maybe yiu should just go to z clinc and let them have a look, sounds liek they'll have a much better idea of what they are looking at

Agreed. These cars are very complex and beyond what most places are capable of handling. If you are not going to do the work yourself, pay the premium and go to a Z specialist. It is worth the money. But, be warned, the Z32 is an expensive hobby. Even doing all my own work, I spend a ton of cash on this car. I simply would not be able to own it and maintain it properly if I had to pay for someone to work on it.

Start trying to do some of the things yourself. Look at the fuel leak for starters. If you open the hood and look on the drivers side wheel well, you will see a large canister (about 3.5 inches long and 3 inches in diameter), with a line coming in the rear and one running over to the motor. That is your fuel filter. Follow that line around the engine and tighten every clamp. Visual inspect the connections for wetness and smell. You may be surprised what you find out and possible fix.