Just bought my new 300zx and I have a few questions

[300scotties]

So, about a year ago I began my search for My Z. At first, the twin turbo was the object of my desire, but as I grew in knowledge, and began to think about insurance and parts costs I realized that for me, the NA was the way to go.

About 5 weeks ago, while going through the nightly search on Craigslist.com, I came across a 1993 300zx NA with 89,000 original miles, and only 2 owners. So, I bought it. And now here's the good part....

it was only $6,700!

Since the purchase I have made a few minor repairs.

I..-Replaced the front and rear windshield (cracks and water spots)- found a place that cut me a deal.-Replaced both Air Filters-Replaced the PTU-Replaced the Fuel Filter-Rebuilt the Bose Deck-Purchased and installed a set of 300zx Stock Rims. (Look Like new, and got the whole set for $125)

Now for the bad.

Turns out the guy I bought it from needs a good beating. I did some research and found out that he purchased the car just 2 weeks before he sold it to me. He bought it for $6,000 and sold it for $6,700 (it sucks because he seemed like a nice guy, too). So anyways, I contacted the original owner and asked him about the condition of the car when he sold it to John (the man I bought it from). Anyways, the OG owner said that the car was in great condition except the paint. Well I'm thinking to myself...hmmm that's weird It looks great now. Well I did some MORE research and made a few phone calls and here is what I found out...

The car did look like crap before.

John's brother owns a detailing shop

John's brother detailed the car for him for free, before he sold it to me.

John's brother cut through my clear coat in about 85798574398437 different places

None of what they did was illegal. This sucks because it was a really messed up thing to do.

So now I have to go about have the car touched up and getting a new clear coat. So there's another $600 easy.

So, there's my story. And here are my questions...

1) Anyone know of a good Z mechanic in the San Francisco bay Area?

2) What down pipes and exhaust do you suggest? Why?

3) What do you think of Engine(TM) Performance Kits for the z32?

4) Why are people so shady when it comes to selling cars?????

[nsrZ32]

Wow....long post, but good story.

As for your questions, there are a few good Z specific shops out that way, specialty Z should be out there somewhere, but I think its south of you.

For "downpipes and exhaust", I'd go with the HKS Hiper for the catback as it is affordable, flows amazingly well, and looks really good IMO. On the downpipes idea, you don't need downpipes. Those are the pipes that come off of the turbos. Maybe you're thinking of testpipes which is the section that replaces the cats. If so, check out specialty Z for those.

Lastly, many people are shady selling cars because they are just out to make a buck. That's what pays the bills and makes the world go around.

Anyway....post some pics up!

[WidebodyZ]

Sucks what you went through, and you could have gotten a better NA for less to be honest. I've seen TT's going for that low before...with a little higher miles, but not by much. Too bad those guys hosed you..next time do the research before you buy.

[300scotties]

Sucks what you went through, and you could have gotten a better NA for less to be honest. I've seen TT's going for that low before...with a little higher miles, but not by much. Too bad those guys hosed you..next time do the research before you buy.

Lol I did do my research. I waited. and waited and waited and looked and searched and called and browsed for good condition Z's in my area. But it seems that everyone and there mother who has a Z, has one with a poorly but on jdm front end, a "custom fitted" rear end off some crappy ****ing honda civic, and about 200,000 miles. seling for 4,000.

I dunno. I thinK i could have done better. but i can't go back in time.

Quote » Maybe you're thinking of testpipes which is the section that replaces the cats. If so, check out specialty Z for those.[/quote]hehe, yeah . those.

anyways. i actually jsut went out to the car to take some pics...here they are!

At Least it looks nice now that i've got my new windshields, and new touch up paint, clear coat and deatil job done

Better pictures coming once I get my Cannon back from my friend.



? or ?

[nsrZ32]

very nice clean car!

[WidebodyZ]

Well, at least you got it all sorted out now. Time to enjoy the car!

[raverukyo]

I just got a Z and would also like to know if there are any mechanics out in the bay area who specializes in Z cars... =)

[300scotties]

I just got a Z and would also like to know if there are any mechanics out in the bay area who specializes in Z cars... =)

Found one. Specialty Z down in San Jose.

[raverukyo]

Found one. Specialty Z down in San Jose.

What is the address? I found a website but I'm not sure if it's the one you're referring to in San Jose...

http://www.specialtyz.com/index.htm

[flfuzzz]

Answer to #2: downpipes are a no go. You own an NA and our engines need the back pressure created by the cats. As far as exhaust, it's all about how much you want to pay and how loud you want it. I'm saving up for the Labree exhaust made by Specialty Z. Any other questions you got, ask Coz Ceh at Concept Z Performance shop in AZ. Knows more about Z's than Nissan and great prices/customer service. Also check out twinturbo.net.

[idriveaTTz32]

if you're in touch with Specialty-Z you will NOT have any issues with customer service and car maintenance from them. The HKS is good for the price but for just a little bit more you will get a better tuned and designed exhaust from Specialty-Z. One thing about the Z32's is try not to skimp out on quality parts because someone else happens to make something similar but cheaper. Save your dough until you can get what you want for it. COZ is great for parts as he stocks or can get almost everything Nissan makes for the z32.