My Rebuild Options

[agentlank]

So I'm not new to the forums, as I used to own a s13 hatch which I did a swap for back in 2007. I've since sold and been driving a grocery getter around for the last few years. A good friend of mine is seeling his 92 2+0 z32 to me. It is a 5 speed t-tops NA.

The good is that it is an incredibly clean car about a 5000 dollar paint job on it 7 years ago, all normal maintenance etc. The appearance of the car for having 220k is exceptional.

The bad is that it needs an engine rebuild, I haven't gotten my hands on it yet, but I think it cranks but there isn't compression. I need more info from him on it but I know that it needs a rebuild.

So what is my best option to build a motor, as I don't want to spend a small fortune on the build if I can, cause I'll need turbos, intercoolers, ecu, injectors(possibly), the list goes on and on...

When all said and done I'd like to have a reliable, streetable 400hp car.

Should I build the motor currently in the car? What are the differences between the NA and TT engine itself?

Should I try to source a domestic TT and then rebuild?

I had really good luck with my sr that I bought, but I get the feeling that JDMs aren't suggested for builds. But it looks I can get a JDM for a little over 1000 that will have turbos, ecu, wiring harness, etc.

All suggestions welcome.

[CrazedZ32Owner]

After seeing other peoples rebuild threads, they start out with simple intentions but it ALWAYS ends up snowballing into a small fortune. Realistically for 400HP your probably looking at around 10k give or take 1-2k. Thats just a guess man.

[agentlank]

Thanks for the reply, I know it isn't going to come cheap as I did a swap in an s13 a few years back. But at the same time I don't want to blow money unnecessarily either. I'm actually reading a few posts down and getting some good ideas on longblock builds. I guess if I want to do it right I will need to make sure the engine is built properly.

Better go with a longblock rebuild or build up my current engine....I know the compression is different for the NA engine, but what else makes it different from the TT engine longblock.

[CrazedZ32Owner]

Well you are in luck as there are people on here who can steer you in the right direction with good advice on a DIY re-build

[BlackWidowZ]

If the NA motor is bad and you are set on getting this, what do you want? Rebuild the NA and save yourself some money. NA are not fast even with all the bolt ons and chiped. But they can be very reliable cars. And they are still fun to drive.

2+0 are not worthy candidates for TT swaps. If you want a TT just go and buy another 2+0 that already comes with a TT. The only cars that are worthy for swaps are slicktops, verts, and 2+2s, or a 2+0 you are emotionally attached to and this car doesnt fit that mold so yeah. Everyone else is going to tell you the same thing on here.

[agentlank]

Sorry my last post wasn't clear, I definately want a TT build, so my question should have been can I rebuild the NA motor and make it a TT(is it cost effective or too much of a hassle) or would it be better to just buy/rebuild a JDM TT or buy a long block from say IPP?

Thanks.

[BlackWidowZ]

Sorry my last post wasn't clear, I definately want a TT build, so my question should have been can I rebuild the NA motor and make it a TT(is it cost effective or too much of a hassle) or would it be better to just buy/rebuild a JDM TT or buy a long block from say IPP?

Thanks.

2+0 are not worthy candidates for TT swaps. If you want a TT just go and buy another 2+0 that already comes with a TT. The only cars that are worthy for swaps are slicktops, verts, and 2+2s, or a 2+0 you are emotionally attached to and this car doesnt fit that mold so yeah. Everyone else is going to tell you the same thing on here.

Dont buy a 2+0 NA to swap to a TT, if its a convertable a slicktop or a 2+2 and you like those styles but want a TT than you can do that but not in 2+0 if you want a 2+0 TT just go buy one yo can find them cheap.

[z32loverboy]

Read this! everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-z32-t508377.html

This covers Maint, Differences in engines, suspension, troubleshooting... ect.. Its good shizzz yo.

And if Agentlank wants to TT this car then don't discourage. Just because it's not what YOU would do, doesn't mean the car "Isn't worthy" of a TT swap. But I also wouldn't pay 5k for a car with a F'd engine, just my .2. Of course I'm emotionally connected to both of my cars so.. I may be biased.

[bartZ32tt]

But I also wouldn't pay 5k for a car with a F'd engine, just my .2.

The paint job on the car from 7 years ago costed $5k - that's not the asking price.

Agentlank:
If you're getting it for a good deal and it is clean, consider it. But swapping an NA-TT is expensive. If you want to keep a/c, ALL lines from a TT must be swapped. The calipers are smaller and should be upgraded. The differential is lower gear ratio but some people like that. At 200k miles, all suspension bushings and struts are shot. You'll need a brand new EFI harness and 120k timing belt kit, which add up to about $800+shipping together. NA rear wheels are more narrow width. Youll need to buy all intercooler piping, exhaust manifold, turbos, gasket kit, etc. It's just way more cost effective to start with a twin turbo with a blown motor or no motor and go from there.

[300ZXttZMAN]

How much does your buddy want for the car?


I actually have a complete TT drive train that would be perfect for a swap for sale. The reason why I haven't started advertising it yet is because I haven't performed a compression test, its in a wrecked TT car from factory, it runs and drives but it needs a couple of injectors.

Includes:
Complete TT longblock
TT trans
TT fuel pump
TT radiator
TT condenser
TT AC lines
Intercoolers
Intercooler piping with all clamps
ECU
Wiring harness (Poor condition)

Optional,
Front half cut, I could cut the car just in front of the firewall and ship that to you so that everything is still assembled ect. Extra cost of course, I haven't determined how much I would need.
Drive shaft rear subframe.

[agentlank]

Thank you for all the replies everyone. No I wouldn't be buying a rolling frame for $5000. We haven't finalized a price yet but its gonna be 2000 or less. I know that still sounds a bit high, but he has all new struts less than a year old and as I said the paint and interior of the car are imaculate. If I can get some pictures of it before I buy it I will post them and see what everyone thinks.


300ZXttMAN: Your post intrigues me I'll probably pm you once I've figured more out with the car.

[Ace2cool]

I don't know, that still seems a little bit high, cause you can buy driving cars for about 500 more.

[zswap0429]

Personally im not picky on what frame gets the swap or not. But any car with 220,000 miles on it isgoing to present allot more problems with the swap then say a na with 120,000 miles on it. Small things that will end up adding up and complicating the build past what you are already planning to do.
But if you are set on getting this exact car from your buddy. Then I say have at it with the swap. Just make sure you scored allot of time looking over the other build thread on her do you will be ready for whatever random sh** happens.and i'm sure someone has the know how to give some insider details on it. That's just what I've been doing to prepare for my swap

[300ZXttZMAN]

Thank you for all the replies everyone. No I wouldn't be buying a rolling frame for $5000. We haven't finalized a price yet but its gonna be 2000 or less. I know that still sounds a bit high, but he has all new struts less than a year old and as I said the paint and interior of the car are imaculate. If I can get some pictures of it before I buy it I will post them and see what everyone thinks.


300ZXttMAN: Your post intrigues me I'll probably pm you once I've figured more out with the car.

Since its an NA roller I think 2k is a little high.

I'll probably make the ad next week after I have compression numbers with a video.

[RED_DET]

I just paid 3k for a TT car with engine failure, 5k for a NA car, NO WAY....

[RED_DET]

How much does your buddy want for the car?


I actually have a complete TT drive train that would be perfect for a swap for sale. The reason why I haven't started advertising it yet is because I haven't performed a compression test, its in a wrecked TT car from factory, it runs and drives but it needs a couple of injectors.

Includes:
Complete TT longblock
TT trans
TT fuel pump
TT radiator
TT condenser
TT AC lines
Intercoolers
Intercooler piping with all clamps
ECU
Wiring harness (Poor condition)

Optional,
Front half cut, I could cut the car just in front of the firewall and ship that to you so that everything is still assembled ect. Extra cost of course, I haven't determined how much I would need.
Drive shaft rear subframe.

PM me with more information on the engine, mileage, etc..... price?

[addicted4life]

After seeing other peoples rebuild threads, they start out with simple intentions but it ALWAYS ends up snowballing into a small fortune. Realistically for 400HP your probably looking at around 10k give or take 1-2k. Thats just a guess man.

What he said! My rebuild has gone from 450whp to 850whp hahah waaaay out of proportion. It's hard to stop sometimes! My build thread link is in my sig