Need Members Honest Opinion.

[emiliog2276]

I have a 1990 300zx 2+2. I havent used it as my daily driver in over a year but i want to focus my attention back on it, but here is my dilemma. I dont know wether to focus my attention back on the same vehicle or get another one in a better condition. The exterior and interior are a 3-4 at best. Aside from the 2800 original cost ive rebuilt the transmission, installed stilled sway bars, tokiko illumina adjustable shocks,eibach lowering springs, 28mm to 30mm calipers, Brembo sports rotors,6 new injectors. I've always just focused on making it run good rather than looks. Car runs good, perfect idle no stumbling in comparison to when i got it. Chasis has 227,000 miles, the engine i dont know. When i pulled the plenum the was a stamp under one of the valve covers of a manufacture date of August 1993 so im assuming engine was replaced prior. My dilema is wether i should focus back on this vehicle ( i want to change wiring harness, 120K maintenance, stillen headers). I've never been really into making it a fast vehicle i just want it to run great and be dependable.

My dilemma is wether i should get rid of this Z and purchase one with lower miles, better condition, better looking, 94-96.
What route would you guys go? Thanks.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Could you post a picture(s) of what you don't like about it?

[emiliog2276]

Dont have pic of interior, but dont like interior tan color, carpets need to be replaced, leather seats are completely ripped, front bumper is destroyed from parking to close to parking bumps which also flexed the fenders.

[nix300zx]

I've owned 2 300's the first an NA then a turbo. However I did a lot to the NA, like you have to yours, but sold it for another instead of continuing to fix it. Now I wish I had just kept it and fixed it. I think any Z to buy will need work done to it. But I would say sell it for a different one if the things that you don't like about this one are 'unchangeable'. By that I mean like interior color, 2+2 vs 2seat or major things that it would simpler to find a Z that already has what you want. Things that are easy to replace like bumper or some interior trim/panel, seats and all that I would say keep it ad just do things little by little. I try to get or fix a part a month with my interior or somthing like that and its came a long ways. Just my quick 2cent

[johnshop]

Dont have pic of interior, but dont like interior tan color, carpets need to be replaced, leather seats are completely ripped, front bumper is destroyed from parking to close to parking bumps which also flexed the fenders.

i am in your same boat, my cars body is baad, there is little dings all over it for some reason, paint is faded in some places, has 187xxx miles on it. i am lucky is white and the imperfections are not extremely visible unless you get too close to it but then again, it is my daily driver, i drive the car every day, sunny, not sunny, cold, rain, whatever, so to me body at least is not priority. My interior is somewhat clean, so that's one less thing i have to worry about.

So, like the guy above me suggested, i am going little by little, as of now all of my mind is going to the engine for example, it has a bad CTS and/or o2 sensors. after that the engine would be completed, then i will turn my attention to suspension, a little lower maybe, replace what needs to be replaced and be done.

so i guess my point is, don't sell it, i think you will regret it, take it slow, drive it, enjoy it as it sits, enjoy it as you make it your own and make it reliable like you want.

here is a pic of my car as it sits right now:


not pretty, but god i love it, and it has been extremely reliable to me besides a bad alternator, easy fast fix tho, other than that, it has taken me from point a to b every time no questions asked.

[emiliog2276]

I'm grateful that all the 7 years ive owned it aside from a rebuilt transmission and a knock sensor relocation the car has never left me stranded which i more than I can ask from a 23 year old car. I'm just ready to spend a good 2 grand on wiring harness and 120k maintenance (was going for a jdm identical engine swap but ive heard many horror stories). Im really leaning on keeping it, you guys made alot of valid points.

[nix300zx]

I did a jdm identical swap and I can confirm the horror stories. If you are going to replace a motor get a new one. It's a bit more but that's the main regret I have about building my Z.

[johnshop]

I did a jdm identical swap and I can confirm the horror stories. If you are going to replace a motor get a new one. It's a bit more but that's the main regret I have about building my Z.

What's the problem with JDM engines?

[Ace2cool]

jdm-engine-experiences-noobs-read-t530009.html

[johnshop]

jdm-engine-experiences-noobs-read-t530009.html

That's just sketchy. So what would be the best route in case of wanting a swap? A usdm engine?

[Ace2cool]

In case of wanting a swap, the best option would be to rebuild your engine. Or, if you want a TT, sell the N/A and buy a TT.

Whatever you do, plan a giant budget. Like, seriously. My buddy Wes is almost done with his TT swap, and he's easily in over $20k, if not $30k by now. $10k would be a modest bare bones budget.

[johnshop]

In case of wanting a swap, the best option would be to rebuild your engine. Or, if you want a TT, sell the N/A and buy a TT.

Whatever you do, plan a giant budget. Like, seriously. My buddy Wes is almost done with his TT swap, and he's easily in over $20k, if not $30k by now. $10k would be a modest bare bones budget.

And that's doing the work himself? I am not that surpriced ahaha.

How about a budget for a decent n/a swap with some performance mods? Which is what I plan to do some time this year hopefully.

[nix300zx]

I bought a TT shell and JDM TT motor and Im in around 16k or so. if you do swap just bite the bullet and get a new staged motor not a used pulled motor.

[ChaseOfSpadeZ]

I bought a TT shell and JDM TT motor and Im in around 16k or so. if you do swap just bite the bullet and get a new staged motor not a used pulled motor.

This.

There are several companies that will turn up on a Google search that sell staged TT motors. Best route if you're doing a swap. Newer, cleaner, parts. Plus you'll be able to put it together just how you want.

That's my plan anyways.

[Ace2cool]

IPP is probably one of the most respectable and best bang for your buck companies. Z1 also sells them.