New to this forum with a Z31

[Leegamer]

Hey guys,

My name's Lee and I'm from Virginia. Over the past few years I've been looking for a decent rear-wheel drive car with a manual transmission. I started out only wanting a third generation hardtop supra turbo, but because the hardtop models were so hard to come by with a manual, I finally decided to broaded my search recently.

Last year I found a 1984 black 300zx turbo with a 5 speed sitting in Ashland and stopped to have a look. The car was beautifle, with 163,000 miles, but the frame rails were rusted out completely. I was disappointed because he only wanted 2k for it, but I decided it wasn't worth having a rust-bucket.

I liked the idea of having a Z though, because theoretically my first car was a Z. My grandfather died when I was in the 6th grade and left me his 1983 datsun 280zx. Because I was so young, my grandmother drove it for a while and then let it sit. Unfortunately, the frame rails rusted out completely...beyond salvage (at a decent price).

So, about a year ago, I notice an '86 sitting outside of a shop, just down the street from the other one. No for sale sign or price, so I figure it's waiting for its owner to come pick it up. 2 weeks later, it's still there, so I stopped and asked. 1400 dollars is what he was asking. The car was beautifle though. Perfect body, no rust underneath that I could see, perfect interior.

The car did have nearly 200,000 miles on it though and when it first started, it idled a little hard. The owner told me that the original owner bought it in 1986 ( and proved it to me with documentation) and at the time of purchase, had the underbody seal put on. He said that in 1992, when he bought it, it had about 130,000 miles on it and he had it re-sealed.

Since 1993, he had only driven it about 60,000 miles. I had them put the car on the lift and raise it up. There is not 1 spot of rust on this car. Suspension is good. Newer clutch and re-built transmission with new synchros. The car rides super smooth and the clutch feels great. All the electronics work. The AC needs to be charged, but I don't use AC, so I'll probably remove the compressor anyway.

Since I've purchased it, I haven't done much. Cleaned up a few interior peices, installed a set of manual, clothe seats from a GL, installed some free underdash lights, and found a center cap to replace my missing one.

The car is currently at my uncle's shop getting some paint work to fix a few blemishes, but nothing major.

I also just purchased a set of '87 Chrysler Conquest TSI wheels which I will be putting on the car after I polish them.

Future plans:

K And NShort throw shifterRe-do the headlinerPerformance seats (Corbeaus or copies)KonisSprings (maybe from an SS)Thicker sway barsExhaust (Certified Muffler)Poly bushingsStrut Tower bars from Courtesy NissanStiffer clutchEngine swap (Maybe...)

Here's a link to my cardomain for some pics and more info

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2951972

Thanks,

Lee

[evildky]

good looking car, z31parts.com I believe has the lowering sprigns that have the same rate as the SS springs but the reduced ride height, and if you can find them the recarro's are a better fot than the corbeau gts2's

[Leegamer]

Hey Evildky,

Thanks for the comments. I'd really love to get some recarros, just have to find something in my price range, which probably means used. I was about to purchase some SS springs yesterday, but the deal fell through. I've check out the ones on Z31 parts and I am highly considering those, as well.

-Lee

[leonelrr]

nice car, but damm for that prize you can get a turbo one here in california and no rust! This one is perfect thg, no rust good paint, the only donwside is no turbo..

I have 2 z31 both with JDM turbo motors..

[evildky]

I just noticed you also have a yaris, I oddly like the little 2 door hatch version, Iand they are stupid cheap new, I keep having thoughts that inviolve a turbo

[Leegamer]

nice car, but damm for that prize you can get a turbo one here in california and no rust! This one is perfect thg, no rust good paint, the only donwside is no turbo..

I have 2 z31 both with JDM turbo motors..

For 1300 bucks? I've never seen a turbo for 1300 bucks that wasn't a rust bucket around here.

[Leegamer]

I just noticed you also have a yaris, I oddly like the little 2 door hatch version, Iand they are stupid cheap new, I keep having thoughts that inviolve a turbo

Yep, the yaris is a cool little car. I added the ScanGauge and I'm getting around 45 mpg everyday and I drive all backroads. The only thing I don't like about it is the emissions stuff makes the engine revs drop very slowly so you have to shift pretty slow if you're shifting at low RPMs, which is mostly do to get better gas mileage. It handles super well because it's only about 2250 pounds and it's ridiculously comfortable, has an aux port for my ipod, and has a ton of room. I hauled my 4 new 87 conquest TSI wheels in the back no problem.

[evildky]

those left coast and dry climate guys just don't understand how hard it is to find a good chassis in the rustbelt

[Leegamer]

Seriousely. I need to move to Cali. That's ok though, I love my car, turbo or not.

[evildky]

It's easier to add a turbo than repair a bunch of rust

[Sphinxmunkey]

Mhm, I'm in the process of doing that to my brothers 87 right now... bought it 2 years ago with a light knock in NC with 0 rust -_-

[Leegamer]

It's easier to add a turbo than repair a bunch of rust

Very true. I'm considering this, but with the mileage on my engine, I'd probably want to do a re-built first. I may even look for a lower mileage turbo engine to drop in.

[SilverJ30t93]

Nice car...and a very good buy.

[evildky]

Very true. I'm considering this, but with the mileage on my engine, I'd probably want to do a re-built first. I may even look for a lower mileage turbo engine to drop in.

or just get the satan drivers manifold that moves the turbo up front then you won't have to change the crossmember

[slikaznricer]

hey im from VA too! and i ave an 87 non turbo 2+2. its black and has a 8/10 interior. exterior is garbage tho...

nice car and i hope you love them!

[Leegamer]

hey im from VA too! and i ave an 87 non turbo 2+2. its black and has a 8/10 interior. exterior is garbage tho...

nice car and i hope you love them!

Awesome. If you're ever in Richmond, let me know as I'd love to check out your car.

[slikaznricer]

Awesome. If you're ever in Richmond, let me know as I'd love to check out your car.

im usually there when there are big VCU parties but definatly..

we should swap motors or something....

[Leegamer]

Haha. Swap motors? You really want my 200k mile N/A motor?