New to Z32's

[MeanGreenS13]

Always wanted one of these cars, and I kind of have the itch to get back into a Nissan again (it's been nearly 10 years). I was debating an SR Swapped S13 again, but I've been there and done that and then I stumbled across pictures of an RB swapped Z32 and since I have loved these cars since I was a child, I figured maybe I should just pull the trigger.

Anyway, I am somewhat in the market, just looking around right now but I don't know what to look for on these cars when buying one. I'm really only interested in an NA one since I do plan to swap it. Any pointers or tips would be big time appreciated.

Thanks Gents!

[evildky]

The closer to stock and less likely you are to have to deal with someone feeble attempt at repairs and mods.

[MeanGreenS13]

Yeah, the goal is definitely to find an unmolested N/A Z... Just not familiar with things that go wrong with them with age or major issues with the cars. It's not going to be a daily, it'll pretty much get the engine/trans yanked as soon as it gets back to my shop.

[DCaff300ZX]

You'll probably still want to get a '94 or '95 for best overall car, but the issues below are pretty similar to all Z32's.
You definitely need to replace the brake system the bigger you go in power, and the suspension most likely will need to go to coilovers and adjustable components instead of staying with/replacing OEM, of which only the TT setup is even decent beyond stock needs/use. Even a "pristine" Z32 will most likely need the struts, tension rods and upper camber arms replaced. The earlier Z32's had more problems with the climate control system than the later units, but which had less features. For whatever reason I've really never seen '91's for sale or pictured, not sure why.
Since you are swapping the engine, component issues with electrical connections and other crappy little injector issues won't be in your future as well as exhaust and other wear items in that arena, so you really will not need to consider a whole lot more than above and your own style unless you get really wild or want to go circuit racing or something...interested to see what you do!

[MeanGreenS13]

In the circle track cars I am use to racing, our brakes are absolutely terrible, so brakes are something I am definitely going to be looking at first. I've gotten really good at figuring out how to get the most out of stock junk. I'm not looking for a big high hp ride, probably something in the 400-450 range to the rear tires, but still want to make sure I have adequate stopping as I would like to do a few track days on occasion and run the mountains with my buddies as well on cruises.

When it comes to brakes, something that many seem to overlook is brake fluid. A lot of the time, the "fade" that people feel, is actually the fluid overheating and boiling and not the pads giving up. As you can see from this picture, the cars I race normally, generate huge brake temperatures. We are forced by the rules to run a stock caliper on the front and drum brakes in the rear, so having a good brake package really comes down to rotor design and pad selection along with good fluid.


My plan, will be get some good slotted and drilled directional rotors, probably going to upgrade to a 13" rotor as I have seen available. I will also be looking for the R33 GTR Brembo front calipers and will be looking into the Z1 motorsports 12.75" front rotor upgrade. For the rear, I'd have to do some more looking. I wonder if there is a way to put the stock front caliper and 11" rotor on the rear? I'll have to do some digging there. Aside from that, the brake fluid I will be using is what I use on the racecar and have never boiled once. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cao-all78115 It's expensive, but damn does it work well.

Strangely, you mention you've never seen a 91 for sale, but the one I was looking into is a 91 haha!
https://treasure.craigslist.org/cto/5853363082.html

I don't mind at all doing an auto to manual conversion. I've done a few before on S13's so it can't be very hard.

I still have much research to do. One of the biggest things I keep tossing around in my head is twins vs single. If I am going to be putting an RB in this thing, I want it to have great driveability and response. Trying to figure out if twin GT28RS's with BOV's recirculated will drive and respond better than a single GT3071R Twin Scroll with it's BOV recirculated. I don't mind doing the work or spending the money for either. Both will likely require modification but the twins with stock RB26 manifolds and an extrude hone may possibly do better. Another thing that's just going to take some looking and searching and looking at lots of dyno graphs understanding every car is different and in the end, just taking a chance lol

Suspension wise, coilovers are a must for sure. I have always been partial to the BC Racing coils and have used them on all my 240s as well. I'm not looking to make it a hardcore racecar, so I don't really need anything super special. Just want some adjustability and something somewhat solid. I know the BC's have always worked for me so it's probably going to end up being them.

Once I find a car, I can start really digging into plans more and more but I appreciate the list of things to look for. This will likely be the last toy car I have for a while so I want to make it count.

[DCaff300ZX]

You sound well on your way, and have a great mindset and experience to work from.
Two things- the GTR brakes offer a slightly larger rotor diameter and pad profile, and with proper pads my Z guru proved what you said about the brakes- mine are now awesome with just more aggressive pads and Motul race fluid and a cheap booster brace. I have thought about the rear idea you mentioned as I currently just run slotted rotors in the rear, if you find anything post it up! I also plan to eventually duct my jspec front bumper air ducts (P-Trix ducts in the fog light holes) to cool my front brakes.
Next is suspension, BC may not work well here for you (they rated out pretty low in a rating chart we made here) as the Z32 has the GTR suspension setup and the upper control arms especially in front are key to have proper units. Powertrix offers the best overall FUCA, and suspension setup for product and price although Tein's upper end setup with the EDFC and both bump and rebound damping may be better (more adjustability) although I am unclear about their FUCA, or a need for it with their mounting plate setup- but the two best choices I found in my year-long research before buying Powertrix Race, and all adjustable bits.
P-Trix used to run great group buys, but may not be any longer although I have seen Charles advertise they MAY still have a few sets left...DO call him for more info, which you WILL get!
Good Luck and have fun!

[MeanGreenS13]

I have access to a CNC machine and I do CAD design for a living so if I can't find anything to make the Z32 fronts work on the rear, I promise I will make something work and ill definitely post up about it.

As for the Coilovers, I'll definitely look into the P-Trix stuff. This won't be a hardcore race based car. Full interior, nice stereo and other amenities will be present for sure. I just would like to take it to a track day once in a while to have a little fun on the twisties. They only let us take the Oval cars out on the road course here once a year and it requires massive setup changes from what we are use to and a different oil pan so it's a bit of work to swap over. I haven't done it for that reason and I need my right turn fix as well lol

I want to look at the front suspension stuff. I have TONS of radius rods and heim joints I can make tie rods etc out of. The market seems pretty saturated with front suspension components though but again, simplicity is going to trump anything. Nothing adjustable, just a simple painless setup for some fun.

[DCaff300ZX]

I have access to a CNC machine and I do CAD design for a living so if I can't find anything to make the Z32 fronts work on the rear, I promise I will make something work and ill definitely post up about it.

As for the Coilovers, I'll definitely look into the P-Trix stuff. This won't be a hardcore race based car. Full interior, nice stereo and other amenities will be present for sure. I just would like to take it to a track day once in a while to have a little fun on the twisties. They only let us take the Oval cars out on the road course here once a year and it requires massive setup changes from what we are use to and a different oil pan so it's a bit of work to swap over. I haven't done it for that reason and I need my right turn fix as well lol

I want to look at the front suspension stuff. I have TONS of radius rods and heim joints I can make tie rods etc out of. The market seems pretty saturated with front suspension components though but again, simplicity is going to trump anything. Nothing adjustable, just a simple painless setup for some fun.

Interesting regarding your job and capabilities! I'd LOVE to have access to a working rear brake mod to use the stock fronts so DO PM me if/when you figure this out as I'd love to see what you have and possibly have a set made as well if not too much trouble.
Powertrix should be perfect for your needs as it's decent enough for driving around but also has the abilities to adjust some for the track, if only bump damping and not rebound. Tein can do both but costs a lot more, and really overall isn't much different/better unless you go to their top end.
Good Luck!

[MeanGreenS13]

The CNC machine belongs to a buddy of mine. He does a lot of custom hot rod parts and I would likely have him give me a hand with the design and manufacturing of something. I am honestly shocked that nobody has done this that I can find, as of yet. I would think stock Z32 fronts placed in the rear, would be a pretty decent upgrade out back on these cars for a budget/street build. For full race applications, I can fully understand going completely aftermarket all around.

As anxious as I am to just go buy a car and get going, it has to be the right car. This will probably be my last "build" for a long time so I want to make sure I get a good one. Hopefully it's sooner rather than later but I am definitely after a bone stock NA car. To me, a turbo car will likely have been thrashed out a bit.

Definitely been gathering some good info. My only real major concern is radiator and intercooler mounting with the RB. I know it's going to end up in front of the hood/rad support, just not fully sure if V mount is the way to go or otherwise. That's going to take some more digging and info. Doesn't seem like too many have done this swap on here when I search but I could be just typing in stupid things lol

[SPANISHWHITECHIC]

hey guys,
this will be my first nissan build, i jus found me a rough dimond unmolested mechanically, i would like to know what to expect what are the best builds, and things that normally go wrong. i have a 91 300zx

[everpresentnoob]

Spanishwhitechic, Start here, everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-z32-t508376.html. Read it all. then read it again. Then if yo still have questions search the forum for them. If you cant find them try starting your own thread rather than attempt to hijack someone elses thread. Its just bad form my man (Chic??).