newbie here. new project and need help

[Jimmybee1108]

hey guys. ive just recently got this 1991 z32 in my physical possession. its a roller body with a roll cage, all electrical wiring, and tein electronic adjustable coil overs in all four corners.
now it doesnt have an engine, or transmission, or any interior besides the steering wheel. along with that there is no front bumper, hood, or brakes.
i plan on this being my project to take my time on, because i have no due dates, or anything of that matter causing me to rush. i would, however, like to do most of the work myself.
so what i need from yall is support. where should i start on the project? interior, exterior, engine, transmission, or what?
i dont plan on it being crazy, yet not too mild. I'm thinking a subtle body kit, maybe 400-500whp, more so to the 400 side. so please all help me on where to begin. thank yall

[zswap0429]

Hey good luck with the build. Looks like me and you are kinda in the same boat. Just luckily I have an engine.

And in my un-professional opinion... engine first man. You wouldnt try to fix a broken arm on a guy thats missing a heart would you?

[Jimmybee1108]

... engine first man. You wouldnt try to fix a broken arm on a guy thats missing a heart would you?

HAHA love it.
technically i have an engine...kinda. its a spare from a friend and its in pieces. but you do think engine first? then transmission after? if i just want like 450 out of it, should i even bother going balls to the wall with the engine bottom end?

[zswap0429]

For 450. I dont think so. There is a 450hp build topic on here I think, I havent read all of it.

eagle-rods-for-400-450whp-goal-or-stay- ... 69430.html

But yeah. Engine, transmission, wheels/ other parts to make it move, then seats and needed interior parts and exterior. Then go all out with the customizing parts.
Pretty much give it what it needs to actually qualify as a vehicle first imho.

Keep asking around on here though. I know allot of these guys are smart enough to multitask and take care of all the above at the same time... not me, yet.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Welcome to NICO!

Hey good luck with the build. Looks like me and you are kinda in the same boat. Just luckily I have an engine.

And in my un-professional opinion... engine first man. You wouldnt try to fix a broken arm on a guy thats missing a heart would you?

Perfect analogy Zswap.

Drive train should be first and foremost because with out it you have a car that doesn't run and a bumper that needs paint... Which is useless.

So focus on the drive train then move on when you get it running.

I'm assuming the car is a TT from the factory? Is it?

[nexus08]

Sounds like "fun"! As in way more than I'm ready to tackle. Good luck!

[Jimmybee1108]

I'm assuming the car is a TT from the factory? Is it?

yes im pretty sure it is. it was about to be set up for drag use only, the fenders, if im correct, were heated and stretched to accommodate wider tires, too.

so correct me if im wrong here, engine, drivetrain, then body and interior?

[Jimmybee1108]

oh and when my camera is up and running again ill try to get some good pics of everything

[Fearspect]

For 400-450 (really anything less than 600rwhp) you will actually decrease reliability and performance by building your engine with non-stock internals.

[Jimmybee1108]

fearspect, so i can keep stock bottom end and top end?
in general from what ive read is

bigger turbos, like the z1 gt525
SMIC
maybe dual pop intake
full exhaust (downpipes, testpipes, then fatback)
ecu tune
and maybe 615 injectors
and boost controller/turbo timer

i should be getting my engine this weekend, so i will see what all needs to be dealt with there and what parts need to be ordered

found a hydrolocked N/A motor for $25 on CL. think i shuld snag it for spare parts

[Fearspect]

You can, if they are healthy. Compression testing will have to be performed. If you are showing 150+ across all cylinders, you really have no need to rip the engine apart for a rebuild. A healthy engine like this can handle up to 600rwhp (well over 700hp at the crank) all day long*, but you need a real tune, not just a chip.

Here's an example of stock healthy engine and the output it can handle reliably: http://specialtyz.com/blog/?p=1442

Don't forget that a full timing service is waranted regardless of engine performance. It's pricey for labour if you can't do it yourself, but you need a solid base to work off.

If you are doing your injectors and rechipping anyway, just get the Nismo 740cc Injectors. There's no downside if you are getting your ecu replaced. I suggest you do perform the dual pop intake because otherwise you'll need a new chip to cover that change down the road. ECU tune needs to be redone for changes to intake and injectors, and going Dual Pop is relatively low cost for the performance it provides.

*Direct quote from Specialty Z's Greg

[Rager]

yea man, get a good running DETT and run with it.
400HP to the crank with those mods doesnt sound out of the question but does it make sense to spend money on more go power if you dont even have a seat to sit in?
id say the motor and trans are first but save some money for EVERYTHING ELSE lol. its gonna add up quick . just ask anyone whos built a z on this forum even on a budget .

gl and post some pics

[Ace2cool]

I'm assuming the car is a TT from the factory? Is it?

yes im pretty sure it is.

Protip:

N/A VIN # is JN1RZ...

TT VIN # is JN1CZ

[nissanfreak12]

"built a Z" and "budget" should never go together.

OP, if you have a budget, double it. You will have unexpected expenses, ask anyone. Good luck with it and start a post with a build thread so we can see the progress!

[Jimmybee1108]

well my budget is limitless i guess you could say...in that i have no due date and no set budget as to how much i want to spend. i greatly enjoy just the sheer work i can out into a car, so if it takes a while to save up, then so be it.
that and i might be taking a promotion, a hefty one, so itll be easy then.

im getting the engine this weekend so lets hope its got some goodness to it

[Rager]

"built a Z" and "budget" should never go together.

shhhhh i know that ........


good luck. start a new thread like everyone else said. id say read up on some of the other forum members builds. use that to advantage and go from there. theres alot of good info on this site .

if you have the time and money , your goal of 400hp + shouldnt be to far out of reach . so keep us posted.


oh and if you want something different look into the VH45 swap, v8 power, 300 hp, zero lag from turbos, .and everything you need is out there for the swap