Proud owner of a Z!!! Popped my cherry! ;)

[hoonigan4l]

What's up Nico!!! Proud first time owner of a Z32 here!!
My name is Preston, I'm from a small town in NC, I'm 21 and I have 4 years of mechanical experience. I currently work at AutoZone but that is subject to change. On to the car...

It's a 90 Na 2+2 5 spd ttop.. It's been used and abused. 176k on the clock.. It was my brothers car for a few short months. He purchased it for $1500 after he blew up his 93 na auto after a very very long head gasket up "rebuild" which I helped quite a bit with. The death was caused by the infamous idler pulley stud.

Immediate plans:
Find & fix No brake/Interior/Low beam/Dash lights mystery? Third brake light works.? Tips?
Fix exhaust leaks at header flanges
Make sure old style injectors are working properly
Check timing
Replace worn out suspension bushings with urethane
Replace toe-worn front tires (245/40/18) Rear(275/35/18)
Replace noticeably shot power steering rack bushings & front end alignment
Service Trans & Diff. Best gear oil?? GL-4. Anything better for an old grindy 5spd?
Adjust E Brake
Replace Power steering pump. Currently running no PS belt due to a very bad pump.
New T Top weather strips
Replace timing belt & components along with the upgraded idler studs


Long term goals:
Mild Na build, lots of suspension work and fat trimming for fun track car/mountain twisties/drift
Install stillen headers
Install Unorthodox Udp kit
Coilovers
Install as many urethane bushings as humanly possible
Delete as much crap as possible Egr, Coolant pipes under intake, The crap in the inner fenders, and whatever else is possible..
Fix the front clip. Bumper is held on in two spots with cute black zip ties.... Face palm....


2j swap? This is more of a dream. Come on winning lotto ticket :P



Anyways I'm sure you're tired of reading by now..
Glad to be a member here. I'm open to suggestions, tips... Anything helpful!!
Thumbs Up

[NolimitZ32]

Welcome bud, sounds like you've got a good plan, post some pics.

[z32loverboy]

I second the pics! Honestly unless your motor starts making that infamous "knock knock knock", I wouldn't build it and save up your money and do all your research on whatever final engine swap you wanna do. That way you're not pulling your motor more than you have to. Stock N/A power when it's running right is enough to enjoy. Though I am in the process of building a N/A but, I blew my motor. Good luck with her and sounds like you got some good plans!

[300ZXttZMAN]

Hey welcome to NICO! Look at the illumination fuse in the interior fuse block. that is your problem for the "No brake/Interior/Low beam/Dash lights mystery."

Post some pics!

I'm real busy at the store today I will come drop by later and finish reading!

Cheers,
-Mark

[hoonigan4l]

Thanks for the warm welcome

Tonight dad and I fixed a few problems..
As for the lights, there was an aftermarket alarm VERY poorly installed on the car. We traced wires till we found the alarm control box and began cutting and splicing the factory harness back together. And with a few finishing touches, wahlah I have all of my lights functioning properly. It's amazing how people can create such a mess. There is not much room in the floor board for a 6'1 240lb guy to roll around in. Next time the seat will come out first.
Tightened all fuel clamps. Four or so were 4-5 turns loose.
"Aimed headlights" by wedginge 2x4 trailings. The headlights are epoxied together and the adjusters do not work at all. But hey, I live in north Carolina. I've seen much worse..
Bought a power steering pump today from work. My boss gives us quite the discount. The part retailed for 120 I believe and I got it for 75 including tax..
Cleaned up new Alternator that was on the old puking red Z
Listened to my injectors via long screw driver. They all sound the same which I think is fantastic.
Second and Third are both grinding with anything faster than a granny shift. Best gear oil???!!
Tried to check timing but Dad's Light is probably close to my age and wouldn't pick up on the coil pig tail.



Summary:
Fixed mysterious electrical issue. "Scratches head with puzzled look"
"Aimed" headlights.
Tightened fuel clamps.
Spent quality time with the old man.

Tomorrow:
Installing new power steering pump & alternator
Hopefully changing Trans & Diff fluid. Pending on verification of best fluid.
Adjust E Brake
Assess what needs replaced on the front suspension and steering
Hopefully check timing
Hopefully set idle properly. (Currently have TPS as far as it will go to keep idle ~800)
Oh and new tires on the front in the AM possibly alignment as well. Bad cords on inside edges. Toe and camber wear.




Loverboy, I read through your build thread, I will most likely be close to what you are doing. But it will take awhile. Being a Commercial driver at AutoZone doesn't exactly bring home the bacon.. However, it does get you in tight with local shops do when you need an alignment you get the super discount rate