What the heck does the PTU do? I have looked online and nothing says what it actually does.

Are coils a weak spot on Z32s?

ok so Rockauto.com has the PTU listed as ignition control module

Its like the distributor for the coils. Coils are def not the weak point, rare failures and can support lots of HP.

It's only an "ignition module" in the same sense as the old GM HEI modules. It doesn't really "control" anything, just grounds the coil with more precision and durability than a points-set. So PTU (Power Transistor Unit) is really more accurate, and more descript as well.

thanks guys. I'm a long time Toyota guy, MR2s specifically. The Z32 is a totally different monster from what I'm used to working on, and I've worked on everything from generators to bigass construction equipment to most Normal cars. My son is now realizing that a mid '89s Jdm "super car" maybe wasn't the best choice for a college student...lol

scottgas wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 10, 2021 9:07 am

My son is now realizing that a mid '89s Jdm "super car" maybe wasn't the best choice for a college student...lol

We all could've told him that. Mine lost the clutch on my way to the last final of my 1st semester of college, that's when my swap fun started. It didn't see the light of day for almost 10 years after that.

His 1st car was a 2006 VW GTI, FSG, sunroof, heated leather etc

His 1st car was a 2006 VW GTI, FSG, sunroof, heated leather etc. The Z was his 18th burthday/high school grad gift in Jan 2018. He is starting his 4th year MS State in engineering. Until this past spring we hadn't had any issues with the car. I does only currently have 80,000 miles. Until the current running issue all we had done repair wise was rebuilt the shifter. Car only had 43,000 miles when we bought it.

You said it yourself, its a chock full of technology (for the time), late 80s designed, high power (relatively), grand tourer, the plastics of the time weren't great and a lot of the electronics were well not great either. I'd say getting 80k miles without major headaches out of it is a pretty good deal especially given the age which is the main thing that wreaks havoc on these older vehicles.

The plastics, overall, don't seem to be too bad. MK4 Supras are supposedly known for having cheap plastics. That's surprising considering what those effing things cost when new.
The Z is a combo of old and new tech, which is the problem. I think if modernized with stand alone engine management like Haltech and converting to e-throttles would fix a BUNCH. Seems you'd be able to get rid of all the bs idle stuff.
My son was totally against swapping his car except for a TT engine but now he would consider an LS or even a turbo K-series to modernize and simplify the engine bay. Keep in mind this is the 1st car he has actually turned wrenches on. Basically thrown to the wolves...lol