Rebuild?

[Ziggy1621]

I'm sure this thread can get really out of hand with quirky comments, but lets try to keep it to the facts

I'm still deciding whether or not to do the JDM swap or rebuild. I would rather rebuild but the budget could get skinny real quick if I need professional help. I have done a few things with motors in the past (heads, timing kits, accessories, etc) but have not dealt with pistons, rods, cranks, etc. I REALLY would love to do this build myself to say that I accomplished it, and I have NO time restraints as this is a project car. Keep in mind, this did get water in the oil, so I'm prepared to get the heads resurfaced. I have not pulled the motor yet, so there is still the possibility of a cracked block which would shoot this down completely. So for arguments sake... lets say it needs the heads resurfaced and I'm buying the Z1 rebuild kit and going to have the turbos on the car rebuilt after inspection.... Is this feasible with support from forum postings with images or should I run for the hills? I'm anal about detail and I work on computers, so being organized enough to put stuff back where you found it is attainable. I'm sure there are a few things I would have to pay for (acid dipping, etc) but a JDM shipped with 60k timing kit, harness, ecu, and new oil pump would be $2k. And even though I would have it inspected and compression tested before purchasing.. something still feels uneasy.

[nissanfreak12]

Even though they compression test the engine and it shows good, still mean it could have a spun rod, burn oil, have head gasket issues(coolant, unlikely), they could have wet tested it to show good numbers, could ship a completely different engine, could be on its last leg. SOOOO many thing could go wrong with JDM, that is where rebuilding comes into play, you know what is done and where is has been. A cracked block is unlikely, these are iron and are pretty tough.

There is another thread on here about rebuilding, I think Anton was telling him a full rebuild with forged pistons and tools will cost around 2k, pretty nice and you can get some massive power out of it. No one is going to stop you from doing what you want, but if you have an uneasy feeling, stick with your gut. When I got my engine from a local guy, I got a great deal on it and I was extremely nervous if I was going to have a ton of problems with it. 6 months later, got it in and started, all was good. It was a JDM, but oil pump, oil pan, gaskets, and random stuff was done on it. I got lucky, but a lot of people have not.

[Ziggy1621]

Have a link to that thread? Like I said, id love to rebuild, and pretty sure I can do it, but the fact I've never done it before makes me question it!

[Whippy]

Have a link to that thread? Like I said, id love to rebuild, and pretty sure I can do it, but the fact I've never done it before makes me question it!

I am in a similar boat as yourself. I know enough to be dangerous. IMHO You would do best to purchase a separate engine, and rebuild from there. Just my Opinion, and what I would do in your situation. Build it yourself, and don't pay 2k or a "Guaranteed" engine that will work 100%, 100% of the time. I am pondering purchase of a NA for a performance rebuild. I am not as interested in HP as much as response......

[Ziggy1621]

Actually I just found a tutorial on tt.net and a reference that said the service manual has everything you need to know in the tech section.... So I'm thinking it's time to pull this baby out... Inspect.... Then start the build!!! Pretty stoked!

[Whippy]

If you have the time to pull a car out of commission to rebuild the engine, go for it. It really is not that complicated. the hardest thing is to keep things organized. Organized is the only way that you will not have any trouble. organized is the key! Good luck to you.

[Ziggy1621]

Cool thx!

[Ziggy1621]

What is the risk of doing the regular z1 rebuild kit as opposed to the ultimate?

[nissanfreak12]

Look in the general section of z32, loverboy is posting about one, 300zxttman has a quite extensive one, nolimit has one still has it going. You should be able to find all you are looking for.

[t.mcginley.jr]

Looks like the main difference between the Ultimate and regular rebuild kits are that the ultimate includes a few extras like the timing belt tensioner assembly, coolant bypass hoses, crank sprocket, and accessory drive belts. Both kits have all the gaskets, bearings, pistons, bolts, rings, freeze plugs, etc. that you would need.

[Ziggy1621]

Ok, cool. Well to be safe I'll get the Ultimate kit. Finishing up my budget.. awaiting a price from the machine shop. Spent 2 hours yesterday shining up the stainless steel exhaust that was forgotten by the previous owner... such shame