Seriously looking at getting a Z32

[Ozzie]

Andy here....
Been a mod on NICO for a while... owned a Q45 (1990) a while back, but looking towards the next project.
Located in Australia, so mainly looking at the 2+2, or 2 seater twin turbo variants of the Z32.

Pretend I'm a lazy s.o.b. and give me a run down of the stuff I should be (typically) wary of, and what my first mods should be....
(I have read on a few classifieds about an under plenum by-pass being done..... what's that all about?)

[NolimitZ32]

1. decide whether you want/can afford a TT
2. remove pants
3. bend over and take it cause that car will rape your wallet, your brain, and your self esteem LOL

JK

When you start looking for a Z32 it is best to find a virgin that has all maintenance up to date (just as with any other vehicle). Make sure that the timing belt has been done and that either Nissan or better components have been used, its an expensive job and a PITA to do yourself with the engine in the car. If looking for a TT its a good idea to pull the intercooler piping apart at one of the seams and check for excessive oil residue and then of course the obvious, compression, leak-down, oil, coolant condition. The under-plenum bypass refers to removing the coolant hard-lines under the plenum, this simplifies the system of coolant and vacuum lines a bit and rids you of some potential problem spots in the engine bay. Also if you can try to find a 95+ model because this will have all phase 2 electrical connectors, injectors, CPS, and Ignition module. Since you have JDM/ADM (not sure if Oz ever got these) available, you should not be affected by the OBDII/VTC changes made on the USDM models AFAIK.

If you have any questions you can PM me directly, I'll do my best to help out.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

The under plenum bypass referenced is for the coolant hoses going to the throttle bodies. They crack with age and cause coolant leaks. Bypassing them is highly recommended.

Anton (NoLimitZ32) won't steer you wrong, as he's one of the more knowledgeable members here. Check for signs of body repair, a dead giveaway is the mirror mounts. If the trim part is not grey, then it's been repainted.

GL with the search and feel free to post links to any ads to run it by us!

[NolimitZ32]

Or just wait till October and I can come help you look at some in person while I'm looking for my R33

[300ZXttZMAN]

Or just wait till October and I can come help you look at some in person while I'm looking for my R33

[Ozzie]

Sounds good.
I'm leaning more towards a 2+2 non turbo manual, as I have plans for an engine swap down the track (VH45... either twin turbo, or supercharged)
As for getting one from '95 onwards... that may prove difficult. They appear to only be between 1990 and 1993 around here.
I'm also sure that if I post ads here, you guys will have a heart attack from the asking prices (except for Anton maybe).
Can't say I am ready to pull the trigger right now, but aim to have one parked in my driveway by christmas.
The search continues for now as I plan out exactly what I am after.....

[NolimitZ32]

Yeah I had my heart attack when I started looking for cars a few months ago lol. If you are looking for a NA it will make the search a bit easier, and if you are going to be swapping sometime soon than getting the phase 2 electrical (93+) is not really an issue since you'll be modifying the wiring anyway. I've always wanted to do a VHTT in a Z32 but it's just not in the stars for me ATM. Post up some of the ads we'll take a look, and if you are waiting till Christmas I may actually be able to help you, I'm in the the process of getting the visa right now so looks like I'll be in Perth sometime in October and I am looking at doing lots of traveling whenever I can.

[300ZXttZMAN]

+1 post some ads.

[Ozzie]

Ok, there is this one.. (Don't like the wheels, but they can be replaced)
This one at a dealer (not sure if it's a stock color though )
Trying to stay away from red ones, but this one has me interested (without the lame Ferrari lights )
Aus spec never had leather interior, and slicktops are very hard to find too, and I like the color of this one

There are a few to get you guys started!

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Is it even a contest? The last one obviously!

[z32pilot62]

Is it even a contest? The last one obviously!

Really? The Midnight Blue one is cleaner all around, has better paint, they want less money and has about a 1/3 the miles on it. Blue one would be my opinion all day long here Ozzie

[Ace2cool]

Is it even a contest? The last one obviously!

Really? The Midnight Blue one is cleaner all around, has better paint, they want less money and has about a 1/3 the miles on it. Blue one would be my opinion all day long here Ozzie

This.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

I just read the fine print on the silver one, and agree with the blue being a better buy.

Wheel police though.

Welcome back Ace!

[NolimitZ32]

I'm not too partial to the slicktops so I say #2 (the blue one) but since this is not going to be your DD, I'd say look around till you find the perfect one.

[Ozzie]

Meanwhile, someone needs to euthanise this guy for committing such a crime!
(Also, due to the planned engine swap, I'm only looking at the cheaper end of the market. Cleaner ones can be had for $15k+, but then you don't want to perform a swap on those.... I'm trying to be "practical" )

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Kill it with napalm

[NolimitZ32]

Its really a shame because had the time and money that was put into that green one been used to make the car actually "better" it would be a beast of a Z32 right now. Andy, I'm not suggesting you go for a super clean one but try to find one that has a good exterior and interior since you don't want to be messing with those parts of the car, have you though about trying to pick one up with a blown engine? I don't know about Oz but those can be had here for under $1k with perfect paint and very good interiors.