What's up? New user/owner

[GRRDUSH]

Hello all! Just acquired my first non-GM vehicle today. Growing up in a semi-rural town, I never met anyone willing to let me learn on their cars. Decided it time to get one.

Found a very clean 1991 Nissan 300zx (non-turbo) T-top. Previous owner was #2, bought from his brother. Claims he only drove it 250 miles each year since purchase, only during the summer, and then stored in garage for the rest of the year. Its got 80k miles on it and the interior is in top used shape.

What I'm going to do: It's a bit sluggish. More knowledgeable friend told me to get some new plugs and wires. While learning manual was the main objective in searching for a car, I also wanted something so I could learn to tune. I'm looking at adding a turbo, upgrading the exhaust, and maybe adding a body kit.

I'm looking forward to searching though the forums for any upgrade suggestions. In the mean time, if anyone's willing to throw some pointers my way on plugs/wires suggestions, tuning, or any other ideas, that would be great.

Also, feel free to solicit me about cars under $10k, in the USA. Looking mostly for classic cars, not just JDM's. But if you got a legal import, I'd be willing to lift that cap.

[NolimitZ32]

I'll make this quick.
1. Welcome to NICO.
2. These cars have coil on plug ignition, so no plug wires.
3. Boosting a NA is laborsome and expensive, I would recommend against it, want a TT buy a TT.
4. Please don't stick some outrageous body kit on it pleeeeease. It's your car and your choice but pleeeeease!

[frapjap]

Welcome to NICO!

It sounds like you have those priorities straight and got a solid car to learn on .
For starters, we offer free Factory Service Manuals to members. You can learn how to fix damn near anything in there. The link is in my signature, book mark it. It'll be your best friend with a Z car.

Next, go for a full tune up to get the engine bench marked for performance.
- fluids: oil, coolant, differential.
- ignition: spark plugs, coils (possibly if your idle is awful)
- fuel: change the fuel filter. Run some Marine Stabil through with a tank of gas to clean out the injectors.
- Belts: never hurts to inspect and change accessory belts.

[DCaff300ZX]

Welcome!
Definitely bookmark the OSM, do ALL of your maintenance items, and be sure to look at the stickies at the top of the Z32 page- they should get you clear on what you are looking at with your NA, and some ideas of what can be done to the Twin Turbo version which is what it sounds like you'd want given your want to do some messing around.
As noted above by NoLimit the NA engine cannot be turbo'ed much if any due to high compression pistons and setup, and is not suitable for doing much to as-is unless you have an unlimited budget, and willingness to blow that for very small performance increases compared to what you may get with other platforms. The NA is a great car though for cruising and handling and styling, just not a lot left to get from the engine and platform without an engine swap...so I'd suggest getting a '94-'95 TT for your engine learning purposes.
Enjoy your reading and learning, and Good Luck!