I have a 1993 uk 300zx Twin Turbo with a sick engine. Has anyone had a

decent rebuild done in the UK at an affordable price? It looks as

though my problem is valve related and I'm being quoted £1400 labour +

parts for a top end rebuild, is this reaonable? If a bottom end problem is subsequently

diagnosed in addition then it will probably be more economical to

consider fitting a donor engine, so any information on availability

and price of quality reconditioned units this country would also be

much appreciated. Basically any feedback would be greatfully received.

 

 

 

Matt, I've got the same problem with mine.

 

I've been quoted £2k total for mine from SE, so your quote looks about right. I did look at the option of putting in a reconditioned engine, but was advised to stick with what I've got, due to doggy imported engines with no history.

 

The rebuild is a big job, so make sure you choose the right company to do it for you.

 

hi there,,if you are reasonably confident rebuilding engines generally,do it yourself,i did it a few months back,its no different from any other engine,you can even get it in and out on your own with a basic hoist,you don,t even have to take the bonnet off,its not hard just time consuming,the bottom end went in mine by the way,any concerns e-mail me or phone 0467371774.And you don't need any specialised tools,like they say.

 

Hi Matt,

 

My engine is in the same state as yours even as we speak. 91 TT Auto. with valves not seating correctly and piston slap. I had a guy called Bob Ford at Arriva Nissan in Peterborough do the investigative work. Top man, I was advised on various options, new engine from Nissan at cost price of 4500 pounds which is not bad when Nico paid 7500 for his I think. Recon at 1600 without turbos or 1800 with, or rebuild, top end and bottom end was going to be 55 hours labour at 55 pounds an hour. That's without any parts, just labour although Bob did tell me he'd do a discounted labour rate.

 

So all very, very expensive via Nissan main dealer so was not happy. Many people advised me not to go the route of recon. because of the fact that a) you don't really know what you're getting and b) if your existing engine is shagged at lowish mileage then the chances of an imported one going west are an odds on favourite.

 

Anyway, I was rather depressed about the whole thing until Pete R at Silvia gave me some quotes, fixed prices aswell, for rebuild options. I liked what I read, Pete was very helpful and knowledgeable on the phone and he sent me a spreadsheet with complete breakdown of all parts and labour times etc.

 

Pete has also given me top end price for just valve and head work if that's all that is needed and also a full monty price if the bottom end needs rebore/pistons etc.

 

Prices are great and affordable from a company that have vast experience with all Nissan's. So my advice is give Pete a call and see what you think. Guarantees are good aswell, three months on top end work but a full twelve months on the whole engine rebuild. I rang for some imported units straight out of 300ZX's, to give you an example, I rang GoldSeal in London. Engine still in the car of an M reg twin turbo with only 32,000 kms, I thought yeah great, how much? 2300 without turbo's and only 1 month guarantee...yeah cheers, I don't think so!!!

 

Some guys on Anglesey which is near where I live, they were advertising at 750 squid for recon units, I rang him up and he said let me ring round and get some quotes. He rang me back and said he couldn't believe how much people were now asking for engines, doubled in price in just a few weeks. I think that there is a flood of engines on the way out so supply and demand has increased big time pushing the prices up.

 

Anyway, hope you get it sorted, I've decided that I'm going to be spending some serious money on my car. So I will be keeping it and doing some shit to it hopefully when I get the engine sorted out.

 

Chin up and don't get too down about the whole thing.

 

[-)

 

 

 

Hi,

 

I have a complete engine from my Twin Turbo. I had the car dismantled last week due to several problems unrelated to the engine, although the engine has got a minor oil leak from the cam seals. You'd probably get away with some new cam seals.

 

Obviously rebuilding your own has its merits. The main reason you could consider my engine is two fold. Firstly you can bang my engine in and your back on the road straight away. ie no complications. Secondly, and more importantly in my opinion, you'll have your old engine to use as a donor if and when your new engine goes wrong. This is especially useful if you ever develop a new problem with your engine that is tricky to diagnose. ie you can swap over all the possible faulty components until you find the culprite. eg coil packs, leads, PTU's, sensors etc etc.

 

Something to consider anyway.

 

I'm after £1350 for my engine. Its in good condition too, apart from the minor oil leak of course.

 

Thanks

 

Andy (01634 221783 or geewhizz@onetel.net.uk)