Hi to everyone and very pleased to be a part of this community.

 

Just bought my first 300ZX on Monday (29/06/09), although I have to say that I have been in love with the car since it was launched in 1990 and I was doing my GCSEs!

 

Anyway, finally my heart ruled my head and I got myself an imported 1993 non-turbo manual, in pearlescent white.

 

What I now need is expert guidance from yourselves!

 

As for initial impressions/views:

 

- car still looks stunning, even after nearly 20 years. Everyone in the office is very envious and imagines that it must be soooooooo expensive.

- interior is equally modern and still beautiful.

- on the road however, I have to say that I am very disappointed and this must be due to the example I have as I am sure when new or well maintained, it's a delight. This is where I need your help.

 

Engine : idles smoothly and is quiet. However, when revved, becomes somewhat rough and noisy.

When on the road, is noisy, inconsistent and rough up to 3000 revs and then a surge of smooth power comes in between 4000-6000 revs.

I also have a Mercedes E280 Auto with 165,000miles on the clock, and I have to say that though no sports car, it is much faster than this Z and also handles better!!!

Gearbox : Stiff and clunky. Again, probably only this specific example.

Nissans are famous for great gearboxes, and I have driven a R34 Skyline which had a very sweet gearbox.

 

Ride & Handling : Wallows along, which suggests the shock-absorbers need replacing.

 

You may by now wonder why I bought it?

 

Positives:

- Immaculate body. Even better after I washed and waxed it. Will post some pics later.

- Clean interior for the age.

- Engine idles nicely.

- Targa roof, that looks great and does not leak.

- Non-turbo. Scare stories regarding leaking and expensive turbos deterred me from the turbo version.

 

Basically, the things that cannot be replaced easily (body and interior) are sound.

 

Question is:

 

- Any comments on the above?

- Any suggestions on how to tackle these issues?

- Where is the best place to get a Z evaluated and serviced?

- Where is the best place to buy things like oil filters, fuel filters, spark plugs, shock absorbers etc?

- How many MPG can I expect on the motorway? My E280 does 15 in town but 30 on the motorway, so am used to dreadful MPG.

- Where can I get instructions on how to use the fan/air-con controls on the instrument pod?

- Does this car have cruise control?

 

All help and advice greatly appreciated.

 

Regards,

 

Pervez.

Hello and welcome!

Firstly, where are you in the UK as obviously there are specialists dotted around the country.

The air control/air con pod - there were 2 types. Generation one was automatic directional flow (hi/low button for fan speed), but no manual control for direction.

Generation two gained full control (fan speed button that cycled round from 1 to 4 speed and another button for direction) I guess you have type one and are wondering how to alter from face to screen etc - you can't its automatic. To turn off air con I press ECON button, pressing auto allows air con to operate depending on your temp setting etc.

 

The handling - probably ready for an overhaul (new springs shocks and maybe some bushes). Also the Import NA car had the smallest rear anti roll bar so will lean more than the others in a corner. This can be changed for the UK TT bar or an aftermarket type.

 

The engine - hard to know if you have a problem, but I would expect it to be quicker than a 280 auto Merc with 165k on the clock-so probably.

Despite what some say though, the TT is much faster than the NA...as it should be!

 

Cruise control - Right hand pod - if you got it, will have a button. And on the steering wheel some buttons for the operation of it. Sounds like you don't have it.

 

MPG - mid 20's to very low 30's if driven very nicely on motorway.

 

Gearbox - maybe time for an oil change with some very high quality stuff.

 

Try the search button on this Forum, it is packed with threads covering most aspects and generally very useful.

 

Good luck mate:)

Thanks for the quick response.

I'm actually in Basingstoke, near Reading.

 

I appreciate that responses to many of my questions are probably on this site somewhere but it is probably going to take me a while to learn my way around. In the meantime, hopefully you guys won't mind helping me.

 

Regarding the pod, I definitely have the 2nd generation as you describe it.

 

Handling - how much would an overhaul of the springs and shocks cost? What's the best way to get this checked out?

 

Gearbox - understand what ur saying about the oil, but could it just be worn out? How long do these boxes normally last?

 

Finally, the car has a Pioneer Carrazzerio DEH-500 audio system, which I can tell was probably awesome in its day as I'm fairly good with these things, but an hour later am still trying to fathom it! Any idea where I may be able to find a user guide?

Searched the internet but no luck.

 

Oh - and the power antenna doesn't come out. I can hear it whirring though...

 

Pervez

The antenna may just be stuck, try pulling in out and cleaning it, if it is broken I have a full working antenna,

 

Paul

Ztech http://www.ztech.co.uk will be your nearest specialist (between newbury and swindon).

 

Hard to diagnose engine issue from your description. Sounds like possible missfire, which can be the result of many things, or a MAF issue.

 

There are far too many Z's running around out there still on the original Shocks, Springs and bushes. UK can replace with stock or go aftermarket.

 

- MJP for all Nissan OEM parts (see traders section of this forum)

- Smithys-place.co.uk, DTA-Motorsport, Z1motorsports.com (u.s), Conceptzpeformance.com (u.s) for Aftermarket

 

I think the rest of your questions were answered by Craig.

 

Welcome to the Club :cool:

Hi i had an na manual for my first z and it was hideously quick, should annhialate your 280 merc, so somethings wrong dood, welcome

Of course the gearbox could be worn out. But generally they are very strong, worth an oil change 1st to eliminate first and a lot cheaper. New boxes are around £2000, 2nd hand between £200-400, but come with a risk.

 

Cost of springs and shocks - Expect to pay around £500 then its up to you how far you go because all the little extras add up such as new shock boots, upper rubber mounts, bump stops etc and they really add up! I have just overhauled my suspension and including all the extras its added up close to £1k - But this is all part of my goal to restore my Zed to as close to new as possible, but with some subtle modifications.

That cost of was just for parts - I fitted it all.

Check out Zedworld website, they will supply and fit Fronts shocks for £300 and rear shocks for £190. This is +VAT and not including new springs.

 

Check out Zcentre website for prices, you can buy a user manual for the car on there. Don't think it covers the stereo, can't help with that one. Rip it out and fit a new unit.

Ebay is littered with 2nd hand parts such as radio antennas etc and breakers you can email for specific items you may find missing.

New parts - MJP are good, Zcentre are good, but unfortunately I have been using CZP in America because they can't be beaten on price. Parts are so much cheaper from over there. I have made 3 recent large orders, all delivered within 7 days AND cost working out at just over 50% of what it would cost coming from UK!

 

I think for you, a trip to the well recommended Zedworld (Tamworth) for a full appraisal maybe worth it

Thanks guys. I continue to be impressed.

 

Legrath - I think you may have hit the nail on the head with the missfire; the more I think about it, the more it sounds plausible.

 

I will definitely contact ztech as they seem to have a good rep.

 

Pervez

Try Zedworld first. This Forum is littered with nothing but praise for Jeff + team.

Just scroll through a few pages of the technical help section and see!

Would love to hear any feedback if you do use ztech mate, in particular where they ask you to bring the Zed. Maybe ring them for some advice 1st.

 

Other than that, bit of a trek to Zedworld for you, but they have seen more Zeds through their door than any other garage past or present and offer free appraisal's for subscribed members.

Cheers

Smithy

Thanks for the quick response.

I'm actually in Basingstoke, near Reading.

 

I appreciate that responses to many of my questions are probably on this site somewhere but it is probably going to take me a while to learn my way around. In the meantime, hopefully you guys won't mind helping me.

 

Regarding the pod, I definitely have the 2nd generation as you describe it.

 

Handling - how much would an overhaul of the springs and shocks cost? What's the best way to get this checked out?

 

Gearbox - understand what ur saying about the oil, but could it just be worn out? How long do these boxes normally last?

 

Finally, the car has a Pioneer Carrazzerio DEH-500 audio system, which I can tell was probably awesome in its day as I'm fairly good with these things, but an hour later am still trying to fathom it! Any idea where I may be able to find a user guide?

Searched the internet but no luck.

 

Oh - and the power antenna doesn't come out. I can hear it whirring though...

 

Pervez

 

stiff gears...could be because you have an n/a so no booster on the clutch pedal...can feel odd if you're used to the merc etc

shocks are about £100 pair rears...£170 fronts for stock ones...fitting is extra of course...springs n bushes do them only if you want to stiffen lower the car

long wheel base or 2+2 seater zeds are a bit boaty....just a thought are you tyres pumped to correct pressure or really old as side walls might be giving too much flex

IIRc the pioneer is the jap spec radio unit and doenst work for uk radio stations unless you fit a waveband amp thing to increase the bandwidth....you might do just as well to fit another newer stereo

 

good luck

if you're thinking of z-tech in swindon call them first as they probably will be busy on other cars and have little time to check yours...chris n mick are knowledgable guys so you'll do a lot worse than to look them up if you have questions/issues

Thanks all. I've spoken to ZTECH and am planning to see them on Saturday.

 

Let's see what they have to say.

Regarding the stereo, does the Z have a standard loom/connector (DIN E) that can fit to any stereo in the UK or is it specific to the Z or Nissan?

 

I have found Micras in the past to have custom made connectors and had to chop off the connector...

Regarding the stereo, does the Z have a standard loom/connector (DIN E) that can fit to any stereo in the UK or is it specific to the Z or Nissan?

 

I have found Micras in the past to have custom made connectors and had to chop off the connector...

 

You can get adaptors for the Nissan loom (halfords..etc) to convert into standard ISO plugs.

I think you can get an adapter loom. You may find something about it in search.

 

Paul

Hi Guys,

 

Visited Ztech today (Saturday). Quite an interesting day and learnt so much in a couple of hours. This is a long email, but hopefully informative and would also welcome your comments/advice.

 

Firstly, I have to say that Chris and Mick really know their stuff, especially Mick.

 

Smithy was interested where they would meet me. Well, first I met Chris and Mick at Chris' place, where they were working on a Lotus Esprit. They also had at least 4 Zs that I saw. From there, we went to their workshop.

 

Now for their appraisal of my Zed.

 

Body & Interior : Agreed that it was a clean example, including the engine bay. (Good news!).

 

Engine : Asked Chris to drive the car. After the first minute, he agreed that there was very little power below 3000 revs and thought that the compression might be very low (i.e. very bad news).

We then went to their workshop, where Mick did a compression test. 200 on each cylinder! Mick then declared that this was one of, if not the best NA engines that he had ever come across. WHAT A RELIEF! The fact that they thought it was a great engine was a bonus.

 

So what then was wrong? Mick then proceeded to check everything in a logical and methodical manner. The summary is as follows:

- Computer hooked up stated that the engine was in standby/low power mode, caused by the 'detonation' sensor. This explained the low power!

- This was duly reset.

- Air was also leaking from some of the pipes leading to lower pressure in the manifold. Some of these were tightened whilst a couple will need replacing.

- Spark plugs were of the iridium variety, and whilst in good nick, looked 'lean' (?).

 

Anyway, once the computer was reset and the escaping air taken care of, I drove the Z. The difference was immediate and though still not brilliant, was vastly different to the car I had driven to Ztech.

 

Mick investigated further and found the timing slightly out. Whilst adjusting, he stated that the cambelt had not been put on right! This sounded very strange but he explained that it is a couple of teeth out and as a result the variable valve affect is occuring later that it should, hence the great performance after 3000 revs, but average below it (it was poor before 3000 revs when I arrived this morning).

 

They are recommending re-doing the timing belt. I'm just amazed that this could have happened and whilst their explanation is logical, it's an expensive job.

QUESTION : What do you guys think? Any advice much appreciated.

 

They also recommended that I get the car chipped as it has a performance 'Amexxi' exhaust and the car needs to be matched to the exhaust.

QUESTION : What do you guys think? Any advice much appreciated.

 

RIDE & HANDLING

They agree that both the rear shocks are gone and in fact the springs may even be cracked.

Both rear springs and shocks therefore need replacing.

 

All in all a very interesting day and it would be great to get your feedback.

 

Pervez

sounds ok, but after all the testimonials from members i would go no further than jeff at zedworld, he may be quite some distance but in my hoestg opinion-seems to be well worth the drive

Interesting.

 

I suppose if the timing is/was out that might cause the car to run lean and hence trip the detonation sensor and if you had some air leaks could also have the same effect.

Other wise you may have a det.sensor on the way out or a faulty wiring loom to it - if this is the case (which is quite common) it may trip out to safety mode again.

If it is one of the latter, the solution is to bypass the sensor or relocate it with a good used one or replace with new in original position. The last option is very expensive, the first option is not recommended.

 

Re: the cam belt change, if you have no history or idea of when it was last done, then this is always good practice.

 

Your springs & shocks - springs are either broken or not and you should be able to see this. In any event changing the whole lot as discussed earlier is a good idea if you really like the car and want to keep it (obviously money depending). My car feels much more 'alive', positive and fresh since changing all mine.

 

Regarding the 'chipping', IMO your money would be far better spent in other areas. The gains from chipping a NA car are much less than chipping a Turbo car. You are likely to see 5-10% max. You might have a performance exhaust, but it is NOT necessary, your car will be fine. If you want the little extra - fair play, but don't expect to be blown away with the results.

Maybe this is something to look at once your car is running/driving spot on.

 

Regarding the spark plugs, I read some where that the iridium plugs were not very good with the Zed. I think Jeff (Zedworld) stated this some where.

 

HTH:)

Finally, here are some pics of my car.

 

Nice looking car mate, has TT front bumper for some reason? You sure you bought an NA? LOL

Seen belts out a couple of teeth several times, after they have just had a belt done at another garage, and even after having it done at a Nissan dealer!. Terrible mistake that no garage should make.

 

Nice looking Pearly :cool:

 

sounds ok, but after all the testimonials from members i would go no further than jeff at zedworld, he may be quite some distance but in my hoestg opinion-seems to be well worth the drive

 

Why would you recommend a garage on the other side of the country when he has no problems with the one he is using and is happy with their service :confused:

just giving the guy the option, is nice to be able to choose between different experts

Thanks Legrath. Would you agree then that the timing belt teeth issue could result in loss of power.

 

There must be thousands of cars o the road with this issue, and I doubt whether they perform so differently, otherwise there would be an outcry. Or am I missing something?

Thanks Legrath. Would you agree then that the timing belt teeth issue could result in loss of power.

 

There must be thousands of cars o the road with this issue, and I doubt whether they perform so differently, otherwise there would be an outcry. Or am I missing something?

 

A couple of teeth out would affect performance yes.

 

Its not a common problem, but does happen unfortunately.

Damn! That's another unbudgeted few hundred pounds then...

Finally, here are some pics of my car.

 

 

Is it me or is that very low at the back for stock suspension? Could fit in with it being tired/damaged.