Like any old girl you pick up, she's going to have some issues from the past right?

 

I have browsed before i joined and i have read but i wanted some feedback on my efforts so far...

My new Z is an '89 import, NA and running large exhausts on the rear, split rims and a K&N. Upon purchasing the Z i was pleased, i ran her for a good 10 miles before handing over the cash, unbeknownst to me, the problems existed later.

Up around the 80mph mark on the motorway home i noticed a slight thump (speed related) and assumed it was perhaps a bearing (collapsed or worn). After some more thought, i realised it to be more likely the prop shaft.

I have read some pages online since then and know that the Z has a problem with the center prop bearing and subsequently the gear box mount bracket. This is what i feels like to me. Very central, speed related and increases in severity on longer journeys.

 

I've stopped driving the car now, she is in the local garage for inspection. Firstly, my mechanic is competent but i am concerned that he won't know 100% unless he knows A, exactly what he's doing, or B, he goes out and drives the thing for a long journey.

Secondly, am i going about this the right way. I live in Gloucestershire and i imagine that there is someone that i could take the Z to and they would have an experienced opinion on my issue.

That's the main point really, i want this to be sorted ASAP.

 

The first thing i was going to tackle is the exhausts, someone in the past has binned the original and stuck on some hideous back box with two huge loud pipes. I love a good V6 noise but this makes the car sound like it's trying to hard. I want something after market but not pipes the size of a new born child...could someone recommend me a set? Second hand or otherwise. I guess whilst I'm here, anyone interested in the system i have?

 

This is she...

 

Not Oem but a lot cheaper if you are on a budget

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROPSHAFT-CARRIER-CENTRE-BEARING-NISSAN-300ZX-1990-1996-30mm-X-145mm-13-/331597139243?hash=item4d34bacd2b

 

If you decide on the Oem you are better off with the complete single piece prop

 

Just speaking to Groover and he is of the same opinion about the prop. I am certainly on a budget, this is because i know i still have a fair bit to do on the car before it is how i'd like it.

I am changing the exhausts as they are horrendously loud. Do you think i could go far wrong with this non OEM bearing?

I honestly don't know, I'll find out the make and size shall i and maybe you could make an offer? Unless you already know what they are :)

 

They're modena autostrada. Look like 17" 3 piece split rims. Price really does depend on condition but would have to be cheap for me to buy them so you might be better off putting a for sale ad up on the forum.

They're modena autostrada. Look like 17" 3 piece split rims. Price really does depend on condition but would have to be cheap for me to buy them so you might be better off putting a for sale ad up on the forum.

 

You're right, i remember the guy saying they were worth quite a bit to. These are in a sorry state around the outside but perhaps you're right, refurbed these would be a nice set to have on the car.

I was halfway through refurbing a set when I sold them & got some 18" wheels instead. I sold mine for £350, they were split down as well. I'm sure you'd get a lot more for them if you got them refurbed. Just avoid removing the bolts as it becomes a big job.

Just a quick update on the car, for anyone who is interested.

I have purchased the non OEM bearing and will be having it fitted this week (providing it arrives on time) I am having my mechanic doing it because sadly this has come at a bad time, i am moving house and do not have the time to sort this myself.

I will be hopefully buying the Scorpion exhaust system from Groover and i'll let you know when i'm driving it!

 

Mike

I see what you mean about the exhaust, the car I bought off martin has a kakimoto exhaust with 5" exits. My ears are still ringing from the journey home haha.

Having just bought the Z, sending her into the workshop and waiting almost three weeks (bearing took a while to come in), I was excited/apprehensive about its return. The guys showed me the old bearing and yes, it was indeed knackered. The new one apparently fitted fine with no problems.

 

I only pootled the car around town to my house and then today took her down the motorway to work this morning. Got the Z up to around the 70-80 mark and hovered around that, sadly the noise/thump is still there. The car runs very well engine wise, pulls like a train, as they say…everything works electrically and causes no other concerns. I have spent pretty much my budget on the car and now having spent on labour and parts to change the bearing I’m in a bit of a shitty position now. I still have my BMW (thank god that’s well built)…but my repayments on my Z are looming and the BMW was meant to be gone by now to help that.

 

I live in Cheltenham/Gloucestershire and so the Zed centre is a little out of my way just to pop in and have a diagnostics. A lot of things can be ‘assumed’ on the forums but I’m going to need someone to take a look at the car who is experienced.

 

Is there someone in my county that I could pay a visit with the car?

 

 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

Mike

Having just bought the Z, sending her into the workshop and waiting almost three weeks (bearing took a while to come in), I was excited/apprehensive about its return. The guys showed me the old bearing and yes, it was indeed knackered. The new one apparently fitted fine with no problems.

 

I only pootled the car around town to my house and then today took her down the motorway to work this morning. Got the Z up to around the 70-80 mark and hovered around that, sadly the noise/thump is still there. The car runs very well engine wise, pulls like a train, as they say…everything works electrically and causes no other concerns. I have spent pretty much my budget on the car and now having spent on labour and parts to change the bearing I’m in a bit of a shitty position now. I still have my BMW (thank god that’s well built)…but my repayments on my Z are looming and the BMW was meant to be gone by now to help that.

 

I live in Cheltenham/Gloucestershire and so the Zed centre is a little out of my way just to pop in and have a diagnostics. A lot of things can be ‘assumed’ on the forums but I’m going to need someone to take a look at the car who is experienced.

 

Is there someone in my county that I could pay a visit with the car?

 

 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

Mike

 

You should just take it to Jimmer in Bristol.

One suggestion, although would only help if it was a vibration issue at speed is to rotate the prop 180deg as it may be a balance problem, however the thump is weird, especially after having a new bearing.

 

Need to check drive shafts after that if its rotational related

I agree with Si take it to Jimmer in Bristol , he treats all zeds that go in like they are his own personal posession and the workmanship reflects that ....it may have problems when you take it on but it will be spot on when you collect it ....it coud be something as simple as the drive shaft or the prop centre bearing housing or Prop being unbalanced...good luck with it matey

Hi mate. The centre bearing is a relatively easy job to carry out and will cost new £120-£150. Your description and self diagnosis does seem to point to the bearing/gearbox mount. My car had the exact symptoms at a slightly lower speed, but be sure that your wheels are also straight and balanced as a guy on here had similar but after changing the centre bearing it ended up being a slightly elliptic rim. Anyway, what are you doing travelling at 80MPH??

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

 

 

Yes it is buddy

 

You can get a centre bearing for £50 new to let you know http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROPSHAFT-CARRIER-CENTRE-BEARING-NISSAN-300ZX-1990-1996-30mm-X-145mm-13-/331597139243

I'd ditch the bearing in its entirety. A modification that was long overdue for me was a single-piece prop! The difference is incredible. Not only is the car smoother, but it feels more responsive and direct (to which it is). It's hard to explain, but I was really quite taken a back by the difference in feel that it gave the car.

I'd ditch the bearing in its entirety. A modification that was long overdue for me was a single-piece prop! The difference is incredible. Not only is the car smoother, but it feels more responsive and direct (to which it is). It's hard to explain, but I was really quite taken a back by the difference in feel that it gave the car.

 

This is probably the best solution for the long term, Jimmer supplys it so might as well go there and get the car checked at the same time

A lot of us have gone for the one piece light weight prop. and only good feed back can be found on it.

He already has the new bearing fitted as a new prop wasnt an option at the moment, however as Steve and i suggested, may be one of those still to look at causing the issue :thumbup1:

Perhaps the rear gearbox mount could be to blame.

 

If I was back in the uk I'd be over to lend a hand.

 

Don't loose heart, they are generally reliable cars but at 20-25 years old and being very advanced for their time they need to be well maintained.

 

A bit of initial investment will result in a good car.

Hi guys, thanks again for all the replies…

 

Sadly due to being on a time scale and budget this hasn’t been easy, especially whilst moving house!

 

The bearing was absolutely shot, torn away from the outer ring and the rubber was ruined. The gearbox mount was inspected and seen to be perfectly fine.

 

At lunch today I called Jimmer at Powerzed and I’ve booked myself in for the 13th/14th November, this was the only time available for him to look at the car. This sets me back a bit as I need to get rid of the other motor but hey ho, that’s life.

 

I do understand the single piece prop would be an invaluable modification to the car, sadly I’m not exactly flush since buying the Z and with my small pot put aside for service items, this was a little unexpected!

 

 

 

I won’t give up on the car though, I can see that with a little time I can get her back to former glory. Apparently the car was owned by two enthusiast previous before the last owner but I can see that any enthusiasm was spent on the upkeep of the exterior and interior. This is all minor stuff though that I can get looking good again.

 

 

 

On a side note. Can I get hold of new door rubbers for the bottom of the windows? The ones on my Z have seen better days and need replacing.

Hi guys, thanks again for all the replies…

 

Sadly due to being on a time scale and budget this hasn’t been easy, especially whilst moving house!

 

The bearing was absolutely shot, torn away from the outer ring and the rubber was ruined. The gearbox mount was inspected and seen to be perfectly fine.

 

At lunch today I called Jimmer at Powerzed and I’ve booked myself in for the 13th/14th November, this was the only time available for him to look at the car. This sets me back a bit as I need to get rid of the other motor but hey ho, that’s life.

 

I do understand the single piece prop would be an invaluable modification to the car, sadly I’m not exactly flush since buying the Z and with my small pot put aside for service items, this was a little unexpected!

 

 

 

I won’t give up on the car though, I can see that with a little time I can get her back to former glory. Apparently the car was owned by two enthusiast previous before the last owner but I can see that any enthusiasm was spent on the upkeep of the exterior and interior. This is all minor stuff though that I can get looking good again.

 

 

 

On a side note. Can I get hold of new door rubbers for the bottom of the windows? The ones on my Z have seen better days and need replacing.

 

Rome wasn't built in a day mate so just work your way through it till its sorted. If its the rubber seal at the bottom of the side electric windows then Mike here can get them.

The window door mouldings are around £80 each. If you're strapped, you're probably better off getting some second hand ones and refinishing them. Or refinish the ones you have if they're not split.

 

Z32s do demand a big budget I'm afraid. Parts are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination.

Is the car really not drivable as is?

 

There must be a serious imbalance or similar if that's the case

 

As si says, if you are getting into replacing trims etc then be prepared to dig deep.

 

As a rough estimate I think I will have spent around 2k on trim, door seals, rear lights etc.

 

A lot of those bits can be diy refurbed if you like a bit of a project and there are plenty of good guides around

Hi guys, I've been moving house and now I don't have Internet. It's locked down at work so I haven't been able to reply.

Thanks for the responses on the bearing etc. She's booked in to Power zed now on the 13th so will keep you informed. :)

I'm trying to post on here with photos but struggling on my phone, what's the best way of doing that?

 

Mike

Hi guys, I've been moving house and now I don't have Internet. It's locked down at work so I haven't been able to reply.

Thanks for the responses on the bearing etc. She's booked in to Power zed now on the 13th so will keep you informed. :)

I'm trying to post on here with photos but struggling on my phone, what's the best way of doing that?

 

Mike

 

Use the icons at the top of the box you type your posts in. Its the third icon from the left.

*Post Power Zed update*

 

Thanks for all the input and the recommendations to go and see Jimmer at Power Zed. No doubt i saw one or two of your cars when i visited :)

 

So the good news is, "You have a good one here mate". My Z, although neglected in the recent past could be brought back to life, the general condition is good. Full health check and a quick re-balance has the old girl ticking over nicely.

The centre prop replacement was a decent job but sadly the wheels are causing me much of the chassis vibration felt at speed. The light weight split rims i have on the car have obviously seen better days, so I'm looking for replacements.

I require some front torsion bushes, transmission bushes (gear stick is all over the shop) a genuine MAF (current one is a **** Chinese copy). With this sorted i'm getting there....all i need now is a loterry win and some luck!

 

This does mean that i am happy to sell the BMW, so have a look see in the selling section as i will eventually post in there.

Thanks again...and if you haven't been to see Jimmer in Avonmouth, just go! :D

 

Mikey

Glad for you mate, tbh i never liked the rims on it anyway :)

I like them. If you wana sell them to me cheap let me know I'll put them on my teardrop trailer I'm planning to build.