Hi,

 

Having just bought a 300zx could I ask for advice:

My car is a TT manual UK model registered in 1990.

1. It drives very well but has high miles - 126K. Is there anything to watch out for? I have files of bills for: new turbos(99K), rear stearing arms, Brake master cylinder, Timing Belt(110K), Clutch(96K). It has full history but is there anything to keep an eye on?

2. It has a Scorpion exhaust and the boost gauge reads 14psi under acceleration. Is this normal? I have checked the ECU and it has a Nissan badge on it.

3. Occasionally when hot the clutch judders slightly on engaging. Is this a sign the clutch is worn? How long on average do they last?

4. Does anyone know of any independant specialists around Surrey/Hampshire area who would service maintain.

 

Thanks

 

Hi Rob

 

Welcome to the world of Z ownership. Congratz on a wise purchase. Forgetting the mileage it's good you have the bills for all that work done on the car. It's possible that the car has been modified if the gauge reads 14psi when you floor it. having said that the stock gauges on these cars does not always give an accurate reading. Check if the scorpion is a cat back exhaust or if the cats have been replaced with a stright though front pipe!. It should have quite a noise if it has. As for the clutch some of the other guys may be able to make a comment, i can't as mine is a manual. If the engine has been modified but still running the stock clutch set up I am surprised it has lasted as long as it has!!. Most of the guys on the forum rate a chap called Darren at Ancastor Nissan in Rochester for service / repair work ( 01634 291120 ). I have spoken to him and he does know his Zeds. Another one I use is Millway sport in Andover, nice guys and good at their job. ( 01264 336344 )

 

Wish you all the best with your Zed and watch those twin turbos on any roundabouts!!

 

Seez ya

 

Simon H

 

BTW what colour is it?

Shows how well I read LOL

 

Just caught your car is a manual. Don't know if that is a sign the clutch has gone. When mine went it just slipped as soon as the twin turbos kicked in!!, no juddering. Whatever it is get it checked out soon, maybe costly if you leave it too long.

 

Good Luck

 

Simon (reading problem) H

Thanks for the quick response. It's nice to see a loyal following fans who can be called upon for assistance!

 

It's red, not my first choice of colour but its growing on me!

 

Also, I have another two questions:

When buying I checked all panel alignment etc but missed the rust on the underside of the boot lid!! It's also got a couple of spots on rear wing and front inner wings. I know it's 11 years old but is this common?

The gear lever and gaiter are tatty. Are they easy to remove and replace?

Has anyone else had a clutch replaced? How much does it cost? Nissan quoted £600.

 

Thanks again!!

 

Hi Rob,

 

Best advice you'll ever receive, stay away from Main Dealers, unless they are know to have someone decent working there who knows these cars inside out.

 

Some people have been told that it is cheaper to buy a new engine than have the head gasketts replaced!

 

They will feed you all sorts of bullshit to extract GBP currency from you!

 

That's my bit...oh and welcome to the land of Z! Enjoy matey.

 

Tim

;-)

 

£600 seems a little excessive, but not surprising for a Nissan dealer. Generally, they are to be avoided, but with a couple of exceptions.

 

Trawl the old documents in the forum for the past few months and checkout the Tech and Contacts sections - you'll find most of your questions answered. Most of us have similar issues.

Do A Search for Memmber Keepsake - he sells Gaitors and boots for a deadly price - they are top quality too form what i have heard .... Free plug there mi old boy.

 

Clutch replacement is pricey - drop the exhuast and tranny is a bit time consuming. Plus a decent clutch aint cheap - i would get it dont somewhere that knows what they are doing and also consider if you are gonna upgade in the future going with a performance clutch. Check the Rear Crank Seal also you dont wanna have to pay the Tranny Drop labour just to replace that.

 

Check Coutesy Nissan www.courtesyparts.com for the best parts prices (make sure you add VAT + Duty tho as often you will get nailed for it) They have stock and J Spec Gear sticks - You should really change the shifter bushings as well about 8 dollars and well worth it on older cars.

 

Z ya

 

Nico 91TT

Hi Rob

 

If you going to get the clutch replaced and are looking to modify the car now would be the time to fit a heavy duty clutch M8. I had a new stock clutch in mine when I started uprating the engine. It simply chewed this up and spat it it for arse paper!

An RPS uprated clucth like mine can easily handle any future increase in BHP. If you get one from the States you may be able to save some cash. This type of clutch would take a great deal more abuse than the stock item!. As Nico has suggested get a price from Courtesy Nissan or give Johnny at grasshopper pro sport ( UK )a ring on 01942 671239. He will give you a good deal. As for the gear knob, nissan quoted me £79.00 for a new stock leather one.

There are lots of alternatives though, have a hunt around and you may save a bit!

 

My Zed is the same age and did have a few spots of rust hear and there. I don't think they are that prone to it. Just the age I guess!

 

Another Red Zed, nothing wrong with red M8! Mine is red and I wouldn't have any other colour. Hope this doesn't develop into what is the best colour Zed again. We know what is best, Red and Manual, what more could you want.

 

Seez ya!

 

Simon H

I agree with Simon, Red but Auto. rules OK!!!

 

 

Tim

;-)

 

 

Nah, red says 'nick me', you need a nice subtle blue one ....

Red looks too much like the lipstick that the drivers wear...

Silver!

Oh shit!!! We've hit the "Which colour is best" topic again!! The clutch may already be uprated and this is why it judders!!! Again, when mine went it just started to slip as soon as boost was reached - motorways were a pig About 75 mph and it just redlined I paid £450 for mine to be done at Hiteq in Wigan - excellent service as well. Like everyone has said - be very VERY wary of Nissan dealers! They get the £££ signs in their eyes as soon as you drive in and they don't really know the car very well either! My local dealer actually did me a favour when I went in - they were incredibly rude (probably to get rid because the car scared their mechanic ) so I went to Hiteq instead

If you do decide to get the clutch done definitely get the rear crank seal done - it costs about £20 (if that) and there's no extra labour while the 'box is off - get it done afterwards and you're looking around £250/£300 - decide for yourself!!!

 

Welcome to Z land by the way - its always nice to see new faces - they've usually got a big smile on them How do you fancy meeting some of us in Blackpool on July 21st then????

 

CheerZ for now,

 

Andy

graphite gray is the best coulou and as for the clutch do it yourself it int that ard and its a dam site cheeper good luck

RED!

 

 

Tim

 

And yet your signature clearly indicates that deep down, psychologically you want a BLUE Z

 

How tragic that you own a red one

 

[This message has been edited by AndyP (edited 13-06-2001).]