If you've read any of my posts you'll know i'm looking to buy a Z in the near future. I was wondering how hard they are to work on for a budding amateur mechanic like myself. I've done a fair bit of work on my 200sx (changing turbos, intercoolers, suspension, etc) and done a bit of playing around with my scoob.

 

Is the 300 a much more complicated beast or is it just that there's less space under the bonnet?

 

Also, I was wondering if there are any obvious performance restrictions on the cars (like the 200sx has pathetic air flow through the airbox and a p155 poor exhaust as standard). I'd imagine the 300 would have some restrictions due to it being set up to meet the Jap 276bhp max rule.

 

Cheers,

 

Marty.

In reality a car is a car and an engine is an engine, if you understand how it works then you're 90% of the way there. The difficulty with Zeds is getting to the bits (and there are usually 2 of everything!). Space under the bonnet is non-existent, getting the front of the car on ramps is nigh impossible. Interms of complexity there's not much really, the HICAS is unusual but aside from that there's not much you wouldn't see on a new car these days.

 

 

Restrictions: Easy stuff, exhaust, air intake, ECU and level of boost - all 'bolt-on' jobbies and will give a significant power increase, maybe 25%+

Cheers Andy,

 

I thought under the bonnet of my 200 was bad for space, that was until i saw a 300ZX. I've never seen so many pipes on one car :eek: (possible exception being the Toyota GT4... looks like the aftermath of an explosion in the samco factory)

 

Sounds like the usual course of mods. I'd imagine most TTs would have an ample amount of grunt with the usual exhaust. induction and boost upgrade. (saying this now but probably be a different story when i get them ) :rolleyes:

Marty

 

...mines an na (so not so many pipes), but in the 3 years I've owned it I've done all that it's needed myself. I'm a graphic designer, but like fixing cars, so only have DIY knowledge. As Andy says, if you understand how things work and why they are there, the 300's no different to most, there's just a lot of it. I'd add that the quality of the 300 is good - never had any coroded bolts that won't budge etc.

 

good luck

 

Jack

I wasn't expecting to hear too many bad words about 300s on this BBS but i wasn't expecting them to be this highly rated.

 

Isn't there anything wrong with these cars ?? :confused:

 

They're fast, handle well, they're reliable, capable of high mileages, easy to work on, cheap to buy..... there's gotta be a downside!!! Lemme guess, they stand up well to crashes too? :D

 

oh...wait... i just thought of one downside..... most of them are autos :p

 

**zips up flame proof jacket**

...downside is people think the drivers are Essex drug dealers - or they used to in the 90's. Now they just know we can't afford a Ferrari...

Well at least they get noticed. Thats a step up from most other nissans.

...you have to remember that it's one of the best looking cars available today without spending silly money. I bought mine for the looks, not really interested in the power - and I do like the t-tops. And whilst I'm on reasons for buying, their rareity was a big factor, can't be seen driving a bland grey euro box...

Guess what, Marty ....

 

They do stand up well in crashes, as it happens!!;)

 

Recent experience has taught me to trust in the build quality ... you should have seen the other guy's car:(

 

Still that's what happens if you randomly drive into someone on their side of the road!! Particularly if you haven't bothered to obtain a licence at some point before setting off with a car load.

 

CheerZ,

John.

Originally posted by marty_t3

I wasn't expecting to hear too many bad words about 300s on this BBS but i wasn't expecting them to be this highly rated.

 

Isn't there anything wrong with these cars ?? :confused:

 

They're fast, handle well, they're reliable, capable of high mileages, easy to work on, cheap to buy..... there's gotta be a downside!!! Lemme guess, they stand up well to crashes too? :D

 

oh...wait... i just thought of one downside..... most of them are autos :p

 

**zips up flame proof jacket**

 

 

Errr well, the major downside is running costs. Insurance, fuel, tyres, brakes, oil etc - You get the idea, deep pockets and long arms are required, understanding spouse and an available slush fund. Cheap to buy, cost a fortune to run ! If you can do your own servicing then it can ease the pain. Once you start down the mods route then you'd better start sending your bank manager Xmas and Valentine cards !

 

The most, most, most important thing is to buy a good one, not a heap of sh1te - it will almost certainly save you £££'s in the long run.

Wise words from Andy, my words don't buy a good looker, buy a good car!

You can make it look nice with your own time & minimal money, you cant make it run & be relyable if its been neglected.

I looked at 9 Z's before i bought mine, ok there wasn't a shiny pannel on it (garaged for 18 months) but it was way beyond the rest when it came to sensible thought.

 

harve

 

Happy hunting