Hi All,

 

I mentioned in various previous posts that I would start a thread about my new and first 300zx. I’ve copy and pasted an introduction that I posted in the newbie section a while back (with some updates) so you can get an overview of the car;

 

Almost two months ago at the spur of the moment I went and bought a lovely Jap spec blue 300zx TT Manual LWB with 98k miles.

 

An over view of the cars spec is;

- 390bhp tuned by ProTuner

- stock turbos and internals

- 800cc injectors, selin twin maf conversion

- Kakimoto mid and rear section exhausts

- aftermarket turbo elbows, downpipes, front pipes etc.

- 98 spec fairly new manual gearbox

- K Sport big front brakes, stock rears

- Veilside Andrews racing split rim wheels in gunmetal grey

- two tone grey/black leather seats, hicas lock out, fairly new polybushed rear end and BC Racing shocks. List goes on but that's some key bits from memory.

- 98k miles

- Has been very well maintained with a lever arch of service history from the previous owners.

 

I've got plenty of plans consisting of refreshing the car including modernising where possible to create an OEM+ look (no cheap chav bits don't worry).

 

The Zed was booked into the bodyshop 23rd March but sadly due to the coronavirus lockdown, these works are now postponed. The works were to fit;

 

- 99 spec front bumper

- Respray to bonnet, both front arches to get rid of peeling lacquer, drivers door, rear bumper and getting rid of surface rust to around rear lights/boot

- Replace side indicators with genuine Nismo clear indicators as existing clears ones seals have fallen apart

- Fit new trims that were missing between boot and rear lights

 

I’ll have all this done as soon as the lockdown is over and the bodyshop is back open.

 

I’ve got on the to do list the following;

 

- Source a 2nd hand AC compressor and get it reconditioned and then installed as the previous item exploded under the last owners ownership

- Full leather retrim as existing leather is cracking up/poor quality.

- Get a double din music system trim kit so I can fit a nice double din screen unit with modern features such as bluetooth etc. and also change all speakers

- Paint the stock rear Z32 brakes in black to match the K Sport fronts

- Sills need re-doing as they have rusted in areas from where its been jacked up in the wrong location!! Paint has obviously been damaged and flaked off leaving the bare metal to rust so will get this sorted

- Fit Michellin PS4 tyres when the current tyres have worn out

- Probably go for more power in about a years time maybe but for now coming from a 2 tonne 270bhp 4x4, 390bhp is more than enough to make me giggle.

 

I’ll start a new post with what I’ve done so far with photos of course!

 

Pics of the car when I bought it;

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

11 hours ago, TheRealNips said:

Its starting to show age. The dash is starting to lift by the windscreen vents, although @AndrewG told me about a trick involving tennis balls and glue. The quarter panels by the rear bench seats is starting to peel so will need re-glueing and on the A pillar trim and door cards im starting to get bubbles where the glue has failed behind. 

Ah yes I’ve got that problem and Andrew explained to me this same process 2 years ago but still not done it! My rear quarter panel has shrunk and given way mostly, drivers door card bubbles, b pillar major bubbling, targa handle surrounding vinyl all crumpled/shrunk, drivers seat big rips, bolster wear, gaiters nackered, list goes on…   

The Z has been parked up since late October when we had constant torrential downpours. The usual winter hibernation prep ensued and checking in here and there to make sure all ok. Was very busy last year, moving home etc but still managed to do 4K miles which was brilliant fun. Will do much more this year now I’ve got less things eating up my time. 

Picked up a replacement fuse box cover for the engine bay - the old one was all scraped to bits. Fitted an AMS brake stopper which has been on the list for years! When I did the engine bay tinware powdercoating last year, I couldn’t do the cruise control end cap, which has bugged me since so sourced a beautifully made Z-Spec cover in black. 

Got the retrim booked in for end of the driving season this year (end of Oct 2024), so will be getting done whilst the car would be off the road anyway, so not losing any dry weather driving time 😃.

Need to get the sound system replaced as mine is abysmal (only one side speakers work). Going to order a Z spec double din fascia soon then work out what to do with the speakers. Would also like to do the reverse camera in the boot key hole that Vig did. Last thing to do is replace the ancient alarm system. 

Found a black SFS Performance engine bay hoses set to replace the blue ones currently fitted. Just need to get around to ordering. I believe they’re the only properly lined hoses that don’t seep. Heard the Z1 hoses aren’t properly lined, from a couple of forum posts on here over the years, otherwise would have just got their set. 

Jimmer gifted me a harness bracket for the left of the plenum - will get this powdercoated in black and fit. Final thing in engine bay to complete the tidying up will be to paint the power steering reservoir as it’s started to corrode and pit - nasty looking! 

The relentless hunt for perfection continues, keep it up mate!

Superb attention to detail as usual. 👌

As we near the end of winter hibernation for sir Zed, I got my act together and started sourcing some more parts on the wish list. Inspired by Richards find of the new OEM windscreen washer pumps from Amayama, I started searching and found them in stock and at really reasonable prices (around £25 each). Whilst I was there, I noticed various other washer components which tend to get clogged up over time like the nozzles, check valves and hose clips were dirt cheap. I wasn't going to buy them until I saw Z1/CZP were charging around $30 for the check valves compared to £2.77 at Amayama! I thought whilst they're still available and since my washers are shocking and the rear nozzle clips are broken, may as well overhaul the system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whilst I was at Amayama's website, I sourced the coolant overflow cap and windscreen wash cap which have been on my wish list for a while, as they're both aged, stained and brittle on my car.

Next up was to source a used power steering reservoir from Banzai Breakers and take to the powder coaters for the gloss black treatment, to suit my engine bays theme. I also took for powder coating the harness bracket for the left of the plenum which Jimmer kindly gifted me. That will sort out the loose hanging harness in that part of the bay. They didn't mask the reservoir very well so I found tonnes of sand blasting media inside, which was an absolute ball ache to clean out. 3 cans of break cleaners and tonnes of water later, I think it's now fully free of sand inside! Looks stunning though so worth it, especially as my current reservoir has gotten rusty all over.  

Edited April 4, 20241 yr by Raja93

As per previous posts, the major plan for this year is to get the retrim completed during winter hibernation, and before that to replace the sound system and alarm. I was impressed with the Cerwin Vega spare wheel subwoofer that Vig got for his Z, since it fits inside the spare wheel well, takes up zero boot space and requires no timber housing - the best solution I've seen for a Z. I got ahold of a Z Spec double din bezel in preparation for the new head unit I'll be fitting. Again inspired by Vig's install, I'm currently looking at the Atoto head unit which seems to be a well rated android system with the ability to download the RealDash app - this app can connect to my Link ECU to display all the engine data. This is my loophole to avoid having to install tonnes of expensive gauges on the A pillar and getting rid of my current boost gauge on the A pillar. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've been discussing the install with a brilliant local shop and have now agreed all the speaker and amp specs. The ancient alarm system on its last legs will also be replaced for a modern one at the same time. Looking to complete over a week in May. For the first time for the Z, I'm using a place 10 minutes down the road, rather than hours from home! which is a nice touch. After 4 years of ownership, I will finally have all 4 speakers working and a head unit I can connect my phone too! I don't need the music so much when I'm travelling with my other half, but very nice to have when using it for work site meeting travel and the early morning blasts I do on every dry weekend. The google maps on the head unit will mean I don't have to have a Halfords air vent phone holder which I'm very much looking forward to (mostly because it would occasionally slide out when going fast!).

I had asked @AndrewG to make up some of his beautifully crafted tweeter housings for the door sails but due to the lack of time from now until install, I will try and take a stab at it myself. If I fail, I shall be in touch again Andrew! 

Edited April 4, 20241 yr by Raja93

I'm going to fit those engine bay bits this weekend, get the battery charged up and get the car back out on the road hopefully. In the next few weeks, I'll be heading down to Jimmer for an oil change, brake fluid flush as its hit the 2 year interval I always stick to, fitting the power steering reservoir, raising the front suspension a little as it rubs on the arches on bumpy roads and at speed, fit the washer pumps and refitting of my AC pump; as unfortunately the pump leaked soon after install, so Jimmer had them replace it under warranty I believe. I will finally have a fully functional AC system 😃.  

49 minutes ago, Raja93 said:

As per previous posts, the major plan for this year is to get the retrim completed during winter hibernation, and before that to replace the sound system and alarm. I was impressed with the Cerwin Vega spare wheel subwoofer that Vig got for his Z, since it fits inside the spare wheel well, takes up zero boot space and requires no timber housing - the best solution I've seen for a Z. I got ahold of a Z Spec double din bezel in preparation for the new head unit I'll be fitting. Again inspired by Vig's install, I'm currently looking at the Atoto head unit which seems to be a well rated android system with the ability to download the RealDash app - this app can connect to my Link ECU to display all the engine data. This is my loophole to avoid having to install tonnes of expensive gauges on the A pillar and getting rid of my current boost gauge on the A pillar. 

 

I've been discussing the install with a brilliant local shop and have now agreed all the speaker and amp specs. The ancient alarm system on its last legs will also be replaced for a modern one at the same time. Looking to complete over a week in May. For the first time for the Z, I'm using a place 10 minutes down the road, rather than hours from home! which is a nice touch. After 4 years of ownership, I will finally have all 4 speakers working and a head unit I can connect my phone too! I don't need the music so much when I'm travelling with my other half, but very nice to have when using it for work site meeting travel and the early morning blasts I do on every dry weekend. The google maps on the head unit will mean I don't have to have a Halfords air vent phone holder which I'm very much looking forward to (mostly because it would occasionally slide out when going fast!).

I had asked @AndrewG to make up some of his beautifully crafted tweeter housings for the door sails but due to the lack of time from now until install, I will try and take a stab at it myself. If I fail, I shall be in touch again Andrew! 

I've asked @AndrewG the same so I shall be very interested if he starts to offer this service!!

8 hours ago, sumshiftyguy said:

I've asked @AndrewG the same so I shall be very interested if he starts to offer this service!!

He’d get a tonne of orders! I did actually come across a 3D printed housing on FB, but it’s not well shaped and looks very much stuck on, whereas Andrews looks perfectly moulded and OEM. Will send you the link so you see what I mean. 

2 hours ago, Raja93 said:

He’d get a tonne of orders! I did actually come across a 3D printed housing on FB, but it’s not well shaped and looks very much stuck on, whereas Andrews looks perfectly moulded and OEM. Will send you the link so you see what I mean. 

I saw the same one and decided to make me own as well! Haven't gotten around to it yet though.

In April I got the battery charged back up and ready to go back out on the road. When I started it, it fired up straight away but quickly started to run like a bag of nails! I was seriously gutted after it had been in hibernation since last October. It was running super rich and stalled. I reversed it back into the garage, whilst stalling about 5 times, and quickly called Duane from DWM to collect it ASAP. Thankfully I already had a booking with Jimmer a week and a half later, so off it went to PowerZed HQ. Before the collection, I'd downloaded the Link ECU software on my laptop, plugged it into the ECU and found Zero errors, all readings for voltage within spec for the common items. I checked all connectors and as my harness is brand new, as are all electrical items, I ruled out corroded connectors but still sprayed electrical contact cleaner throughout, as good measure. Running through my mind was the million and one things it could be, spark plugs, coil packs, injectors, corroded connectors, CAS, TPS, but the conclusion to every one of those thoughts was - hold on a second, everything that could cause these issues I or a previous owner has replaced. Left seriously confused, I was eagerly awaiting Jim's report, of which came back a week later confirming it was just the MAP sensor hose that I had accidentally pulled out the firewall - Doh!!!🤯 Apparently it looked like it was on its last legs anyway or not a very strong hose, so probably didn't take much force to make it slip out. It must have happened when I was playing around with the engine bay a few times over winter. I'd somehow missed it - oh well, learnt my lesson! He plugged it back in and now running silky smooth once again.    

Edited May 22, 20241 yr by Raja93

Before I got the Z back out, I fitted the freshly powder coated harness bracket to the left side of the plenum, which stopped the connectors rubbing against the turrets, the nice new windscreen wash reservoir cap and coolant overflow cap. Jim gave it an oil change with Millers Oils finest, brake fluid flush as its been 2 years, with the good old Motul RB660 fluid, replacement windscreen washer pumps (front & rear), new windscreen wash nozzles, fitted the powder coated power steering reservoir, raised the front suspension height as its been rubbing for years and repaired the AC System, as the pump seals failed almost straight after install previously. 

Pic of the old Power steering reservoir - looked awful and rusty, much worse in person:

Replacement reservoir in gloss black - much much better now:

General overview of the engine bay now with all these bits fitted. Much cleaner and only thing to do is swap the blue hoses out for some black ones, but that's a job for next years list:

Edited May 21, 20241 yr by Raja93

Having working AC for the first time in my ownership is a revelation. Around where we are, other than the early morning or evening drives, anytime during the day, you end up stuck at traffic lights or some traffic during your journey and during hot weather, the Z makes you melt! That is, until now 😀. How handy it was this weekend when we were driving around all day, whenever we'd hit traffic, just whack on the AC 🙂.

I picked up the Z last Friday which was strategically planned for the perfect weather and what a drive back it was. Pics at collection:

Raising the front suspension and carrying out the minor alignment adjustment has transformed the drive too, as during the drive back from PowerZed, the front end would have rubbed on the arches say about x10 times. Last Fridays journey, it didn't rub once! The high speed handling has also improved, particularly at 100-112....KPH speeds down the M4. I was worried raising the height would make it look naff, but Jim has judged it perfectly and the height looks proportional to the rear end now, so a job well done, as with all of PowerZed's work. 

I'll just about tolerate driving a dirty car for a while, but having a dirty windscreen cheeses me off to no end. Carrying out the windscreen wash system overhaul has made it operate like a new car, which is very useful. All of these little jobs have really improved the drivability of the car and will make this summer driving much more enjoyable. 

Now eagerly awaiting the sound system and alarm install in early June, which will take about a week. Thankfully they're local so no cross country travels required 🙂. My alarm system has completely lost its marbles since just before I locked it away last year for winter - It repairs itself after the battery is disconnected, then when unlocking, it doesn't unlock the doors, so I have to manually open from the passenger side to get in. Anyway, all getting resolved in a couple of weeks. 

Edited May 22, 20241 yr by Raja93

Great reading these updates.

Beautiful looking motor glad your getting things sorted, time soon goes by when building these cars to a great spec but all worth it in the end 👍

Sent my Zed down to jimmers a couple of weeks back I hardly drove it last year and now no MOT on it and she needs a service and some other bits doing to her but it’s still running fantastic after Jim’s big build 

4 hours ago, gray said:

Beautiful looking motor glad your getting things sorted, time soon goes by when building these cars to a great spec but all worth it in the end 👍

Absolutely, time really does fly by, but as you say, every improvement is oh so worth it 😃

4 hours ago, gray said:

Sent my Zed down to jimmers a couple of weeks back I hardly drove it last year and now no MOT on it and she needs a service and some other bits doing to her but it’s still running fantastic after Jim’s big build 

I saw yours down there, he said he’s sorting the rear bumper paint for you and some other bits n bobs. It does look mean as f**k in black, I gotta say.

You gotta get out and drive it more! Mines running beautifully after Jim’s rebuild too. Managed to do almost 4K miles I think last year over summer and hope to do same this year too. 

On 22/05/2024 at 21:06, Raja93 said:

I saw yours down there, he said he’s sorting the rear bumper paint for you and some other bits n bobs. It does look mean as f**k in black, I gotta say.

You gotta get out and drive it more! Mines running beautifully after Jim’s rebuild too. Managed to do almost 4K miles I think last year over summer and hope to do same this year too. 

Yes Mr Raja....... you too......! 😁

29 minutes ago, TheRealNips said:

Yes Mr Raja....... you too......! 😁

Short of being used in the rain, from April-Oct, there’s not much more I could possibly use it 🤷🏽‍♂️ On the weekdays it takes me to work meetings, on the weekends guaranteed early morning blasts out and daily driver duties. 

Looking really good Raj.....!

And you can't beat having a Zed with working A/C 😉 Although my advice - don't just whack it on in traffic, or when you get hot, leave it on all the time; I do.

It's lack of use that will eventually cause the gas to escape into the ether. Jim fixed mine over five years ago and it's still blowing out icy cold air whatever the weather.  

11 hours ago, RichardS said:

Looking really good Raj.....!

And you can't beat having a Zed with working A/C 😉 Although my advice - don't just whack it on in traffic, or when you get hot, leave it on all the time; I do.

It's lack of use that will eventually cause the gas to escape into the ether. Jim fixed mine over five years ago and it's still blowing out icy cold air whatever the weather.  

Mine is on all the time, unless it really is too cold!

12 hours ago, RichardS said:

Looking really good Raj.....!

And you can't beat having a Zed with working A/C 😉 Although my advice - don't just whack it on in traffic, or when you get hot, leave it on all the time; I do.

It's lack of use that will eventually cause the gas to escape into the ether. Jim fixed mine over five years ago and it's still blowing out icy cold air whatever the weather.  

Thanks for the advice guys, useful to know, will definitely be doing this from now on 👍🏽. Fingers crossed my system keeps operating for years to come. 

3 hours ago, TheRealNips said:

Mine is on all the time, unless it really is too cold!

Yup - same here, constant 20 degrees.... Although if it gets too cold, I might turn it up to 21 LOL 😉