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;

 

 

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Damn that's a thick stack eh!

 

I'm starting to build up a pile just the same on the C63 I've had for a year and a half, wonder if I will keep it as long as I kept the Zed?

On 30/10/2021 at 09:15, Raja93 said:

Cheers for the info mate and yes you’re right as I do remember seeing some cruise control repair invoices in the stack of paperwork. Not too fussed because as I say I’ve never used the cruise control, but would be nice to know it works. Researched it and it can be lots of little things like switches on brake pedals etc. Will sort it at some point.

The service history got too much for that orange folder so I migrated it to a new folder! That folders been in service for a good decade I bet - I’m assuming you must have bought that. Put each bit of paperwork into a nice a4 pocket file to preserve it all!


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Love seeing people take care of all of the paperwork! It goes to show that the car has been looked after and cared for.

Just out of curiosity, how thick it that?

22 hours ago, mister_fcx said:

Love seeing people take care of all of the paperwork! It goes to show that the car has been looked after and cared for.

Just out of curiosity, how thick it that?

It's 8cm thick! Never thought I'd be measuring paperwork haha. 

? It's one of the big factors in me choosing to buy this Zed. Each UK owner also wrote a summary of the service history with dates, mileage etc. as below photo (1st UK owner page 1 summary). The second UK owner - Dazsw who's posted above, started adding who did the work, which I liked and have continued on my own summary doc.

On 31/10/2021 at 19:55, Dazsw said:

Damn that's a thick stack eh!

 

I'm starting to build up a pile just the same on the C63 I've had for a year and a half, wonder if I will keep it as long as I kept the Zed?

I've added a lot to the stack and Ollie did as well to be fair. 

Good to hear the C63 is getting taken care of. That 6.2 engine is one of the best of my generation - if I could afford the fuel, I'd have one as a daily! Time will tell, but I reckon once you've seen this Zed after the respray and once I'm done with the interior, you'll get the Zed bug again! ?. 

I will always love Zeds mate, had 2 crackers, that one and and SWB TT.

I would get another but it's a struggle to find one that's nice.

 

On 01/11/2021 at 21:04, Raja93 said:

It's 8cm thick! Never thought I'd be measuring paperwork haha. 

? It's one of the big factors in me choosing to buy this Zed. Each UK owner also wrote a summary of the service history with dates, mileage etc. as below photo (1st UK owner page 1 summary). The second UK owner - Dazsw who's posted above, started adding who did the work, which I liked and have continued on my own summary doc.

I agree! I never thought I would ask someone 'how thick is your paperwork?' ?

That's so cool. I've got a similar format with mine too (and previous cars). Every now and again I just read through it and remember what' been done. I guess normal people play games or something? ?

On 07/11/2021 at 23:04, mister_fcx said:

I agree! I never thought I would ask someone 'how thick is your paperwork?' ?

That's so cool. I've got a similar format with mine too (and previous cars). Every now and again I just read through it and remember what' been done. I guess normal people play games or something? ?

When I check through the history to see when certain items were done, it is great to see how well it's been cared for and haha yeah car guys are seen as strange by the outside world ?. 

Not seen an update on yours - did you manage to get the Veilside wheels sorted in the end? 

On 12/11/2021 at 09:22, Raja93 said:

When I check through the history to see when certain items were done, it is great to see how well it's been cared for and haha yeah car guys are seen as strange by the outside world ?. 

Not seen an update on yours - did you manage to get the Veilside wheels sorted in the end? 

It's nice to see the history of car ?

Yes, the Veilside wheels got sorted in the end - it took 6 weeks though and there were a few issues. But they're sorted now, so all good,

Other than that, not much happened really. Looking back now, I never really drove her and now winter is approaching ? 

But that means more motivation next year!

She’d been sat for a few weeks since they started gritting the roads, but no longer, as I got the ok from Jim to drop her off.

The issues with this engine as discussed earlier in this thread are the less than ideal compression figures, sticking hydraulic lifters when engine cold and an almost screwed turbo. It was decided to go for a full engine rebuild and target 500-600bhp, for fast road and reliable use, whilst she is down at Dream Body Works for the respray in the Bristol area also. 

I had some trouble arranging transport initially as some of you may have seen, but managed to sort it thankfully.

Off she went on the transporter on Saturday 11th December, with me following behind, making sure nothing happens to my baby! My boot and back seats were stuffed with the body trim and parts for the respray. Had to stick the bumper inside the Zed. It all only just fit! 

Edited December 22, 20213 yr by Raja93

I made a shopping list of engine parts from what I found from our club car builds and a few other sources. 

Rather than go back and forth over email with Jim on finalising the parts, I thought it best to discuss with him in person the day I dropped her off. We must have spent a good 2-3 hours but managed to get a final list together. The following week, funding was sorted and the parts were ordered, all as below;

A few other parts I sourced from a friend who’s delaying his engine build, are as follows:- 

- BDE engine mounts 

- BDE exhaust cam billet half moon plugs 

- Injector seals 

- freeze plugs 

My exhaust front pipes are currently 2.5” and my centre and rear sections are Kakimoto 3”. I’ll be getting Infinity Exhausts to make up a set of 3” front pipes to suit. 

We’re hoping Jim can source some rebuilt OEM hydraulic lifters to replace all the existing, but that is to be confirmed. 

In good hands mate. ?

Now onto the parts selection:-

Aside from the usual array of parts, that most owners going through PowerZed end up ordering, I opted for the following and reasons why explained;

- Full flow oil cooler with thermostat; will drive hard in summer so would like to avoid oil temp issues and wanted to upgrade the stock 28 year old unit and pipe work anyway so made sense to go all out. Thermostat will ensure it doesn’t overcool the oil.

- Cams were decided upon for replacement as I’ve heard the real world benefit they have to the power/torque curve, as well as the head being apart it just made sense as a bang for buck decision. The 400 series cams retain a smooth idle which was key also. The ‘R’ version of these cams which I went for are good for 450-650bhp so ideal really.

- Gates Kevlar belt was selected as the valve springs and cams are being replaced. After reading Nickz32’s build thread, and of him suffering cam belt stretch after replacing springs for more heavy duty items, I thought best to include this! 

- Having read of VTC gears failing, I went for the best aftermarket option - the BDE gears. Jim advised this also. I didn’t go for the BDE exhaust cam gears as they’re apparently overkill for my power target range and wanting to save some cash where I could, I didn’t ignore this advice! 

- CP pistons are known as some of the best out there, so I did have the pistons and rods in my shopping basket. After speaking with Jim and hearing of the high success rates of Wiseco pistons and Eagle rods for my power targets and well beyond, I saved some cash and went for them instead. 

- I was after the Z1 GT525’s as I wanted response and fast road useability etc. Jim highlighted how after the core charge of the 525’s, I could go for slightly bigger ball bearing turbos with fast response that were also cheaper (win-win situation). Looked at the GT535’s and GT600’s. At the last minute we decided to look on the CZP website, where they had the kit as per the screenshot above, which were a happy medium of turbo size. What sold it was they have a billet compressor wheel so more modern than the aforementioned options. To top it all off, they were also cheaper due to a sale, than all other options! Happy days ?. 

- The exhaust manifold was a funny one. The manufacturer in China for AMS decided to copy AMS’s manifold (karma!!) and sell their own under the name AVS. AMS cancelled their contract with said manufacturer but now have a huge back log of orders, so no chance of parts for ages. My hand was therefore forced to go the AVS route for stock availability. 

- Went for the Koyorad originally but after ordering, I found out they’re on a 4-6 month lead in time. No thanks! Went for the Mishimoto which has 1mm less core thickness but I think I’ll survive! 

Exciting times ahead ???. Can’t wait for it all to be finished. The engine build + respray will be carried out in parallel. Jim will pull the engine and Anil from Dream Body Works will come and collect her to commence the respray. Hoping for it all to be completed by the end of April, although I’m fully aware these things don’t always go to plan due to this, that and the other. 

Edited December 24, 20213 yr by Raja93

Updates to follow as we progress. Cannot wait to have an almost perfect Zed, being worked on by the best of the best. Only things to do after this will be a full interior retrim, replace the alarm and new music system. I think after the engine build and respray, I’m going to take a break from zed spending over the next few years and recoup some cash!! Let’s see how long that lasts though... ?

On 22/12/2021 at 15:26, Gaz 300 said:

In good hands mate. ?

Yup - what Gary said.....!!

 

Out of curiosity, which credit card company are you with? I'm thinking of investing some shares.... ?

 

Looking good, I wont be able to keep up with you on the summer road trip (that you are doing with me by the way, no choice!). If you have anything left over that you dont need/want let me know. I might be able to part with cash for you... ?

[emoji1787][emoji1787] I’m doing some serious man maths to justify all this.

Haha I’ll check out the dates of the road trip and make sure I can go - car should hopefully be done for May.

Yep sure, I should have a load of parts to sell. Once I’ve got a list together, we can run through anything you might want [emoji1417].


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Once the key components and performance parts were ordered, I started thinking what other jobs can and should be done whilst the engine is out?

Out of all the parts my car has had replaced over the years, with me and previous owners, I saw no mention of replacement coolant hard pipes or heater core hoses in the service history folder.

With a freshly built engine, I thought it’s only right to replace all the coolant pipes I can get my hands on, in case any were starting to get rusty. I looked at the usual suspects websites and ordered the items as below screenshots (last few items I forgot to add to the main Z1 order).

Another peace of mind job that will be completed ?. Good old preventative maintenance - where do you stop and draw the line though?


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Edited January 8, 20223 yr by Raja93

It's going to be a masterpiece when finished mate, well done!

 

There was a few of those coolant pipes changed at the time the first injectors got fitted, weren't on the bill though as it was a late addition as they noticed them when putting the car back together, but with all the time going into this, makes total sense to freshen them all up.

 

It's always the same with cars, just went to change the rear discs and pads on the C63, which turned into discs, pads, parking brake shoes, brake dust shields, caliper rebuilds and fluid change.....they always escalate lol but no point doing half a job.

3 hours ago, Raja93 said:

Another peace of mind job that will be completed ?. Good old preventative maintenance - where do you stop and draw the line though?

As you are flashing the cash Raja you might want to see if you can still get these OEM pipes from Japan. The originals are usually rock hard. Expensive

but hey...

https://jp-carparts.com/nissan/partlist.php?maker=nissan&type=132&fig=470*&part=3086440P05&page=1

https://jp-carparts.com/nissan/partlist.php?maker=nissan&type=132&fig=470*&part=4747140P01&page=1

On 08/01/2022 at 21:18, Dazsw said:

It's going to be a masterpiece when finished mate, well done!

 

There was a few of those coolant pipes changed at the time the first injectors got fitted, weren't on the bill though as it was a late addition as they noticed them when putting the car back together, but with all the time going into this, makes total sense to freshen them all up.

 

It's always the same with cars, just went to change the rear discs and pads on the C63, which turned into discs, pads, parking brake shoes, brake dust shields, caliper rebuilds and fluid change.....they always escalate lol but no point doing half a job.

And that’s why I’m glad you were one of the last owners ?.

Well you have great memory is all I can say, as that set of injectors were replaced around 7 years ago. 
Tbh I would have replaced them anyway, being part of the coolant system. The rads getting replaced as well. Cooling I am paranoid about on this car. 

23 hours ago, AndrewG said:

As you are flashing the cash Raja you might want to see if you can still get these OEM pipes from Japan. The originals are usually rock hard. Expensive

but hey...

https://jp-carparts.com/nissan/partlist.php?maker=nissan&type=132&fig=470*&part=3086440P05&page=1

https://jp-carparts.com/nissan/partlist.php?maker=nissan&type=132&fig=470*&part=4747140P01&page=1

I’d say it’s more making the most of the engine being out, hopefully once and never again! 

Thanks for the tips as always. I have SFS silicone items fitted at the moment, in great condition, so will leave them in place. 

Anything else that you feel I may have missed, I’m all ears!

Well i for one have a good idea how much your spending but what a build that will be when  she’s finished ?

Jim (powezed) is completely right with  his advise on parts required and a build like this should never be compromised 

once your tuner has done his magic if mines anything to go by you won’t  be disappointed with it. ?

ps the one thing i left of mine that should of been fitted was a parachute ?

Edited January 29, 20223 yr by gray