Nissan 300ZX questions

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none - 07 Oct 2004 00:43 GMT

I am planning to purchase 1987 Nissan 300ZX 5speed as a summer car. I would
like to know if there is any specific things to look for beside body. For
example.
transmission, is there any issue with synchro or 1st to second gears and so
on?
Engine or fuel system
Engine gaskets and timming belt. Interference fit engine?

The vehicle has just over 200,000Km

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Steve T - 07 Oct 2004 02:45 GMT

> I am planning to purchase 1987 Nissan 300ZX 5speed as a summer car. I
> would
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Engine or fuel system
> Engine gaskets and timming belt. Interference fit engine?

http://atlantaracing.tripod.com/faq300.htm

Also look at the rear wheel camber. These cars have a problem with the rear
lower arms "sagging" over time causing massive negative rear camber. Tire
shops sell springs etc trying to fix this, that isn't the problem. The
"easy" fix is to slot the rear subframe to make this adjustable. The right
fix is new rear control arms which is a $$$$$ repair.

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Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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Jon Smith - 07 Oct 2004 04:35 GMT

Check to see that the timing belt was done and the water pump and idler
pulley and tensioner pulley were changed as part of the timing belt
change. If these were not done factor that into the price. Check to
see that the transmission does not whine when you first start the car.
The input shaft will howl when they are worn. When you push in on the
clutch you do not want to hear a whine as this will be the throw out
bearing. Check for rust in the back and behind each rear wheel.

> I am planning to purchase 1987 Nissan 300ZX 5speed as a summer car. I would
> like to know if there is any specific things to look for beside body. For
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> The vehicle has just over 200,000Km

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none - 07 Oct 2004 10:46 GMT

Thx for the info everyone.
I have checked the car again and here are few other things:
The car has "sensor" light lit up. I has asked about this and was told that
it will remain lit until oxygen sensor is replaced. It does not necessary
mean that it is defective. The owner said it has been "On" for about 2 to 3
years ago. Service dealer said you can run as the way it is since the car
is running fine. Does anyone has similar experience?

The timing belt was done about 20,000 km ago along with fuel injectors
recall. The exhaust is broken (not sure which section it is).
How is the 5 speed transmission? the owner said shifting from1st to second
feel difference than the rest of the gears. It was like that since he
purchased the car back in the 90s'. I am thinking about synchro or possible
clutch perhaps more on synchro that clutch. However it shift okay unless
you really pay attention and feel between gears. The throw out bearing is
okay.

> Check to see that the timing belt was done and the water pump and idler
> pulley and tensioner pulley were changed as part of the timing belt
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> >
> > The vehicle has just over 200,000Km

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Steve T - 08 Oct 2004 00:23 GMT

> Thx for the info everyone.
> I have checked the car again and here are few other things:
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> years ago. Service dealer said you can run as the way it is since the car
> is running fine. Does anyone has similar experience?

He's right, there is an electrical connector you unplug to turn this light
off, it isn't a "check engine" light like newer cars have. This one is
triggered by mileage.

> The timing belt was done about 20,000 km ago along with fuel injectors
> recall. The exhaust is broken (not sure which section it is).

Underneath the car isn't a big deal, leaking at the engine is.

> How is the 5 speed transmission? the owner said shifting from1st to second
> feel difference than the rest of the gears. It was like that since he
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> you really pay attention and feel between gears. The throw out bearing is
> okay.

Tough trannies, I wouldn't worry about it.

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Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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