300zx or Silvia S14?

Hi,

I'm currently looking for a sparetime car to mod.

Since I'm living in Germany where imports are rare and too expensive, I would have to decide between two cars I especially like, the Nissan 300zx tt (probably 1990-1995) or the european Nissan 200sx, which is actually available with a SR20-DET engine here.
I'll try to push that car to like 400 rwhp, so it'll take some time :)
Like I said, it's just a second car, so reselling it or driving it everyday is unimportant.

I heard you can get problems or breakdowns with the 300zx tt pretty easily. They're available for 4-7k€ with 80k miles or so.
The tt does 280hp, so some modifications for maybe 3-4k€ could push it easily over 300hp, right?

A nice alternative is the 200sx with the SR20-DET.
It's cheaper (around 2-4k€) and probably more reliable.
Plus, I'd have some savings to put things like boost controller or highflow exhaust in it.
disadvatage: smaller engine - is it harder to get power out of it?

But the 300zx is more powerful, agressive and has - afaik - more potential with its twin t'd three-litre engine.

So, which costs do I have to expect?
Power vs. reliability - hard decision, because I'm 19, going to school and having few money.

I'd be happy if you can give me some pointers about those car's weaknesses, but also tell me about their advantages.
I'm pretty much of a newbie, so don't beat me :icon16:

cu

I'm over in Australia, so when I say this I may be right off but you can pickup parts for the SR20DET anywhere, yet I'd personally prefer the 300zx. I couldn't honestly tell you why.
I'm just going from what I've reaad but I though the VG30dett would be a reliable engine as long as you don't push it for two many horses.

yeah, thats another thing -

how much hp do those engines and gearboxes stand without rebuilding them with high quality parts?

I heard nissan engines and transmissions normally stand up to 500hp without any "reinforcement".

please, additional pointers?

I have "heard" the VG30DETT is not too responsive to tuning without some major $$ thrown at it, but I've never tried it so I can't confirm that.

SR20DETs are heavily tuned tuned around the world and respond well, you can get around 300BHP out of them without too much investment, which is more than enough power for a car of that size imho :)

If tuning is your thing Id go with the Silvia, if the coolness factor of owning a Z appeals, I say go with that.

Hope that helps.

a 300zx tt has 300 hp stock. but dont get a 1990, because that year the vg30dett had problems with warping valves. i have seen the vg30dett handle up to 500 hp on stock internals. and plus, it is a z car and imo, looks a whole lot better, but hey, i own one myself and damn is it a great car. and mine is juas an n/a.