[grg3135]

hey guys, new to the nissan scene, just picked up a 1990 nissan 300zx over the weekend. ive been having some problems with it. rear sway bar needs to be replaced, the shifter bushings are badly worn, the parking break doesnt work, its leaking oil or some other fluid, the drivers side window motor needs to be replaced. most of this, however, i can live with and replace piece by piece as i can afford it. The main problems im having are 1) engine looses power during "spirited driving" and 2)there may be an exhaust leak because i can smell exhaust from inside the cabin after driving for extended periods. to elaborate on the first part. if i baby the car and keep it in low rpm's it runs fine, idles just under 1k rpms. but if i push it at all, and get it past 3 or 4k rpms, it idles funny when i put the clutch back in, it will fluctuate between 500 and 1500 rpms and sometimes stall out completely, at which point i just re-start the car and its fine. i can usually keep it from stalling by easing it back down to 1k rpms or barely pressing the gas when its idleing rough to keep it around the 1-2k mark. i just took it to a nissan dealer and they said they wont even touch it because of after-market parts and the fact that it didnt have a stock wiring harness. they recommending taking it to a performance shop, but i dont know of any in the area (northwest indiana). they did tell me that the throttle position was out of adjustment and that the breather tubes were missing from the exhaust which is probably why i was smelling it. i know next to nothing about cars so i was hoping you guys could give me some advice. what to have checked out/replaced/etc. or atleast a good shop to take it to in the area. thanks guys

oh, couple things i just remembered, dont know if it will help or not. if the headlights are on when the idle is rough, they dim and brighten in synch with the rpms. outside of all this, i absolutely love the car. body is in perfect condition, fresh paint, no rust, the rubber around all glass is dry and probably needs to be replaced (dont know if it leaks, but i wouldnt be surprised), struts recently replaced, axles recently replaced. and when it runs its a blast to drive. im hoping i can have all repairs made for under a couple grand.