Opinions on 1990 300zx

[Skyline_R32_Canada]

Hello, I'm from Canada and have been searching through autotrader.com for a used car that I may purchase in a few months and I spotted at least 5 1990-1994 300zx's all ranging from about $8 000 - $20 000 Canadian. (approx $6 500 - $17 500 american)

The one I was looking at was a 1990 300zx non turbo automatic for about $8 500 since it suits my price range, it has 130 000 KM on it (approx 80 000 miles) and has no damage history. What do you all think of the price? And if I do decide to purchase it what kind of mods could i put in an automatic non turbo to increase HP a lot ( 250 - 350 HP range)? would a shift kit increase HP for an automatic?

All opinions would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks

[89Turbo944]

Ok well the 1990 300ZX NA Auto is probably the worst Z to start off with (Z32 wise anyway)

But you can build it into a beast. $8500 sounds reasonable to me. As long as there is no rust or damage.

As for adding HP, well a shift kit will not help to add power, but will make the power you have work better for you.

First thing to do to get more power would be an intake,
exhaust,
header,
UD pulley kit,
ECU,
ect....

It will not really net you 350hp out of an NA without having reliability problems. But you could do it if you added nitrous to the car.

Good luck with your Z

[Skyline_R32_Canada]

Thanks for the help 89turbo...

I noticed that the Twin Turbo manual transmission cost significantly higher so that is why I had to choose the auto NA...

Could you add a turbo charger anyways? And if so what type and price range? I would be lookin at a $1000 - $1500 price range if its possible

Thanks

[89Turbo944]

O there is nothing wrong with a NA, they are great cars. But as for a turbo kit, there isnt really any. It s basicly a swap for a VG30DETT to get turbo power.

But throw on some nitrous and look for TT's to kill. Good hunting

[questionablethreat]

I have a 1990 N/A Z also, i have been looking to swap the VG30DETT in. Hopefully in a few months i will have enough money saved up!

[rizzspeed]

It would most likely be less expensive and definitely less of a headache to just get a twin turbo to start off with. I'd say just keep looking. It might take a while but you'll be glad you did.

[89Turbo944]

Get a 95 Never get a 96. Good luck Z hunting.

[rizzspeed]

http://www.fiendation.com/300zx/300zxfaq.htm
http://www.geocities.com/z-car/specs/
http://www.300zx.co.uk/tech/BuyingZ.htm
http://www.zhome.com/Buying/forthgen.html
http://www.zhome.com/Buying/cawmmi.html

some links to help you out in your buying process

[Skyline_R32_Canada]

thanks for the sites, got more imput and info on the z's

another car i am looking at purchasing is a 1991 dodge stealth rt / twin turbo for approx the same price...what do u think of the stealth vs. 300zx NA aspect? performance and all?

[rizzspeed]

Z over GT.
Even in N/A form, The aftermarket supports the Z far more comprehensively in all aspects.

[freakonaleash1187]

so 1990 isnt a good year? take a look at this one please and tell me what you all think, thanx a lot. http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ca...r=&cardist=176

[89Turbo944]

Well the 91-95 are the best you can really get with a Z. 95 being the best year. 96 lost 20hp and gained OBDII(bad for tuning)

That 91 looks ok. I like the colour. Seems like a good deal if it is in decent shape. Go for it, buy it.

[freakonaleash1187]

yeah, i love the color. but it is a '90, maybe you just had a typo or something. but i am now looking at another one that is the same price but it is a '93 and is black with a 5 speed.

[Skyline_R32_Canada]

how much would the engine swap usually cost if done by a mechanic (in Canadian dollars is possible)