Z31: User Friendly?

SRP | Lucian · #1 05-15-2005, 03:39 AM

Hi,

I may get a Z31 and this would be my first serious car that I would probably race with. I have heard people say though that it's the worst Z ever made while others say it's great. Well, is it the kind of car that I can go out and then leave it in my garage and expect it to turn on every time I turn the key (For most of you, basically, is it reliable?)?

Thank you.

k3smostwanted · #2 05-15-2005, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRP | Lucian

Hi,

I may get a Z31 and this would be my first serious car that I would probably race with. I have heard people say though that it's the worst Z ever made while others say it's great. Well, is it the kind of car that I can go out and then leave it in my garage and expect it to turn on every time I turn the key (For most of you, basically, is it reliable?)?

Thank you.

very reliable...probably the most reliable Z built in my opinion. i bought an 86 300zx a few months back that i was going to use for a daily driver car. well the car had been sitting for 2 1/2 years...with 160k miles on it or so, everything original...even the plugs i think (it was passed down through a family to all the new 16 year old drivers in the family). anyways, i replaced the fuel pump because the old nasty gas in the tank corroded it really bad that it would not operate correctly. after i replaced the fuel pump, it started right up without a hesitation and has started everytime since and ran excellent. well there is my little story for you...

anyways, these motors even in turbo form will last 250k if well maintained...

SRP | Lucian · #3 05-15-2005, 12:10 PM

Wow! Really! That sounds a lot better from what I heard. I may get one of these now. Anyone else have a story similar to k3smostwanted's? Or have you had a completely opposite experience?

Also, how's this car for racing in stock form? Nothing serious, probably just for screwing around with my friend. I know that a lot of the newer models aren't that bad for upgrading but how are the older ones?

Thanks!

DeleriousZ · #4 05-15-2005, 12:22 PM

yep, i'll also agree that the vg30e(t) was probably one of the more sturdy engines ever made by nissan, for the n/a's i've heard stories of them lasting over 400,000 miles before rebuilding... as for mine, it's been easier to maintain than my old honda... and that says something

. i've driven the thing in all sorts of weather conditions (+30 to -25 celcius) and she's ran without flaw every day, started first try every time, and has never stalled on me... ever. it's got about 165k miles on it and still runs like new.

as for racing, you'll probably want to get the turbocharged model, as the n/a's aren't anything special when it comes to speed... the turbo's can almost be taken up to the level of a stock 350z with under $1000 in mods because they are so cheap for the z31, which is a stark contrast compared to the z32 (ouch! my wallet hurts!)

either way, take good care of her and she will last you as long as you want her to.

SRP | Lucian · #5 05-15-2005, 01:43 PM

Wow! Thanks. Looks like it's exactly what I want...reliable, sexy, and good performance. Nice. Completely different from what other people said Anyways, thanks guys. Just need to find one though...

If anyone has anything else to say, feel free. I'm still open to your opinions. Thanks!

k3smostwanted · #6 05-15-2005, 01:44 PM

yes the Z31T takes real well to mods...the suspension could use soem upgrading if your doing any kind of track racing but otherwise a very solid raceable car. and like derlerious said, if you have racing or any type of speed in mind, your best bet would be to go with a Z31T as they can be upgraded very easily and cheap.

as for screwing around with some friends on the highway or in a parking lot...the Z31T will do mroe than satisfy your crave for racing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeleriousZ

which is a stark contrast compared to the z32 (ouch! my wallet hurts!)

yeah i finally started making some good money...about 3 times as much as i made before and the sad thing is, that im even more broke than i was before i started making more money. the Z32 does have a pretty expensive aftermarket now that i actually have thought about it...i was looking up exhausts for a buddies CRX for him the other night. we has looking at brand new Apexi exhaust and crap for $200 bucks. im like...i just paid $300 for a set of test pipes.

SRP | Lucian · #7 05-15-2005, 01:47 PM

Awesome. Thanks. Just a couple more question, if I can't get the Turbo would you still recommend it or should I just go with something else (With this kind of body shape / look)?

Thanks!

DeleriousZ · #8 05-15-2005, 02:18 PM

well you can always look into getting the older models as well, the only one i would recommend is the 280zx turbo, or a 70-73 240z and start modding from there.

if you're just looking for quick power, you can also look into mkIII supra's and FC rx-7's. they all have their pro's and cons (supra: more power, much heavier. FC: lighter, wiring's a bitch, lotsa little problems here and there. 300zx awesome all around car, hard to find)

as for what other people say, ignore them, they're either a. jealous b. uneducated and go along with the mainstream saying that it sucks c. just plain stupid d. all of the above. most of the time it's d, lots of rice punks try and talk it down because of its weight (usually the z32 ~3200-3400 lbs) and it's unreliable engine (also usually z32, which is another myth)

the thing is, everyone has already jumped on the supra and skyline bandwagon and refuses to believe that anything else is better. fortunately for us, most of those people are ignorant and we wouldn't want them driving our beloved Z cars. there are few enough of them as it is, we can't afford to have morons flying around wrecking them.

you'll find that almost every Z owner you talk to will swear by their car to the death. we love our cars very much. so just as a warning, one you go Z, you might never be able to go back to any other car.

SRP | Lucian · #9 05-15-2005, 02:26 PM

Ahhhh...another case of the Z addiction. It's so horrible, taken another life.

So I'll be sure to check out the other cars (The MA70 and the FC3S I was already looking at). Out of the MA70, FC3S, Z31T, and the 280Z, which do you think fits my need the most (Reliable with good performance and cheap aftermarket parts)?

Thanks! Sorry for all of the questions.

k3smostwanted · #10 05-15-2005, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRP | Lucian

Ahhhh...another case of the Z addiction. It's so horrible, taken another life.

So I'll be sure to check out the other cars (The MA70 and the FC3S I was already looking at). Out of the MA70, FC3S, Z31T, and the 280Z, which do you think fits my need the most (Reliable with good performance and cheap aftermarket parts)?

Thanks! Sorry for all of the questions.

the Z31T would probably fit you the best but all the other have their strong points also.
the supra will get you some good power but has reliablity problems i have heard.
the RX7 can net you easy big numbers if you get the TII but it also is troubled by minor problems here and there. also, you do have to deal with the temperamental rotary and finding a good mechanic to work on it is a whole other ball game in itself.
finding a 280ZXT in good condition is probably gonna be hard to accomplish but if you do find one that is in good condition, it is another good choice. the problem would be that you will probably pay more money for one of these than the other cars mentioned beings it is a collectors item.
best all around i would say the Z31T....

tarabull · #11 05-15-2005, 03:13 PM

i just have to jump in here... sunday afternoon and you know what shape im in..... i have an 88 that had 55k miles on it when i got it... so you know it say a long while.... she starts right away... i love her to death.... i got her free and was gonna sell her for a profit, but i dont think i can now

k3smostwanted · #12 05-15-2005, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarabull

i just have to jump in here... sunday afternoon and you know what shape im in..... i have an 88 that had 55k miles on it when i got it... so you know it say a long while.... she starts right away... i love her to death.... i got her free and was gonna sell her for a profit, but i dont think i can now

your drunk a**!!!

SRP | Lucian · #13 05-15-2005, 05:09 PM

Okay, thanks. I think I'll just go with the Z31T if I can find one in good condition because reliability is a big concern.

One more question, if I can't get the Turbo, would you still recommend I get a Z31?

Thanks!

DeleriousZ · #14 05-15-2005, 05:20 PM

it's a tough call... the z31 n/as aren't anything special, they wouldn't be my first choice to use for racing. if it's speed you're looking for, you're probably better off going with an n/a fc or supra... the fc and the z31 are approx the same weight give or take 150 lbs.. but the fc takes better to mods than the z31.

if you're not looking for anything right away, i'd suggest waiting to find a nice z31t in good condition, you won't be disappointed with the result

ExTrEmEDrIfT · #15 05-15-2005, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarabull

i just have to jump in here... sunday afternoon and you know what shape im in..... i have an 88 that had 55k miles on it when i got it... so you know it say a long while.... she starts right away... i love her to death.... i got her free and was gonna sell her for a profit, but i dont think i can now

you seem like your drunk again online and thats alot of short sentences ...... well i guess..... its ok ...... hope you get.... that z31 let... us know if.... you end up getting... it and post..... some pics

oh yah but on that note tara you said yours has 55k miles thats sweet .. I jus found out this lady where i work at shes one of the main people there told me she has a z31 jus like mine except it has like 55k miles too... poeple there told me that it looks like its brand new so i might be getting another z31 people lol shes going to drive it to work sometime this week ...

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