Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo Manual, diagnosed with critical repairs - is it worth the cost?

Question

Hi all, a predicament I need thoughts on.

My rides a '91 JDM >50mile (68km) Z32 DETT 5sp 2+2, stage 3 with 5Zigen exhaust, cold box, bad chip, spec'd injectors, Simmons 17"s, no spoilers, 446hp RWHP dyno'd, 12.9sec 1/4s, mint diablo red, concourse condition. I was real happy with it. Till today.

Recently I lost a clutch & developed a leak in the ABS router, so I asked the main Z-tech here in town for a full roadworthy diagnostic report. He's come back with a NZ$7,000 needs list. Needs, not wants, although would be mechanically/ suspension mint after.

It won't pass a NZ roadworthy with a lot of the issues, and we still have the clutch to deal with! Now the least of my worries. Incidentally, after many options considered, I am doing a custom fabricated spring ceramic clutch & machined wheel with 25-2700lbs clamp - until the other stuff appeared I was lookin' forward to that, big time. Lets L-A-U-N-C-H-!

My issue is, the car was bought on finance, and will currently owe me NZ$ 13,000 (US$9500) when paid for. Is it worth me dumping another $7k (US$5k) at it? I love it to bits, my 8yo son wants to drive it to school on license day, it is cleeaan pretty without add-ons, and like no other ride for street appeal $ for $.

So what do I do? Fix it? Is it worth $15k USD for a lo-k TT manual? Will they ever appreciate in value? I bought specifically top spec, cos (I was hooked from first drive!) I guessed if anything would become a collectors piece, it'd be that spec, but at what price? Do I restore her mechanically or run away ?

I'm thinkin' restore, no question - find the damn money. You? Thanks. Arrrrgh!

Hiya John Paul, cheers, I feel better already. Nah, can't make Florida, would have to cross the Pacific before I crossed the 'States. Love the Youtube vids of your American club meets. Here a bunch of owners get together for runs too. Although the local NZ scene ain't as big, some smart JDMs roll along. I think it's a keeper.

Thanks all, some very good answers. i'm pleased I asked. I'm gonna keep it, restore as money permits (she's not in bad nick at all for her near 20 yrs age - see photobucket "papariccardo") and give it a good seeing too once a week, more often where possible. And re the "lift skirts", yeah, it gets more phone numbers still than any car I've had, despite the age. Please star your fave answers if you are not answering.

Answer 1

It is all up to you.

You do know the reality. You are investing money on a very old ride already. Your Z is 16 years old and the model (300ZX Z32 was released on 1990) is already going to 18 years old. It is more of a classic than anything else now.

Still, a very good Z32 like yours turns heads and “lift skirts” if you know what I mean. It is a piece of fine engineering from the 80’s and one of the best sports cars Japan ever produced in the 90’s.

As an investment, is a big NO. As a collector and racer, is a big YES.

So the answer again has to come from you. As long you have the money, and you can spend it on your Z without remorse, then go ahead. It seems you do love the car, and probably it will become your son’s later on and by that time it will be even much older car.

Don’t forget, unless you can afford a special insurance to cover the real value of the car, you will have to pay more money and be lucky to find an insurance agency that can do it to start with. Otherwise, if you crash it or if it gets stolen or vandalized, is over.

If you ask me, I would only invest money on it if I have it, meaning, I would not sacrifice more important things to be able to have the car. I would have long time ago (when I was single), but not now that I am married. And still, I would have to think about it because the new Nissan GTR is about to be released and will be a real successor for the 300ZX and the Skyline together.

Is your call, choose wisely and stick to your option.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I am building a 300ZX 2+2 but with garret ball bearing turbos and front mounted inter cooler car has been torn apart all over the shop 2 months. even the dash board is out. Re assembly the motor and trans will mate up today. subframe and new steering rack bolt to the assembly and go into the car with new wiring harness. Car started life as a 300zx normally asperated car. Patch put on a set of Stop Tech brakes and the modifications haven't stopped. You never build a high performance car like this to watch it gain value you own and drive cars like this for fun. Your clutch sounds serious so work out at the gym and build up your left leg. AS for this car being around for your young son to drive? only if you fix everything and only take it out on Sunday's. National Z car convention at Daytona Beach in October We'll see you there?

Answer 3

I agree with Terance and John Paul - It's not an easy car to work on, the Z32 is notoriously difficult... However, it's well worth the effort, as a well-maintained Z is hard to beat.

Pop in on the crew at http://www.Z32club.org and look up user NSR_Z32 - He's a Nissan Tech and owns more than one heavily-modified Z32.

Answer 4

RESTORE IT!!! You can turn that "diamond in the rough" into a "premium gem". It's worth it. That is a lot of money but you'll have the car you love in tip top shape. Then you'll have many trouble-free years left in this car.