Nissan 300zxTT

[Steve1578]

Hey guy, looking into getting a fun project car for the wifey. I've always been a fan of the Z line from Nissan and she also likes them. Wondering if anything has any experience with 90-96 300zx twin turbo. I don't see them around much anymore but they seem like a bad ass platform if you're going import.


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[CompOrange04GT]

Hard as shit to work on, and absolutely zero room under the hood

 

[4a7191a]

They have thier share of problems too from what I remember.
Buddy of mine had one that was yard art for a long time. :/

 

[NastyNate420]

Ive always like the 300zx....I wouldnt mind having one in the collection!

 

[Mpoitrast87]

Fun cars. But suck to work on.

 

[jshen]

I bought a 90 TT and went through 5 clutches in about 5 months!!! The flywheel contact area is way too small according to my brother in law who works on and races Nissans. Also, the 300 has a "weak bottom end". You have be very careful if you are in a flood prone area as air intake is about 4-6 inches off ground. I hit a puddle at 35,000 miles and it ruined motor and turbos to extent of $14,500.00. My car ran OK but it was not a drag car..It desperately needs the Millen chip which adds about 60 hp. I saw an episode of All Girl Garage where someone had put an LS motor into one and I love that idea. By the way if you live in an area where it gets hot...air conditioning is marginal due to all the glass areas.

I do have experience with Nissan/Datsun as I bought 82, Datsun 280 Turbo, 85 Nissan 300 Turbo before buying the TT. 82 was by far the most fun.

 

[jshen]

edit- I thing the project car that got the LS was a 370 Z

 

[CobraBob]

You mentioned a "project" car for your wife. What would your goal be for the car?

 

[nxhappy]

I hear those motors have issues

 

[Zemedici]

Suck to work on
Parts are expensive
Hard to find tuners for them as they're dated


Personally I'd pass, and snag up a SN95 or something MUCH cheaper. Hell, snag a 350z

 

[jshen]

Remember with the dated technology here, you have a heavy as hell iron block...and turbos whose life expectancy then was 50,000 miles. When I saw my engine disassembled...there appeared to be a half inch+ of piston wall space between cylinders. Since my insurance company paid the bill I could not complain but for the money if I were spending it, I would have ordered a Steve Millen race prepped long block- would have been about the same $$.

Again, I do like the idea of an LS swap...tons of potential including weight savings. https://conceptzperformance.com/loj...e-swap-kit-90-96-z32-loj-z32ls-kt_p_25638.php

 

[Steve1578]

We're looking for something different, but definitely not liking the idea of all the possible issues. Not looking for a money pit but she doesn't want your typical mustang/camaro.


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[jshen]

At the time, it was a high tech car- that came with all the issues. For example, it has a 4 wheel steering setup where back wheels will turn a couple of a degrees in turns. The car is a great highway cruiser..and I got 22-23 mph on hwy. It's a heavy car and the ride is great. I never checked top speed as I don't do those things. I can say that compared to my ex-03 Cobra..performance wise- there is no comparison! It would have left 300 in the dust- had time to have a drink- and wait for 300 to catch up. However highway cruising, Z was much more comfortable at the end of the day. Interestingly enough, my 90 300TT and 03 Cobra cost with a few hundred dollars of each other when bought new......

 

[4a7191a]

Ever think about and old school prelude ?
My cousin was wanting something important that isn't seen anymore. And he's hooked . Great car all around , add bolt on turbo kit and call it a day too.

 

[Steve1578]

Well she's really set on the 300, loves the styling and you hardly ever see them anymore. Really liking the idea of an LS swap the more I think of it.


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[kevinatfms]

People have been removing the old motors and throwing in RB25's pretty easily. 600+rwhp on some boost and none of the problems associated with the factory motor.
You can also get the non turbo version for cheaper than the turbo model. Grab one of those, swap the RB25 in and enjoy.

 

[BigPoppa]

I would find a gently used non-turbo and do an engine/drivetrain swap.

They are great looking cars. Your wife has excellent taste!

 

[Blackoyote]

Just buy an R32 GTST - they're going for sub $10k from what I've been seeing and they aren't your 'average' car, but still fun and PLENTY of aftermarket support.

 

[Steve1578]

If we go the route of the engine swap, we'll definitely be picking up an NA and saving a little cash. There are a few around us for less than $7K that are very clean.