Project Z32TT

[NBP01LS]

Bought a 1990 300zx TT About a month ago, got a great deal bc she needs some TLC. After a long weekend, I finally got the engine/trans out, removed the AIV'S and EGR systems as well as most of the HICAS system. Next step is to replace the turbos and do some suspension modifications. Its going to be a long road, but she still has some life in her and I am determined not to let this ridiculously over engineered Japanese icon die! Enjoy!
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Facebook/LG%20Phone%20Photos/305654_374411622602719_100001016536858_1026147_163 6572476_n.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Facebook/LG%20Phone%20Photos/546370_374412042602677_1695491503_n.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Facebook/LG%20Phone%20Photos/582553_374412632602618_100001016536858_1026153_970 066445_n.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Facebook/LG%20Phone%20Photos/577630_374412562602625_100001016536858_1026152_123 8726792_n.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Facebook/LG%20Phone%20Photos/561230_374412545935960_100001016536858_1026151_802 057439_n.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Facebook/LG%20Phone%20Photos/578905_374412719269276_2041672724_n.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Facebook/LG%20Phone%20Photos/522656_374412919269256_100001016536858_1026155_441 003076_n.jpg

[BLK JDM]

Nice project!! Those cars are HARD to work on but rewarding in the end!

[uho]

Veddy nice project you got there, glad to see someone who is motivated and has no intentions to give up.

[Catnip]

I don't think I'd even want to work on that engine out of the car, lol.

I've always been in love with the actual car though!

[Tree]

umm auto?

[NBP01LS]

umm auto?
soon to change.

[chaseamundo]

Good luck.I like it!

[Catnip]

umm auto?

You need to watch the supra from hell video!

[Tree]

You need to watch the supra from hell video!

Oh I have seen it. There is nothing wrong with a fast turbo auto car

[Sinfix_15]

Bought a 1990 300zx TT About a month ago, got a great deal bc she needs some TLC. After a long weekend, I finally got the engine/trans out, removed the AIV'S and EGR systems as well as most of the HICAS system. Next step is to replace the turbos and do some suspension modifications. Its going to be a long road, but she still has some life in her and I am determined not to let this ridiculously over engineered Japanese icon die! Enjoy!



Nice project!! Those cars are HARD to work on but rewarding in the end!

indeed. One of my favorite cars, but im scared to mess with one. Love to see people's finished 300zxs, but dont have to balls to do one myself.

[NBP01LS]

EHH, its a little intimidating at first, but if you just do your research and take your time, it's not so bad. The interesting thing is how easy it becomes to work on after you have removed all of the over engineered and redundant systems that are useless to the actual operation of the car. Assuming that you don't need to pass emissions, which no one should with a 20 year old car, you can remove a total of 83lbs of electronic CRAP, all of which do not prevent the car from running. Nissan engineers were a little paranoid it seems, I guess its due largely to the long list of problems encountered when they produced the first turbo z and the 280z that preceded it. All in all its a much faster car without all this useless bs.

[Drummerboy]

Isn't there some flaw in either the 90s or 91s that had something to do with the crank? I passed on a white on tan 91 2+2 because of that.

[1MP0RTL0V3R]

Makes me miss the two my uncle had, Beautiful cars done right and very fun to drive even tho i only drove the n/a z32

[NBP01LS]

Isn't there some flaw in either the 90s or 91s that had something to do with the crank? I passed on a white on tan 91 2+2 because of that.
I believe that was an issue with the N/A models

[NBP01LS]

update, about to tackle the following to do list, should take about 3 weekends or so. Will post pictures soon.
-Pressure wash engine and engine bay.
-Remove intake manifold, throttle bodies, etc sand blast and refinish
-remove plastic timing covers, clean and asses, paint or recover if needed.
-remove throttle warmers and all coolant lines associated with removal.
-remove Pressure Regulator Vacuum Relief
-remove exhaust manifords and asses, replace or refinish
-remove all remaning hicas sytem components.
-remove foglight assemblies and make or buy ducts
-remove tweed interior panels abd clean residue off
-remove engine harness and simplify, delete uneeded circuits and asscoisted wiring from harness add in wiring needed for electric fan, recover.
-remove turbos, clean and dissasemble
-rebuild turbos or purchase ugraded ones.
-remove and replace with 60k to 120k mile service kit:
1 Timing Belt
1 Timing Belt Tensioner
4 Camshaft oil seals
1 Crankshaft oil seal
2 VTC Springs
2 VTC Cover plate O-rings
2 Short Water Hoses
1 Thermostat
3 Drive Belts ALT, AC, PWS (Optional)
1 Water Pump
1 Crankshaft timing sprocket
-remove stock fan and replace with electric fan
-clean and refinish or replace stock radiator with upgrade
-remove fan shroud and discard, fab up new cover in carbon.

[Drummerboy]

Great list. I'm moving into my first house this weekend, so hopefully I can take the time to tackle a project like this.

Whats the story on the porsche in the background?

[Sil'vr-Boi6]

Awesome build man, I had a z32 a few years ago. Loved everyday I had it. Bought it for 783 bucks and through 5000 at the guys at zcaratlanta to fix it up in buford. I really wish I had time to fix it myself back then. If you need replacement parts: harness, connectors,etc. hit Don up at z car atlanta- great guy. Keep it up.

[NBP01LS]

Great list. I'm moving into my first house this weekend, so hopefully I can take the time to tackle a project like this.

Whats the story on the porsche in the background?
the Porsche is my daily job, I am the lead mechanic for 3 Porsche 997 GT3 cup cars.

[NBP01LS]

Awesome build man, I had a z32 a few years ago. Loved everyday I had it. Bought it for 783 bucks and through 5000 at the guys at zcaratlanta to fix it up in buford. I really wish I had time to fix it myself back then. If you need replacement parts: harness, connectors,etc. hit Don up at z car atlanta- great guy. Keep it up.
thanks I will look them up, I think I have everything, just need to take the time to finish her up.

[Jwall2323]

Wow, what a job....I'm jealous. I wanna work on some cup cars :(

[D3UC3S]

awesome project and x2 on being jealous of your job! You hiring apprentices? lol

[NBP01LS]

lol, sure come on down, i need an intern.

[NBP01LS]

UPDATE: just got all the parts I ordered a few days ago, new OEM gasket set, including head gaskets, exhaust, plenum, tec. New turbo gasket for both turbos, new turbo rebuild kit for both turbos, new oil pump, new water pump, timing belt, injectors, coil packs and engine mounts. Will take pics asap, going to get started this weekend on the rebuild!

[FLIPside]

Seriously were do you work, needing help?

[BLK JDM]

Pics!!!!

[Matt300ZXT]

Or you coulda just bought mine with all sorts of upgrades and maintenance already done ;)

Sell me that front bumper, then you can put a JDM on yours or something.

[nelson9995]

nice! my buddy swapped an NA for a TT, with upgraded turbo, injectors, etc... EVERY SINGLE LITTLE THING that had to be done to it he had to take the motor out. He put that motor in and out like 6 times before it actually ran fine lol. but, they are very nice cars! just hard to work on them due to the no engine bay space.

[NBP01LS]

Or you coulda just bought mine with all sorts of upgrades and maintenance already done ;)

Sell me that front bumper, then you can put a JDM on yours or something.
I will be ready to sell it soon.

[Matt300ZXT]

Let me know when you are. If I still have my car by then I need a good condition one. Was going to put a lip on mine but the bottom part is kinda in bad shape and the shop said since it fits over the stock lower half, and the lower half is in bad shape, it's kinda pointless to put all the $ into repairing it just to cover it up again....and that urethane is hard to "fix" right anyways.

[NBP01LS]

Finally got some updated pictures today. Almost done with dis-assembly, sand blasted some of the 22 year old grime covered parts and prepped them for paint. Getting back at it tomorrow! Going to remove the heads and replace the head gaskets, install the new water pump and timing belt, ect. Next is engine bay, wire tuck, hicas delete, and so on. Enjoy!
The ridiculously over engineered intake, soaked with oil from the blown turbos!
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/DSCN1009.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/DSCN1010.jpg
The culprit!
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/DSCN1011.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/DSCN1012.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/DSCN1014.jpg
trying to stay organized!!
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/DSCN1015.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/DSCN1016.jpg
Finally got her separated from the tranny and on the engine stand!
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC0001.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC0003.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC00052.jpg
The plethora of new parts to replace!! Thanks ebay!! and Z1 !!
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC00062.jpg
All the removed parts, its amazing how small the engine gets when you take all this crap off!
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC0010.jpg
Turbos awaiting their rebuild
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC0011.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC00122.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC00132.jpg
all tucked in until tomorrow!
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC00142.jpg
Parts to be sand blasted and painted or powder coated
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC00152.jpg
First they get a bath in the parts washer
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC00162.jpg
After sand blasting
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC00172.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/GEDC00182.jpg
Thats all for now, until next time!...................

[Matt300ZXT]

Wow those turbos are jacked! lol I need rebuilds on my turbos myself.

[NBP01LS]

yep, I'm planning on rebuilding them myself, I will let you know how it goes. BTW i have a ton of 280z parts if you ever need anyhting

[Matt300ZXT]

Oh, I don't have a 280Z anymore. I'd love to trade my TT for another 70-78 though.

[NBP01LS]

nice! my buddy swapped an NA for a TT, with upgraded turbo, injectors, etc... EVERY SINGLE LITTLE THING that had to be done to it he had to take the motor out. He put that motor in and out like 6 times before it actually ran fine lol. but, they are very nice cars! just hard to work on them due to the no engine bay space.
precisely why I'm doing as much as possible while its out!

[NBP01LS]

you know, everyone says"these cars are so hard to work on" but honestly, once you get rid of the 4 wheel steering system, emissions crap, cruise control, throttle warmers, about 25 feet of unneeded vacuum lines around 10 feet of unneeded wiring, the bulky ass stock fan assembly, relocate the battery, and relocate the under hood fuse box and power steering reservoir, you are left with this:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/20ae3wy.jpg
And I know it sounds like alot of work, but it's really not, especially if the engine is already out. I think these cars get a bad wrap, bc lets face it, they are ridiculously over engineered, but get rid of all the BS nad you are left with a stellar platform and a great looking car.

[eraser4g63]

I've had a couple z32s and they are great cars. My only complaint was weight.

[NBP01LS]

They are not that bad though Curb weight for Z32 TT is between 2,888–3,027 lbs, depending on options. Curb weight of the S14 is 2200 and an S2000 weighs 2864lbs!! and these two examples have half as much hp!

[dragoncelica]

X2 on that^^^^
by the way i love this Z-32's

[Catnip]

They are not that bad though Curb weight for Z32 TT is between 2,888–3,027 lbs, depending on options. Curb weight of the S14 is 2200 and an S2000 weighs 2864lbs!! and these two examples have half as much hp!

In real life, an S14 weighs more than 2200lbs. My SR S13 with some stuff removed weighed more than 2200lbs, and obviously aluminum block > iron block. And the Z32tt is around 3500lbs.

Wikipediawarrior? :D

[NBP01LS]

In real life, an S14 weighs more than 2200lbs. My SR S13 with some stuff removed weighed more than 2200lbs, and obviously aluminum block > iron block. And the Z32tt is around 3500lbs.

Wikipediawarrior? :D

lol, why yes. I was just trying to prove a point, I mean we have 2 09 Porsche GT3 cup cars that still weigh 2900 lbs, but they make 450hp NA

[LeGaspardVQ]

you know, everyone says"these cars are so hard to work on" but honestly, once you get rid of the 4 wheel steering system, emissions crap, cruise control, throttle warmers, about 25 feet of unneeded vacuum lines around 10 feet of unneeded wiring, the bulky ass stock fan assembly, relocate the battery, and relocate the under hood fuse box and power steering reservoir, you are left with this:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/20ae3wy.jpg
And I know it sounds like alot of work, but it's really not, especially if the engine is already out. I think these cars get a bad wrap, bc lets face it, they are ridiculously over engineered, but get rid of all the BS nad you are left with a stellar platform and a great looking car.

That bay looks CLEAN.... Nice work.

[NBP01LS]

cant take crdit, that is not my work, but it is what mine will look like, minus the throttle cover, not my style

[Matt300ZXT]

I'd love to have a Megasquirt on mine and get rid of all unnecessary hoses, wires, sensors, contraptions, etc. The most I've done so far, delete my EGR system when the engine was being maintained when I first got it :(

[dragoncelica]

On an N/A powerband, the power is used way more efficiently, than in any power added engine, and that is a FACT,

You can have 2 exact mirror image cars with the same WHP one N/A and the other Turbo charged, and always, always, the N/A car will be faster in any road course, and that is a fact!

And by the way, Matt300ZXT i got a nice Megasquirt for sale, brand new in the box ready for you to let it rip for $450, let me know!

[Matt300ZXT]

No thanks, it runs fine like it is for now and I'll keep it that way until something screws up on it's own lol

[dragoncelica]

cool, thats the... I dont mind spend more money on it, mentality, shops do love,
Dont get me wrong, i hope it dont crap on you anytime soon, but, dont make the mistake of waiting for to the car to broke down to fix it, that is the dumb way to do things, take it as an advise.!

[NBP01LS]

Major UPDATE!! So right in the middle of my build, i was lucky enough to be "chosen by the turbo" and was named the winner of the Turbo by Garret Ultimate Gearhead contest on facebook. See video below. So basically this means i won up new turbos from Garrett, a set of tires from Nitto, a clutch from SPEC clutches, Electronics from AEM, exhaust by Vibrant Performance, oil from Royal purple, a radiator from CSF, A suit and shoes from Alpine Stars, Pro Armor 5 point harnesses, and suspension from Whiteline!!! I am beyond stokes for this amazing opportunity!! Stay tuned as I will follow this build step by step and cover installing each of these products on my own, in my spare time. May take awhile, but I am shooting for the spring Import Alliance meet, followed by a time attack event at Road Atlanta in May. Wish me luck!!!

GGGv2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MWA-DFOpNYo)

[BLK JDM]

Congrats!!!

[alex14]

Damn man thats awesome.

[NBP01LS]

Thanks guys, just got the first two items in yesterday, excited to see what comes in the next few days.

[NBP01LS]

Finally got around to installing the ARP rod bolts and main bolts i received, only to find that two of the pistons are fried, apparently there was more to all the smoke than I had originally though. Glad I found it before it all went back together but just disappointed about the additional costs. Luckily, some how the cylinder walls were not scarred at all.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20UPS2/014-1.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20UPS2/015-3.jpg
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http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/mattsjls/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20UPS2/022-1.jpg

[BenjaminJunu]

That just looks like a opportunity for new lower compression rods and pistons, so that you can run more boost on that garrett turbo you're getting. looks like an awesome build and i can't wait to see the finished product.

[Genji-Sama]

Wow, talk about lucky. Congrats man and +1 on the idea of lower compression pistons now :goodjob:

[1439/2000]

Wow, talk about lucky. Congrats man and +1 on the idea of lower compression pistons now :goodjob:


Lower the compression? This isn't a Honda. Keep the compression up for quick spool. Shit, I'd throw some 9:0 to 1s in it.

[BenjaminJunu]

Lower the compression? This isn't a Honda. Keep the compression up for quick spool. Shit, I'd throw some 9:0 to 1s in it.

I was thinking about the DE, not the DETT. i didn't know that they were different. aside from being twin turbo and non-turbo.

[Sinfix_15]

They are not that bad though Curb weight for Z32 TT is between 2,888–3,027 lbs, depending on options. Curb weight of the S14 is 2200 and an S2000 weighs 2864lbs!! and these two examples have half as much hp!

yeah but............. i hear those 240s have a few engine options that level the playing field. Just a rumor though.....

[Genji-Sama]

^^^True, but they will still never be nearly as sexy or nostalgic as the Z :goodjob:

[NBP01LS]

Thanks guys, looking for some lower compression CP'S as we speak!

[NBP01LS]

Bringing this thread back from the dead. Lets start with the biggest news. I received two brand new Garrett GTX2860r turbos from Garrett! I bought OEM replacement pistons and just upgraded the rod bolts to some from ARP. Got the block cleaned and machined, And got my wheels mounted up to the tires that the fine folks at Nitto sent, 245/40/18 up front and 275/40/18 out back on 18x10 10 th anniversay mustang reps!

[NBP01LS]

More

[atl04is300]

I had a silver 94 TT back in 96 and loved that car, can't wait to see how this 1 turns out

[Sil'vr-Boi6]

Awesome turbos, why not something smaller like 25g or a single?

[NBP01LS]

Awesome turbos, why not something smaller like 25g or a single?

These are not much bigger than the stock units, and a single conversion on this car is a shit ton of fab work. Plus why have 1 when you can have 2? :)

[Matt300ZXT]

Nice build so far, I'm waiting on my Powertrix coils to get here as well as the rest of their suspension so I can slam my 300 and put my wheels and big brake kit on. I've got a set of Z1 GT600Rs I need to send off to get rebuilt to save for a rainy day ;)

[Sil'vr-Boi6]

These are not much bigger than the stock units,...


wow never knew that. I had a 92 Z32 and planned on doing a conversion but never got around doing it when I got rear ended 8-9yrs ago. If you ever need parts check out Z car atlanta @ Buford HWY, Don can hook you up

[NBP01LS]

Thanks, i will keep that in mind. Looking for a megasquirt or stand alone ecu, if anyone has one lmk.

[NBP01LS]

Got my manifolds today!!

[NBP01LS]

Finally started bringing her back to life!! Heads are installed and timing belt is next!