Z31 in the weeds

[Rockr69]

Hey gang. I know this isn't a "classic" Z, but I found a pretty nice Z31 sittin in the weeds. It's got engine probs (I think the timing belt went south and bent the valves) and some minor right side damage. I can get it for 400 bucks on a payment plan, 76 280 suckig all my dough. Good Deal or no?.. check out the pics...

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300zx 013.JPG (149.5 KB)

[Rockr69]

here's the rest of the damage.

[Fun_in_my_z]

I spent 350 for a running turbo car, i had to replace the timing belt. And put a lf fender on.

[red_dog007]

I found a car just like that, roughly the same condition, that was running though for $400 and I passed it up.

After looking around, these things are way more expensive to work on compared to our S30's and our a pain to work on.

Stock motor doesn't like a turbo without some modifications first due to a high compression, and without the turbo your only looking at 160hp / 174ft.lbs torque in a car that weighs 3100lbs.

If I were you I would wait like I am. The Z31 is my second favorite Z car after the 240z, and I am one day going to get one. You can get a turbo model for $2,000 and under in decent condition. These motors can take a bunch of boost stock, and if you get a 84-86/87ish 300z, the stock turbo will pull all the way to 15psi with an intercooler and removing some restrictors in the turbo.

Plus this way would be cheaper then a deal that you have. Cause a clip is going to be at least $1,400 for a new motor/tranny, or if you turbo the stock motor that is going to be big $$ right there too. A turbo model is cheaper and is already made up for you.

Though, if you aren't like me and not wanting it to go fast, I would have bought that 300zx if I already didn't have a daily driver. Something you could look into at least.

[Darrel]

it's a z31, leave it in the weeds.

[Sailor Bob]

Look like money to me - lots of money.

[bigoak]

No motor.

Bad interior (missing climate control console).

Body damage.

Parting out you might get your money back, but why bother...

[Sailor Bob]

I was implying "money spent to repair" - may have been unclear.

[Rockr69]

just to clear up a few things, though I love my S30 to pieces, that's just what I'm doing to it, loving it to pieces! The more wear I put on it before I do the ground up on it the more I have to do to it. And my S30 is a beast. Sometimes I feel like I'm ridin in a Datsun 510 p/u and would like something more civilized to take longer trips in. Plus my other car is a worn out '83 Maxima and I'm like everybody else, I want something cool to drive everyday not just when I pull out my s30.

No motor.

Bad interior (missing climate control console).

Body damage.

The engine is the really the only thing worrying me. The climate control console is there, it's the radio that was removed and replaced with aftermarket and removed as well, so I'm not arguing with all of your points cuz you are all right, but with my finances I have to look at the big pic.

I can get it for $250 down, take the car and get the title when I pay the remaining $150. So to me it seems like the way to go. I think the timing belt went south taking the valves with it, but there are several maximas in my local pull-n-save jy I can check for heads or complete engines for that matter. So I guess what I'm really asking is, with everything I have to consider is it worth the money to fix and drive or should I stick with my maxima till something better comes along? After all it is a Z and if I don't get it I'm afraid it's going to go the scrapper and that makes me sad to think about.

I got you Bob:)

[Hrududu]

Honestly I think a car like that is just going to cost you a lot more than its ever going to be worth. Judging by its present condition, I am willing to bet its gonna cost you quite a bit to make it "reliable" to drive. I would just let it go.

[Rockr69]

what would be a couldn't pass it up price?