Sad story - friend can't smog his car

[sblake01]

In regards to "why stop there?":

I've been advised to sell my Z31 because of the tranny. However, one of the reasons I won't is because I have alreday done the timing belt, water pump, cat convertor, etc. Otherwise, it'll be a waste of time and money. I might as well rebuild the tranny and keep her on the road.

That's what I'd do. After putting that much expense and effort into a car, I wouldn't be willing to take that kind of a loss on it. If I were in his situation, I'd find some way of keeping it until I could afford to properly repair it. But I do most of the work myself and that does cut down somewhat on the expense.

[Mat M]

I am of the same calibre.

Unfortunately, I live over 50 miles from him, and he really doesn't have the skills, let alone the tools to work on his ZX.

I have offered to tow dolly it to my place and part it out and split the profit, though. Momma doesn't like the idea, and I don't know how loong the car would be sitting IF it ever got fixed.

[bigoak]

Man o man...

Forget about parting it (what a waste)...at $1k, buy it and make the fix yourself...sell for $4k (photos look decent)...

If I was closer...

[sblake01]

I wish I was closer. It's about 500 miles away from me. One trip to the junkyard for a couple of parts and I'd have that thing passing smog.

[AndysPlit]

I just did your friend a favor and posted the link on Z31.com. Maybe that'll help.

http://z31.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=42382#42382

[Mat M]

Steve, et al,

I may be PMing you about this soon. It's coming to my place tonight. If it's just a case of a TPS and a couple other things, I may just do that!

AndysPlit, thanks so much for the help!

[AndysPlit]

My pleasure. Anything to make sure a Z is left in the right hands. Good luck should you decide to acquire it yourself. Remember, timing belt is always suspect to being replaced if there is no documentation to prove otherwise. I'm in the minority but I am fond of the Z31's for different reasons.

Cheers,

Andy

[Mat M]

Well, new info this morning, I have been told that the motor has been rebuilt around 100K ago. It may as well need a timing belt.

[sblake01]

VG30E timing belt is not that hard to change. Lots of dissambly but not as hard as the later VG30DE, having done them both.

[AndysPlit]

Well, new info this morning, I have been told that the motor has been rebuilt around 100K ago. It may as well need a timing belt.

You may also want to consider changing the water pump while you're down there too. How many miles are on the car?

[sblake01]

Water pump, the pulleys, tensioners, and seals in the front of the heads. That's what I did on our 94 Infiniti J30 along with the timing belt but that's a VG30DE so it would be a little easier on an 86.

[Mat M]

AndysPlit, I believe 215K reads the odo.

Thanks so much for all the replies. It means a lot to my friends as well as to me.

The car is now safe and sound on my property, and the owners need no longer fear the dreaded tow-mobile.

I may just crack her open per everyone's suggestions. [edit] That is, IF I can bring myself to pull away from my Z!!! [/edit]