Top 5 Parts You Need for your New Used 300zx Z32 - Buying a 300zx Watch This!

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Questions? Drop a Comment, Thanks For Watch!

[@dragonbeginjr]

Driver side sit motor and hazard light switch for a 1993 300zx I can't find any !

[@hippielife3520]

Where can I go to find the second issue?

[@ShootieMcShoot]

I'm a simple man I see 300zx in the title and I subscribe.

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Awesome, Thanks!

[@woodnutz78]

Same here!

[@theoldmanandthez2774]

Interesting video. I own a 1990 300ZX NA Auto 2 seater. I've been driving it for 21 years and it has about 310,000 miles, 240,000 of which are mine. It has been reliable (fairly) daily transportation but some of the items which have lasted without replacement or repair are interesting. As of now, I have the original hatch struts which continue to hold the hatch with no issue. My instrument cluster has never had a failure, the window regulators (both sides) are still fully operational, the CD player/radio/tape player still function, the AC compressor is original with no rebuild and the only issue the Auto Climate Control system has experienced was a bad ground. The most amazing item to me is the passenger side muffler. I have replaced the driver's side twice in 240K miles but never the passenger side and it is still tight. As far as I can tell, it is the OEM muffler as the original owner has told me he never replaced it. Now my Z is no show car as is evidenced by a lot of wear and tear. I've got a lot of stories about mechanical maladies and troubleshooting can be a challenge. But overall the quality of the car is pretty impressive. I really do love the car. Enjoy the ride and best of luck with your channel.

[@Nobody-dc8dp]

Got a 1990 5 speed myself. I have weird noise underneath my passage side. Might be similar.

[@dcavaudio]

Perfect option on the front lip to retain the overall look. I kept mine for that same purpose. Subtle upgrades/changes truly brings out the passion.

[@eric6955]

Planning to to get a Z32 soon, your video certainly help, thanks bro, keep posting 😀👍

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Awesome, Thanks for Watching! More to Come for sure.

[@JohnNeo19]

Hey thanks for making these videos. I’m now pretty experienced with the 300zx but when I was a beginner in cars and I just got my Z this channel was a life saver. You definitely hammered in that I needed to do that 120k kit and engine maintenance before doing anything else and my car thanks you for it.

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Thanks John!

[@breckenwoodard2542]

This is so helpful, I just got a 300zx and I love it

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Thanks for watching! Yeah nothing to crazy but all stuff that is going to add up and help big time. Sometimes people can over look the simple thing and want to jump past them. Thanks again!

[@rafaelcamacho1538]

Thank god I found you I’ve been need my passenger side cowl

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Glad to have you here Rafael! If I can help just let me know.

[@Ismael916]

I need them too. Mine are not cracked but very badly worn.

[@Phantom9ine]

Super gold video, i been looking forever for an abs passenger cowl. I bout screamed like a school girl when i saw it thanks so much

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Awesome, Thanks for watching! Glad it was able to help.

[@michaellaverack1064]

Z1 sells a full cowl package for both LH and RG drive Zs. I have purchased the rh drive version, they even have a rubber edge where the trim meets the car to keep out water.

[@Craigz1000]

Tip: As someone who owned one of these beasts for many years, here are things to watch out for: 1. PTU, especially the series 1 PTU (Power Transistor Unit). It sits on the front of the engine facing the large cooling fans. Unfortunately, the heat from the engine bay caused many PTUs to fail intermittently. The heat would lift the solders inside, causing lack of spark and the engine dying or not starting. Only when they cooled would the car start up again. TIP: Replace with series 2 and/or relocate to a cooler area (battery area is enough rom). Involves some wiring but not impossible. Some people brake down suddenly and wonder why it won't start. Replacing fuel system, pumps and all sorts. Usually it is the PTU so please get that checked. NB: When engine has cooled, it will start again. Note the solders I mentioned. 2. Front wishbones are WEAK. They have a habit of splitting. Especially over rougher roads. In time, they weaken and crack. 3. Rear lights/spoiler have cracks. So you may end up needing to keep them well protected with a good UV wax/compound. 4. Again engine. Fuel pipes can become brittle and leak. Again this is down to wear and tear and heat from the engine. If you smell fuel under the hood/bonnet, you can bet you last dollar those two small pipes are suspect. 5. Replace bushings with Poly ones. Not the super hard ones though. Some give is still needed. 6. HICAS can become annoying/play up. Many Zed enthusiasts disconnect it. 7. On auto transmissions, consider upgrading/adding an aftermarket ATF radiator. 8. Standard exhaust does rot. Consider an aftermarket Stainless system. 9. The Zed eats brakes, especially fast driving/hard braking. Upgrade the pads or better still, discs and pad set. 10. KYB shocks are okay but consider better coil over package. Again, this is down to cost. Bushings must be inspected regularly. If OEM bushes, lubricate occasionally with silicon spray, NOT WD40.

[@Craigz1000]

Also, these engines STOCK are good for 600 BHP with no internal mods. They have titanium valves/springs. So strong. Cams are good and hard wearing. If upgrading turbos, Sport 500s are a good start. Good aftermarket intercoolers and air filters. But make sure they are covered from the engine (they sit in a separate compartment between the lights where the z badge is. The engine heat can sap any gains in power. So make sure sealed. Boost jets are good. Many racers used welding tips. JWT (Jim Wolf Technologies) are great for boost chips on the main CPU. Make sure a reputable garage/mechanic does the work and a quality tuning shop tunes her.

[@Craigz1000]

Join a good 300ZX forum. Some great advice/tips etc. Save $$$ also.

[@jacobcable8590]

I have an issue with a fuel leak on those rails you mentioned. Gonna replace both. Can you guide me to some instructions and a link or website to get the parts? Or can the local auto stores suffice?

[@jacobcable8590]

Also thank you for all your knowledge

[@craig357]

@@jacobcable8590 Hi, Best join a z forum. Do a search on line there are plenty of z-car forums. I would join a couple depending where you are based. The knowledge people have out there is indispensable and can help save you big bucks. Many can also source genuine and after market parts. On the fuel pipes they were small rubber pipes which could crack from the fuel/heat. I think I just took the old ones off and went to a local parts store and matched them up/cut to length. But make sure they are fuel compatible. Good luck.

[@sqwop]

I envy anyone with a garage

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Garage is Great!

[@1Also]

37! You had me at New Project Car. 🇨🇦👍

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Awesome! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@ThatProjectZcar]

I have the same problem with my guage cluster not working, didn't know it was that common.

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Thanks For Watching! Yeah definitely a pain and it doesn't help that there is a fer variations of clusters that only work with certain 300zx's. Ill dive a little deep in this subject soon. Thanks again!

[@woodnutz78]

You need to get in touch with member DVDBURN (MD) on twinturbo.net. He is THE MAN when it comes to cluster troubleshooting/refurbishing. He's done countless numbers for other Z32 owners.

[@kelving.2200]

The real top 5 things you need for your new used z32 (96 70k oem) 1 fuel pump 2 alternator 3 injectors 4 battery 5 belts

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Thanks for watching! Yes! Reliability is the name of the Game!

[@old1gotpsi14]

better way to live is to get another car... or add to your list new ptu, wiring looms eng rebuild kit and much more ))))

[@AdamMGTF]

@@old1gotpsi14 130km on my car. 7 years drifting, 5 years of that it was my daily. Never done belts, electrics or anything other than change the oil every 2 years (when I remembered). Lived on the limiter most of its life. Only retired the engine to put my SR in (for weight balance)

[@8Bitplus]

I really want to get another 300zx I had one as a kid and couldn't afford to keep it. Now I want one as a second car they are so sick!!

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Thanks for Watching! They are a cool car but diffidently need some up keep at this point in there life cycle. I can see your New 300zx now, with a big 8-Bit+ Banner on the front.

[@8Bitplus]

@@BuildTheoryZ that's what I was thinking! I have a na 2+0 convertible I'm looking at right now. It looks and runs great. Any thoughts?

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Timing Belt maintenance is the key to keeping it running and have a great experience. I would say the #1 reason these cars will fail on you is because the Timing Belt maintenance is not done or done properly. Nissan calls for 2 service intervals for Timing Belt maintenance on the z32 300zx, at 60k miles and at 120k miles, not only are miles a factor but so is time, if the 60k or 120k service was done but it was done 5yrs ago (or More) its time to do it again regardless of millage. Ask for Prof that it was done and when it was done, its more than simply replacing the timing belt. This also applies to any cars timing belt. Its an older car so every thing on the car is aging, Plastic radiator caps, rubber hoses, plastic clips ect, but this goes for any older car just comes with the territory. Major this is the Timing Belt maintenance, Rust on any body panels and over all condition (leaking front main seal, rear main, steering rack ect.) But if your down to take care of it, it will take care of you and be a sick car! I have videos about the 120k service and what it entails, make sure to watch that. Please ask more questions if you got them, I want people to have a good experience with the z32 300zx not just get frustrated that its an older car and with that comes with some extra care. If you want a Newer Z car, I would recommend the 07-08 350z or the 370z and next year the new 400z Twin Turbo comes out. Also RHD Specialty's has a JDM RHD Twin Turbo 300zx that an auto if that's what you are looking for.

[@wingspantt]

Did you ever make the cowl install video? I couldn't find it

[@BuildTheoryZ]

That’s for the comment l! I haven’t, but it’s on. I can put a video together about the Cowl, wasn’t sure how many people where interested

[@wingspantt]

@@BuildTheoryZ Well, my connectors are rotted out, I'm wondering if I should just drill them out and install a new aftermarket, or paint the existing one

[@ogm19881]

Great video man, I would love to see you know a few links tho for some of these parts.

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Thanks for the input! Just add links in the description.

[@AdamMGTF]

The scuttle panel (item 2) is a top one. All my z32s have had these broken :( I'm going to start looking for RHD ones now!

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Yeah they always seem to be broken, Best of luck out there, you should be able to find a RHD one

[@illwill281]

Shall I add that the said trim, the passenger side cowl, is mad expensive if bought OEM (relatively speaking)!

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Yes for Sure. Thanks For Watching!

[@LexSaige]

Have a manual ‘93 naturally aspirated looking for a rack n pin, driveshaft

[@Bofuso]

Getting my dads z31 real soon

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Thanks for watching! Awesome car, and even cool that your dad is passing on to you!

[@karonbrooks49]

Been watching for past two weeks and chock full of info. Planning on 93 Z32 purchase this week. Will be a project car and I'm totally a novice. Do you have an actual garage and definitely like to link up

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Hey Karon! Glad this is Helping out, a Z32 project is a blast. I don't have an actually "shop" but always happy to help a fellow Z enthusiast with advice. Hit Up KZbin Memberships for the channel or Patreon, Members of the Chanel or Patrons Supports always get Top Priority.

[@Ismael916]

Feel like I'm going to need the upgraded hatch struts once I get my spoiler mounted on. We'll see if it still holds.

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Hatch Struts definitely over looked and feel great once you have working struts back on the car.

[@Ismael916]

@@BuildTheoryZ I have two Z's and both hatch struts work. One's getting Iconic Dynamics try replica spoiler and the other one might be getting the J-Spec spoiler. Hoping the struts will still hold strong with the added weight.

[@JohnJakes95]

Thoughts on the cloth seats that come on import RHD? Thinking about swapping for the oem leather ones

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Are the OEM Leather ones Destroyed? I would Always Take the OEM Leather if I had the option and everything being equal, but if your Leather ones are destroyed and the Cloth would look better, go with the cloth. Nothing Wrong with the cloth and they do look good. 👌

[@JohnJakes95]

@@BuildTheoryZ I’m actually on the hunt for the leather ones now. The cloth are mint! I’m about to pick up my RHD Z32 imported from Japan. Bone stock. Mint. TT 65k miles for $20k. I feel like you’d think I did pretty good on that one! 😁

[@JohnJakes95]

@@BuildTheoryZ Out of curiosity, do you find RHD to be more, less, or equal value to their LHD counterparts?

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Usually RHD Cars are less Sot after in the US than the LHD counterpart. You Get the Cool Factor of the RHD, but 99% of people haven't driven a RHD and Find it weird. I like RHD, but roads in the US are set up for LHD, You can't see around cars in front of you ect. I have a RHD 240sx.

[@eddief60]

Just too correct you. You can still get the 99 Jspec bumper from nissan for 350-375 USD

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Absolutely, I was more referring to the OG front bumper.

[@eddief60]

@@BuildTheoryZ ahh ok. yea im not a fan. Jspec gang!

[@autoaddictions]

Jesse I just traded in a 89 300zx Fairlady Automatic at my dealership. It appears to be the Phoenix Gold Audio demo car from japan. It has 60k miles on it. it was imported to the us back in 2011. Its in very good condition the interior was completely re upholstered in alcatara it has a HKS exhaust and one hell of an audio system. Any idea what its worth??

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Wow low Miles, cool Car! I would have like to see the car, You already traded it to the dealer?

[@autoaddictions]

@@BuildTheoryZ no I’m the dealer that now owns this amazing piece.I just don’t know what to ask for it??

[@michaellaverack1064]

Where would you suggest looking for new gauge clusters? Both right and left side are super brittle and cracking up.

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Thanks for watching! So there are a few different variations for the gauge cluster on the z32 300zx, Im talking with Z1 Motors Sports, They have a large selection of used Gauge clusters. You'll need to email the parts department and you'll need a picture of the back of your current gauge cluster. Hope this helps.

[@dannyortiz13]

Do you know where to buy the clips or screws for the Passenger Cowl?

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Nissan Parts CC, Try there you may have to look threw some parts diagrams, also try a local auto body store they usually clips for panels on hand.

[@old1gotpsi14]

Great car! I own cz32 cali version. Wish you luck with it)) What milerage this car have?

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Awesome, Yeah the z32 is a fun car. My mileage on this car is 162k. Thanks for watching!

[@thomasfoster9040]

Have you ever had a miss fire from ignition coil 3 and how to fix it we think the old owner pulled it and snapped the wire on the inside

[@BuildTheoryZ]

You can get a replacement Ignition Coil Boot if that is broken or missing, Also make sure connectors are in good condition both for the Fuel injector and the Coil pack, I think Z1 sells replacement connectors. Hope you the cause of that misfire.

[@winters6271]

What coil overs would you recommend for a stock like ride height

[@BuildTheoryZ]

If you want stock ride height, Skip the Coilovers, just replace Struts with a nice aftermarket strut and pair with some nice lowering spring

[@winters6271]

@@BuildTheoryZ thanks

[@Z32matt]

What lift is that

[@BuildTheoryZ]

I have the Dannmar M6 but they have come out with a newer model called the MaxJax M6k

[@flusteredweasel7483]

I see a LOT of 2+2's on KZbin. Do people actively seek out 2+2's or do people no know about the 2+0's?

[@BuildTheoryZ]

I wanted the 2+2 for sure.

[@MaximusTheAwesomenes]

Nice video man! I definetly agree with the seats! My dad and I actually reupholstered the seats ourselves at home! I uploaded a vid on my channel, I’d appreciate it if you check it out! :)

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Hey what’s up Max, Thanks for watching! My wife and I totally watched that video earlier this week! You and your dad did a great job and as you get older that will be a memorable time you’ll never forget. I like the animated cut seems as well. Keep Enjoying the 300zx and keep making content! Thanks again for the support!

[@tylerhansen8278]

Embarrassed about driving an older car, nothing embarrassing about driving a 30 year old car that’s worth almost 20k in good condition lol. These cars get a bad wrap because people usually can’t take care of them and they just go to shit and that’s the car people are used to see into lmao

[@BuildTheoryZ]

Thanks for Watching! Yeah, Love the Retro JDM cars, we just have to put in the work, keep them in good condition and NOTHING to be Embarrassed about. I love all the looks and thumbs up I get when out and about, People seem to enjoy seeing them on the street. Thanks Again for the Comment!