Z news
I just ordered $640 worth of parts for the Z. The labor estimate to install them, and fix the bad knock sensor, is $1,000.
I also purchased $80 worth of silicone vacuum hose to replace the oem rubber hoses around the engine. The underhood temperatures on a 300zx turbo are high, and this causes the rubber vacuum hoses to perish rather quickly. Silicone is impervious to this problem, but expensive. Over the past few years I have replaced hoses on a piecemeal basis, but for this job most of the top of the engine will be removed, so the opportunity will be there to deal with all the rest.
Also getting upgraded (larger) intercoolers. These cool the compressed air coming from the turbos before going to the throttle bodies, and is a critical function. The factory intercoolers were designed for 10 psi of boost, but my car with the aftermarket ECU makes 12.5 psi. Everyone agrees the OEM intercoolers were barely up to dealing with the original boost levels, so it should be done...
I am able to rationalize the expense by reminding myself that last year my entire repair and maintenance expenses were about $70 (oil and filter change, changed the differential lube and cleaned/oiled the air filter).
Still cheaper than car payments.
I also purchased $80 worth of silicone vacuum hose to replace the oem rubber hoses around the engine. The underhood temperatures on a 300zx turbo are high, and this causes the rubber vacuum hoses to perish rather quickly. Silicone is impervious to this problem, but expensive. Over the past few years I have replaced hoses on a piecemeal basis, but for this job most of the top of the engine will be removed, so the opportunity will be there to deal with all the rest.
Also getting upgraded (larger) intercoolers. These cool the compressed air coming from the turbos before going to the throttle bodies, and is a critical function. The factory intercoolers were designed for 10 psi of boost, but my car with the aftermarket ECU makes 12.5 psi. Everyone agrees the OEM intercoolers were barely up to dealing with the original boost levels, so it should be done...
I am able to rationalize the expense by reminding myself that last year my entire repair and maintenance expenses were about $70 (oil and filter change, changed the differential lube and cleaned/oiled the air filter).
Still cheaper than car payments.