Bates' 2012 Nissan Juke & 1987 300ZX

[Bates]

Ordered some NGK spark plugs, a Haynes manual for the car and another book on restoring old Zs. Also picked up some sheet metal so I can have my buddies start welding soon. I continued to clean up the body and sand away some of the surface rust, and I discovered a lot more rot lol. Under the battery tray was completely rotted, but it is manageable. Still waiting for the rest of tune up parts, my new exhaust, and my POR-15 stuff to come in.

[guitar72186]

I used to have a boosted 02 spec-v. It was a stock motor and handled the 8 PSI I ran on it daily until they day it ran into the back of a truck. I used an SAFC for tuning, which i noticed you have in your first page. The issue I had with the SAFC is the ECU kept fighting it, so I would constantly have to adjust the tune. It was a highway queen though, never had to leave 6th gear. Would just mash the pedal and it was gone. I do miss that car, but if I had to do it again a VQ35 swap with a turbo would be done.

[Bates]

Well I hope to get mine boosted again soon. I miss boost. It was a blast to drive until I almost blew it up lol.

[Bates]

Got a lot done to the S30 today.

Finally got all the old fluids drained. alternator and water pump are off, new shifter bushings are in, valve cover was glass beaded and painted red, some more body work done, and a few other things. New header and exhaust came in yesterday, hope to get those one later in the week. , also hoping to get the car started by next weekend. Just a matter of bolting new stuff back on and putting new fluids in. Things are moving very nicely right now.

[Bates]

Well got everything ready to go today. The car would crank but just wouldn't turn over. Found out that the firing order is slightly off so I have to swap around the wires tomorrow and hope that is the problem.

[Bates]

The Z finally starts. Still isn't on the road yet though. Having clutch issues at the moment but I am hoping I can fix those without too much effort.

Newer picture of the Z engine bay:

[Godofelru]

How's your V doing these days? You should try to come down to the big maryland meet coming up next month. I think the NY guys are meeting near my place then we're all driving down.

[Bates]

Trying to figure out what to do engine wise. I found a built engine but the owner is asking too much for it. If he comes down I will get it. I can't tear the sentra apart until the S30 is on the road.

[Bates]

Took the S30 for it's first drive yesterday. Yea it doesn't drive so good lol. It's misfiring which could be caused by a cut up engine harness or some other things. Thankfully I have a good engines harness and fuel rail I'm swapping in, cause right now it doesn't like 2nd or reverse too much. Soon it shall be road worthy.

[Qwibby]

awesome man, good to see things are still getting a long. Once my car is back we'll meet up man

[Bates]

Took the car around tonight. It was running so bad, that I dropped it off at my mechanic's and left him a note. He can figure out why it just doesn't want to drive right.

Ordered a new Exedy OEM clutch, a new OEM flywheel and some other little parts today as well.

[Bates]

Sentra Update: Ordered my new Mishimoto X-Line radiator. Also went back to planning to build the engine. Once the S30 is safely and reliably back on the road, the Sentra is going to the shop (not sure which one now, ATX no longer has a dyno, and I wanted 1 shop to do the build, install and tune. I will take suggestions of new shops if I don't end up going to ATX). Fully forged 8:5:1 block with Wiseco pistons and Pauter rods. Makes me drool just thinking about it.

S30 Update: My mechanic is working out all the fuel/air issues. The car runs a little better but we decided we are going to replace all the injectors and pigtails for brand new ones. We did a compression test and it was straight on all 6 which made me very happy. Going to order a headlight conversion kit for the car, and since I need a new a hatch anyway I have been thinking about this Fiberglass Pantera Notch style hatch. Opinions?

[makaofox]

^ Dam is that how she looks right now?! She looks like a whole new beast!! Im liking the progress man. Im thinking of trading my TTz to get a 240 or 280z and dd-ing it for awhile then swapping a possible vh45de into it. Havent decided on the power plant but this 280 looks bad ass keep it up man.

[Bates]

Originally Posted by makaofox

^ Dam is that how she looks right now?! She looks like a whole new beast!! Im liking the progress man. Im thinking of trading my TTz to get a 240 or 280z and dd-ing it for awhile then swapping a possible vh45de into it. Havent decided on the power plant but this 280 looks bad ass keep it up man.

OH God I wish! That's the hatch I want, I am looking for opinions on it Mario. Haha, mine does not look like this I can promise you. Mine looks, well, lol, pretty crappy. And it will continue to look crappy throughout Summer as I want to get it on the road and then get the Sentra off the road.

[makaofox]

Dude you gotta start some where, I will soon know that feeling lol. But honestly I wouldnt care I want a 240z and as long as I can build it up to some day be beautiful, it can be crappy for alittle bit lol. Personally I dont dig the hatch mainly because it looks like visability is limited? (not sure) and because when you wash it all the water will collect on the spoiler LOL! Thats a pain in the ass. But yea your z may need work but I have faith in the build. In a few years she will be amazing! (hopefully sooner lol)

Hey since she is on the road soon are you going to DD her? I really want feedback on people who dd the s30s because thats what I want to do soon.

[Bates]

Originally Posted by makaofox

Dude you gotta start some where, I will soon know that feeling lol. But honestly I wouldnt care I want a 240z and as long as I can build it up to some day be beautiful, it can be crappy for alittle bit lol. Personally I dont dig the hatch mainly because it looks like visability is limited? (not sure) and because when you wash it all the water will collect on the spoiler LOL! Thats a pain in the ass. But yea your z may need work but I have faith in the build. In a few years she will be amazing! (hopefully sooner lol)

Hey since she is on the road soon are you going to DD her? I really want feedback on people who dd the s30s because thats what I want to do soon.

Not on the road yet Mario. I am hoping to debut her on Thursday or Friday. The fuel and air ratio kinks need to be worked out.

I will DD her up until Winter too if she drives good and gets decent MPG. If she is on the road Thursday, I will bring her to Hackensack and let you take her for a spin.

[makaofox]

^ SWEET!! Yea im really debating whether to sell my TT for a 280z in good condition and DD her. Winters dont bother me because I dont drive in the winter regardless. I hope she runs soon, the best part about s30's is they arent overly complex they are just old and need the attention to maintain it. MPG wise I think you should be well off, it is said that they can do a great 15-20 depending on the condition and mods. Which is outstanding.

[Bates]

Small updates: the place I order my Sentra radiator scammed me. But I used my Chase credit card and I am getting my money refunded and Chase is hunting down those bastards. Whose got the last laugh now bitches?

The S30 is moving along. Waiting for intake manifold studs currently. Grabbed one of my spare IMs and TBs and had them cleaned up before they go on the car. Most of the engine bay will be new, and or cleaned up. This thing should run and drive like a champ after it is done. But it will still look like crap.

Also bought an air compressor and got a spray gun and air tools it rules. The gun isn't half bad either.

EDIT: Waiting to hear back on a guy about a second S30 that's in great condition. Will update when I hear more on it.

[CherryBomb]

Personally, I like the Pantera style hatch. It's different, but not tacky.

[Bates]

Yea I agree. I really really like it. I think I am going to buy it when I get some extra money, it just looks too bad ass to pass up.