what should i be looking for in a used Z

[ma70 boi]

hello, zilvia i have been a lurker for somtime now. I have finally caught the Z itch
really bad

i am currently driving a sc300 with do-all cst coilovers busings tanabe swaybar and bushings in front and battle version goodies in the rear.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs315.ash2/59530_10150279867360297_673775296_14811583_8274893 _n.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p119/lonjee/cars/Photo%20Shoot/IMG_0925.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p119/lonjee/cars/Photo%20Shoot/IMG_0906.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs606.snc4/58610_10150279877410297_673775296_14811838_613925_ n.jpg

bought this swap and starting to change my mind now 2700.00 sort of waisted

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs264.snc4/39529_10150301916265297_673775296_15304565_520933_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs465.ash2/73833_10150327209700297_673775296_15790620_1124587 _n.jpg
due to the declining price i am serious about picking 1 of these up but what should i be looking for when test driving or in the buyer seat of 1.



what are the weak point of 350's or what needs to be replaced asap my plan was just all coilovers and new bushings plus a gates timing kevlar belt since i get them for 30.00 i have been looking around i have seen 03-05 350 go from 8-10k also 1 of my questions is that can i use the brembo brakes from the earler z's to the late model if i grab 1

[ma70 boi]

anyone??? can i get some help

[AzDRiFT]

Ok, there are a few things...most are common sense.

The 1st thing I do when I get a Z on my lift is look at the diff bushing. In the center of the rear subframe is a shitty oem bushing. You will know if it is blown by the black fluid all over the diff cover and subframe. The fix: solid aluminum bushing which will eliminate wheel hop.

Next, walk up front and inspect the inner LCA bushings...you will know if they are blown because the arm will be off center. Fix: Whiteline makes bushings as does SPL.

While you're up there check the compression rod bushings and then all 4 shock mount bushings.

If possible, pull the plugs and inspect them for oil. The Z uses O rings built into the valve covers. Covers alone are around $200 each.

Beyond that, you should drive it and downshift into 3rd and 5th gear to check for grinding. 03-05 transmissions are notorious for bad synchros.

Depending on what you plan to do with the car, you may want to find a base model which has no traction control or LSD and put an aftermarket LSD in it. This will save you the hassle of dealing with the traction control nonsense.

Brembo's will fit on any Z as far as I know. Unless you get them stupid cheap, prolly better options out there.

Anything else?

[AzDRiFT]

Here is a shot of the diff bushing:

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l150/AzCoverGirls/PICT0042.jpg

[t70 supra]

thanks so much man whats ur name my guy

[AzDRiFT]

No prob, I have owned my Z since Nov of 02 so, I have broken pretty much everything on it and had a ton of mods done.

Name is Rich, holler if you have any other questions.