Currently am looking at a 350z that had the original engine tore out because the previous owner wanted to build it up. The new owner abandoned the project as well. Is it a good idea to buy this car and finish the project. The new owner has a 55k mile crate engine and all the parts to put back the car, or he says. The car has never seen a Wisconsin winter and was supposedly stored in a heated garage.
Let me know what you guys think and wether it is a good idea or a money pit


Crate engine

Crate engine

Car currently

Transmission

Underbody

Drive train

 

Welcome- like many posts on this site, the answer depends heavily on what YOUR skills, abilities and infrastructure (tools, garage, etc.) are. If this Is your first major automotive project and you hope you and your two buddies can get it done in a few weeks, don't even start. Cost is another major factor and unless you're getting this project for a steal, leave it be. If you want some additional feedback, try answering some of these questions.

 

it may have never seen a WI winter, but def seen a northern winter with the amount of rust under it

 

I agree. Don't buy it unless you have the mechanical skills to completely assemble it yourself. And then you must assume he's lying about the condition of a lot of the equipment. maybe lying is a strong word but it is what it is. you can't count on anything if you can't turn the key and take it for a test drive. take that into account regarding the price. a torn up car like that with a replacement engine? what is a crate engine anyway? you don't have a 55k crate engine. unless I misunderstanding the term. it's just a used engine. $3,000. I say that because I have a running 2003 that I'm planning on selling soon and all it needs is the brakes put back on. And I'm expecting to get $6,000 for it. with brembos.

 

It's a nice looking car, and may have been well cared for at one point (seems to have a lot of bonus aftermarket goodies on it). But Trav is right, there's definitely some rusty crusties visible underneath. It's not terribly bad for a rust belt car though and could be addressed without huge amounts of effort/cost. Ultimately it's as the others have stated. Know what you can and cannot take on based on skill, knowledge, time, and money. The care does appear to be complete, meaning the owner looks to have all the parts, but I would not even dream of purchasing something like this sight unseen.

I'm honestly a bit confused why the entire front end was removed for the engine pull. I get that you can pull the transmission with the engine this way (appears to be what the owner did), but a lot of time has to be spent removing the entire radiator core support, disconnect AC lines, etc. I think it's easier to drop the trans, remove the hood, and use a picker to pull the engine out the top. There's a bit more risk of scratching paint this way, but I think it's cleaner overall, maybe I'm overthinking it.

Anyway, depending on your budget, I would consider getting a 350Z from a non-rust belt state that doesn't require that level of work. It's going to be a nightmare sorting out all the fasteners and locations for all the parts. If you're not a 350Z expert this will mean spending a lot of time looking at pictures online, parts diagrams, FSM, etc. Better yet, if you really want something to wrench on, specifically look for a Z with a blown engine and do the swap yourself! At least this way you're not unscrewing a half complete job by a stranger.
Good Luck!
-Icer

 

That's good advice. My 2004 spent a year on jack stands while I was doing track upgrades. imagine how long it will take to put that car together.... assuming everything is functional. And you already know what you're doing? it is so much better to start with a car that's already running and drivable. prices are low right now. it's a buyer's market. get yourself a clean running 350Z.

 

I would love to see your complete project if you are gonna do it.