I bought my Silverstone Track in November of 2002, and till this day, I still love this car. The car had some of the normal Z problems (tire feathering, window motor deaths, rattling, etc) but all-in-all, the good out weighs the bad. I've done maintenance on the car consistantly and the car is still running great at 150k.

As I approach 200k, I was thinking about dropping a new motor and suspension in it, and wanted some advice. On one side, I think after 200k miles, the stock engine deserves to be retired (and personally I'm a little apprehensive about reliability after 200k) but, I'd also like to increase performance

What's best in your guys opinions:

1. Rebuild with forged internals?... cams, rings, rods, pistions,... big bore maybe?

2. New motor, factory? Aftermarket? Anyone seen or heard of a 370's internals being packed in a 350 (it occurs to me transmission work would likely be required along with this also I imagine). Looks like you can get a new 3.5 VQ for about 4,300 bucks.

I'm comfortable dropping 10k on this job, and am willing to go a little higher maybe (nothing over 15).

 

I would contact George@GTM to discuss your options as far as motor builds.

He is on the forum, shoot him a pm.

 

Thanks D, I'll do that.

 

Drop a LSx into it.

 

I really think the question at hand is will you continue to drive the car as many miles as you already have? If so, drop a new VQ35HR in it and be done. If you are going to significantly decrease your miles, pull your block and rebuild it with new pistons, rods, main bearings, rod bearings (basically the bottom end). I would have the top ported and polished, new valves, retainers and springs. The cams wont be a necessity but a nice addition, especially if you are going to stay N/A. Just my $.02

 

If your goal is another 100K miles of trouble free operation, I would suggest overhauling the whole engine. As to weather or not you need aftermarket engine internals, we have to understand what your goals are with a little more clarity.

You obvious put a ton of miles on your car, which is awesome, but are they hard miles, track miles, daily driving, are you happy with the current power output? I well freshened OEM engine should easily last another 150-200K miles.

 

Would it not be better chopping the car in for a "newer" one?
The bodywork, suspension and the rest of the car will have endured 150K, not just the engine??

 

I'm no expert but the suspension is easy to replace and I'm sure the parts that routinely need to be replaced have been and will continue since he takes great care of his car. As far as the chassis I don't imagine it weakens (?) but in case some gt spec braces and such could always be added, and bodywork I am not sure what you mean but I don't think the panels and metal endure any wear besides cosmetic. Sharif is asking the right questions about how he drives those miles, that will answer a lot.

 

if it aint broke why mess with it?

 

I daily Drive the Z, and all the miles are pretty much highway, city, and some spirited back road rides. The car has some bolt on's already, and I'd like to keep it NA, and yes, drive it for another 100k or so. I bought an '09 GTR last month that I'll use for fun, but really, the Z will be my day-in day-out driver.

I'll probably go with the rebuild. I recently test drove the 370, and it made my poor Z33 car feel sloppy. A new suspension, new built internals, and some TLC on the body work, and hopefully the car will go another 100-150 k.

 

good to know that the VQ35 is reliable, good luck on your ventures!

 

Go Build motor with new all suspension/paint. You should be happy.

 

If all you are consern with is driving it for another 100k. Buy a stock block with oem suspension. There is no need to spen more money then you have to if your goals have nothing to do with performance. Now if your goals have changed since you post this thread. Call Forged Performance it was the best invistment I ever made.