Hey, I bought my 2006 350z in 2018 and just am now able to put some money into it. The previous owner put a K&N cold air intake and exhaust (don't know which one so if someone could help me figure out how to figure out which one it is, that would be very helpful) on it. The car now has a little over 200,000 miles so I feel like I should be doing some engine upgrades to it since its getting up there but I have no idea where to start so if you guys could help me out, it would mean a lot!

 

We need context, what's the budget and goals for the project?

 

I'm leaning more towards the drift build with some good power. I am not really sure what the budget is somewhere around 5,000 at the moment.

 

More context would help. Is this car meant to be a DD or a dedicated drift car? Also, what kind of mechanical skills and tools do you have available?

 

good power with a $5k budget on an old tired car wont happen. i would get the stock motor and suspension right, add rjm clutch pedal, and then worry about power adders

 

You can do a compression/leakdown test and see what your number are. That would give you a general idea of the health of the valves and the piston rings. But you still have journal bearings and a timing chain to think about.. No odd noises from the engine I'm assuming. Honestly, I would just ride that engine out as is until the end, perform timely routine maintenance on it and address any leaks. And as long as the frame isn't rusted to hell to where it would compromise structural rigidity and be a waste to throw money into, I would do the suspension upgrades like mentioned because parts like that will still be there after you replace an engine or a transmission.. You've got 5k. I'd put most of that aside for a used, low mileage JDM engine replacement and work on the suspension, brake, body and interior upgrades.