I was recently out at my first track day (now hooked) but durring my first set of hot laps the motor heated up and let go all in about 20 seconds.On the Back straight everything was fine and getting on to the front straight it felt great... but by the end on the straight I noticed that I was losing power. I looked at the gauges and the temp was just over half way (I'm guessing 220-230) and rising. I shut it down but it was too late. My best guess is the thermostat gave up and pinned shut sending the temps through the roof. Now the motor barley starts and pings and very metalic knock. A Nissan tech at the track thought it was done and told me to look for a short block. Any ideas how to get the done at a reasonable price? BTW I'm fairly mechanical and have rebuilt Honda/Acura B18 bottom ends in the past but Z's doesn't seem as mechanic friendly.

 

That sux. Did you confirm that it is the thermostat that actually failed? I'd be pissed if my engine goes that way.

 

Sorry to hear that. You might want to look for a short block from a member, i think i've seen them for a reasonable price before. Good luck... BTW what track did you go to?

 

Last I checked our motors were only going for 3-4k. That's the price for a brand new built shortblock uninstalled.

 

Track day was great but short, this happened on the end of my first hot lap (second session) at the Big Track in Willow Sripngs. Had a ton of fun and will do it again ASAP.

 

on a stock motor? more details pls.

 

Very Stock... K&N drop in filter is the only mod. The thermostat had a ton of miles on it, and just slipped my mind. Fluids recently flush and filled and I've never had a problem on the street with the car so I took it for granted that it was ready for high and harsh temps. The more I think of it I'm sure the thermostat was the cause. Even after the failure no leaks or fluid left the car. The head gasket held up and didn't send any coolant through the cylinders but there is still some major damage in the bottom end. I'm hearing a metallic squeak and the nosies follow engine speed. There's no power and its missing in at least one cylinder.

 

Wow. So this is why everyone goes with the Nismo thermostat. Mine is
on the fritz as it coded recently, but went away for the last few thousand
miles. One more thing to do pre-racing... Sheesh. Sorry to hear. Thanks for
the response though. FUKKKK>