OK I have a 2003 350z, The passenger side valve cover gasket is leaking up front and the oil is getting on my exhaust and making a horrible smell. So the nissan place said it would be like $500-$600 to replace the gasket. I was wondering how hard of a job it was to do this? I know i can do it but dont really have alot of free time right now? how long does it usually take? Also while replacing my valve covers i would like to do some upgrading where it can be done, such as maybe a intake spacer or kinetix intake, bigger injectors, better spark plug, etc. What is also the best bang for the buck to do while I have everything apart?

Thanks
Billy

 

Here's the DIY on changing the gaskets...

https://my350z.com/forum/engine-driv...r-gaskets.html

I haven't done it myself, but to remove the intake plenums which exposes the covers and sparkplugs, you're probably looking at 3-4 hours total.

You should probably look at the Motordyne MREV2 or plenum spacer if you want an upgrade. Stick with the OEM NGK plugs, they're the best thing out there. Bigger injectors would be a waste unless your are FI.

 

Are you 100% positive its the valve cover? Stealership assured me it was when I had a leak last year and I had a gut feeling it wasnt. So I started the car early in the morning and waited patiently for about 3 mins before transmission fluid started pouring out of the breather hose on top of the tranny. So if you have a manual transmission, I would check that unless you are 100% certain its the valve cover.

 

for DIY that timing sounds right. if a shops familiar with the VQ setup, it will take significantly less. I was charged ~1.5 hrs labor for the valve cover / gasket replacement job - don't let the dealership bend you over on that. there is no reason it should take them 3-4 hrs to do it.

 

The "3-4 hour" number came from me - as in how long it would take me to do it.

 

Ok I have an 04 Z. The dealer in Pensacola just informed me that I have a leaking gasket due to oil found on my plugs. They said it would be $1300 to replace. I am inclined to do the work myself. I found the DIY here in the forums. Are there any tips or suggestions?