So I just bought this car. Its a 2003 with 106,000 miles on it. It seems like its in really good condition. The struts feel new. It feels like it used to have more power. I don't know what kind of matinence has been done to it. Given that, what should I be looking to do to regain some of the power?

 

how do you know if it feels like it used to have more power?

 

spark plugs, air filter, oil change, fuel injector additive - should notice a difference with those. You should also consider changing the gear and differential fluids if they have not been changed recently.

 

+1. I definitely do this, sans f/i additive, but I doubt that it would feel any better. If I was planing on keeping the car stock and just enjoying it, I would just spend the $$$ on an UpRev tune and call it a day.

 

O.K.--What comparison are you using that tells you your car should have more power?
Have you driven another Z?
First,check/change the air filter(maybe drop in a K&N).You may want to put in some fuel additive/injector cleaner.Or,possibly a product like SEAFOAM or STABIL to get any potential moisture out of the fuel.Oil change of course.See what that does...maybe pull a plug and look at the condition.Since you have no records,who knows,plugs may have been changed.While your under the hood,check the belts.Any signs of wear,cracking etc,
replace e'm.

 

I haven't the faintest if the car is running well. A compression check might be smart.

 

Thanks everyone. I put a bottle of injector cleaner in. I have another one for the next tank. Tomorrow I'll pull the plugs. I want to change the tranny fluids but its really cold right now. I have trouble shifting into low gears if the wheels are still spinning even when the clutch is pressed all the way in. Thats not normal right? Also is it common for the weather stripping to go on these cars? I can hear some air blowing in somewhere.

 

it's not rare at the same time. Lots of people with fully functional transmissions have an issue down shifting into 2nd when it's cold out, but it gets better as the car warms up. If gears engage fine once warmed up then you have your answer. Just never force it if it doesn't want to go in. If you live where it gets cold I suggest switching to a 85w gear oil instead of a 90w. The manual calls for either.