yep that would do it, chris' g37 sedan was just as loud as mine

 

We almost all made the top 10...sorry guys

 

So, on my way home from the autox event yesterday, I noticed that my Z was dumping white smoke out of the exhaust. It's very noticeable under WOT from mid to high rev range as I leave a giant cloud of white smoke behind me and it stops smoking shortly after letting off the accelerator. There's definitely a distinct smell but I'm not exactly sure I can describe what that smells like.

A few people told me that it's probably a blown head gasket, and a quick Google and forum search point to it as the most likely cause as well, with cracks in the block or heads as other possibilities. I have not yet tested anything to confirm, but will be getting a combustion leak kit pretty soon to see if hydrocarbons are being introduced into the coolant.

I did not see any signs of overheating, at least with the stock temp gauge, but I simply may have missed it. The car's not throwing any codes yet, either.

I'm not sure if I should even attempt to do this myself since I don't feel comfortable doing it alone for fear of screwing something else up. The thought of the long replacement procedure is a bit intimidating and I think it might be a little over my head anyway.

Depending on how bad things are upon inspection/disassembly, it might be more than just head gaskets since my car has 155k miles on it. The Z's been through 8 years of various racing plus nitrous (although it hasn't been used in a long time), and the last thing I did before noticing the white smoke was race at an autox event in upper 90ºF weather.

Ideally, I would like everything done properly and to spec. Do any of you guys know of any good, certified mechanics or a shop that won't rape me on replacing the head gaskets on a 350Z?

 

Man I hope it is the simplest of fixes for you Chris. Not a fun thing either way.

Isn't 13.5 a/f ratio considered optimal for NA?

 

Chris I would look at a used long block. Your going to spend a fair amount of money to have a head gasket put in. If your engine was low miles it might be worth it, but with a 155,000 miles it might be money ahead to just go
and replace it.

 

One was just posted in the local classifieds.

 

chris... remember you were talking about this

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/09/n...concept-video/

 

Honestly, at this point, I'm beginning to question if the car's even worth keeping.

 

you saw what happened to patricks when get went with a genesis........ why dont you get the test stuff and see what it is at least....

 

I never drink (past the point of being buzzed) and when I do, I don't drive.

I should go pick up the combustion leak kit just to verify, but if/when it's confirmed, I still have to figure out what to do.


Don't get me wrong, I love my Z and it's served me well for quite a long time. I also think there aren't many cars that will be better than my Z (looks and performance-wise) unless I spend more money. With that being said, it's also got quite a bit of wear and tear on it and things are starting to go south pretty quickly. I'd really prefer not to deal with these problems.

 

Chris at this point you really need to just keep the Z as a racing vehichle....with all the mods and stuff you've put on it...It wouldn't fetch you much money, I don't think...then you would just be back to square one with a newer car and have to do all the mods over again....big bucks.

I have thought about selling mine....but I've sacrificed way too much money getting the car set up the way I wanted it. Nobody will appreciate all those mods like you.

I would like to put my Z back to Stock and sell it...but I'm too lazy to pull everything off of it.

 

If I decide to get rid of the Z, it'll be put back to stock first so I can recoup as much back as possible. I don't have too many things that will be difficult to take off, but I would have to source some stock parts first.

 

i have front upper control arms and stock camber... stock shocks (what do you have now?) stock mid pipe and muffler....

 

Some possible things I can sell off my car:
-KW V2 coilovers
-OEM Brembos
-Modified front Kinetix camber arms with brand new, revised pressed rod end joints
-SPL rear camber arms that are practically new
-Plenum spacer
-MRev2
-Nitrous kit w/ accessories
-AFR gauge
-Popcharger
-APS 2.5" True Dual exhaust with x-pipe welded in, with and without resonators
-Test pipes
-Poly trans bushing
-Hotchkis F/R sway bars
-Forged SS shift ****
-ARP wheel studs
-wheels/tires


The rest of the mods on my Z are either not worth taking off or involve too much work, unless someone really wants them.

 

i would be interested in brembos, trade for mine and cash? that is if you decide to part ways with it

 

If I part out, then everything I listed above will be up for grabs.

I can't remember if they were thrown away, but I should have my OEM brakes somewhere in the attic. If not, then I would need replacements.

 

Damn, Chris, that really sucks bro. I hoe you can find a way to get it taken care of.

 

Keep the Z. Find an affordable way to fix/replace the engine. All of the things you think are wrong with the car really aren't that bad.

 

Sounds like he's just sick of the Z and ready to move on.