travlee

iTrader: (8)

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

SmokersMagee

iTrader: (3)

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

3hree5ive0ero

iTrader: (95)

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?

AllstarE4

iTrader: (5)

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?

steidz

iTrader: (8)

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.

Lucky736

One was just posted in the local classifieds.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

chris... remember you were talking about this

travlee

iTrader: (8)

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

3hree5ive0ero

iTrader: (95)

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

travlee

iTrader: (8)

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....

3hree5ive0ero

iTrader: (95)

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.

fithamoto

iTrader: (24)

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.

3hree5ive0ero

iTrader: (95)

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.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

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

3hree5ive0ero

iTrader: (95)

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.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

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

3hree5ive0ero

iTrader: (95)

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.

ppat1989

iTrader: (5)

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

AllstarE4

iTrader: (5)

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.

quakerroatmeal

iTrader: (9)

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