Aesthetic_Influx

Someone take pics - I want to pretend like I enjoyed the first event of the season, if it's only a T&T.

I'm late - pretty much all of the fail has been pointed out; and there was a LOT of it. In all of the time I owned my MKIII Turbo, never once was it mistaken for a Probe. Well, for that matter, it was never mistaken for anything... probably because no one knew what it was.

I don't think there's an acronym for the visual and mental anguish that both of those products make me feel. LOL, FML, GTFO.... just don't cut it. The other night the GF and I were sitting around and she mentioned hearing about "something you can put in your engine/exhaust that will boost your MPG." I simply said, "If it's called 'The Tornado' and you are impressed, I'm going to laugh at you until summer."

Love the Comet. Classic cool. I really enjoy the fact that your Civic is supercharged (hence, quicker than the basic model, obviously) and the only aftermarket parts that stand out when the hood is closed are the wheels, ride height and that front lip (I think). I'm assuming you have some kind of cat-back upgrade, but either way... very clean and respectable. :thumbup:

I didn't mean easy literally, but easier than it would be in the bay of a Z32 by far.

Then it sounds like you'll be happy with an NA. It has enough power to get out of its own way, and if you're not looking for a highly potent car to modify... you should be good. Just remember, although the NA is reliable, there are still plenty of old parts (plastic connectors, bushings, etc) that will need attention. Check out those links I threw out earlier in the thread to get an idea of what to look for when buying a used one.

Canada: the strange family living above the party apartment (USA).

Depends on the mileage, condition, maintenance needed. If you're looking for one that only needs basic TLC / maintenance and is in otherwise good condition, expect to pay anywhere from $4k - $8k. Granted there are exceptions to the rule, but any less than $4k and you're probably going to need to pour some money into it. Anything above $8k will probably get you a nearly immaculate NA, but then you're getting into the ballpark of a decent TT. That might be a little misleading. I've seen the Z32 powered by an RB, SR, 2JZ and a couple different domestic and import V8's... but none of them are nearly the "easy" swap like cars with lots of open engine bay room (like a 240SX for example, where there are miles of room for almost any motor). There are more than a couple RB-powered Z32's running around, and they are absolutely awesome... but it's not nearly as easy as swapping VG30DE for VG30DETT.

That was pretty awesome - the end was almost like a smaller machine version of Godzilla verses King Kong.

To be honest - yes, quite. Either car with upgraded suspension components will be a lot of fun at the turn of the wheel. As far as the differences go, the NA can feel lighter on its feet due to the absence of turbo lag and a lighter curb weight. Sure it won't respond to power modifications the same, but all of the other upgrades are there along with a respectable number for the NA. You may not be breaking any power numbers, but a well cared for and decently quick NA (with suspension / brakes upgraded) can be a LOT of fun. My car was NA for years and I loved every second of it; it wasn't about power but just loving the car. (I know, I know... but it's true) The TT just "feels" like more mass once you start turning the wheel or accelerating. The stock adjustable shocks are most likely going to be on their way out on almost any higher mileage model you find. The HICAS steering unit is something to get acquainted with on the TT, with it possibly giving some tingling in the spine when the rear wheels turn a bit on an on-ramp at speed. It definitely is a different driving experience, but not a completely different car. The cockpit differences are negligible; the TT adds an adjustable suspension button on the center "arm rest" controls, a stock boost gauge and nothing more. I highly recommend checking one (or more) out if you can, not just for the ride feel but so you can check out everything about the car. I'm sure of a few of us local Z owners wouldn't mind showing a love/hate list in person.

Luckily when I dream, I don't have to be practical.

Looks perfectly clear to me - especially with the picture showing the issue. I'd say you just lucked out and made some cash. Nothing to be upset about except not having more with the same issue sitting around to sell at $200+ a piece.

1. That's awesome for you. 2. You didn't mislead anyone and your reserve was $30 - you were set to sell an old iPhone for parts, for $30. I don't see any reason for you to feel bad, it's not like you screwed anyone. Maybe there are that many people capable of fixing them and wanting an older model. Either way, good for you - no reason to feel bad at all. 3. Odd numbers make me happier.

All joking aside, am I the only one who wakes up in the morning and still wonders, "Is this current economic plunge really happening? And why am I waking up on the front lawn?"

Background: Bought mine as an NA in 2000. It was converted to a twin turbo in 2006. I modifed my NA with a variety of bolt-ons to 206rwhp/188rwtq. I took it to the strip once as an NA and ran a disgusting 15.5 or so. I've been AutoX'ing since 2002 with the car. The Z32 is a rather interesting car - but it's a love/hate relationship depending on your goals, budget, patience and ability (and space) to turn a wrench. The NA models are becoming more and more affordable as the years roll on, especially with higher mileage. Finding one in good condition isn't impossible, but you will find a lot more in need of serious TLC than not. As 1fynzx said, the major mistake I've seen MANY owners make over the years is to buy an NA while wanting a TT. That will be more costly over time as you try and make the NA faster, all the while getting nowhere. On the topic of NA vs. TT, finding a TT that needs some basic maintenance is much more of a payoff. You will never make the NA as fast as a stock+ TT, if even a stock one - unless of course you pour TONS of money into it. Reliability? It's an over-engineered GT car released in 1989 and the newest one you will find state-side is going to be 13 years old. They can be reliable, but once you start modifying them (as with any car) they have a better chance of showing worn parts. They're great cars - but aren't as easy to work on due to cramped engine bays (TT especially). Parts aren't super cheap, but they aren't in the German part category either. Plenty of aftermarket support - some that is still being developed by a few performance shops for the twin turbo model. They handle well with fresh stock components - and even better with upgraded parts. The brakes are easily the weak point of the car. There are many people rocking them at the strip, road course and AutoX. They shine at the first two the most, being designed for road course-type driving first and foremost. The car can be built to do any of the three (I AutoX mine), but long and twisty is where it is really home imho. Wondering what some of the faster ones are running at the strip: http://z32racing.com/ I've seen a couple NA models breaching the 300rwhp mark (usually with nitrous or stroked motors). I've seen TT models hitting anywhere between 260rwhp - 1100 rwhp. I could go on and on... and on, but I won't yet. This forum is the only one you will need: http://www.twinturbo.net Here is some additional reading: http://twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/FAQ/FAQpages/differences.html http://twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/FAQ/FAQpages/usedpurchasing.html http://twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/FAQ/FAQpages/natott.html http://twinturbo.net/net/viewmsg.aspx?forum=technical&msg_id=952659 More questions - shoot. Although any and all questions regarding this car from technical to aesthetic can be almost surely answered by SilverTwin in detail.

That's why I love being able to put the S-AFC II back in front and cover everything up. I'm looking into trading a friend for a black version of it and then replacing my receiver; I like everything to be clean and matching. [off topic] That's the busiest part though; I have a single Defi boost gauge on the a-pillar and nothing else. http://www.flux21.com/z/inside/boost.jpg

Might be putting the car back together this weekend. If I can, I'll be there.

The Z (The S-AFC II swings out of the way or fits nicely in front) http://www.flux21.com/z/inside/DSC05918.JPG The GLI (Excuse the crappy shot - same one as the OP for reference) http://www.flux21.com/bora/DSC06508.JPG

Very nice! :thumbup:

As am I, but I think it was done to simplify the name. Call of Duty 5: Modern Warfare 2 seems a bit overly-complicated. Or as PS3fanboy.com joked, "Since Modern Warfare 2 is almost certain to spawn another iteration after it releases this November, it may be best to ditch the Call of Duty brand before we end up with something like Call of Duty 17: Modern Warfare 6: Moderner Warfare 3: Lasers are Bad News: Aerosmith." LOL.

Love that swap. I keep looking at used '03 RS6's going hmmm... cheaper than a new A4....

In other news: Modern Warfare 2 is due out November 10, 2009 (officially now). They're ditching the "Call of Duty" name as well.

Stock turbo on the GLI. (K03S) http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/15071119/aphotoalbum/DSC00176.JPG Stock turbos on the Z. (Twin TB02/22) http://www.flux21.com/z/stockturbos.JPG