Well I sold the Z car this week, so I decided it might be appropriate to provide the car review while the experience is fresh in my memory. This may be especially appropriate as this review has a suprise at the end (hey I have to hook you to the end somehow).
So first the car. A maroon 1988 300zx turbo. The car had 135k miles on the clock. Cupped tires unfortunately bias the comfort discussion so I will avoid talking about ride comfort. That being said the interior was quite impressive. Leather 6 way adjustable power seats on both sides of the car. A previous owner had installed a suade head liner on the ttops. The dash appeared to be some sort of soft leather. All the goodies were included, steering wheel mounted radio controls, cruise, a digital dashboard, climate control.. You would think the car was a luxury car.
It also originally came with electronically variable shocks, long since replaced by the time I got ahold of the car. Instead the previous owner installed normal shocks. When getting on it around corners the car was extremely predictable and quite tight for a 19 year old car. (Just about the only time it was on the part of the tires with tread!). It would hug the road and turn in quickly. Not new sports car like honestly, but definitly showing its potential. Fantastic drive in the dry for the price, but also scary as all hell in the wet. Part of that I'm sure is the tire, but these cars have a reputation as well.
Power was decent. This isn't a competitor to my Trans Am by any means, but the car still has 2xx some bhp and is really light. The torque curve seems very peaky, getting the most power in the upper range. The car truly feels fast above 4000rpm. Below that it feels rather normal but will still spin its tires.
The transmission was smooth shifting. Short throw by 80s standards but long by present standards, it requires suitable effort but moves quickly between gears. Steering reaction was also decent, despite the age the deadzone was respectible. This must have been quite the car 20 years ago.
Overall I really liked the car, especially for the price. I bought the car for $2500 and sold the car for $2500. I spent a total of $150 on maintenance in the 6 months I owned the car (new battery, wipers, oil change, and an alignment). I'd certainly suggest one to someone looking for a cheap project. I guess the most direct comparison was my 88 Iroc. Another older car. Honestly my hat still tips to the Iroc for potential. Parts are cheaper, the engine beefier, mod companies more abundendant. But for out of the box I have to give it up to the Nissan. You can actually get a manual on its powerful engine (The iroc only came with stick for the anemic 305, auto only for the 300 ft lbs of torque 5.7 l thats still considered respectively fast by todays standards). The Iroc would have to be a cheap aftermarket installation. You also get a much nicer interior.
So I guess what Im saying, if your looking for a cheap fun project, the Nissan is a good choice if you prefer small turbo charged decent handlers. There are cheaper choices, but you still can't go wrong.
So the review over.. Now for the suprise. The Nissan is being replaced by another car. It is currently being built (well as of the week of October 8th, the order was placed last week) in bowling green Kentucky. Expect its arrival and pics in about 2 weeks. Its Victory Red.. Thats all I have to say at this point
1988 Nissan 300ZX- Bidding another personal car farewell
but the new one's definitely a step up, you'll have loads of fun with it (just don't crash it 
ops: 
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