The Fairest of them all. My Nissan 300zx Z31 build

[BrandonBoww]

My Z . It has been a long journey of to finally find a car that is A-in good condition, and B-checked most of the things I needed/wanted in my "first" car. Yes the saturn is my first car, but this is my first car that I will be doing everything right on, and hopefully bring to the track. I did do most things on the saturn as correctly as I could with my knowledge at the time, but I cheaped out on a few things. Like the Racing seat (it was $40 on craigslist) and a stupid, ricey RAM intake. I want to do everything 100% with this car, I started that trend by getting an actual NRG wheel because the stock one is waaaaay too thin and uncomfortable too me.

One really cool thing about this whole process is that I have gain a few friends along the way. One of those people being Taylor. He has been a very positive influence throughout this process. Another friend that I have found through this is A guy named Joe (he bought Taylor's miata). I never expected us to grow as close as we have in the past month or so. I just started sitting next to him at lunch one day and we started talking about cars. He said he wanted a miata and I agreed. I had my heart set on a miata but things got in the way so I had to move on. And the search broadened. I just knew that I wanted a rwd with enough power to not have to worry about modding the engine do whatever I want to do on track. I mentioned to Joe that Taylor's miata was for sale and he went and bought it. The weird thing is that Joe and I have done everything with our new cars together. Joe bought his car Saturday and came with me to buy mine Monday. We both got our cars on Tuesday. And we both got our cars inspected on Friday! Joe has been a really cool guy to be doing all this with and I cant wait to see what happens with the rest of our journey!

Now, the car in its present state.
It is suuuuper clean for a 84. it has 50th anniversary badges on it but they were probably just stuck on. It has 65k on the odometer but I thing its rolled back. The ac doesn't work. The oil pressure gauge doesn't work, as well as the fuel gauge. I actually don't think the air conditioning system works at all, it only blows hot air. It didn't pass inspection because of minor things I will get into later. It has a lot wrong with it, but I love every part of the car. It is mechanically sound and drive amazing! It is such a clean vehicle for its age. Its more than 30 years old! All of the work it need I can do myself with help from the forums and friends and I can not wait to do it. The car as so much potential and that was the biggest thing I was looking for when I was searching. I only got the car for $1,900 and have already gotten offers for the car that is more than that. I believe that this is an amazing purchase and I will stand by it.

The Goals for this build.
1. Pass inspection, needed blades, battery, and fog lights (I will get into this story later)
2. New wheel, and shifter. I want to enjoy driving a car, it feels like I am driving a truck [emoji20]  AND GET RID OF THIS CAMO
3. Fix the broken thing. This is going to take sometime but I am going to be very persistent with it
4. MOD BABY. I understand that several people would rather the car get restored and what not, but this is my car and I want to track and enjoy it. I am planning on first making a nice auto cross vehicle and then move to drifting if I still feel like it. There is a huge list of things I want to do but lets fix stuff first [emoji2]

Now, What happened with inspection.
I went to a very nice little shop Friday to get my car inspected. The took sometime so I knew something was up. I wasn't sure about the car because I didn't get to give it the look over I wanted too, since I needed to get to work that evening and my saturn was officially un-ensured. The inspector came out to talk to me with a small list of demands and an offer for the car. He bought up buying the car several times throughout our interaction. He told me that I needed to get wipers, new fog lights, and either a new battery or it might just need a charge. A small list it seemed to be at the time, but as I went to auto zone (a place I do not like) to get my car battery checked and charged I found out that I needed a new battery that would cost me about $140. The Auto Zone employee tried to up sale me of course and talked about how I should get a Gold instead of a Silver, When he did talk.... I asked him what were the differences, and he read me a list of things. One thing stuck out too me, he said that The gold has a 3 year warranty instead of a silver that has only a 2 year warranty. I thought well my battery is supposedly new, I should be able to take advatage of it. I asked him about it and he replied to me with a small smile that the only way I would get a warranty is if I had the previous owner come in with his receipt, then a distant thought crossed my mind. I remember papers in the glove box. I went and checked them and found the receipt to my surprise. I brought it back to him and that was about the end of our conversation. He got a battery. brought it too my car and told me I have a 3 month warranty on this one. KEEP SOME RECEIPT!



IMPORTANT- I need help. The only thing I have left to do to pass inspection is the lights. I checked the bulbs and they are good. I checked the fuse and it's good. I just went and bought a multi meter and checked the fuse and it has power running through it. I checked the relay and it it has power going to it. how does the power run? does it go to the fuse and then the relay and then the switch? That my train of thought right now. Also how do I trouble shoot a relay? please help, it would be much appreciated. Also tell me what you think of the build, thanks   
-Brandon

[Senor_Taylor]

Glad you made a post! My gut says this car may be a lot of trouble for you, but I hope it works out! Joining the club would be well worth it to come to events and meet some people who can help you!

Remember people may have dissenting opinions on here on what you should do with this car, just remember to not take it too close to your heart and we're all just here to help.

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[BLINGMW]

Looks like a really nice find! Sorry but the only suggestion I can offer on the headlights is to find a service manual and wiring diagram. And take it somewhere else for inspection unless this is someone you trust. Him wanting the car doesn't seem good for its chances of passing.

[Deceus]

Just went down the automotive relay rabbit hole myself wiring up my radiator fan. They're easy to troubleshoot. What should be happening is when you throw the headlight switch on, that should be closing the switch in the relay and allowing power to go to your headlights by closing the circuit. This is the best video I found. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUSxo-CCLR8 In your case instead of the ignition switch you're using a headlight switch and instead of the radiator fan it's obviously your headlights.

You seem to be getting power to the relay but turn your lights on and see if you're getting power through the relay as well. If you are. then it's likely a problem at the headlights themselves.

[BrandonBoww]

Glad you made a post! My gut says this car may be a lot of trouble for you, but I hope it works out! Joining the club would be well worth it to come to events and meet some people who can help you!

Remember people may have dissenting opinions on here on what you should do with this car, just remember to not take it too close to your heart and we're all just here to help.

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Thanks for the words of wisdom, I am planning on joining as soon as I pass inspection. Just incase something crazy happens and I need the extra cash, but I am very excited too become a member of a pretty sweet club!


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Looks like a really nice find! Sorry but the only suggestion I can offer on the headlights is to find a service manual and wiring diagram. And take it somewhere else for inspection unless this is someone you trust. Him wanting the car doesn't seem good for its chances of passing.

Thanks! Yeah, I trust the guy because I have taken my saturn there before and they seem very honest. I am going to go once more, and if they fail me I will go somewhere else.


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Just went down the automotive relay rabbit hole myself wiring up my radiator fan. They're easy to troubleshoot. What should be happening is when you throw the headlight switch on, that should be closing the switch in the relay and allowing power to go to your headlights by closing the circuit. This is the best video I found. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUSxo-CCLR8 In your case instead of the ignition switch you're using a headlight switch and instead of the radiator fan it's obviously your headlights.

You seem to be getting power to the relay but turn your lights on and see if you're getting power through the relay as well. If you are. then it's likely a problem at the headlights themselves.

Thanks man! Joe and I are gonna take a look at it tomorrow. I really appreciate it. Also how does the circuit run? Battery-fuse-relay-switch-lights? That is what I am assuming but I am not sure.


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[jmwhtzl]

Aw thanks for the shoutout Brandon! Its been a ton of fun.

[BrandonBoww]

Aw thanks for the shoutout Brandon! Its been a ton of fun.

Lol of course man! It’s well warranted.


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[BrandonBoww]

Just went down the automotive relay rabbit hole myself wiring up my radiator fan. They're easy to troubleshoot. What should be happening is when you throw the headlight switch on, that should be closing the switch in the relay and allowing power to go to your headlights by closing the circuit. This is the best video I found. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUSxo-CCLR8 In your case instead of the ignition switch you're using a headlight switch and instead of the radiator fan it's obviously your headlights.

You seem to be getting power to the relay but turn your lights on and see if you're getting power through the relay as well. If you are. then it's likely a problem at the headlights themselves.

Just watched the vid and it makes A LOT more sense. Also that video is very entertaining lol. Thanks!


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[Senor_Taylor]

Don't trust any shop too well. Just because they're nice and always have "taken care of you" doesn't mean they can't or won't take you for a ride.

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[GTBrandon]

Sweet find! Seemed to miss your intro thread, are you a current student or work colleague of Taylor, or?

[Senor_Taylor]

We just know each other from here. He's still in high school. Tried to explain my car mistakes to him during his search for one. Not sure how he found the club.

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[BrandonBoww]

Yeah, I was asking a lot of people about the car scene in Harrisonburg. One day I asked my co-worker Ian Munro, and he referred me too Madison Motorsports. I read some threads and liked how neat and organized it is, as well as the atmosphere. Like I said I am planning on joining the club asap. Just need to pass inspection first lol, for my sake.


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[ViPER1313]

Can you hear the relay click when the headlight switch is turned on?

If you hear the click, the relay and headlight switch are likely OK.

If no click, you need to see if the relay is getting power to the trigger lead when the headlight switch is turned on.

[ViPER1313]

Also, do the high-beams work? Do the high-beams work when using the flash to pass feature?

[BrandonBoww]

I did not hear the switch click, I am gonna check the relay to see if its the relay or a wiring issue


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And yeah the high beams work, what is the flash to pass feature [emoji23], I believe the inspector was a straight guy so this method does not seem like a viable one too me


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[ScottyB]

super excited to see where you take this car. the Z31 was my first dream car, when i was 6 or 7 my uncle had an 86 n/a in red and i thought it was the coolest thing ever. i've always kinda wanted an 87 or 88 Z31 and throw a holset on there with a boost controller and do stupid things with 400hp. we've had VG-engined nissans in our household since forever...i had a '90 maxima and currently a '03 xterra. they're tough as nails and love boost.

everyone else here would have more positive feedback than i could provide with the wiring stuff but thankfully these cars have been around so long you can probably find someone who can troubleshoot your issue.

also, have a look at this thread if you want to start having bad thoughts about your self control with this build:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.ph...ture-build

[BrandonBoww]

super excited to see where you take this car. the Z31 was my first dream car, when i was 6 or 7 my uncle had an 86 n/a in red and i thought it was the coolest thing ever. i've always kinda wanted an 87 or 88 Z31 and throw a holset on there with a boost controller and do stupid things with 400hp. we've had VG-engined nissans in our household since forever...i had a '90 maxima and currently a '03 xterra. they're tough as nails and love boost.

everyone else here would have more positive feedback than i could provide with the wiring stuff but thankfully these cars have been around so long you can probably find someone who can troubleshoot your issue.

also, have a look at this thread if you want to start having bad thoughts about your self control with this build:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.ph...ture-build

Yeah I skimmed through that thread and cant stop thinking of the possibilities of my car lol


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OK, I checked the fuse and it has resistance where it should. Is this a dumb idea too see if the relay is switching properly? Its a 18v battery, is that a big deal?



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Better idea, I found a 9v lol


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Just tested the relay and it is working fine. It clicked the circuit closed with power. Now I am guessing I should check the switch. To get the the switch I have to take the dash out though I believe :|


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[GTBrandon]

Yeah, I was asking a lot of people about the car scene in Harrisonburg. One day I asked my co-worker Ian Munro, and he referred me too Madison Motorsports. I read some threads and liked how neat and organized it is, as well as the atmosphere. Like I said I am planning on joining the club asap. Just need to pass inspection first lol, for my sake.


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Awesome! Can’t wait to see you around, our JMU car show is April 7th btw

[BrandonBoww]

Yeah, I was asking a lot of people about the car scene in Harrisonburg. One day I asked my co-worker Ian Munro, and he referred me too Madison Motorsports. I read some threads and liked how neat and organized it is, as well as the atmosphere. Like I said I am planning on joining the club asap. Just need to pass inspection first lol, for my sake.


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Awesome! Can’t wait to see you around, our JMU car show is April 7th btw

Heck yeah man, Joe told me about the show last year and I am definitely going to clear my schedule for it!


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[Senor_Taylor]

Scotty, you're building a freaking solar powered camper. I think you've got a tad bit of electrical knowledge.

Brandon, looks you're being pretty resourceful with the troubleshooting!

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