Jazzyfella

Hello all,
I currently own a 350z. I have had for 3 years loved every moment.
I recently was researching Z31's and I came across one for sale at a price I can't refuse. It's a 1985 NA.
I will be buying it Wednesday after an inspection (I've read the website that tells you what to check for.)
I basically am getting the car for the pure nostalgia. ( I'm actually 20 years old, so I don't really have history with 80's cars) but I really wanna jam out to some 80's tunes and cruise. Is this a bad reason for getting the car? I plan on changing the oil, plugs, basically tidy up the engine. It has 200,000 miles. I know it's high, that's why the cost is so low, but the body and interior seem stock.

I am basically killing myself over this decision. I kind of want someone to talk me out of it or talk me into it lol.

Two questions came up:
Should I use synthetic oil? How will this old engine react to it?
Can I use seafoam? I basically wanna do anything I can to avoid a rebuild, or turbo swap .

Jazzyfella

Does the engine bay look ok? Does there look like there was a fire?

Jazzyfella

I guess this forum isn't really active.
Well, i'm going to get it tomorrow, thanks for the incite....

JSM

Get it, if it's cheap enough. It's just money.

I don't see any fire signs.

Jazzyfella

Hello, so I picked up the car today.

Parked it in my drive way and the interior lights wont turn off. I made sure all light switches were off..

I checked the door initiate switches, the passenger side bottom switch makes the red light go off. The driver side bottom door switch doesn't do anything and the red light is actually off or broke.
Is it these door switches causing the yellow light to be on at the floor?

I had to disconnect my battery in fear of draining it.

Jazzyfella

I can't find any info on why my interior floor lights wont turn off. I searched everyone.

The "door pins" seem to be fine.

I have to keep disconnecting my battery before I leave. Please Help!

zxguy1986

In '86 and probably '85 too, the floor lights are supposed to stay on after you exit and lock the door. Just one of the 'elegant' features of the Z package in those years. Over a minute or so, they dim slowly and go out - if still working to OEM standards. So, are you sure they actually stay on past the dim-and-go-out point? Are you being impatient? If they do stay on, you'll have to check the wiring diagrams in your manual to see how the system works. I believe those lights are all tied in to the original factory alarm system which locked the steering wheel, beeped the horn and flashed the headlights if there was any electrical activity at all after the alarm set itself. Only the ignition key in the driver's side door lock turned the alarm off. Problems can happen when previous owners have a glitch in that system and try to disable the factory alarm. Your Factory Manual is free for download at XenonZcar.com Z31 1984-1989 300zx Reference If you have continuing problems like that, consider replacing the ignition switch for a start (pun!). Available new aftermarket. They get a little tired after 30 years and need to act right electrically in a lot of ways.

BTW, you bought a great machine! Congratulations. Your call as to how much time and money you want to put in to get it like new. Worth every bit of it

Bobs 84 300ZX

I agree, I am doing a "fix Up" on an 84, NA 2+2 with an auto trans. I applaud you for doing this. There are not enough young folks (I am showing my age here), getting into the older car hobby. Take it slow, and know what needs to be replaced before "just throwing money at it". There are people who will be glad to answer questions here. I am one. Bob