87zed31

i just bought a 1987 300zxt hence the username. it was a barn car i bought from the original owner.. only 64,000 miles on it. problem is it has sat for over ten years.. cosmetically it is in poor shape mechanically it seems to be great. ok sorry for rambling.. the reason for the post is.. i drove it home and it overheated twice, i was wondering what i should look for to tackle the problem quickly.. i am suspecting the thermostat... but being as i have never messed with these cars i am asking you guys.. other than it running hot.. it runs great, shifts smoothly and has alot of pep..

NismoPick

Welcome to ZDriver!

Rule #1... ALWAYS change the fluids before driving a car that has been stored for a long time.

What does the coolant / oil look like? Is there anything blocking the radiator?

87zed31

i was told that it recieved maintenence but i guess i should do some fluid investigation...
when it overheated it blew the radiator cap. is that an indication of anything significent?
should i flush my radiator to be safe?

87zed31

i will take your advice and change the fluids before driving it again. i haven't driven far, but had to get it home.

NismoPick

Usually caused by either a weak cap or air in the cooling system (from a blown head gasket).

Why was the car parked for so long? Maybe he blew a head gasket & never fixed it?

87zed31

i know the gasket is not blown... otherwise i would be losing compression and it wouldn't be running as strong. it runs like a top. cold start is quick and easy. must be that the cap is old and weak. but i have yet to work on it since i have encountered the issue. i'm not driving it to ensure i won't hurt anything. i plan to change the fluids and the thermostat. but i have another question. what should i be seeing on my turbo psi gauge when i am accelerating?

tonsoffun300zx

stock is like 4.5 psi but correct me if im wrong people.

87zed31

ok cool.. i think thats about what i saw.. of course its an 87.. so do you know if there is anything different about this year? i believe i read that the psi output is different for certain years of z31 cars

87zed31

also what is a quick easy way to up the boost a little?

NismoPick

Use a boost controller... take your pick: manual or electronic.

Or adjust the wastegate arm (I believe the Z31 turbochargers have threaded wastegate arms?).

87zed31

thanks.. i'll have to check into that

87zed31

also how much can it take before i need an intercooler

tonsoffun300zx

i would recommend no more than 8 PSI but then again the gas out here only goes up to 91. but if i was you go with an electronic boost controler they are far superior and intercool it.

AZ-ZBum

You're wrong.

http://www.az-zbum.com/information.basic.shtml

87zed31

well if i am not seeing close to 7 psi what might be the problem?

87zed31

i am still overheating. i have changed all my fluids. it takes a lot to change the thermostat on this car. so i am trying to eliminate all other possible problems. suggestions?

tonsoffun300zx

what month was the car was built on?

87zed31

not quite sure. i will have to check into it. how would i be able to know? i'm assuming its in the vin?

tonsoffun300zx

no it's on the door jamb on the drivers side it will say 4/87 or something like that

87zed31

2/87... what is the significance?

tonsoffun300zx

the clsd came after 4/87 and also the t25 turbo i believe but not sure about the turbo but for sure the clsd.

87zed31

what is the clsd?

tonsoffun300zx

clutch limited slip differential.

87zed31

ok then.. i guess i need to do more research on my car.

tonsoffun300zx

go onto www.xenonz31.com very useful website also http://www.az-zbum.com/information.basic.shtml both are good and have alot of info.