I have a 1994 Nissan 300zx Twin turbo. I bought it from a guy who said that when he was driving it the timing belt broke which probably bent the valves it has the original engine with 97,000 miles on it. Some of the engine is in parts. It does not start right now and it will need a little bit of body work. It has a SALVAGE title. Do you think that I should replace it with a JDM motor or try fixing the one thats already on. I'm afraid that if I replace it with a new motor, the value of the car will go down. What do you think that I should do? How much do you think I can sell it for if the car is up and running? Thanks for your time and help.

 

both, it all depends if you want to do....
if you want to put some work into it and do a build up, you can buy a rebuild kit and build a bad *** motor.
if you want a quick fix, then just buy a used crate motor from where ever selling it for a good price. it doesnt matter jdm or u.s. spec. theyre mostly the same. the diff. is that the jdms has smaller turbos and milder cams (in the autos) giving 20 less hp.
well, i wouldnt think it will go down if you put a lower milage motor in it. 99.99999% of shop sell used crate motors with very low milage. around 35k mile average.
i have no idea. i would guess the price of a 94tt with 97k miles, and give credit for the motor rebuild or engine swap. you would probably get a hard time selling it with a salvage title. the only way is to explain the salvage title and see if the buyer still wants it.
your welcome

 

Ok, thanks for your reply

 

well, if you're just looking to fix the car and then sell it for a profit, it's not gonna happen. The costs of everything to fix it will exceed how much you can sell it for with that salvage title. If you want to make a profit off of it, then part it out. If you want to build a Z car for yourself, then I would suggest getting some heads from Imports Parts Pro (Kyle from SGP's new shop...give Kyle a call--he's still making builds) and then rebuild the block to whatever you want to do. Or you could just rebuild the heads as well yourself.

 

How far is the engine taken apart? Can you see the pistons and cylinders?

 

Well, its basically the front part of it. Like the fans and stuff. I cant see the cylinders or heads. I'm going to take it to a shop tomorrow and see if it could be fixed.

 

I would pass on it.