Hey guys, I was wondering if anybody here has a rebuilt motor from Z1 or know someone who has. My TT has 115,000 miles which isn't bad but I think I will go with a rebuild in about a year or so. I am wondering how long their engines hold out. Im not really wanting a major buildup as I will be going with sport500s. Just something that will be reliable. Some say that SGP is better and have been building Z motors longer than Z1. SGP is farther away from me than Z1 though. Im not doubting Z1 at all I just want what's best for my Z. Their new facility looks top notch. Wag's car was built by Z1 and it looks awesome. What do you guys think? SGP or Z1?

 

Anyone have an opinion on which is better?

 

I prefer Z1 just because there products are usually good so I'm takin a wild shot that is too..

 

6 on one hand 1/2 dozen on the other. It really makes no difference. Both companies are reputable. Since Z1 is closer to you, I'd go with them. Plus, Z1 seems to specialize primarily in the Z32.

 

That's who Ill go with then

 

Ive heard the Z engines when they're rebuilt it costs a lot and it doesn't last as long as just replacing the whole engine, and you can pick a whole engine pretty cheap( well logically cheap). I've found JDM ones as cheap as 2 grand. So that might be the wise investment. I mean why not just get an engine that has 30k miles on it, than go through the hassle of putting your rebuilt engine back in your car. So I'd just say buy the new engine sell your old own and put less of a dent in your pocket.

 

Yes I have thought about a used engine but with JDM you really don't know what you're getting, it has 20 less horsepower, and it wouldn't pass emission. Hard to find a US spec low mileage engine. Stillen engines I heard are crap and I don't know about the Courtesy long block. Longitivity of a rebuilt engine depends on how well it was done IMO. That's why Im asking if anyone here has had personal experience with a Z1 or SGP engine.

 

jdm engines were rated at 20 hp less...there was a thread about this, and it's not always as simple as popping another engine in... i helped my friend do it on his Z and it wasn't too bad, but we replaced things such as timing belt, oil pan ( delivered crushed) some oil seals, and we took the turbos off and sold them on ebay, since he has sport 500s as well. we putt new pulleys on new up pipes changed all the hoses to silicone....changed out his power steering system ( since the old one leaked like crazy) eliminated HICAS, put a new PWR radiator....and then 3 weeks after all that work... he wraps it around a tree stupid kids

 

If the tree didn't kill him, I would have.

 

if you want someone with experience with either shop, i'd go ask in tt.net or 3zc.com. more ppl from those areas with more valuable opinions.
If price concerns you, why not call up both shops and ask how much they'd charge? Z1 may specialize in only Z's but SGP specializes in racing.
IMO, if you're going to rebuild the block, why r you going with stock everything? this would be a perfect time to upgrade either the internals, heads or both.

 

Alot of the guys on tt.net seem to dislike Z1 for various reasons. They say that their motors won't last long and SGP will do a better job. Then again there are people there that havn't had any problems with their Z1 motor. SGP's upgraded long block #2 looks like a pretty good deal. It's $6000 + $1500 core. Z1's basic longblock was $6000. I'm not going to get a rebuild immediately so I have a while to decide. SGP is pretty far away but probably worth the drive. I could always have the motor shipped to me and have this Z shop install it that's close by.