Buying and modifying a high mileage engine

Jaybub · 02-29-2020, 12:02 PM

I plan on buying a cheaper used 370z in the future. Maybe around a 2010 or so. The problem is that most of these engines are higher mileage, with some even at about 100k. My question is what should I do to make sure the engine is mechanically sound prior to applying all of my mods?

The reason I'm buying older and cheaper is because I'd like to apply the money saved towards serious engine componnets like a turbo, etc... I'd like to work my way up to about 600 HP.

Thanks!

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scroupious · 02-29-2020, 03:00 PM

I have a 2009, the vehicle had 85k on the engine. I took the engine a part this winter to install camshafts and timing chains. What I noticed was the cylinder was had very little wear, there was also no wear ring on the top of the cylinder.
I am just waiting for my cylinder heads from the machine shop and my Fast Intention headers which might be here next week.
My thoughts are the same, TT in a couple years. Getting the rest of the car ready now because I am on a budget.

Jaybub · 03-01-2020, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scroupious

I have a 2009, the vehicle had 85k on the engine. I took the engine a part this winter to install camshafts and timing chains. What I noticed was the cylinder was had very little wear, there was also no wear ring on the top of the cylinder.
I am just waiting for my cylinder heads from the machine shop and my Fast Intention headers which might be here next week.
My thoughts are the same, TT in a couple years. Getting the rest of the car ready now because I am on a budget.

Sounds like you're doing this the right way. Are you basically doing a performance rebuild? Making sure the engine is good to go and while you're in there, taking care of a few performance mods?

I'll be having a shop do the worksince I'm not an engine guy, so I just want to make sure I've got it all planned right and communicate the proper instructions to them.

Rusty · 03-01-2020, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scroupious

I have a 2009, the vehicle had 85k on the engine. I took the engine a part this winter to install camshafts and timing chains. What I noticed was the cylinder was had very little wear, there was also no wear ring on the top of the cylinder.
I am just waiting for my cylinder heads from the machine shop and my Fast Intention headers which might be here next week.
My thoughts are the same, TT in a couple years. Getting the rest of the car ready now because I am on a budget.

Why get headers when you're planning a turbo.

Waste of money.

scroupious · 03-01-2020, 06:23 PM

lol. i totally get what you mean by the waste of money. I need to talk my wife into an upgrade that cost as much as i paid for the car could take me a long time.
I might just stick to an N/A motor I am not 100% sure yet.

Rusty · 03-01-2020, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scroupious

lol. i totally get what you mean by the waste of money. I need to talk my wife into an upgrade that cost as much as i paid for the car could take me a long time.
I might just stick to an N/A motor I am not 100% sure yet.

If you are installing the LTH's yourself. You're in for a treat. The right side took me less than an hour. The left side took me about 5 hours, with lots of cussing. The exhaust manifold heat shield is a major PITA to remove. Then slipping the manifold past the steering shaft. Your hands will look like you got in a fight with a pissed off alley cat and lost. All the little bolts and screw ends sticking out.

02-29-2020, 12:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jaybub Base Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Hawaii Posts: 4 Drives: Volkswagen Rep Power: 5	Buying and modifying a high mileage engine I plan on buying a cheaper used 370z in the future. Maybe around a 2010 or so. The problem is that most of these engines are higher mileage, with some even at about 100k. My question is what should I do to make sure the engine is mechanically sound prior to applying all of my mods? The reason I'm buying older and cheaper is because I'd like to apply the money saved towards serious engine componnets like a turbo, etc... I'd like to work my way up to about 600 HP. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk scroupious likes this.

03-01-2020, 06:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
scroupious Base Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: IOWA Posts: 27 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 6	lol. i totally get what you mean by the waste of money. I need to talk my wife into an upgrade that cost as much as i paid for the car could take me a long time. I might just stick to an N/A motor I am not 100% sure yet. Rusty likes this.

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02-29-2020, 03:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
scroupious Base Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: IOWA Posts: 27 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 6	I have a 2009, the vehicle had 85k on the engine. I took the engine a part this winter to install camshafts and timing chains. What I noticed was the cylinder was had very little wear, there was also no wear ring on the top of the cylinder. I am just waiting for my cylinder heads from the machine shop and my Fast Intention headers which might be here next week. My thoughts are the same, TT in a couple years. Getting the rest of the car ready now because I am on a budget.