Nismo Z prep for 1-year deployment in Afghanistan

andrewc_31

Need some help, I purchased a 2011 Nismo 370Z in March 2011 and she currently has just over 3,000 miles on her. I had Motul 300V 5/30 oil put in at the 1600 mile range, and I'm home on leave till after new years's, which will be the last time I'm home and able to drive the Z until Jan-Feb 2013. I am debating on whether or not I should do a oil change now or just wait till I get back.

Also what do you guys recommend for the Z over this year?

1. Sit in the gararge for a year, then have the car towed to the dealership for maintenance, ie, battery replacement, oil and filter replacement, fuel injector replacement, fuel system flushed out.

2. Have my wife start the car every month and let it run to operating temp and shut off. She cant drive a clutch

3. Any other suggestions?

Does it hurt the car to sit for the year? I have heard pros and cons over that.

Thanks

anthonyy

Not too sure about the oil change question, but I would have the wife start the car once a week for 10-15 minutes.

andrewc_31

Oil change would be for that year I'm away that my wife starts the car and/or I can get a friend to come by and drive every month. If I don't change the oil then it will be the same oil for a year and a half.

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2011 Nismo 370z #131 /// mods: Stillen Gen3 LTI / FI LTH / FI CBE w/18" Resonators

wind.zero

Just a couple of tips.

1. Put all 4 corners on jack stands or leave it on the ground with overinflated tires
2. Change the oil/filter and top off all fluids
3. Fill the tank full with quality premium fuel and add a stabilizer
4. Completely clean the interior, close all points of entry, and put something in the interior to absorb odors like a container of baking soda. Keep it locked while stored.
5. Hand wash the exterior and apply wax
6. Put a trickle charger on the battery or pull the battery and charge 1x a month
7. Block off entry at the exhaust tips to keep out potential pests
8. Cover the car with a quality cover

I have heard pro's/con's to the idling to warm up method. You could probably save a lot of hassle and less prep by arranging to have someone drive it long enough to reach operating temperature for 10-15 minutes twice a month.

EDIT
All of my vehicles have been a DD, so I have never had to store a vehicle for over a month. GL during your deployment and teach your wife to drive a stick.

Cmike2780

^^ great advice. Def change the oil. Topping off the gas is very important & def put the car on stands if you can. You don't want to get flat spots and ruin the tire. Over-inflating is fine for a few months, but sitting for a whole year might be a stretch. After you wash and put her in storage, make sure you let everything really dry before putting the cover on or even just the garage. You don't want any moisture getting trapped which could potentially grow mold. A trickle charger is fine for preserving the battery and having to let it run every week should not be necessary. The engine should also be okay as long as the oil is clean, so that's why should change it before hand. You'll want to reduce any kind of deposit build up.

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andrewc_31

thank-you gentlemen for the responses

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2011 Nismo 370z #131 /// mods: Stillen Gen3 LTI / FI LTH / FI CBE w/18" Resonators

azn370z

Car and Driver Blog How To: Store a Car for the Winter

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2010 k23
H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

Mecinoid

That's about right. I'd just disconnect the battery with battery disconnect blade and have the wife start the car every other month. Just show her how to reconnect and disconnect and why. A tickle charger on the battery would be a nice plus. As long as she did that with the steps above you'll be golden. My cars, motorhomes and boats has lasted over 18 months at times without issues using these methods. Good battery condition and gas stabilizer in the tank are probably the two most important items.

Thank you for your service to this country !!!!

Maila87

As said above:

Change oil before keeping car in garage. Vapors made during combustion process are staying in oil and these acids could damage valves, piston sealings and other components during long stay. But you will be fine, mine friends Jeep Grand Cherokee stayed for 3 years outside with less than 10 starts and no preparation.

Important to fill up with premium GAS. Try to avoid to any with Bioethanol. Also is used etyl-tercbutyleter (ETBE) instead bioethanol (but is based on OIL), but helps keeping moisture away.

Battery also should be filled with distilled water, because Z is not using GEL battery (Don't know if in US, but in Europe it is liquid based).
Battery could be unplugged and sometimes recharged, or kept, but you should start car every 3 weeks and let it run for some time and recharge battery.

Paint should be clear and don't contain anything like inspect or salt. Waxing before or paint sealing is also practical.

You could use rubber sealant/enhancer and definitely should not stay without moving with them, or use jack stands.

Starting car once every 3-4 weeks will be best solution.

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Thank You for your service!