Does this build sound legit?
 

Does anyone recognize this car and build from this forum? I didn't see it listed in the car classified area. When you read the list of mods, some of it is very detailed. Then other areas are vague. I'm a rookie in the boosted world. Trying to understand what works best with what. I've been reading Maximum Boost and living in the Forced Induction part of this forum. So much to learn!

I found this listing in autotrader. Any thoughts, or potential red flags to look for? I'm trying to learn as much as possible to make an educated purchase in the near future.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience...

It sounds like a very good build but this is the first rear turbo Z I have seen.....

Rear mounted setups are garbage. And it's got a built motor and new transmission, yet is running power levels that the stock block can handle. That thing's been beat to death. Run.

I second. He probably has run into a lot of issues hence the new transmission, but it wouldn't hurt to see if he is honest or a snake in the bushes trying to off load his problems on to you.

If you get it pull that rear turbo off, sell it on ebay and use that money to get a BP kit.

I will just add that if you are going to buy someone else's FI project, at least get one that is from a known kit. Stillen, AAM, Fast Intentions, BP, heck even GTM would be better than getting something nobody knows anything about. You can save a ton of money buying someone else's because the value of those cars unfortunately is horrible compared to the money put into them. Keep looking for something better maybe.

For example, here is an F.I. car for sale:

http://www.the370z.com/370z-sale/124...ml#post3698511

I'd say go check it out... worst thing is you waste your time. I don't believe that everything not made by a well-known manufacturer is bad, rear mount setups are not inherently garbage, and having a built block doesn't mean you need to run ridiculous power levels.

Check out the car if you're really interested. Ask for receipts, compression/leak down tests, maintenance history, etc (like why it needed a new transmission). Purchasing a non-factory boosted car has its own set of risks on top of being a previously modified car, which comes with its own set of risks on top of the risks of it being a used car (risk-ception?). Make sure you're as thorough as possible when going over it and not letting the seller sweet talk you because he's trying to make a deal. If you're unfamiliar with Zs or even boosted cars, take someone with you who is so they can spot the things you might miss.

Run

Wonder if it's Cosmo's Z? Sounds like it.

Who did the engine build? I wouldn't trust a homebuilt VQ. You can source a built shortblock from a number of Nissan specialty shops, or maybe even use a reputable local machine shop for the heads, or SOMETHING to let you know that the motor was put together correctly. VQs aren't motors that everybody is cracking open, so I'd only go with someone reputable to put it together.

...and then there's the rear turbo that everyone else is talking about. Too many red flags for my comfort level.

I actually know this guy, he's in my town and I've raced him a few times. The sale is for family reasons and not a problem offload, ive went through a trans already just like he has and he has the old trans in the garage with just a busted 2nd synchro. The original motor had a knock when he bought it and since then has had a reputable shop build the motor. The car is a rear mount and running uprev tuned by martin struk with rs enthrapy..... his antilag is killer... its got me a few times :(

I can hit him up and pass along your details if you'd like a one on one faster.

Thanks for all the info. I'm in the beginning stages of my search. I need to learn so much more before I purchase an already built ride. This is the first rear mount turbo I've even read about. It was a good reminder that I still have lots to learn about the "boosted world".

There's quite a few Z's/G's on YouTube with a rear mount, one guy even went super cheap and had it put together and tuned by Z1 with like $1500 lol.. That being said, a ton of V8 guys have been running rear mounts for decades without problems. I say the pro's/con's of running a twin kit under the hood are equal to a rear mount setup. Imagine how easy it would be to upgrade a turbo, replace a oil line, coupler or clamp. Better yet, remove it all and put the stock exhaust on for emissions or to sell the car. Devils advocate here.

I'm with you.. but a midmount setup like the BP kit would have all the same pros as the rearmount but fewer cons.