Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => Lounge => Topic started by: P71 on June 20, 2007, 01:47:01 AM

Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: P71 on June 20, 2007, 01:47:01 AM
Whilst looking for Nissan transmissions, I found THIS:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/car/354864004.html

Now I REALLY want it. I can afford it too (loan, duh). I'm thinking it's time to sell the Blue truck and move up in the world...


Plus it will go fast
:evilgrin:
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: 84 Fila on June 20, 2007, 01:48:03 AM
If you can swing the loan... I'd get it
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: P71 on June 20, 2007, 01:54:06 AM
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=224190741&dealer_id=60373149&car_year=2001&marketZipError=true&search_type=both&num_records=100&keywordsfyc=__c2M,__&make=NISSAN&transmission=&model=FRONTI&distance=300&make2=&address=98626&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=y&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2008&keywordsrep=115099&color=&start_year=2001&drive=&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=49

More info on it. It's a heck of a deal too. All the other ones around here are $4,000 to $10,000 more and have more miles!
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: Cad-T-Bird 500 on June 20, 2007, 02:28:00 AM
Fix your old truck and save your money.

Ted's 10 cent a mile rule.  Never buy anything you don't think will last the dollars paid divided by .10  so this truck will have to last 160,000 miles without problems.

Now your tranny and clutch will be about $600 so all it have to last is 6,000 miles; you know it will do this.  And not only this but no new car payments.

But who I'm I to talk;  my wife's new 350z will have to go 280,000 miles.

Have fun.

TED
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 20, 2007, 08:58:27 AM
I've never liked those Frontiers. They "girlied" up the looks of the truck when compared to the Hardbody, IMO. The factory supercharged V6 would be compelling though...
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: Red_LX on June 20, 2007, 10:11:58 AM
The supercharged engine sucks! Haven't you guys heard all the gripes about them from basically everyone? You have to run it on premium, and it makes a whole 210 hp (yeah, 40 hp over the n/a version). whoopee.

Might be fun to BUILD one of the engines and see how you could do, but there don't seem to be a lot of parts for that engine (I found a supercharger pulley on ebay, but I can hardly find anything else)
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: P71 on June 20, 2007, 10:15:09 AM
I like the Hardbody's miles more then the Frontiers. Maybe I should split the 2 and buy a JY 3.3 SC motor with trans and drop it in my truck :hick:

Thing is the better half wants me to own at least 1 newer car seeing as how TC's aren't exactly "reliable". Plus that monster holds kids well (I know, I know) and can actually TOW.

I really have to think about it. It meets all of her requirements and it really looks good blacked out like that, and the price... I just got done paying off the stupid blue truck and I do kind of like it.
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: P71 on June 20, 2007, 10:17:26 AM
The 3.3 is a VQ engine (think 300ZX turbo), there's a TON of mods for it. They are grossly under-rated (like the SC Cobra's) and tow like a banshee. The mods that can be done to that thing are insane...
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: Red_LX on June 20, 2007, 10:20:51 AM
If you say so.

Every magazine article I read about the engine said it was lackluster, at best.

If there's a "ton" of stuff out for that engine, how come I can't find anything? I can't even find headers or a cam searching on ebay or google.
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: daboss351 on June 20, 2007, 10:41:16 AM
my friends dad has one, im not impressed it wasnt quick. went OK but i would think for a supercharger motor it would have more balls then it did, and yes he had it hammered
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: CougarSE on June 20, 2007, 10:53:04 AM
Why does everything have to be about power???
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: P71 on June 20, 2007, 11:14:34 AM
It's a truck motor designed for low-end grunt and towing not racing.

Pulleys:
http://www.pulleyboys.com/nissan.html
http://www.southfloridapulleyhq.com/SFPH/nissan_trucks/nissan_trucks_products.htm

Blowers:
http://www.alpine-developments.us/nissansc.html

Cams:
http://www.jimwolftechnology.com

Exhaust:
http://www.gibsonperformance.com/products.asp?pid=14297&make=30&model=883#883

All the basic bolt-ons are covered. CAI, headers, cat-back (true duals even!), underdrive pulleys, blower pulley, A/W Intercooler, cams, MAF's, and ECM's.
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: daboss351 on June 20, 2007, 11:17:06 AM
now saying it all has to be about power, but since people were talking about it i added my 2 cents. It is a nice truck, hes had it for like 4 years now, and has had no problems with it. if you can and want it do it!
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: JeremyB on June 20, 2007, 11:19:28 AM
Quote from: CougarSE;155715
Why does everything have to be about power???

Says the man with a CFI V6/V8.  ;)
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: CougarSE on June 20, 2007, 11:20:12 AM
Nissan > Toyota IMHO

I had a 96 hardbody.  Not one thing went wrong with that truck.  While working at autozone a guy used to come in with a 95 that had 300k miles on it.. ran like a champ.  The Ka series engine is one of the best ever built..
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: daboss351 on June 20, 2007, 11:21:17 AM
yea i hate toymotors, i hate my moms new matrix
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: CougarSE on June 20, 2007, 11:23:33 AM
Quote from: JeremyB;155723
Says the man with a CFI V6/V8.  ;)

Hey my v6 is efi :hick:
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: P71 on June 20, 2007, 11:34:39 AM
I love my truck. It just doesn't like to tow my porky TC :(

My first car that lasted longer then a month was a 1986.5 Hardbody King Cab 2WD. VIN #000409. It was a Z24 (dual plug) 5-Speed. I bought it with 187,000 and sold it with 300,000+ (Odometer broke in the 240's). That truck never left me stranded. It broke sure, but it always mad it home. Other then your typical maintenance (oil changes, brake pads, etc) it needed a clutch at 220K and the A/C rebuilt when I bough it. I had a heater hose give up and the windshield leak. Those were the ONLY problems with it in my 4 years of ownership. If it wasn't for the swiss-cheese rust (FL car that lived on the beach) I would have kept it.

It was the only reason I bought the blue one. It's a 1996.5 King Cab 4x4 with the KA24 and a 5-Speed. 4.88 gears, locking hubs, "posi-trac", manual shift T-case, and loads nicer then my 86 was. (Chrome package, power steering, ABS, airbag, cruise, a TACH)

I bought Stitch in Feb 2006 with 120,000 miles for $6,550 ;)
So far (other then regular maintenance) I've had to replace the starter and solenoid (my fault, buried it in mud something fierce), the oxygen sensors, and now the clutch and entire transmission. It has 136,000 on it now. It has a small list of "issues" that need to be addressed:

1. Trans is shot (broken countershaft)
2. Clutch kit and possibly flywheel
3. Locking hubs are weak and need to be replaced
4. Rear Posi is goooooone
5. Brakes are due
6. Missing 3 centercaps
7. Needs a plastic bedliner to disguise the dents in the bed
8. A/C is broken (busted line)
9. Paint work (still is right from the wreck)
10. Bent rear bumper

But the biggest/most annoying problem is this crazy "safe-mode" thing it does at really bizarre times. Since changing the O2's and switching to E10 89 it dissappears for weeks at a time, then randomly it goes into safe mode (which is NOT safe on the freeway at 70 when suddenly you can't go over 2,000 RPM's and you have turn the ignition off for 30 seconds to reset the ECM).

But on the other hand, I've made 100+ 1/4 mile passes, been off-roading over 2 dozen times, buried it in mud twice, attended an SCCA Rally, driven all over the state including up a mountain, and just generally have good memories with it.

If/when we get married/have kids though it will have to go as the jump seats won't fit a car seat. Not to mention it can't tow or hold more then 2 people.

This is going to take a lot of serious thought...
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: daboss351 on June 20, 2007, 11:38:06 AM
If/when we get married/have kids though it will have to go as the jump seats won't fit a car seat. Not to mention it can't tow or hold more then 2 people.
well then its not practical for what you WANT is it? if you can get a good deal selling it, and on the other truck, i would do it. but the loan part has got to suck
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: P71 on June 20, 2007, 11:45:24 AM
Once you have a mortgage you realize debt really isn't a big deal :(
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: daboss351 on June 20, 2007, 11:57:40 AM
god im glad im young
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: slamedcat on June 20, 2007, 12:24:18 PM
Quote from: Aerobird Motorsports;155736
Once you have a mortgage you realize debt really isn't a big deal :(


Mortgage whats that. My house is paid off already. I only have 2 loans out and I feel like I  have no money. I guess thats what happens when you have 3 kids.
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: JeremyB on June 20, 2007, 12:29:12 PM
Quote from: Aerobird Motorsports;155736
Once you have a mortgage you realize debt really isn't a big deal :(
Sheezy, I have a mortgage, but screw having another car payment on top of it. I follow Dave Ramsey's car advice. Buy in cash. That does limit me to ~10k though.

You won't see seeing my driving a CTS anytime soon.
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: P71 on June 20, 2007, 12:33:44 PM
All my cash goes to Layla and whatever other random TBirds/Cougars happen to be in my lawn :hick:

The blue truck is the first car payment I've ever had and it really wasn't bad, but it sure would be nice to not have it for awhile. I could have bought it cash like all the other cars, but I was in the middle of buying a house.

I think I'll put it back together and drive it until next year. I gradumatate with my degree next Spring so a new truck would be a nice present to myself. :D
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: daboss351 on June 20, 2007, 12:38:12 PM
there you go good plan.
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: 88sportcoupe on June 20, 2007, 01:15:37 PM
All you young people don't screw up your credit like I did. I don't even know what my credit score is but if i had to guess it would probably be well below 500. I am really regretting all those credit cards i got out of HS and first semester of college:punchballs: . All it takes is losing your job or having a car breakdown and not being able to make a payment to send your credit score :toilet:.
I found a house cheap(under 20,000) with a nice 2 car garage and fenced in backyard that i would love to buy and renovate but with horrible credit it will probably be a while before anything like that happens and the worst part is the feeling of knowing only one to blame is yourself and nobody will even give you a chance.
So do yourselves a favor and don't mess up your credit, and start a savings account.


[/self pity rant]
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: Red_LX on June 20, 2007, 01:34:30 PM
Quote from: Aerobird Motorsports;155718
headers, cat-back (true duals even!)

#1, I still don't see any headers in those links.

I found some on google, that somebody was selling from a year or so ago, but I can't find any on any website.

#2. Where'd the "true duals" come from? I don't see them on the link you posted for exhaust...

#3...246 ft-lbs? I certainly wouldn't call it a torque monster. I wouldn't attempt to tow a car with that. In fact, I'd rather have a fullsize with a V8 if I was gonna drive something that got 13mpg city/16 highway.

And yes, I am busting your balls at this point....*snicker*

if it was me....$16K? Hell, I'd buy a diesel!
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 20, 2007, 09:09:25 PM
Mine (1990 King Cab) had the KA24E engine in it. My father bought it new in November 1989 and I bought it from him in around 1995, and when I sold the truck it had five hundred thousand miles (over 800k km). The only thing ever changed in the engine was the oil, every 3k miles. It had the original spark plugs, air filter, and antifreeze. It also had the original rotors, drums, (pads & shoes replaced a few times), wheel bearings, rearend lube & seals, tie rod ends, ball joints, and shocks.

Problems:

The original clutch was replaced with the transmission (same problem Mike's truck has) at 250k miles. It was still servicable but I burned it up a bit driving the truck with only fourth gear. The actual transmission was the one recurring problem in that truck - at about 100k miles the bearing went (my father had it replaced while on vacation in Ontario), then again at about 175k miles (I replaced it - I tore the tranny down in a spare bedroom!), then again at 250k miles - this was when I finally broke down and replaced the whole thing.

The starter's brushes wore out at about 175k miles, and I replaced 'em for about four bucks. When I sold the truck the starter was just starting to go again.

One of the rear brake cylinders came apart while descending a steep hill, causing me to lose my brakes. With a busy road at the bottom of the hill I panicked and reefed on the E-brake, and instantly learned why one shouldn't do that - I sailed across that very busy road backward and ended up arse first in a river. Drove it out and drove it home (very carefully) though...

The electrical connectors at the battery would always corrode. I'd be driving down the road and the truck would just die. I'd pull off, wiggle the connectors, and be on my way for another six months. I finally got sick of it and cut out all the connectors, then used MAXI fuse holders in place of the fusible links.

The fuel pump - in this case, more accurately the "fool" pump. I came home from trade school one day to find my father in the driveway scratching his head. He told me that the truck does as soon as he pulled into the driveway. He decided it was the fuel pump, so he went and bought one and installed it, all proud of himself that he did it without any help from me. Except that the truck still didn't run. I checked for fuel at the schrader valve and none was to be found. I then asked him if he checked the fuse. He drew a blank look. I checked it, it was blown. A new fuse and the truck was good to go, but stalled as soon as I pulled it out of the driveway. The fuse blew again. I looked at the harness and found where it was rubbing on a bracket he had installed a few years prior for a slide in truck camper. A bit of solder, some electrical tape, and a few wire ties to keep it away from the bracket, and it was like new. After my father bought a $400 fuel pump for no reason...

The throttle body. One time when the aforementioned bad connection reared its ugly head and the truck stalled, it happened to be when my father was borrowing it. He got out, pulled the air cleaner, and stuck a screwdriver into a hole in the "carburetor". That hole housed the wire for the mass airflow sensor, built into the throttle body. Couldn't buy the sensor separately, so it was $400 for a new TB. And a wiggle of the wires (come to think of it, this may have been the incident that caused me to fix that loose connection permanently.

Rust. Any puppiesanese vehicle is very pr0ne to rust around here (I just looked at a '97 Accord V6 coupe that had more rust than any 20 year old Ford I'd ever seen) and that truck was no exception. The whole box was replaced under warranty at just under five years old, it was replaced again by myself when it was about 9 years old, and was about ready to be replaced again when I sold it.

The timing chain was just starting to get noisy when I sold it.

All in all, not too shabby for 500k miles and eleven years of hard service. Here she is, as she sat shortly before I sold her:
(http://www.foxthundercats.com/images/samscars/90nissantruck.jpg)
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: Jim_Miller on June 21, 2007, 02:01:27 PM
Quote from: 88sportcoupe;155758
All you young people don't screw up your credit like I did. I don't even know what my credit score is but if i had to guess it would probably be well below 500. I am really regretting all those credit cards i got out of HS and first semester of college:punchballs: . All it takes is losing your job or having a car breakdown and not being able to make a payment to send your credit score :toilet:.[/self pity rant]

Very good advice! I wish I had taken it when I was younger. have been spending YEARS trying to get that score back up. Don't loose faith 88sportcoup it can be done. I now had 2 (possably all three) up in the 700's now.
 
 
As for this Truck issue stumbled accross this
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/car/355304865.html
and thought it had Areobirds name all over it. So I just had to link it.
(can't see the pic's I'm at work and my company blocks them.. but the 2.3 turbo pickup idea made me think of you Mike)
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: P71 on June 21, 2007, 02:39:01 PM
I saw that one :hick:
Title: I'm in trouble...
Post by: daboss351 on June 21, 2007, 03:17:10 PM
oooo me liky