Husky's Yard - Subaru Transmitted Infection

[SVX]

I couldn't tell you from memory, I could go have a look though if you're interested.

I honestly don't know what's going on with that, he told me it sold for like 4 grand and I was speechless but had no reason to doubt him. He said he was organising the sale through paypal which I thought was odd but again, I've always trusted him so I went with it.

Then nothing for weeks, then the Audi disappears - Awesome I thought, that's that finally bloody gone.

Then suddenly in the past like 2 weeks ago he turns up in it and asks me to store it??

I honestly don't know.. but I told him he can keep the money for the car since he was the one who bought my R33 for me so I've washed my hands of the whole thing - however it is still in my name and in my possession so it's still technically "mine"

That's lame, hope it gets sold soon though!

Full service history is very hard to come by in anything this old, but in a 300zx it's nearly unheard of! Makes me wonder if it was sold there by a dealer brand new or if it was a private import. The locally sold cars tend to get quite the price boost over here 👍

It's was an private import I believe. I have my ways of knowing.

 

[Aquarelle]

Full service history is very hard to come by in anything this old, but in a 300zx it's nearly unheard of! Makes me wonder if it was sold there by a dealer brand new or if it was a private import. The locally sold cars tend to get quite the price boost over here 👍

I know that it has been imported from Japan but that's about all I know of the history, CarJam only tells you so much =/

That's lame, hope it gets sold soon though!

Same, I'd like to use the space it's using for visitors to park. My driveway can handle 8 cars, 5 comfortably. So I'd like to see some of them disappearing.

 

[SVX]

I know that it has been imported from Japan but that's about all I know of the history, CarJam only tells you so much =/

IMO I think it's a private import, or bought from a Japanese site that ships to NZ. '91 (IIRC) that was imported in '99.

Yes, I searched up your Z (is it a Fairlady since it's from Japan?) on CarJam. Couldn't resist.

 

[Aquarelle]

IMO I think it's a private import, or bought from a Japanese site that ships to NZ. '91 (IIRC) that was imported in '99.

Yes, I searched up your Z (is it a Fairlady since it's from Japan?) on CarJam. Couldn't resist.

I do that quite a lot

It's fun calling people out when they claim their engine is something it's not - because a quick search on CarJam will reveal the engine code.

 

[Hayden]

That website is so cool! Everything like that over here costs $10 per checked car

 

[Aquarelle]

That website is so cool! Everything like that over here costs $10 per checked car

They only offer basic info for free (Is it stolen, has the ODO been tampered with, VIN, Chassis and Engine numbers etc) and for the more indepth info you need to pay but honestly the info they give is pretty sufficient if you're not too precious about your purchase (IE, the car you're buying isn't like an 80 grand GT-R)

So glad SVX and his dad put me onto this site because it has been so damn helpful

 

[Aquarelle]

Went for a quick cruise today with Steve and his MX5

My R looks like an absolute behemoth compared to that little midget

Info on the Fairlady, bus is booked and I'll be arriving in Hastings at 4 PM - the guy is meeting me at the bus stop and I'll be setting off from there with AA dialed into the phone incase it blows up halfway down the road

Bit sketchy about having no support vehicle for such a long trip with an unknown vehicle but hey, a bargains a bargain so I'll have to take a risk.

 

[SVX]

I hope it goes all well for you, even if the engine does go kaput you'll still probably be able to make the money back from parting it out!

 

[Aquarelle]

I hope it goes all well for you, even if the engine does go kaput you'll still probably be able to make the money back from parting it out!

After factoring in a potential 700km tow truck journey I doubt it would almost be cheaper to just leave it on the side of the road.

But I'm remaining hopeful - the main thing keeping my hopes up is it wasn't a buy now or asking price of 1.7k and he was expecting way more for it

 

[Aquarelle]

Didn't skip a beat!

You'd be forgiven for thinking this thing was turbocharged, it has such a kick! I never went past half throttle and was still surprised by the acceleration of such a heavy shell.

the bad? HICAS.

This car nearly caused me to crash on a high speed corner when the rear began to slide out - out of instinct I began countersteering which caused the rear to snap which had me facing towards the ditch! I straightened it out immediately but this thing was terrifying to drive.

I got left behind by an Audi A4 on my home turf just because I couldn't push this thing even slightly because the moment you accelerate through a corner it felt like the car was both understeering and oversteering at the same time - absolutely hated it.

The suspension is WAY too firm for NZ roads, this thing skits and bounces more than a shopping trolley! I hit one bump which had me go into a slight drift because the bump steer is so intense.

The car is way too low, I struggled to get out of it after driving for 500Ks to put another 20 litres of fuel in just to be sure (It was 2 am by the time I got home and no petrol stations would be open so I wasn't risking conking out 20km from home) and it can't get down my driveway without scraping (Actually got beached, had to wiggle myself out with the accelerator and wheel)

Left rear wheel bearing is buggered and it needs a full 200k service inc timing belt.

Clearcoat missing on two spots on the bonnet and the front right quarter panel, paint is excellent everywhere else.

The good? pretty much everything else, the chassis felt good - power was excellent and the gearbox was smooth as silk - and it has a 2 stage clutch and an LSD which is nice.

 

[Aquarelle]

So after more digging now that I'm on my own driveway I have discovered five things.

1) The clutch is definitely a 2 stage.

2) I have aftermarket manifolds probably worth nearly what I paid for the car

3) I have adjustable suspension all the way around with the rear interior pieces which allow for adjusting the settings without removing the entire interior

4) The ECU has been chipped and bigger injectors have been fitted - ECU doesn't seem to have been mapped (at least not properly) so the car is running rich.

5) I have the full factory tool kit including targa top bags and shades which are apparently rare as hens teeth according to my 300ZX enthusiast friend.

This thing is the gift that keeps on giving! but the adjustable suspension explains why it was jumping around on the bumps and why the ride was so ungodly uncomfortable..

 

[Korza]

Too bad I've already brought a new car, I might've taken it off your hands.

 

[Aquarelle]

Too bad I've already brought a new car, I might've taken it off your hands.

Haha that's a shame, it's a damn good buy but I'm not going to be keeping it.

I can't really explain or quantify my feelings on the car but... it's just that. 1600kg of "Car"

I don't feel anything for it like I do my Skyline..

It's a good car, a great car in fact - It's really quite quick (Doesn't compare to my mates 300ZX but that thing is running 10PSI) and it handles well if the road is flat (Winding out the suspension stiffness now that I've discovered it has adjusties when I can get a day free to go back and forth on Mount Tiger to set it up properly) but I just.. yeah.. I don't feel any connection to it at all.

 

[SVX]

Sell it for $2000 and you have a buyer.

 

[Korza]

What are the power/torque figures for the NA Z32?

 

[Hayden]

I didn't think any of the NAs came with Hicas but i've been wrong before. It looks real clean overall, adjustable suspension and that exhaust manifold are definite bonuses.

As for 'just a car' that's exactly how I feel about my 86, even after 2 1/2 months daily driving it. The same can be said for our R32 despite it giving me and my dad a huge amount of fun. I think every person has that one car that nothing else can or ever will replace. I have my convertible, Slash has his old truck, Katiegan has her Mondeo and you have your Skyline. Maybe we're all just a little cookoo.

Edit: @Korza 222BHP, 198FT-Lbs.

 

[Korza]

I think every person has that one car that nothing else can or ever will replace. I have my convertible, Slash has his old truck, Katiegan has her Mondeo and you have your Skyline. Maybe we're all just a little cookoo.

I really hope I get the same with my new car. I've been lucky so far that both of my previous cars have been loveable (my Surf more so than the Accord).

 

[Aquarelle]

I didn't think any of the NAs came with Hicas but i've been wrong before. It looks real clean overall, adjustable suspension and that exhaust manifold are definite bonuses.

As for 'just a car' that's exactly how I feel about my 86, even after 2 1/2 months daily driving it. The same can be said for our R32 despite it giving me and my dad a huge amount of fun. I think every person has that one car that nothing else can or ever will replace. I have my convertible, Slash has his old truck, Katiegan has her Mondeo and you have your Skyline. Maybe we're all just a little cookoo.

Edit: @Korza 222BHP, 198FT-Lbs.

I haven't actually checked if it had HICAS for sure or not - however the handling characteristics were very much that of a HICAS equipped car - my friend Chase who has a twin turbo 300ZX said it feels like it does but again, haven't checked. It's just way too low to get in under it and HICAS system relocations (in the engine bay) are pretty common apparently.

Yeah I think you may be right haha, I've always had a strong love and desire for Skylines ever since I was a kid, then 2F2F/NFSU2 came out and I was just absolutely hooked from then on. Maybe it's making me a bit closed minded but I don't think so - I think the Z and I are just simply not meant to be.

I really hope I get the same with my new car. I've been lucky so far that both of my previous cars have been loveable (my Surf more so than the Accord).

You can only try, I've been through a very large number of cars by now and none of them have truly spoken to me like the Skyline.

Sell it for $2000 and you have a buyer.

'fraid not. As much as I'd love to do a favour for a friend you're asking me to throw away 3 grand of profit at the very least - potentially more given the mods done.

 

[SVX]

'fraid not. As much as I'd love to do a favour for a friend you're asking me to throw away 3 grand of profit at the very least - potentially more given the mods done.

Maintenance would be my wages.

BTW, do the Z31 factory wheels and this have the same bolt pattern and offset? I have a set if you want, for spare wheels or something.

 

[Aquarelle]

I think they have a different centrebore diameter unfortunately - otherwise they'd probably fit - if a bit small. And the last thing this Z needs is less grip..

Gave them both a well deserved bath.
Not that the R has done anything for a couple weeks.
Lazy 🤬

 

[SVX]

I think they have a different centrebore diameter unfortunately - otherwise they'd probably fit - if a bit small. And the last thing this Z needs is less grip..

Drift tyres. 💡

 

[Aquarelle]

Drift tyres. 💡

I guess haha

In other news, I just got shouted at because I'm calling my exhaust headers "Exhaust manifolds" - they're "Totally different"

Which is true, much like "Spoiler" and "Wing" they're not interchangeable terms - Manifolds usually come with the car from factory; are made from cast iron and are quite restricted.

Headers (What I have) are made of (Stainless)/steel and give better flow.

Pro-tip, don't talk to hyper nerds about cars unless you're absolutely certain you're using the right terms

 

[SVX]

I guess haha

In other news, I just got shouted at because I'm calling my exhaust headers "Exhaust manifolds" - they're "Totally different"

Which is true, much like "Spoiler" and "Wing" they're not interchangeable terms - Manifolds usually come with the car from factory; are made from cast iron and are quite restricted.

Headers (What I have) are made of (Stainless)/steel and give better flow.

Pro-tip, don't talk to hyper nerds about cars unless you're absolutely certain you're using the right terms

I actually didn't know that. Now I have something to brag about at college!

 

[Aquarelle]

Well that was fun...

I'm on pretty hectic pain meds at the moment to numb the pain caused by my chronic migraines that are accompanying whatever this virus is that I caught on the bus down to Hastings, which means that I am forbidden from driving.

So, naturally - I asked my best friend to drive me to town in my car so I could pick up supplies for the Cyclone that is about to hit my town.

When we pulled into Countdown (Major supermarket chain in NZ), he parked on a weird angle in a tight space - I asked him to at least straighten out because the car next to us was a beater and I felt red wouldn't go too well with grey.

Then as he reverses, he suddenly exclaims "Oh that's what I could do" causing me to look at him with concern and reply "what..?"

Then he accelerates into the carpark.. too fast for if he was intending to stop.. "KANE!!!!!" I scream but it was too late

BANG

Now, my precious, darling Skyline is beached on a concrete barrier.. I can only sit in stunned silence.. almost on the verge of tears as I shudder to imagine the state of my underbody.

I order him to get out and let me drive, directly disobeying doctors orders and carefully wiggle my Skyline free.

Lesson of the day, never lend your car to anyone.

Can't even have a beer to de-stress =/

 

[Ronald6]

Gentlemen,

I was looking for a group of car enthusiasts and found this thread. I was enjoying reading what you have done to your car, Urie, till the last post. I'm so sorry. I hope after you got it home and had time to look at it the damage wasn't too bad.

I have recently purchased a project car, a 99 Subaru Legacy wagon. It is the first sport ready car I've owned. I would appreciate help and advice as I prepare it for my local SCCA events.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[Aquarelle]

Gentlemen,

I was looking for a group of car enthusiasts and found this thread. I was enjoying reading what you have done to your car, Urie, till the last post. I'm so sorry. I hope after you got it home and had time to look at it the damage wasn't too bad.

I have recently purchased a project car, a 99 Subaru Legacy wagon. It is the first sport ready car I've owned. I would appreciate help and advice as I prepare it for my local SCCA events.

Thanks,
Ron

Haha cheers mate, I got her home just fine and the damage is minimal, thankfully my low profile tyres didn't burst from the impact which was my main concern and my underbody just looks like I took a speed bump a bit too vigorously, I'm sure it'll receive much worse once my lowering springs arrive.

If you're looking at racing your car keep in mind that it can be very brutal, things will break. If you rely on your car for work consider getting another vehicle as a daily as your Subie will inevitably end up on jack stands haha

Other than that, focus on handling mods. Performance bracing, suspension, thicker/stiffer Anti Roll Bars and weight reduction will have a far more drastic effect on your times than power will.

Presuming your wagon is turbo charged go for supporting mods without actually increasing your boost, reducing your engine temperature is paramount for a reliable track car - Bigger radiator and intercooler should be first on your list.

And most importantly, remember that driving on a track isn't like driving on the street, change your fluids regularly and always carefully inspect your tyres and brake for excessive wear. If you're still daily driving this thing you don't want to be driving to work, hit your brakes and have nothing happen because your car is shot from the event.

Keep a weather eye on your temperature gauge and have fun!!

Anyhow, make your own thread in the Members Rides section - we can help you much easier that way instead of having you share mine 👍

 

[FordMKIVJ5]

I guess haha

In other news, I just got shouted at because I'm calling my exhaust headers "Exhaust manifolds" - they're "Totally different"

Which is true, much like "Spoiler" and "Wing" they're not interchangeable terms - Manifolds usually come with the car from factory; are made from cast iron and are quite restricted.

Headers (What I have) are made of (Stainless)/steel and give better flow.

Pro-tip, don't talk to hyper nerds about cars unless you're absolutely certain you're using the right terms

Headers is just a US term for performance exhaust manifolds. I've never heard anybody use the term in the UK unless they're referring to performance manifolds on American cars. We'd tend to say just "performance exhaust manifold" or "stainless steel manifold".

Therefore a header is an exhaust manifold. But an exhaust manifold is not a header.

So shout back at the other guy.

 

[Aquarelle]

Headers is just a US term for performance exhaust manifolds. I've never heard anybody use the term in the UK unless they're referring to performance manifolds on American cars. We'd tend to say just "performance exhaust manifold" or "stainless steel manifold".

Therefore a header is an exhaust manifold. But an exhaust manifold is not a header.

So shout back at the other guy.

That's what I thought too, but the guy was from Australia so.. who knows..

 

[SVX]

Whoops, double post.

 

[SVX]

Gentlemen,

I was looking for a group of car enthusiasts and found this thread. I was enjoying reading what you have done to your car, Urie, till the last post. I'm so sorry. I hope after you got it home and had time to look at it the damage wasn't too bad.

I have recently purchased a project car, a 99 Subaru Legacy wagon. It is the first sport ready car I've owned. I would appreciate help and advice as I prepare it for my local SCCA events.

Thanks,
Ron

Oooh, a '99. That'd be a BH5 wouldn't it? I may know a thing or two about those.

Anymore info? Transmission, trim/spec, etc.

And I'll just echo what Urie said, harder driving means more strain on parts and sooner maintenance times, which in the end means more $$$, so just bear that in mind. I also agree that having a project car/track car as a daily is a bit of an unwise idea, it can just cause more headaches.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your Subaru, I'm a bit of an enthusiast if you hadn't guessed.