Hey all,
Picked up this 3.0i in Jozie and brought it home to Cape Town.
Went well on the long road expect for what I think is heavy fuel consumption. Got 400kms on a full tank (45 liters) doing average of 130kph overtaking at 150/160. Also, noticeable kick (with loud intake rumble) from 4'000rpm onwards but otherwise sluggish under 4'000rpm. Feels like the VANOS only activates after 4'000rpm and then it doesn't even come in fully. I reckon the engine is only putting out maybe at 85% of its power. That's the one hassle. Otherwise, good road dynamics and was surprisingly comfortable at cruising speeds.
So got home to Cape Town and after a buddy of mine did a few donuts, I picked up bad creaking in the rear, between the seats, near the diff or propshafts by the sounds of things. Especially when pulling 1st and 2nd. Sounds like diff rubbers; mountings; something! Any suggestions; experience; common problems; fixes???
Checked suspension rubbers and shocks, all good.
Otherwise, great car. As long as I keep it above 4'000rpm, she pulls hard! Despite the poor performance, so far I smoked my buddies 350Z, 1st to 3rd gear but the engine feels like there is no torque, it just revs and the 350Z catches up in 4th. Also smoked my cousin's E36 M3 2 door, 1st to 4th gear but passes after 180/200. Again, suspect VANOS. Good build quality, engine is a gem if it can run properly, I know these 3.0i's perform very well with even mild mods.
Lotsa fun (in the sun), loves the tight twisties and go-kart like handling make for some awesome fun. Do not advise driving in the wet with ACS off though. Unless you have good practice behind the wheel and huge balls, just don't do it. The rear is extremely lively.
Sweet! Happy holidays!
Picked up this 3.0i in Jozie and brought it home to Cape Town.
Went well on the long road expect for what I think is heavy fuel consumption. Got 400kms on a full tank (45 liters) doing average of 130kph overtaking at 150/160. Also, noticeable kick (with loud intake rumble) from 4'000rpm onwards but otherwise sluggish under 4'000rpm. Feels like the VANOS only activates after 4'000rpm and then it doesn't even come in fully. I reckon the engine is only putting out maybe at 85% of its power. That's the one hassle. Otherwise, good road dynamics and was surprisingly comfortable at cruising speeds.
So got home to Cape Town and after a buddy of mine did a few donuts, I picked up bad creaking in the rear, between the seats, near the diff or propshafts by the sounds of things. Especially when pulling 1st and 2nd. Sounds like diff rubbers; mountings; something! Any suggestions; experience; common problems; fixes???
Checked suspension rubbers and shocks, all good.
Otherwise, great car. As long as I keep it above 4'000rpm, she pulls hard! Despite the poor performance, so far I smoked my buddies 350Z, 1st to 3rd gear but the engine feels like there is no torque, it just revs and the 350Z catches up in 4th. Also smoked my cousin's E36 M3 2 door, 1st to 4th gear but passes after 180/200. Again, suspect VANOS. Good build quality, engine is a gem if it can run properly, I know these 3.0i's perform very well with even mild mods.
Lotsa fun (in the sun), loves the tight twisties and go-kart like handling make for some awesome fun. Do not advise driving in the wet with ACS off though. Unless you have good practice behind the wheel and huge balls, just don't do it. The rear is extremely lively.
Sweet! Happy holidays!
