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ZMANZ32TT
06-18-2006, 10:13 PM
Hey guys just thought id make everyone a Glossary of useful and helpful Terms and phrases in the Z world.

Z32=Chassis code of the 300ZX

Fairlady Z= Japanese Market name for the 240Z-350Z also was a seperate sports car in the 60s made by Datsun but not a Z just a Fairlady

2+0 = 2 seater version of the Z32, although not a technical reference it is still used to describe the 2 seater.

2+2 = Z32 with back seats also is longer than a normal 300ZX Z32 can be recognized by the gas door behind the rear wheel on the passenger side

Slicktop = Base model, TTopless version of the Z32.

Convertible (Vert)= The convertible version of the Z32, first made available in 1993.

99 Fairlady Z = The 300ZX was discontinued for sale in the US in 1996, but was continued in Japan until spring 2000, still sold as a 99 model, the 1999 Fairlady Z had a different fascia, it was also equipped with HIDs and the rear spoiler and taillights also got a face lift. The Tails and Fascia are common modifications made to the USDM Z32s. The interior also got a few extra goodies.

Fairlady Z Version R=

Fairlady Z Version S=

97+ Transmission= A new style transmission available for the 97 through 99 JSPEC Fairlady Zs it had improved synchros and gears which made for no grinding in the transmission.

JSPEC = Japanese Spec, The title associated with Japanese versions or parts of the Z32 and other Japanese cars

ASPEC= American Spec, associated with American only versions and parts on the American Z32s

JDM = Japanese Domestic Market

USDM= United States Domestic Market

SR71= A small number of Z32s that were upgraded by Texas Motorsports and are recognized by there Kaminari Body kits.

SMZ (Steve Millen Z) = Another special edition Z32 TT that was built by Steve Millen, (STILLEN) that is recognized by its STILLEN side skirts, rear and front fascias and High Rear spoiler, it also had a few Carbon fiber accents in the interior.

PTU= Power Transistor unit, a unit that amplifies a ignition signal to each of the coilpacks. There was a recall to replace the early faulty PTU.

CAS= Crank Angle Sensor, monitors engine speed and piston positions and sends the data to the ECU.

FPR = Fuel Pressure Regulator, a part located in the fuel system that regulates the amount of fuel pressure that is send into the system. There are aftermarket adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulators

Fuel Dampner= A part located in the fuel system that ensures a constant pressure throughout the fuel system.

Pop Charger = After market cone intake to replace the stock air box

Dual pop charger = a second intake filter that serves to pull more air into the engine uses a dummy MAF (mass airflow sensor) and requires an ECU upgrade to use. Commonly referred to as Dual Pop, or DOOLZ.

Intercooler = A part that is installed on Turbo vehicles, when the turbo compressor sends air back up to the engine (forced Induction) the Air is very hot, hot air is your engines enemy, the cooler air is more efficient and makes more horsepower. The Intercooler cools the air charge going into the engine before it makes its way into the throttle bodies. There are also several different types of intercoolers, side mounts, Front mounts, and top mounts.

FMIC = Front Mount Intercooler, an aftermarket Intercooler upgrade that in more extreme circumstances requires the removal of the Front bumper crash support. Lowers the air temp that goes into the engine from the Turbos.

SMIC = Side Mount Intercooler, Z32s are equipped with SMICs from the factory and there are many larger aftermarket SMICs available.

DPs= downpipes, pipes that run off the turbos and connect to the rest of the exhaust, several versions of the downpipe exist, common terms associated: 4 bolt, 5 bolt, divorced, super splits etc.

Pre-Cats = TT only part, it is basically a second set of catalytic converters. They are the part that is replaced by aftermarket downpipes. They come off the turbos and run into the midpipes.

TPs = testpipes, replace the stock mid-pipes that the catalytic converters are apart of. Not recommended if you have emissions testing in your state.

Catalytic Convertor = An emissions control device that blocks excessive gases from exiting the vehicle. Are commonly replaced by test pipes.

High Flow Catalytic Convertor= An upgrade for those that cant completely elimante the catalytic Convertor but want more exhaust flow for horsepower.

BBK= Big brake upgrade kit, also known as a BMFBK (guess), it upgrades your stock calipers, rotors, etc to more of a Race car like braking system. Usually in 4 POT or 6 POT upgrade.

ALC = Automatic Line controller, a plug and play interface with the factory Automatic Transmission computer, this device makes sure that the line pressure is constant to make for optimum shifting. If at anytime the pressure starts to drop the ALC kicks in to maintain the correct constant level of pressure.

Hardpipes = Aftermarket pipes that replace the rubber intake piping that runs into the throttle bodies.

Upper plenum= (intake manifold) your throttle bodies are connected to this and draw in the air that leads down into the lower plenum and into the intake runners.

Balance tube = metal tube that runs from one side of your upper plenum to the other. It balances and regulates the plenum so that both sides have equal pressure.

Lower plenum = where the upper plenum runners connect and lead down into the combustion champer.

1 Peice DS = 1 peice driveshaft, aftermarket driveshaft that replaces the factory 2 peice driveshaft, commonly replaced after failure of the carrier bearing.

60k service = In its simplest form, when your timing belt is due to be serviced, the water pump and cam seals are replaced as well.

120k service = a more technical version of the 60k service all though all the parts changed in the 60k are changed, there are a couple of other parts due to be changed in the 120k service i.e. idler pulley etc.

UD pulley = underdrive pulley commonly replaced with a lighter pulley to free up some extra horsepower.

ITB= Individual Throttle bodies all though not a reference to the Z32, it is used on some older Zs. Each cylinder has its own throttle body.

AIVs = Air injection valves, a common gurgling sound is heard from these, located behind the fenders, only on early model Z32s. The AIVs send unused air to the exhaust manifold from a vacuum created by moving exhaust gases in the exhaust manifold. They Can be removed.

PCVs= Positive Crankcase ventilation, relieve pressure inside of the crankcase

HICAS = High Capacity Actively Controlled Suspension, The 4 wheel steering system on the Twin Turbo model only, early model Z32 TTs had a hydraulically controlled HICAS system and the later model TTs got a electronically controlled HICAS system. Some have chosen to eliminate it either by necessity (rare failure of the system) or by choice to race (many do not like the feel of it while racing on a course) Commonly misunderstood to be a faulty system by NA owners and others who have not experienced it, but in reality is rare to fail. Also equipped on Skylines, early 240SXs and Silvias.

Shifter bushings = Two little rubbery plastic bushings that keep your shifter firm. strongly suggest replacing if you have any sloppiness in your shifter.

Boost Jets = little aluminum tubes that are put into certain spots in the boost hoses and control the amount of boost made. Used on TTs with upgraded ECUs and that do not have a electronic or manual boost controller. Metal welding tips are also commonly used.

Detonation = Detonation occurs when air and gas ignite prematurely before the spark plug sparks, can cause major damage to your engine.

Detonation (knock) Sensor= It is a sensor that detects detonation noises in the engine below 3500 RPM. If detonation occurs below 3500 this sensor will detect it and send a signal to the ECU and will retard the timing and cut the boost in TT models to 7psi or safety boost to protect the engine, if detonation occurs above 3500 then the Sensor will not detect it and the ECU will not protect the engine.

Safety boost = when there is detonation the ECU sends a signal to turn the boost down around 7 psi to protect the engine from damage.

IACV= Idle Air Control Valve, this valve maintains your idle, it is adjustable and will wear out over time, a failing IACV can cause irratic idle and stalling.

Air Regulator= the air regulator is an air by-pass for the engine when it is cold for a fast idle during warm-up. When the temperature is cooler, the air by-pass port opens up and then gradually closes as the engine comes up to operating temperature.

EGR= Exhaust Gas Recirculator, this valve runs from the exhaust manifold to the Upper plenum, when the ECU determines there is too much oxygen in the exhaust this valve sends more exhaust gas into the cylinder and reducing the amount of oxygen in the cylinder for more optimum ignition.

ECU = Engine control unit, your cars brain in its simplest meaning, It controls all your vitals.

EPROM = Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, its inside your ECU and stores all your cars programming. Is what is upgraded when you get your ECU upgrade performed.

MAF = Mass Air flow Sensor, a sensor which reads the amount of air coming into the engine and the ECU figures out the amount of fuel to supply.

Soft valves = A problem associated with the early 1990 Z32s valve train, several Z32s experienced this and an extensive research campaign went into finding the problem and eventually in 1992 a recall was performed to fix the problem. By then the Z32s had 10s of thousands of miles on them and was not necessarily a problem right off the bat. only around 300 to 350 of the cars were afflicted. ( I have the actual serial numbers that this problem was associated with)

TPS = Throttle position Sensor, it is a sensor that is located on the drivers side throttle body that lets the ECU know what position the throttle is in.

Turbo Timer = a device used to properly cool down the turbos and prevent premature failure of the turbo do to lack of cool down time. Many different brands make Turbo timers.

EBC = Electronic Boost controller an electronic controller mounted inside of your car that controls the amount of boost your car makes electonically.

MBC = Manual Boost Controller, a controller that mechanically controls the boost.

Air/Fuel Ratio= Ratio of Air to Fuel, the ECU determines the proper amount of Air to mix with fuel to make the car run properly. An improper Air/fuel ratio is what will cause your car to run lean, or rich.

Wastegate = a part of the turbo that releases a certain amount of boost pressure to control the amount of boost sent to the engine. There are two types of wastegate, internal and external

BB turbo = Ball bearing turbo, spools more efficient than a conventional turbo, commonly misunderstood to boost sooner, but is not the case it just spools harder and more efficient.

Coolant Temp Sensor= A sensor located your water pipes that measures the temperature of the coolant and sends a signal to the ECU and gives you your cars temperature.

Fuel Temp Sensor= A sensor that attaches to the fuel rail, it sends a signal to the ECU and when the temperature is higher than normal it sends more pressure to maximize your performance.

02 sensor = Oxygen sensor, this is a sensor that is located in either the exhaust manifold of a NA or a Pre-cat/ Downpipe of a TT, it sends a signal to the ecu and tells the ECU how much oxygen is present in the exhaust, and the ECU determines how rich or lean the car is and then sends a signal to the ECU which determines how rich or lean the car is and controls the amount of fuel the car needs to maintain the proper A/F ratio.

I will be adding more to this in the next few days until it is in mine and the rest of the Admins eyes perfect.

-Mark