2005 NISSAN FAIRLADY Z

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup or deceleration, Burning through 1+ quart every 500-1000 miles, Fouled spark plugs in cylinders 5 and 6 most commonly, Loss of power and rough idle as rings deteriorate

Fix: Requires engine rebuild with new pistons and rings, or used engine swap. Cylinder head removal, honing, new rings minimum is 18-24 hours labor. Full rebuild with machine work 30-40 hours. Many opt for low-mileage JDM engine swap at 12-16 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling or whining noise from front of engine on cold start, Noise disappears after 5-10 seconds as oil pressure builds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes P0335 or P0340, Catastrophic engine damage if chain jumps timing

Fix: Full timing chain kit replacement including guides, tensioners, and chains. Front cover removal required. 8-12 hours labor. Should replace water pump and front main seal while in there. Critical preventive maintenance item.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant or coolant in transmission (strawberry milkshake fluid), Overheating transmission temp gauge, Slipping gears or delayed engagement, Complete transmission failure if coolant contaminates clutch packs

Fix: Replace transmission cooler (integrated into radiator on many Z33s), flush entire cooling system, drop pan and replace transmission fluid and filter minimum. If contamination occurred, transmission rebuild or replacement required at 12-18 hours labor. Cooler replacement alone is 3-4 hours.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (cooler only), $3,500-5,500 (with transmission rebuild)

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Persistent ticking noise from valve train that doesn't quiet down, Noise increases with RPM, More pronounced when engine is hot, Can affect multiple cylinders, bank 2 (passenger side) more common

Fix: Replace failed hydraulic lifters. Requires valve cover removal and careful inspection to identify which lifters are collapsed. 6-10 hours labor depending on how many need replacement. Should replace all lifters on affected bank while in there.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive drivetrain movement during acceleration, Vibration at idle in gear, Visible tearing or separation of rubber mount

Fix: Replace transmission mount. Simple job requiring transmission support and removal of old mount. 1.5-2.5 hours labor. Often done with motor mounts as preventive maintenance.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Stumbling or hesitation under load, Loss of power at highway speeds, Fuel pressure below spec (should be 51 PSI at idle)

Fix: In-tank fuel filter sock clogs on high-mileage cars, or pump fails. Requires fuel tank drop. 3-5 hours labor. Filter sock often neglected since there's no inline filter to service. Replace pump assembly if pressure is weak.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 150,000+ mi or overheated engines

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating with no apparent cause, Combustion gases in coolant (bubbles in overflow tank), Milky oil if severe

Fix: Cylinder head removal, resurfacing, new head gasket and head bolts. Check for warpage and cracks. 12-16 hours labor per bank. Often uncovers other issues like worn valve guides or seats requiring machine work.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500 (single bank), $5,000-7,500 (both banks)