Hey y'all. I just got a 1993 nissan 300zx automatic. The engine runs like a top but it drives so slowly. Foot to the floor it will only do 40 mph. Ot only stays in 2nd gear in drive won't even go for 1st unless you put it in 1st gear. Just looking to see where to start looking for the problem.
Lots of potential issues here. I would make sure the maintenance is up to date and there aren't any vacuum leaks. Spark plugs, vacuum leaks, those things can cause an underpower situation. Not to scare you but it sounds to me like the clutch packs are going out in the transmission but I would eliminate those other possibilities first.
That car is 27 years old which is a dinosaur.. Hopefully you didn't pay much because it sounds like a problem with the Automatic transmission not wanting to shift into gears which is never good news. You want to have someone check it out but don't get your hopes up with a car that old it could be multiple things. Scotty has talked a lot about transmission rebuilds and barely anyone does them right and unless you want to spend serious money buying an aftermarket one you might be out of luck if it is the transmission going out because on a very old car like that it likely is. 🙁 GL my dude
I've rebuilt 3 Z-cars. Let me suggest this. Converting your Z from automatic to manual. You can find manuals in salvage yards still and online.
You'll need pedal assembly and master cyl. The conversion is not that hard to do.
Next, drop the tyranny and have it rebuilt.
Both suggestions are only if you want to keep it a long time.
Rebuld will be about $2k. Swap out, if you do it, should be under $1k.
