Brad-ManQ45

kewl Mike! I'm not ready yet, but will be a customer in the future... Rotisserie, body work, suspension back on and then brakes!

I believe I would have to side w/JamieT on this. Only one small modificaton - make sure the raised portion will clear the Stealth Ram if possible. Now I know what you may be thinking, and I'm not sure it can be done because I don't HAVE one, and don't even HAVE an engine yet, but I'll BUY one and let it be used for measuring. Possibly keep the same PROPORTIONS of the raised part of the hood, but BIGGER to clear. It would have to be a bit wider (how much?) and a bit taller (how much?)... I like a sleeper look also - although I may wind up putting some vents in later - like MSA's hood for getting air out from under the hood. In "just eyeballing" the Stealth Ram, It doesn't look like it would be much taller than a high rise dual-plane w/3" aircleaner, but maybe I'm wrong...Have been before, will be again. Opinions????

I contacted Dan to get one and he believes he has one left... I hope so. I'm gonna make SURE I soak the HELL out of everything SEVERAL times w/penetrating oil before I try this...

According to my Chilton's manual ('70 to '86), '75 & up driveshaft universals cannot be replaced. My Clymer's for the 280 ZX's says the same thing about these driveshafts.

I have always maintained that the engine was the last part of the car to be done in my project. It will be as, if not more expensive that all the rest put together. The % of stock parts on the car will be relatively small...

Although I had a '72 Mustang CJ for 14 years, I always liked the looks of the '70 and '71 Challengers. Later AMX's were distinctive too.

I had a '72 351 CJ - Q code - same as the 428 CJ's. This was the prettiest/baddest small block engine Ford made (the Cleveland had the water crossover cast into the block and just used a plate to cover the timing chain - real clean, and the aluminum valve covers - like used on the Boss 302's capperd it off well). Virtually the same weight as a 351W. I never lacked for torque in my Mustang - even after installing a Torker intake and a 700 DP. My brother-inlaw had a '72 454 'Vette and (before I did anything to the engine) I'd take him to 100, where he started to pull up on me (he had a 3.08 and I had a 3.25 rear gear). A great combo would be a 351 block and the Cleveland heads - the oiling system is much better. Minor mods to head gaskets and possibly drill a few holes and you could be screamin'. Mounts are same as 289/302 for the Cleveland. I I had one or could get one cheap I'd certainly do it! The one problem, which could be corrected w/restrictors was the oiling system - too much went to cam.

3" would be too big for an NA car - would probably resonate like all get-out. A lot of NA people prefer 2.25" - not much HP loss, better low end and much quieter. Do you HAVE to put one on now?

I had a '75 RD350 - 40 days & 4700 miles until a Lincoln Towncar ran a redlight... Fun bike!

Diesel turbo's area no-go for a gasoline engine. Most parts too heavy. Specs are outside the range for most engines.

last year for fuel injection on the 327 was '65...

SSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO CLOSE! I do my best to make a sound like a horse but my wife SWEARS it sounds like a JackAss! Brad

It's been too long since I was at a race, but Bob Tullius' 12 Cyl Jag XKE annihilating B Production 'vettes at the Champion Spark Plug Roadracing Classic in the 70's at Road Atlanta was my idea of heaven...

Sorry I didn't open this post sooner, and sorry about the baby. We've had our share of problems too - leukemia (my brother didn't make it) and another brother gone. Appears as though she's a fighter - attitude counts! I will be thinking about ya'll... Brad

I have an '83 ZXT 5 speed. Anything that fits a Mustang will work. Hurst comes to mind. If youre not turbo'd why the T5 when the later (280 ZX na) 5 speed has better ratios and smoothness?

Congrats James! I know you're gonna love it... Keep us appraised of the progress...

I just took off the mounts themselves, but got hasty and ripped into the "stiffening bracket in a couple of places. I will be putting in a 4l80E and don't know if I will need to remove this or not....

Dan - you're using a Suzuki gas tank aren't you? What size is that tank? I was thinking of using 2 to get some range out of mine and put the exhaust where you are. Cust up a junker and get the gas lid, etc., or possibly recess the LeMans style gas caps...

I beleive the 10:1 ratio in one of the responses idincated a RICH condition - 10 parts air to 1 part fuel. 14.6 - stoichiometric is 14.6 parts air to 1 part fuel. This is for gasoline w/o oxygenates. Lean would be MORE parts air to 1 part fuel....

I would use one 3" pipe - just like I did on my '83ZXT. I used a Dynomax Muffler - straight through 3" oval cannister ~19" long. This keep the car quiet - but that's w/a turbo ahead (and 3" cat). You will probably need the biggest muffler you can get for the 383. One downside, especially if you are NOT going to have a cat is resonance - big pipes can cause problems here. For a normally aspirated 2.4-3.1 litre engine not much need to go over 2.5" unless turbo'd. A lot of people are happier w/2.25" for na cars - better low end and quieter/weighs less. Stock 280 ZXT's had ~2 3/8's"...

Harbor Freight moved into the Atlanta market about 6 months ago, and I only discovered them about a month ago. They have been running sales almost continuously going after Northern's business. I have put close to a grand in the stuff they have had ON SALE for anywhere from 33 to 50% off! In the process I learned a trick for getting the spouse to not complain about the money spent, which is probably the best advice/tip I could give to any of you. I took her for her favorite breakfast/brunch, then went to Harbor Freight. When I got there I gave her 1/2 the ads that I had cut out, showing prices before/sale and explained what they each were for. After we were through (she had picked up a pair of sissors for herself), I went outside to enjoy the sun and get out of the unairconditioned store (broken). When she came out she said "Boy - we saved a lot of money!" Now truth be known, I will NEVER understand the female mind, and believe that any man that does is really F*^#&d in the head . I have been married for 19 years and STILL don't have a clue - but I'm gonna try this again!

The Starion ESI-R's and Conquest TSI's all had Limited Slip rearends. I had an '87 that was a blast out in El Paso, Albuquerque and Austin.

I have an '83 ZXT and a '75. I asked the Nissan mechanic working on my ZX what the difference between fuel pumps between them was and he said "only that the Turbo Pump operated at two voltages dependant upon the engines current need" and both could supply the same amount of fuel at the same pressures. Don't know that he was right or not, but he had a ZXT also and loves the cars, gave 'em up w/family on the way....

I'm in for dash and console. Half and Half ok, but the bucks aren't major - whatever everyone else decides I guess. If someone had the G-Nose pieces I'd like to get those too. Waiting to hear prices on fenders and hood! brad

Starion/Conquest Auto Trans Swap Info This should have you covered.... Brad