Racin_Jason

I played pretty seriously for 5 years. Did the high school and college band thing. I still own a classic Ibanez Roadstar with a custom triple coil KMDpickup (all 15+ years old now) and a Ibanez acoustic. I still tinker onc in awhile..but im a far cry from being a "player" these days. Stick with it tho...its VERY rewarding. me

LOL Im gonna send this to my Mother. I bet she will get a laugh. Thx for sharing RJ

http://www.jasonshobbyshowcase.homestead.com/homepage.html http://www.jasonshobbyshowcase.homestead.com/240z.html

Im gonna disagree with Davy here. Sorry Davy The torque of a 327, even in stock form, would allow for 0-60 times in the hi5-low6 range...aslong as you didnt boil the balonies and learned to launch the car decently. I had a 96 Prelude vtec that ran 15.5's in the quarter and 0-60s in the low 7s. Now if a Z that weighs 500 less...and has over double the torque can't better these times then somethings wrong. Remember...the horsepower is a great reference...but the torque is whats gonna have you grinnin'. In a early 240 (light!!), the torque of even a stock 327 would be bordering 'neck snapping' when you jab the loud pedal. Think of acceleration from a roll. Not just a dead stop. You peg it on the freeway and that V8's torquewill pull you along briskly. Just my 2cents Jason

19 Looks and no replys Bump

almost forgot to mention we mustn't forget about the ultra smooth 6-speed manual behind these engines

FWIW I recently test drove an Infinity G35 coupe with the same engine as the 350Z. I can tell you that it would be a very sweet engine for an early Z. The powerband is so linear and smooth. It makes the acceleration very decieving. Nice broad, flat torque curve Im sure. Redlines at 7K I believe and loves to rev to it and past Ive heard. Someone will do it eventually and Im sure they will be impressed with the results. 280HP AND 280TQ (G35 coupe version) with a fat powerband from about 2k to past red....yummy. I just might buy a G35 Coupe too. I mean DAMMIT that thing is sexy!! Jason

I posted a while ago about this and John Scott suggested I use the vent on the left side of the tank. It is visible from the bottom on the far left side. Well I plumbed my 3/8" return into it and now, many moons later, I questionsed it. I blew into the hose and, even with the gascap off for pressure release, it was moderately hard. Didnt seem like much flow to me. Maybe it IS enough for a 3/8" return and it just SEEMS restricted to my air test. John? Anyone? Who has used this vent as a return and can verify it will be ok.....before I fire my engine and break in the cam! Thanks! RJ previous post http://www.hybridz.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=17570&highlight=

Nice! Too bad there isnt more info. I'd atleast like to know if he retained the AWD system and what the driveline consists of. Reminds me of Lingenfelter insane little GMC S-15 pickup. Also a TT SBC, it had AWD and something to the tune of 900+HP i think? Anyways it ran in the NINES through the quarter and it wasnt even tuned correctly yet! Mega sleeper too...i believe all thatr were visable were a small hood scoop and slapper bars on the rear leafs. What a ride! Jason

Did you catch the pics?

Gimme that hood! sooky sooky

Man Im jealous! Seems alot of you got to see these cars in person and even meet the owners. I'm sure they are both blue in the face from answering questions after those shows. Prolly lovin every minute of it too Those headlights do look alot like a early-mid 90's Oldsmobile headlight assemblys. I agree on the comment about possibly copying. I'm not one to do that usually but....I mean shit, LOOK at it!

Tim, Is Dan OK? I havent talked to him for a while...figured we were both just busy. Hope all is well with he and his family!

I've corresponded with Ross regarding buying myself a set of coilovers and rear brake brackets. I just wanted to say that he was VERY thorough and quick with responses. His reputation is obviously earned and not forum hype. When I am ready to order these parts, ROss C will be getting my hard earned money. BTW those coilovers look awesome man! Great Job! Jason

linky??

Thanks much David. Very nice website! Now i'll be stuck on the PC for a little while longer... Like this also

I finally got around to surfing all the great stuff i missed at MSA this year. Looked to be an awesome showing. I enjoyed the pics I was impressed with these two that i had never seen before. Just beautiful work man, geez. Both very creative executions. Its so pleasing to see the Z community continueing to develop and create...and it appears the envelop is FAR from being pushed to the limit! MAJOR KUDOS to the owners of these cars! I just felt these deserved a look if you havent seen them yet Jason carbed and twinturbo Stock hood...but the tubs remove any stealth the hood affords. Ok...this IMHO is gorgeous! Are those the headlight assemblys from the early 90s Oldmobiles? NICE JOB and Im diggin the tailights too! Nicely convertable-converted. Looks clean. Daddy like!

congrats!! I can only dream...

When it comes to cars, I've always been a function over fashion type guy. I'll take the performer over the pretty face any day. Its A LOT of moolah...i know i know. I think the same way. I wouldnt have ever considered spending this kind of coin on a new car if I hadn't seen the videos and read the specs. I mean thats why im building the Z right? Compare it to other dreams, ya know? Like the actress or singer that drives you wild. Always loved to look at her! Imagined the bliss of being with her! But you KNOW she is out of your range. But man what a time you'd have! WOOT. But wait...you mean she is obtainable?! You mean I have what it takes?? So am I going to pass and deny myself because its gonna take more of an effort than I would usually need to get her, even if i CAN do what it takes....or.....am I gonna grab that girl and run without lookin back and have the time of my life? Ok, so maybe she (the STI) isnt the hottest looking babe around...but I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that she will show me one hell of a good time! lol Also auxilary makes a good point. With a car like this (thats meant to be driven HARD) I wouldn't want someone elses abused leftovers. I think breaking it in properly and knowing its always been cared for correctly is worth alot. i am willing to pay Piece of Mind in this circumstance. I'm still about 50/50 on the decision. Jason

Funny how we think the same...true car folks I mean. I've considered what else the $30k could buy and, yea Mike, I could have many toys for the price of one. Very tempting indeed but my situation sort of chooses for me. I dont have any more ROOM for more toys. I have 2 cars in a 2 car garage that are both unfinished. I have a street bike and a dirt bike (havent riden either in over 2 years). Here in SoCA our typical home has a small garage and a driveway so toy-room is at a premium...and Im maxed out. I could easily talk myself out of this whole thing. I mean, shit, I already have 2 fast cars in the garage...now get out there and FINISH ONE! The truck serves the utility need and the project cars serve the need for thrills. Makes perfect sense. Now let me slip out of my Joe Practical outfit and get back into my Pro-Drag tshirt. The truck is boring me and the gas is murder. As time goes on I find myself wanting to be able to drift a corner or just run through the gears on the way to work. I think it would be a great mood enhancer. Also, come to think of it, it STI would be practical also. Atleast somewhat. It is afterall a 4 door and a 4cyl. Room for family, fuel economy and decent insurance. Plus its safer then my F150 according to crash test results. It would definately be more cramped (im a big guy) and less comfortable than the F150, but I think the performance would outweigh the loss in space. I know I sound like my mind is made up already but that just inst the case. I dont want to regret this purchase because my hindsight proves to work much better then my foresight. Lots of choices at this price level and I have a perfectly good truck right now. Something in me just sees the chance to have a supercar at a young enough age to really, really enjoy it...and while bad choices can be frustrating, I can't relive my youth. Whats left of it anyways

Yes this is a large chunk of money, and, hell no I dont have that kind of cash laying around. I do however have a 2000 F150 to sell plus some cash for a healthy down and the interest rates are still great. I could pull it off without much problem. Yes Im very aware of the Mitsu EVO also. I've read the reviews and comparisons. Personally, it looks to boy-racer for me. I dont even like the wing on the STI. Bottom line points for me are Subaru is proven to be a much more reliable car on the average, The STI will have MUCH more low-midrange torque and the STI obviously comes with a nicer interior, better ride charachteristics and better quality standards. Ive looked at used cars such as Supra TT, C5, WS6 etc. The Subaru seems to be a betttre overall package for the money, to me atleast. 6 year drivetrain warranty, awesome safety ratings, AWD grip, newer technology, good MPG for the power, LOWER INSURANCE for the 4cly/ 4 door and much less profile on the streets due to low stated looks to name a few. Besides, if I were to buy a used RWD sportscar, id be shopping for an MKIV. I havent called around to the dealerships yet to see if they are spoken for or not. Not even sure how many they plan on importing. I'll have to stop by a few local dealerships and see. I know one the one here in town is taking deposits, but they said they are taking 28 deposits PER CAR. When the car arrives, they call the 28 people and the first to show up with the money gets the car. ?????? I figure this is uncommon and its not t late to get one in the near future. have to check into it to be sure. Still not sure this car is worth selling my paid-for truck and takin on payments for. It sure looks like a too-good-too-pass-up bang for the buck. I'm not gonna jump into anything until ive heard opinions and had time to think about it seriously. Boy I sure can visualize what ripping this thing through the moutains around here would be like, tho.

The animal in question

Hey gang. This ones really got me weak in the wallet...I feel woozy This new WRX has really gotten my attention. The spec sheets and reviews read like a supercars! AWD with over .90 lateral grip, full Brembo brake system, 1/4 mile in mid-low 13's, 100-0 on par with 911-TT, Driver controlled center differential...the list goes on. http://www.wrx-sti.ca/english/sti_eng.htm http://www.subaru.net/events/2003/Detroit/index.htm http://www.car-videos.com/performance/view.asp?id1=169&id2=0 After reading the reviews, the specs and seeing videos of the 'slower, older STi's'....its obvious this car is a Budget Performance Dream! The closest competitors (besides EVO) are in the 50K+ range. And a hard workin joe like me can actually afford a car with level of performance?...Im not sure I can resist. I drive a lifted F150 now (gas prices killin me) and its been a great truck. I've considered sellign it and buying a Supra TT a few times over the years, but nothin serious. This Sti is SERIOUS tho Im afraid. 3/36 bumper to bumper with 5/60 powertrain, stellar performance and that new car smell for the same price as a 40K mile clean 8 year old Supra TT with no warranty. The kicker is that its...well...ugly. But, its very econobox looking and would blend right in with the traffic. Very sleeperish. These are limited and I would need to find a dealership that has one coming that isnt spoken for soon to grab one. So what do ya think? I know the "you know the kind of Z you could build for 31k?!" might surface, but this is for my daily driver. I am NOT selling my Z or prostreet Camaro =D INPUT FOLKS? This is an expensive toy and im feeling weak! Its SO worth it right? Am I missing something? Thanks for any opinions! Jason

Yea D its gona look hot. I know you know that and you are just looking for confirmation (and its always nice to get praise on yer projects)...lol. Im looking forward to the second coming of the Z. Here's my opinion also if ya want it. 17's are pushing it let alone 19's. While the 19's MAY look meaner, the rubberband sidewall will have you skating when you roll on the power. Even if they are 12" wide I still wouldnt go over 17" for your driving needs. Also, although I havent had the chance to see 19's on a Z....even with the flares I would think the sheer size would offset the 'package'. WHo knows...if its slammed and they are tucked it, it would prolly be menacing. Point is with YOUR stroked-n-blown SBC and a manual tranny, Id think it wise to do some research on race cars in your power/weight range that run on DOT legals. Best of luck with it tho! That damn car sent my budget project spiriling into Jegs-ville Jason

Hmmmm How much hardetr then an LS1 could it be really.. We need a volunteer!