PETEW

Guys, I think everyone is judging the car too soon. There is a black one around me that goes flying around and it really sounds, and looks nice. I think the car has a modern look with historical points (kinda like Ford did with the Mustang and T-bird). When this guy goes by the house it really gets moving. Every test I have seen of the car has basically said that you are getting supercar performance for GM money. This car was built for balance and handling not for just straight line speed. I have the 3.5 in my Maxima and that goes 0-60 in under 7 senconds. This engine has some good power and really good potential. I know my views aren't the popular one but the way this car is reminds me more of a 240Z than the past two 300ZX versions. I give Nissan a big

I actually am looking into a new turbo, but I would like it more for autocross and track days. I see everyone always talking about drag racing, which I will do some of, but I am more interested in a nice turbo for the road courses. If anyone has a suggestion I am all ears. Thanks

To each there own, I always say. I don't think I would ever want a car like that, but I'm sure someone won't like my car the way I will have it done either. Oh well, as long as he likes it.

What?? you said the longer ones go up front and the shorter ones go up front. Which one is it? I have the ST springs and neither were really much longer than the other. They did have differences in the tightness of the spring coils. I put the tighter coil up front like stock. Does that sound like what you did?

Mike, I'm glad to hear that your father is doing better. I didn't get a chance to see this thread until today. Keep a positive atitude, it really goes a long way in life. There is nothing more important in life than family. I'm glad you are going to get to spend more time with you dad. I will keep you and your father in my prayers.

Thanks for the help, Doug. I have been looking at the sensors and there is no way they are 12mm so it looks like 3/8 is the way to go. I wish you still had you harness measurements. I think I will just go with the standard 6 foot length. That should be more than enough. Looks like you have good taste in vehicles. I wouldn't mind having your RZ, but the R1 does nicely.

I was wondering which air temp sensor and which water temp sensor are you supposed to use on the '83 L28T motor with the SDS system. They give you a choice of GM sensors which are 3/8 npt and Bosch sensors that are 12 x 1.5mm threads. Are either correct? I looked all over my Haynes manual and it never gave a size. I'm guessing the bosch, but better safe than sorry. Also, do I need a longer than standard wiring harness. The engine is going in a '77 280Z. I just want to make sure I don't forget anything when I order. Thanks.

That is a really nice job you are doing. I am in the process of do;ing this job myself so I know how you feel. I used a slightly different method. I have been using a scaler attachment on my air hammer. If you have air tools, I would reccomend getting this one. It does a nice job of cleaning of the undercoating, it's cheap, and no messy clean up of toxic chemicals. It doesn't make it look quite as clean but after a good coat of POR-15 it looks real nice. Good luck eith the car.

That would be fun motor. I just had the same thought today. Nothing like an inline motor that makes a ton of power and is generally accepted as being a reliable motor. What about an M3?? Here is a link to a place that sells rebuilt motors. They aren't cheap but they have 2 yr unlimited mi warranties. I would love to have a 98 M3 motor. They aren't as powerful as the latest motor but a beatiful motor non the less. http://www.bmrparts.com/engine1a.htm

I was just wondering if anyone hs looked into these engines as a possible power source. I thought that since they were inline motors and powerful ones at that, they would be a great engine for the Z. I know they won't be the easiest engine (or the cheapest)to get a hold of, but they are a bulletproof motor that has 315hp, now. Being that it is an inline motor I thought that it would be an easier install than some of the other engine choices, and also there are bunch of aftermarket parts for it, and you can get parts for it in the states unlike the Skline motors and other jap/euro specific motors. Any thoughts???

Yeah, I figured the drilling with the 1/8" out after already doing the job. My one buddy came over and took a look at it with me and we've decided that it is so close that I would only be wasting time, and metal, if I tried to adjust it for "perfection". I think I could adjust out any of the slight variation when I get my alignment. I guess it was just one of those days that I wanted to get it done, and wasn't doing much thinking. I'll post some pics when it is together. Thanks for the replies guys.

OK. I wanted to get the holes drilled per the JTR manual to get rid of, or lesson the effects of bump steer. Well I marked all the holes for 3/4" above the original hole (center to center) and removed the "washers". I then took a nail to mark my holes so the drill bit wouldn't walk from my spot. Well obviously that didn't work because only one of the holes looks like it stayed where it should have. None of the holes are terribly off but they are off 1/16 in one direction or the other. One is 1/16 to low, the other looks like it moved 1/16th in and the other 1/16th out. Will this mean bad things for me, or is this little bit not enough to worry about. I know the original holes were out of round and didn't look "perfect" but I hate to think I just screwed this crossmember up, by doing this job. Please let me know one way or the other. Thanks for your help guys.

Zero, I know where you are coming from. I was looking all over PA and there were too many pieces of junk that guys were selling as cars. Unfortunately everyone in the East coast thinks they have a gold mine sitting in their back yard but all they have is a rusted out old car that has been put to waste because they don't take car of them. I had to go down to South Carolina to get a solid car that wasn't going to cost me an arm and a leg. I'm sure alot of the guys here would tell me I paid too much for it, but I wanted it bad and it was a solid running car that could make the 600 mi journey. The car was originally from El Paso, Texas and then made it's way to Carolina. The problem with the upper wast coast is the winters and all the salt. Take your time finding the car and you will get a solid car. Look for a 280Z, they are cheaper. The 240Z just isn't cheap any more and the 260 isn't much cheaper. I'll keep my eyes out for you. Good Luck.

Scotty. You said it cost you $200 to rebuild your engine. Where are you getting the rebuild kit from. I found one place that sells them for $652 and I thought that was cheap. Now this kit comes w/ everything including pistons, timing, gaskets, oil pump, etc. What are you getting for $200 and from where. I am trying to do my car on a low budget, too. So far I have been lucky with my purchases. Thanks.

Oh crap! I forgot to ask, was there any difference between stick and auto 300ZX turbo rears in '87. I thought they were both 3.70 LSD rears. Thanks again.

I am really lost after looking at carparts.com. I went and looked for 87-89 300zx w/ turbo and there are a ton of diffs (carriers) listed that don't have the locking/LSD rear. I thought all turbo models came with a LSD. Am I goofy, or are they putting non turbo rears in under the turbo section. If I can get a clutch type LSD for $300 I will do that rather than the Phantom Grip. Thanks for the help guys.

That is so not cool! That is a big problem with having a hot car, lot's of people want it, one way or the other. Glad to hear he got it back.

I was just going to post the 280ZX power steering question when I saw this thread. I have a '83 280ZX Turbo car that I am stripping out and using in my 280Z. I am in the process of doing the suspension, so I was hoping to hear some swap success stories. I guess I will try and do it on my own and see if I can document something for you guys. I really don't want to do the manual steering thing with a set of 245 series tires. I saw that other guys were using Ford systems, and always wondered if it was because it was easier to get the power racks or because it was just easier to use. I am hoping to use the ZX stuff since I already have it. If anyone can give me advice, let me know . Thanks.

Geez, I am in the same boat you guys are in. I would like to give my car a good rebuild, but I would rather do it right and put in forged pistons right away. I wish money was no object, but that would be a lie. Guess I will have to do some searching like you guys. I would love to get that combo on E-bay .

Do any of you guys have any experiance with RPM's engine rebuild kits? I was wondering if they were any good. They have an engine rebuild kit for the 280ZX Turbo for $652.80. If any one has any experience, good or bad, with it let me know. Thanks for the help. Here is the link http://www.rpmrons.com/Nissankits.html

Great looking ride Frank! I was thinking about keeping my car yellow, but more like the powder yellow from Subaru. I like your yellow, which is it? I actually live in Allentown, PA how far is Swoyersville. Maybe we can meet up. I am still in the tear down process of my car, so I won't be driving the Z for a little while.

Yeah, I could buy the P90 from you and then you would have money to have your P79 shaved and worked on. I really do need a P90 head. I have a '83 turbo motor with the P90a head and I would like to change it so I won't have future problems (rebuild issues with hydraulic lifters). I figure it would be better to clean a head that I can keep. Thanks.

Mike, Congratulations! I know you wanted to get a different bike than the GSXR. The ZX-9 is a really fun bike and it is alot easier on the body. My budy had one and it could keep up with my R1 with out too many problems. Enjoy the new bike and keep the shiney side up.

Hey guys, Maybe I'm dumb, or I am missing something, but I am not really worried about the phantom grip itself. My biggest concern is with the spider gears and other related parts. I mean you are forcing them together to make a LSD. What do guys think the long term effect is going to be on the rear. I want a car that drags well and autocrosses well. I just fear that I will be swapping rears every week. Am I being too conservative? Let me know what you guys think. If I'm wrong about my thought process let me know, I don't mind learning.

I was just wondering if anyone found out info on these. I would love to have a LSD rear but not if I have to replace the unit every 6 months. I know 1 tuff Z had put one in, did he ever give the ? I am really interested since finding the LSD from a 300ZX is almost impossible to find. Thanks.