260DET

A two seat slick top 280ZX. None in Australia, what would one with a sound body but maybe a bit rough otherwise cost in the US? For a engine change semi race car project. Just want an idea of what one would cost and perhaps the best way to buy one. And if anyone in the US does this sort off thing, up to getting the car to the shipping point.

DM, your project has been going on for so long its a wonder anyone can remember anything about it, including you Lots of good advice here, a good half cage will help in a rollover or a side hit towards the rear though. The door area is problematical, intrusion bars in the doors will help but there is no real practical and significantly effective solution IMHO.

DM, there is no doubt that the half cage in my Z improved the handling, the area around the rear quarter windows is definately a weak point, just drive over a spoon drain diagonally and listen to the creaks Plus hatchback cars in general tend to be weak around the hatch area, not surprising when the size of a hatch opening is considered. There are a couple of pics in my gallery, link below. The other area that should be worthwhile are the two under body rails which run through to the back. Mine are not beefed up and extended rearwards, they should have been. Its one thing having a powerful engine, its another to feel the car respond positively when using the power.

Have done a lot of searching but can't find much good solid info on the VQ engine, particularly the JDM VQ30DET. There is some opinion that the VQ30 block is not the greatest, it can flex and crack if you start to get serious with the power outputs. Then there is opinion that the VQ35 block is stronger and works well with VQ30 heads, although what that accomplishes I don't know. Anyway that option is not available to me. The situation is I will be selecting a Nissan V6 single BB turbo engine soon for a Z project and am looking for the most suitable engine for a max of 500RWHP. Light weight is important as is compactness, the VQ's strongpoints. But the engine must be reliable giving maximum power over short periods of time. Others available are the VG33E and the VG30DET, the first being compact and simple, the second not so compact but durable. Whats the answer?

Look like bought ones, nice work. A 'test to destruction' session coming up?

Thanks for that, NICO link here http://www.nicoclub.com/

Googled my little heart out, lots of chatter about the VQ but no solid info and pics. Particularly interested in the turbo version, but any decent links will do.

VG33E out of a Pathfinder? Check here for more info http://www.z31.com/

If as Jon mentioned stiction in the sway bar bushes is a problem, using poly bushes, I've had good results from wrapping the bar pivot area with Teflon tape than applying the special poly grease over the tape. The sort of Teflon tape plumbers use as a thread sealer. Virtually eliminates stiction, providing the bushes are not too tight in the first place.

A 1 1/8" front bar is a bit too heavy for just about anything. If you want to try a compramise go something lighter, say around 22mm. Having said that, I know bugger all about drag racing.

For race circuit use, if thats what is being talked about here, the tyre width should be compatible with the rim width, that is the first priority. You may be able to vary the tyre height a bit for gearing purposes but ideally height should be selected on the basis of handling characteristics, not anything else. As Jon indicated, gearing should ideally be adjusted by diff and gearbox ratios.

Its better to go CV joints both ends, particularly with a more powerful engine. Try a search, there has been a lot of discussion on this type of conversion, there even is an outer adaptor available.

You had to move the engine right back didn't you Rob, so the front sump would clear the crossmember? And by the look of it there is no easy way to convert the VQ engine to a rear sump configuration. I'm looking at a Nissan Z V6 manual transmission project now and would prefer to use the VQ engine but that front sump could be a problem for what I have in mind. May end up using a VG engine.

I would have thought that the shorter wheelbase is better, longer wheelbase gives better straight line stability which results in more reluctance to turn. But thats the theory, in practice I don't know. Guess that the long wheelbase would be easier to control, if you could get its arse out enough in the first place. One thing though, a S30 would have to have the body stiffened up a lot so you could use the hard suspension setup required for drifting. A really good full rollcage or else a half cage plus chassis beefing up.

Having considered various Nissan V6 conversions and done some research, the VG30DE, DET or DETT would have to be the worst options all things considered. Have a look at one in a Z32 to get an idea.

If you get no joy here try http://www.z31.com/

Start with a stiff body/chassis, add the stiffest suspension setup you can put up with, clutch type R200 LSD*.................... *1.5 way or 2 way, check that aspect out.

Its because the S130 is otherwise soooo -quiet- you notice that particular noise

Noone is being unhelpful, the 'stiffen the body up' comment was serious for what you say you want to do with the car. The stiffer the body the heavier the springs you can use the better the potential handling, been there done that. And you did mention 'ultimate suspension'.

It should have a R200 which will fit. CV jointed axles won't, rear hubs are different as is the rear suspension. Front struts and hubs may fit although the steering arm arrangement is different?

The heart says S130, the head Z31 Apparently the later Californian Z31 has a wider track plus the flared guards on that model look like they will take bigger/wider wheels. I'm thinking 16x10's, would they fit OK?

Start by stiffening up the body/chassis, if thats not going to happen then no opinion here

Great results What turbo? Like your web site BTW, very informative.

Was it rusted out? Thats what you call a body restoration job, well done.

These are a bit different from the usual http://www.hayashiracing.com/wheel/wheel.html This one is a 15x10"....deeeeep dish