260DET

It seems that the big improvement is at higher boost levels, above 15psi say. Below that and there is no real gain.

They sound good, I'm looking at using one on my VG33 project engine. Apparently they can be bought without a turbine housing which would suit me as I already have the previous model GT35R and its housing will bolt straight up. The query I have is will they take more energy to drive to give their claimed improved performance? I guess not assuming the gains come from better efficiency but would still like to know for sure. The thing for say a L28 is that now the new GT30 may be a better choice, particularly for those seeking quick spool.

CCA was a disappointment, the practical handbook part is a misnomer if you think the book is full of DIY aero tips. Its an interesting book, don't get me wrong, but its not a lot of practical use for Z car purposes. HP books have Aerodynamics for Racing and Performance Cars, anyone looked at that? Think Fast is great, has plenty of interesting and useful info, definately a must have.

That Austin Midas is a kit car not a regular production model. Some quite advanced styling features for its day but that wedge shaped nose was one of the design types considered by Nissan back when the 280ZX on on the drawing board. Mass market cars rarely have advanced body design features, thats for the specialist manufacturers.

Rear entry, throttle body and plenum bolted up with the plenum cover just sitting there. TB is ~72mmID, made for a Mustang IIRC.

Friend of mine has just tested his S30 on the track with 6 degrees of caster, gained by modding the front strut towers so the strut tops could be adjusted rearwards. He likes it, a significant improvement particularly with turn in. All I have to do now is talk him into running 10mm rear toe in

There is a Xover pipe from the right manifold which comes around the back of the motor into the left manifold.

The exhaust ports were taken out to match the manifold and gasket, ~39mm.

S30's need more caster than most people run. One of the characteristics of a modern strut front suspension is big caster, it's not the only thing of course but S30 owners should take note. And move into the present century

This is a "how long is a piece of string" thing. As Tony indicated, people need to get specific with their questions and requirements when starting this sort of topic.

The car had a camera fitted to the outside edge of the front wing, looked like a GoPro, on the left IIRC.

My problem is that the left manifold has to be designed using the stock turbo location so its all very cramped I actually like the stock design VG30ET manifolds, the new ones are being made simply as spares in case the stock ones crack. Am using SCH 40 1.5" right through, that's about the same as stock. A higher priority for me would be to have a full 4" exhaust but a 4" dump and 3" exhaust will have to do for now. Why do you think 1.25" manifolds, which is smaller than stock, would be better?

Stock VG30ET manifolds with one turbo mate, only way to fly.

V8SC driver Craig Lowndes drove the MacMerc too that day, only one second slower than Button. He had a chance at F1 back in the day but politics stuffed that.

Well as far as language allows I think there can be several degrees of fit that can be described, press, push and slide in, for example. Far as I know all modern engines have floating pins irrespective of what pistons are used, including the VG33.

They have a couple of on the fly adjustments which affect engine performance but no push to pass control as such. The turbo push to pass system increased boost IIRC.

Pin should be a push fit with the piston warmed up, not a press fit, that is old technology. Once the pistons reach operating temperature the pins will then be free to float due to slight expansion of the pin bore. One thing I did not mention was the pin bore finish was coarsely cross hatched so those pins were quickly going to loosen up more in operation.

Those relatively high US prices are strange but then again in AU there are a lot of grey imports which have kept used prices down. The Z32 body is a timeless design and up there with the S30 in that regard, sure to become a classic.

Previously mentioned that Schneider double valve springs were being used, that has changed. JWT springs were fitted after I found out that the seat pressure of the Schneider springs was nearly double that of stock while the JWT springs are up by ~20% which should be plenty. It's counterproductive to use springs that are heavier than absolutely necessary, besides the springs and cams are now matched JWT items. JE pistons are on order to replace the junk ones, be a few weeks before they arrive so I'm starting work on fabricated exhaust manifolds using buttweld fittings, pics in due course. Meanwhile pics below of a stock left side manifold adapted to fit a Tial wastegate and the twin scroll/divided housing GT35R turbocharger to suit.

Great work Frank, showing what a S130 can really do with a bit of development

The problem that the FIA have tried to address is where a faster car can catch but not pass a slower car due to aerodynamic interferance which reduces the grip available to the following car once its gets close. They have tried other things in the past to rectify this issue so its an ongoing problem, I agree that the present attempt is too artificial but guess they have run out of ideas. Bring back turbo engines with their Push to Pass buttons?

Here is my video demo of the problems, doing a few other legal things too.

Because its a BMW and the Z31 is a Datsun. Illustrates my point perfectly.

If I have the Murrican lingo right, you could give someone a good paddlin' with a cricket bat

The only reason why they are not fast by modern standards is because you lot won't spend money on em. 99% of Z31 owners are tight arses who mostly give the impression that the Z31 is an interim thing or else are agressive 'don't mess with me because that's all I can afford' types. Yet if its a Porsche or a Austin Healey or whatever spend up big, no problem you are a cool retro dude. But a Datsun? Gee, I feel sorry for you, keep trying