Drax240z

Thanks Scottie, interesting stuff! ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Personally I prefer the sleeper look too... maybe from too many rice boys and their stickers, I don't know. But there is something to be said for a classy set of decals/emblems. I'd say that this would look better contrasted with your paint scheme, as opposed to the same colour. If you had any of the datsun emblems in chrome on the car, I'd coat the V8 ones to match. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Great idea Clint, I'll have to do some of this. What type of buisnesses offer this service? Mainly chroming places etc? Or is it some other type of specialty shop? ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Wow, I really didn't expect this much response/knowledge out there about Toluene. I'd heard it was in paint thinner as well... Didn't know how nasty the stuff was though, I guess it won't find its way into my car! ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Has anyone heard about using Toluene in gasoline, specifically with turbo engines, to reduce pinging? Apparently it was used in the mid 80's in F1 cars... Probably expensive, but apparently it allows for some phenominal turbo results. (It speeds combustion considerably) I've read of an example of a 90cid engine with 75+ psi of boost, producing over 1400hp when using toluene. I'm not looking for those numbers, but if anyone knows a source, it might be nice insurance against any kind of detonation. I know its used in TNT, and its also a major component in making polyurethane... Any more info on the product would be appreciated. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Going to be running new fuel lines for the car in the next few days, I'd like to have lines (feed and return) that will satisfy a 400hp setup. 1/2" feed too large? I was throwing around 3/8" feed and 5/16" return... I'd just like to do this once, and do it right. What do you V8 guys run? At 14psi boost my engine should be using the equivalent fuel as a 5.6liter 400hp engine... ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I'm wondering if my stock 73 240z radiator will be able to cool my new 2.8 turbo engine once it goes in. I live in a pretty cold climate, with the hottest outside temps it will see being about 85F (28C). With a good electric fan, no ac, manual tranny, will this old rad keep my system cool? Or should I grab a rad out of a turbo car? I'd just like to know before I spend any money getting the rad in nice shape. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Drewz, you might be able to find a neat custom cap (not exactly like the cobra) by checking out motorcycle stores, and looking at the gas caps on some of those. If you've ever seen the cap on the new Audi TT, you can get a similar one to that at motorcycle places, and it looks sweet on the Z. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Seems to me that the programmable setups (SDS, Haltech, Tech II, etc.) run about the same price new as buying new stuff to do an EFI conversion. (maybe I'm worng, just going by summit prices) I'd think that on a high hp engine like yours Mike, the programmable EFI would really let you tune it perfectly for any situation. Its not just for turbo engines! ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Thanks Mike, thats actually something that I hadn't looked into to my satisfaction yet. I've seen mixed messages from people about using stock bolts, or not. I'll check into that when my engine starts being assembled again... Saving that for the rainy days though, since I have so much other stuff I can do to my car while the wether is nice outside! (Unfortunately I don't have a garage with enough room to dismantle a car in it) Are ARP head bolts a must as well? Or just Nissan Turbo head bolts? ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

The info I found about this stuff pretty much flat out states that hardware/home foam will not work in automotive applications. It cures with air, and as you inject it into sealed areas (like frame rails) it will seal itself away from air, so that it won't cure. The proper stuff to use is a 2 part foam, where the 2 parts react with each other, no air necessary. This has been discussed a good deal on zcar.com, it might be worth your time to do a search there for this topic. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I know someone who is in the process of doing it, but its not done yet. And sorry, he doesn't have a website at all. He is a former Nissan tech, named Dan Giroux. You can reach him at datsun240z@home.com Good luck. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Hehe, go scottie. I wouldn't be spending $1500 if I was doing this. I just wouldn't be willing to shell out that kind of dough for something like that, at least not right now. I'd much rather spend that money on the t3/t4 upgrade, SDS, or half a zillion other things... But on the other hand IF I can make something like this, it will be fairly inexpensive. (using Weld-els) For anyones info: Weld Els are 90 degree elbows that are welded onto pipe, instead of threading and screwing them on. "Maximum Boost" got me thinking anyway. I might give this project a try after I get my engine running. Might be a good money maker as Scottie pointed out... ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Hey I want to know too, I love those flares. Don't keep it too much a secret! ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I'll bet that nearly the entire improvement in Cd from the Z to the ZX is from the front end. The ZX did away with the sharp front hood lip and more or less intregated the bumper too... a lot more similar to the early G-Noses than the regular 70-78 Z's. I suppose for the ultimate ride, a G-nose conversion is really something that should be taken seriously... I just wish it looked better. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

You know, the more I heard about the Z8 the less I like about it. I'm a bit of a BMW fan, I love the e30 3 series especially, and the M coupe... but the Z8 seems all wrong. A 3500lbs, all aluminum car? Did they add in ballast? No wind tunnel data? Yeesh... Making a high end sports car without running it through a wind tunnel seems like suicide to me, but I guess their 155mph rev limiter covers up any mistakes that might be made. Can you picture ferrari/lambo/porsche not caring about their cars aerodynamic characteristics about 150mph? I can't. Still no idea about the Z hood. Sorry. But I'd say the headlight covers would be a pretty small improvement just themselves. (as far as aerodynamics goes, they look great) ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Hmm, good points. I'd probably be best to check out if I need to re-invent the wheel before actually attempting it. I've heard that extrude hone isn't so good on these manifolds (they are cast BTW) because there is a thin spot in the wall of #1, the obviously gets thinner as you extrude hone it. As for using weld-els, they are pretty darn cheap. I'd probably just go with mild steel to start, and see what I could come up with. If it turned out well it could be ceramic coated afterwards. If it didn't turn out well I'd only be out a couple hundred bucks or less. (probably way less, but I'd being pessimistic) Well I'll chalk this up as a "thing to look into". Going to post on zcar.com and see if I can get some of the hi-po turbo guys opinions. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Just wondering what you guys have to (if anything) to cure that typical Z problem, of being able to unlock the door with any key, or start the car with any key. I guess one option is to replace all the locks in the car, but I am wondering if anyone has done something else a little cheaper. Can you get all 4 things (door locks, hatch lock, and ignition) retumbled for a new key? ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Very interesting stuff! John, for high speed runs and stability, probably the best mods to make to the Z are belly pans, rear diffuser, and side skirts. I'd also think that the G-nose (and headlight covers?) would help quite a bit. After reading all this, I go back to wondering about Jim Biondo's front end on his car... It certainly looks to be a much more aerodynamic shape, but as we've seen with the Z, looks can be decieving. But Jim's setup eliminated the sharp hood lip, as well as the reverse swept grill. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

OK, sounds a little hokey... I'd guess not many have done this. I've been reading "Maximum Boost" by Corky Bell (Man this has to be THE best automotive related book I've read/seen) and in the book there is data on how to make your own turbo exhaust manifold using weld-els. Seems to me that it would be a lot of work, however, after hearing about people that have payed upwards of $2000 for a custom job, it may be worthwhile. Has anyone ever attempted this? And if so, with what results? I've used weld-els a lot in industry, and my welding skills are up to the task. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I think you are supposed to loosen off the bolts, and then retorque them, not just try to tighten them again. Sounds like a major PITA. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Wow, it all sounds good to me! I can't believe he ran 12.32 with the stock downpipe! I've shown that particular piece of Nissan engineering to a few friends and we're all pretty baffled how that got onto a high end sports car. (At least at the time) My car will be losing its old engine in a weeks time, when I park it to start the real work. New engine will be built up to accept bolt-on upgrades, up to ~350hp. (the area when you start getting into forged pistons, etc) Right off the start I will be hoping for mid 13's... With a fairly stock turbo engine. Totally OEM Nissan bottom end (though it will all be new), 2.5" downpipe, 2.5-3" exhaust, eclipse BOV, SDS, and likely a K&N filter setup. Also all emissions stuff is gonzo. As you can see, I've left the doors open to bolting on things like a t3/t4, a good I/C, (boost will stay at 7psi until I/C comes, which will give me a nice break-in period) bigger injectors, etc. It sure is encouraging to hear those numbers though... I hope I can find a track to run my car at when its rolling again... ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Pete, I'm with you. The more I think about it (cold air induction, and cooling engine bay) the more it moves up on my list. My turbo engine will be hotter than most NA engines I am sure. All the more reason to look into this... I'm not really sure I can help you much in aquiring the tech data though. Wish I could. (My Z is barely on the road) ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Nice, thanks for that info pete. Actually I found another nice purpose for those holes, they make it possible for me to bolt on my BRE spoiler. A damn near impossible job without having those holes available. Rubber gromments from Nissan sound like a better way to do what I accomplished, I'd bet their not too pricy either. (shouldn't be much to them!) CO is really bad for you guys... I wish I had fixed this a lot sooner. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Something for you to ponder Pete. I've noticed on occasion the use of a NACA duct in the front passanger side fender. (ahead of the front wheel) Its probably specific to the particular cars aerodynamics, I'm just wondering if you think it'd benefit an early Z at all. Have you seen the louvered access panels over the battery & clutch master cylinder? (I believe Scotties GNZ has them) Do you feel they are beneficial from a cooling standpoint? ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html