Drax240z

A similar idea that I've seen in "How to make your car handle" by Fred Puhn. Instead of just tape, tape individual pieces of wool or string onto the areas you want to test. It would help to have a video camera setup to record the questioned area. Maybe in your case pete, you can borrow another Z for a day, or get the owner to help you out? I'm all for the idea. Aerodynamically the Z isn't too hot, and I'd love to see some more people improve on it. (I wonder what jim biondo's Cd is with the new front end?) Please post your findings as you look into this further. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Yes, likely a bad direction indeed. No biggie. I suppose I can understand the appeal of having power at all RPM's. Right now I'd settle for it at any RPM. Personally, most of my driving is done at a pretty strung out level. I double clutch every downshift, I keep my engine RPM high, and I usually push the turns hard. I don't push the straights, because I feel turning hard is something that is done much safer on public roads than running at 120+mph. For me, I'd like my power from 3000rpm up. I'm hoping that my setup will put the power there, with still enough sub-3000 to make driving around town (like a normal person) possible. Maybe it goes back to my liking "road racing" more than drag racing. One of the great things about the Z is its ability to have both well covered, but I'm not so concerned with my 1/4 mile times, as I am with stopping well, turning hard, and enjoying my drive. (not that you can't do that with a V8 too!) Somehow, the engine worked its way up to be my first major project on my car. I guess I can't say that straight line acceleration doesn't appeal to me! ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html [This message has been edited by Drax240z (edited July 17, 2000).]

Well I finally fixed this problem with my car, and I thought maybe some of you with similar problems may have overlooked the same thing that I did. (Not too likely, I can't believe I didn't notice) Not certain about the 260's and 280's, but my 240 has an interior panel on the inside of the rear hatch. Behind this panel is an opening, and that opening basically connects the air in the cabin to the opposite side of the weatherstripping on the hatch! I think there are 4, 1.5" holes there. SUCTION! Well, I remade the panel out of stainless, and sealed it airtight, and no more leak! Go figure. Anyway, I'd not really clued in that those holes were on either side of the rear weatherstripping... And my panal was thrashed. I hope I can solve someone else's headaches before they happen. (literally!) ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

You should be able to use the 300zx fuel pump, I'd imagine its a direct wire in swap. If not, don't spend $400 on a new one, I am pretty sure you can get similar flowing Bosch pumps for under $100. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I like the comment: At the end of the track the loser doesn't usually jump out of his car and say "yeah but my motor is more effecient". It doesn't work that way. So true! Your point about the V8 path being cheaper for more horsepower, I would totally agree with. Pretty hard to argue that one. For myself, I prefer the smaller (not too small though) more efficient engine. I love inline 6's, and could argue all day about how (in my humble opinion) it is the best engine layout. I-6's seem to last a lot longer, and put up with more abuse than most any other engines I've seen. For some reason (maybe its my love for the cobra and the GT40) I've always had a sweet spot for ford V8's. I once thought that a built 289 with quad weber's would be about the sweetest thing going. Now I know that the gas bills would be astronomical. Still I like the idea of a Ford powered V8Z. HP Tech, I see now that I did misunderstand how I read what you said. Hehe. no hard feelings! Well its good to see this board getting some action. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Yeah OK Pete, I went a bit overboard there. Fair enough. At one point not long ago, I was an avid V8/pushrod fan. I've read Hot Rod and similar mags for years, and I still enjoy reading those magazines as well. I don't doubt the performance potential of the pushrod V8, its been proven over and over again that the big cubes produce big power. I guess my reason for writing this is that I am constantly hearing how no small displacement motor can compare with a big displacement motor. (Granted, this sentiment is rarely if ever vocalized on this site) After reading what I thought was a similar statement here, I kinda snapped. There are people here that have proven this theory untrue, running fairly small displacement motors (lets say smaller than 4.0 L) and getting huge power and performance numbers out of those engines. I was just off on a tangent, "pushrods suck" is a very close-minded statement I agree. Maybe I'm just getting defensive that I am running such a "baby" motor compared to everyone else on this site. I won't have the HP #'s that you guys have... Period. Nor will I have torque in the same league. If I had the money, I think I'd like to run a Nissan 4.5L V8 with twin turbos. But I've always had a fear of being unorigional. Sorry to whomever toes got stepped on there, I'm off my soapbox. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Only one reason that I wouldn't use pushrods... They suck. Think about it. In one design (OHC) you have many less moving parts, and a much smaller reciprocating valve train mass, vs. the pushrod side, when you complicate things by adding in a "spacer" with raises the reciprocating mass, as well as number of parts. To me, it seems like the whole concept of pushrods came about something like this: "Crap, our cam is way down here and we want to make this overhead valves" "Lets add a rod that will move off the cam to drive those valves in the opposite direction from the pushrod movement" I still wonder why no one thought of just moving the cam instead? (I know, some people did) As far as brute strength, torque, displacement etc are concerned, nothing beats an american pushrod engine. But to me, those are the type of characteristics you look for in a truck motor. I don't mean to disrespect anyone going the V8 route at all, I too considered it for a long time, because of the relitve cheapness of the components, the ease in aquirement of those parts, the extreme amounts of documentation out there on the V8's, and their proven power potential. I just think the pushrod engine has gone the way VHS did when somehow it became more popular than the technologically superior Beta. From an engineering point of view it doesn't make a lot of sense, but sucess is for the masses to decide. I hope I'm not stepping on too many toes here. The last post before mine in this thread irked me and made me wonder though. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Woo hoo! Sounds nice. I'd really like to take a look at some pictures of your setup, specifically the engine placement. Feel like writing up a in depth tech article? Congrats on getting the car on the road. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Dude, if it won't go into reverse or any other gear, its your tranny not your diff. Check out your clutch fluid level, and check your master and slave cylinders for leaks. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Datsunlover, I would seriously consider scotties suggestions! Like he said, he's been there before. I'm really not too keen on backtracking 40odd years and putting pushrods in my engine. No offense intended to you V8 guys, but the pushrod is a pretty lousy design/concept. Anyway, thats another discussion. Since Scottie started it: If it were me with a 200sx what would I do? Nissan makes great engines, I'd stay Nissan, if I had the cash I'd look for a 2.0L turbo silvia engine. If I had a bit less of a budget I'd look at a 2.4L out of a 240sx, and a turbo kit for it. Even though most refer to it as a truck engine, it has some great potential. Check out http://www.sdsefi.com/features/240sx.htm if you doubt! Stay nissan and your transmission etc are adequate for what you are doing, freeing up cash for other things like a bigger turbo. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I'd like to recommend a different book. I haven't read the one Fast Frog lists. But I bought "Maximum Boost" by Corky Bell and it blew me away. Its by far the best systems engineering book that I have ever laid my hands on. (It deals specifically with turbo systems) Its a bit pricy, but I consider it one of my best investments yet on my turbo project. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html [This message has been edited by Drax240z (edited July 14, 2000).]

Looks like it should work, but I wasn't too impressed with their lack of technical data on their website. I'd like to see some cold hard facts, REAL dyno comparisons instead of some made up graph, etc. Maybe they will give up more info if you call them... ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Heres a quick idea for you. I'd imagine its allready been done, but you never know, sometimes you overlook the simple things. Have you changed out that 10 year old fluid? Bled the system well? I'd imagine you have allready, but what the hay. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

The sky is the limit really, but a few are shooting for the 200mph zone. I'd guess that most are geared to top out at about 160mph or so. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Yeah that article was really great. Mike, have you thought of applying with your car to zdriver.com, zcar.com etc for car of the month honours? Hell, I'd probably send some pics and info the way of a few magazines too... Show it off! ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I'd go with a 350 over a 305, and I am sure anyone here would do the same. Cheaper parts, better setup, less emissions crap to deal with. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Interested? yes. But not $899 interested!! I think I'll stick with the H4's I got from the junkyard for $20 a pair. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Mike have you planned to get some dyno time for that car yet? I would think that it would be well worth it for the inital tuning. You've put so much into the car allready, it seems to make sense to me. Plus knowing your bhp would be nice too! Loved the feature article, car looks fantastic! ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I always have thought that volt meters are overrated as far as a core gauge set goes. I'd say its pretty much a no brainer to go with the fuel level... Sorry I can't help with the resistance selection. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Well not much of a thread, but I might as well update it. Both the frame shop I took it to and the body shop were reluctant to do anything to it. The bodyshop quoted me 16 hours of labour per side, with the understanding that if they were to do it, you'd not be able to tell it from factory afterwards. The owner suggested that if I was at all inclined, that I should do it myself... and so I plan on it. It'll be a month before I do it, and I am going to limp around in the car as little as possible until then. I am not sure if I will go tube front end or go with pete's setup. 2.5" sq box steel, etc. Any thoughts? ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

One other thought on stripping chemicals. I believe you can buy this stuff over the counter as electrical contact cleaner and so on... Try using some perchloroethylene (PCE) based cleaner. I can't guarentee it will work, but I know that it does attack latex, plastics, and almost all rubber. (Viton can endure it however) Likely it would have to be left on for a bit though, before scraping. Warning: It is a hazerdous material, and is a carcinagen. Furthurmore, when reacted with water it will form hydrochloric acid. PCE is most commonly used as a drycleaning medium (yup, for clothing) but its really a wonderful cleaner for other things too! ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I need to go get my frame rails fixed. Bleh. Had a little mishap on the way to work this morning, and ended up hitting the curb head on in my 73 240z... Big bump, started right up after and drove the remaining 100yards to work... Anyway, I was eyeing the car later, and I noticed that the drivers side front was sitting a bit lower than the passanger side. A quick inspection confirmed that my drivers side frame rail cracked and twisted. (uh, due to rust, go figure) It split where the strut tower/inner fender meets the rail and also where the lower control arm support meets the rail. Going to get this looked at tomorrow, I just don't have the time to fix it myself right now. Does anyone have a guess/knowledge on what a new frame rail fabricated and installed should cost me? Anything else to have done at the same time? Thanks in advance. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

I want to do this as well. I noticed that Jim Biondo did his 260Z with 96 toyota tercel mirrors, so I'd say those would fit. Also I've seen a 510 with BMW mirrors mounted at the front corner of the side windows too... not too sure how much the Z and the 510 share dimentions there, but I plan on checking that out... And lastly, checked out a ZX at all? I can't remember if they looked like they'd fit or not. Let me know what you find. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Well, I have a real flair for the unusual sometimes, this sounds like an awesome swap! It wouldn't be as easy as putting in a SBC likely, but I think it would be well worth the effort still. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html

Actually, an exhaust with a resonator and a no baffle muffler (on an I-6 anyway) gives off quite a nice sound. Without the resonator, you get a lot of drone, not to mention drag racer-like noise... but add in the resonator and baffleless muffler and you have a nice rich tone, very sweet. ------------------ Drax240z 1973 240z - L28TURBO transplant on the way! http://members.xoom.com/r_lewis/datsun.html