Jump to content
HybridZ

ECUAdam

Members
  • Posts

    38
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by ECUAdam

  1. This thing is gonna be a beast! I love the 5.3 in my Tahoe. But with that aside, being a body man, I wish I seen a freshly painted bay behind that beauty!

    Install.

    Fabrication.

    Test.

    Paint.

     

    In that order, and that order only. This is the first step of many to follow. I plan on getting this thing driving good and then taking it to some track days, shaking it down, and enjoying it all summer long. This winter I will install new floor pans, frame rails, and powdercoat my suspension. After all that is done I will get it painted. I will put the car on a rotisserie when I perform all that work so the motor will be pulled again anyway. This car is on the 20 year plan, or atleast it feels like it. Paint is the last thing this car will see.

  2. Out with the old...

    IMAG0191_zpsd78c0a18.jpg

     

    In with the new...

    IMAG0195_zps8f64be83.jpg

     

    IMAG0237_zpsce536e1e.jpg

     

    IMAG0246_zps93892243.jpg

     

    I wanted to run dual exhaust out the back, and there is no good way to do it with the stock tank. I decided to cut out my spare tire well and make a custom fuel cell. It is made from 3/16 aluminum.

     

    IMAG0248_zps50fb19ab.jpg

     

    Here is the first weld of about 2000 to come...

     

    IMAG0252_zps3e3392d8.jpg

     

    We slowly worked and beat the metal around a tire. It takes a lot more force to bend this sheet than I thought.

    IMAG0253_zps8fb67173.jpg

     

    We finally got it into a circle and welded it together

     

    IMAG0254_zps7495c55b.jpg

     

    One of 200 test fits...lol

     

    IMAG0255_zpse4f2f534.jpg

     

    More welds...

     

    IMAG0256_zpsade4034f.jpg

     

    It took a solid hour non stop to weld the bottom of this thing. Weld a little bit, turn it, clamp, repeat.

     

    IMAG0257_zpsc3ceb956.jpg

     

    We got the top cut out and started mocking everything up

     

    IMAG0259_zps4e4b43df.jpg

     

    Sump made and welded on, I went with -8 fuel line just in case I decide turbo this in the future

     

    IMAG0262_zps0ab6f218.jpg

     

    IMAG0263_zps2a84a270.jpg

     

    IMAG0265_zpsb8953b93.jpg

     

    I got the hole drilled and tapped for the autometer sending unit, fuel return welded on, welded the top to the bottom, and the filler neck attached. The filler neck will go to behind the license plate. I stole the idea from this guy http://www.revvolution.com/blog/2013/06/rick-s-masterpiece-ls3-swapped-1977-datsun-280z

     

    IMAG0322_zpshhfag6dg.jpg

     

    The license plate bracket was from a 1970 Camaro.

    IMAG0325_zpsvt1farns.jpg

     

    IMAG0332_zpsdbu6azlm.jpg

     

    I welded some tabs on the bottom of the tank so I could attach some clamps to the fuel line.

     

    IMAG0328_zpszh80jxcc.jpg

     

    IMAG0329_zpsa132maw3.jpg

     

    IMAG0328_zpszh80jxcc.jpg

     

     

    We also had to do some welding on my radiator. I just bought an el-cheap-o from ebay. We had to weld a steam port onto the radiator for the motor to hook into. I also had to weld a slightly bigger neck on my top hose to get a better fit on the radiator hose. I used the hoses I found recommended here on hybrid z Part numbers 22478 and 22625.

     

    IMG_20140120_110825_139_zps4yhwmrtc.jpg

     

    IMAG0307_zpsd12371f3.jpg

     

    IMAG0305_zpse6e25922.jpg

     

    IMAG0310_zpsv3nm2skk.jpg

     

     

    I also got the Lokar Universal cable and had to fabricate some brackets to make it work. All this little stuff takes so much time....

     

    IMAG0330_zpsutzmep6v.jpg

     

    IMAG0334_zpsrplbbafz.jpg

     

     

  3. The car started off in this thread ( http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/105090-my-1973-240z-ka24de-t-conversion/ ), but has taken a different direction because the KA developed a rod knock. I have been collecting parts for about a year and a half.

     

     

    I am hoping to include a bunch of information on the stuff I figured out with the help of the hybrid z forum.

     

    I bought a truck motor first. I just picked up a pull from a local shop. I do not know anything about what vehicle that it came out of, but it is for sure a 5.3 because of how the pistons looked.

     

    The first thing I did was pull the heads and oil pan off the truck motor. As we all know, the truck oil pan would drag on the ground so I bought and f body oil pan, windage tray, and oil pickup.

     

    IMAG0128_zpsc52be216.jpg

     

    I then put a new oil pump, timing chain, and gears for good measure, No better time than the present, right?

     

    IMAG0133_zps523a662d.jpg

     

    IMAG0134_zpsa85917b9.jpg

     

    All buttoned up on the bottom.

     

    IMAG0135_zpsa5c686c6.jpg

     

    All cleaned up, ready for new gaskets

     

    IMAG0136_zps3c9849c0.jpg

     

    I had been told that the LS head bolts were one time use, so I ordered some headstuds.

     

    IMAG0140_zps056ec638.jpg

     

    IMAG0139_zps16c24646.jpg

     

    I put f body 241 heads on the motor. I also put the car intake on the motor.

     

    IMAG0137_zpsa8c9cfda.jpg

     

    The belt routing took some time to figure out. I used this thread ( http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/95229-cheap-low-mount-alternator-setup-for-truck-accessory-dr ) , other sources, and a little trial and error to figure it all out. I used an f body lower alternator bracket with 3/4 spacers behind the bracket (If you look in the photo below you can see the spacer). Also as mentioned on the thread I linked I had to drill and tap a hole for the second bolt to go into. I had to buy a pulley ( the same pulley that is on the tensioner) and space it out a little bit to mount onto the fbody alternator bracket. The crank pulley is from a truck. When I went to put the cars intake on I found out that the trucks water pump hit on the cars throttle body. I had to source an Fbody water pump, tensioner, and 3/4 of an inch spacers behind the water pump to line up with the belt. The clearance for the battery terminal on the alternator is very good going this route.

     

    So here is the list of the parts to use a truck motor in a 240z with a car intake and a low mount alternator:

    Truck crank pulley

    Fbody oil pan

    Fbody windage tray

    Fbody Oil pickup

    Fbody water pump

    Fbody tensioner

    Truck alternotor

    55" x 13/16" belt

    extra pulley ( the same pulley that comes on the Fbody tensioner)

    3/4 aluminum spacers for water pump.

    3/4 inch spacers (2 of them) for the alternator

    2 Allen head M10 x 1.5 bolts 140mm long

     

    After all that parts swapping and spacers, we get this... ( Dont worry I cleaned up the crank pulley)

     

    If your also wondering why the harness and sensors look weird, it is because I decided to control fuel and spark with microsquirt

     

    IMAG0190_zps71f422a3.jpg

     

    I went with the tried and true JCI kit.

     

    IMAG0171_zpsd7368d9e.jpg

  4. As the title syates, I'm looking for a set of jtr headers. I prefer that they are not ceramic coated, but if the price is right ill buy them. I have to cut the flange off and weld a vband on the headers so the coating would be a waste. Pm me or reply to this thread if you have what I'm looking for. Thanks!

  5. Yes that is as low as i could go with the Megan coilovers while still keeping preload on the springs. If you went with the emusa coilovers you could go lower in theory because they have a shorter body.

     

    With all that said, there is no way that i would go lower and still drive on the street. I have about 1.5 inches of clearence on my crossmember from the ground.

     

    Thank you for the compliments on the car!

  6. Just recently got this done on my car a last night, and it was quite some work. Its looking pretty good adam. Are you still able to turn the wheel without it running into the fender up front? Oh and nistune is still working great for me by the way, 4 years running!

     

    Yes I am able to turn the wheel with out rubbing, but I am running 15X9 -15 offset

     

    I have been really bad about updating the build thread. But fortunately I have been pretty good about working on it when I have a free moment. New job + getting married + selling/purchasing a new home + working on z = no Hybrid Z updates. Sorry. I did finally get it to a point where I can drive it on Thursday and I was pretty excited because I wanted to take it to the ZATTACK show this weekend.

     

    I had a good time at the meet. I saw a bunch of nice cars, got a ton of compliments from all different types of people, and got to meet several local z enthusiast that can help me source some of the hard to find parts I will need to complete my build.

     

    Enough typing, here are a few pics Xylemer shot in his driveway. Dont be too critical of the pictures, he shot them in about 2 minutes while trying to diagnose an idling issue on my rusty junk. Enjoy!

     

    IMG_5131CR2.jpg

     

    IMG_5130CR2.jpg

     

    IMG_5129CR2.jpg

     

    IMG_5128CR2.jpg

     

    IMG_5133CR2.jpg

     

    Here is the spook spoiler that I am thinking about trying to get from Xylemer. He put it on a timer so we could hold it in place to see what it looked like. I am too fat to be laying on the ground....

     

    IMG_5127CR2.jpg

  7. I have a 1973 240z, and I have some funky stuff going on. When I turn the left turn signal on it seems to work fine. When I turn the right signal on I get a very dim blinking on every light on the right side taillight and even on the reverse lights (both sides)...

     

    Anyone have any idea on what is going on? I have looked and looked to no avail. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

  8. You can slam on s13 shocks, you just have to section the tubes. It's simply easier with the kit available for the Megan coils. Unfortunately, the kit wasn't around when I did my coils.

     

    I didnt use a kit. I had my rear sleeves machined through a machine shop and used the megan sleeves from the 240sx coilovers. My rear sleeves are lighter and are not stepped on the inside like the other peoples (I am by no means knocking he other brand Just stating why I did what I did). With the sleeves done this way you could probably slam the rear frame on the ground. But on the front with the megan sleeves I have it as low as I can go in my pictures. But on the other hand If you use emusa brand coilovers, the actual strut is shorter so a lower ride height can be achieved.

     

    ^ So much hate! Can you pm me that info? Like where the kit is and how to section the tubes? I know s13 coils get low and are a similar set up to the z, compared to the civic coils which arent as similar. You z is still low one way or another lol.

     

    Adam what is your power goals? Since its going on the track im assuming not 1000hp lol.

     

    I am looking to get around 400, but really anything over 300 and I am going to be happy with it.

     

    I have been working on my car lately, got some more work done, still tons to go....

     

    IMAG0260.jpg

     

    Here is the rear lower control arm. I have obviously already cut and cleaned it up for welding.

     

    IMAG0262.jpg

     

    Here are the sleeves that I had made. These are better IMO because I can thread the coilover all the way down, where as the other ones you can buy are stepped in the inside to prevent it from threading all the way down.

     

    IMAG0263.jpg

     

    IMAG0261.jpg

     

    This is my sleeve pushed on waiting to be welded. I left about a 1/4 inch all the way around the bottom so I could weld the strut tube better.

     

    IMAG0264.jpg

     

    This is the sleeve welded up for good.

     

    IMAG0265.jpg

     

    IMAG0259.jpg

    I forgot to take a picture for the cutout for the camber plate on the top, so I snapped one from below. I didnt want to lower/raise the car again.... Sorry

     

    IMAG0266.jpg

     

    Here are the tops of the rear after I welded and faded the into the body. It came out looking pretty good If I may say so myself.

     

    Thanks for looking!

  9. Ok a little more progress today....

     

    IMAG0251.jpg

    First thing you do to put these coilovers on is sawzall straight through the lower strut.

     

    IMAG0252.jpg

    In this pic you can see the sleeve that was stuck (after it has been cleaned and loosened). The sleeves I am using in the front of the car are actually the megan ones that come with the 240sx coilover kit, but I cut all the brackets off because they are not needed.

     

    IMAG0256.jpg

    Here is me holding the sleeve ready to be beat on using a big hammer and a wood block (so I dont damage the threads on top). I went ahead and beveled the top of the cutoff strut and also beveled the bottom of the sleeve to help assist it to go on straight.

     

    IMAG0253.jpg

    This is the top of the strut tower where I cut the hole so my coilover will clear and be able to slide so I can adjust the camber. You can see where some of it is cut through and some of it was just scored. I found the best method to cut the rounded sections was to score it the best I could with the cutoff wheel, then use a body saw to finish it. This method actually worked very good.

     

    IMAG0254.jpg

     

    IMAG0255.jpg

     

    IMAG0257.jpg

    Here is the front after I got everything welded up.

     

    IMAG0258.jpg

    Now I just have to finish the rear.....

     

    I also almost finished running the fuel supply line and am getting close on the wiring to at least hear it run. I just want to get all the work that I need a lift for done so I do not have to drive 20 minutes every time I want to work on it. To be honest I am a little overwhelmed at how much has to be done to this car to get it where I want it.... one day.

  10. I have had a love affair with the S30 chassis for a long time and found a decent chassis with minimal rust. I had been talking about buying one for so long that when the opportunity to purchase the car arose, my future wife didnt even give me **** for buying it. I knew from the beginning that I wanted it to be powered by a Ka24de with some boost, and I wanted to set it up for some track days. Enough about my love affair, here are some pics of my limited progress....

     

    First thing first I wanted to make the engine run in the floor of my garage. I figured if I could wire it up to run in the floor, then I could definitely make it run in the new car. It was surprisingly easy to wire and make run.

     

    This is the car before I started to take things out. The PO had taken out almost everything off this car, Everything....

    IMAG0225.jpg

     

    After a long day of cutting, tacking, cussing, and welding with my 8 dollars of scrap steel from clark iron and metal I got the engine about where I wanted. BIG THANKS TO MIKE AT TRACK ONE FOR THE HOOKUP ON THE KA FOR CHEAP!!!!!!!! (After I sold the automatic trans that came with the engine I have a whopping $50 in my driveline)

    IMAG0227.jpg

     

    I thought I had cleared the crossmember so my oil pan was not the lowest thing, but I then realized the corssmember was not fully bolted up......FAIL

    IMAG0226.jpg

     

    I gave up for the day and tried again the next weekend with better results

    IMAG0236.jpg

     

    Round 2....

    IMAG0234.jpg

     

    IMAG0235.jpg

     

    IMAG0232.jpg

     

     

    I am going to run Megan S13 coilovers on this car using some ingenuity and help from Xylmer. With his help we came up with a better design for the adapters that is about 1/3 of the weight of the zcc ones. I am by no means knocking his product just wanted to try my own thing. I got in a hurry and did not take photos of the install, but I will when I do the driver side.

    IMAG0249.jpg

     

    IMAG0248.jpg

     

    IMAG0247.jpg

     

    IMAG0250.jpg

     

    I went ahead and did the mod to delete power steering and run the water pump and alternator off one belt. This is achieved by using a single cam KA alternator brackets, and running a different size belt. You also have to run the single cam KA thermostat housing to clear the now moved alternator brackets. Hopefully Ill get some time this weekend to finish some wiring and finish the drivers side suspension. I cant wait until this thing will move under its own power. I already have antique tags for it lolz!

×
×
  • Create New...