Pooky

Fellas, I figured out the issue. To make it short. I put the tranny mount on the the rear housing as the tranny was standing on the bell housing end.(on 4x 4's) The holes in the ears on the rear housing are big, allowing a lot of slop in the bolts. Since it was standing on end, the mount bolted tight in the farthest forward position of the big holes. Hence, when I installed everything the whole drivetrain was at its farthest point back, not allowing the motor mount holes to line up. Solution, I unbolted everything on the tranny, it all shifted 1/8" forward and Hallelujah! I'm a pretty sharp guy to commit such an amateur error. Lesson learned: Never assume everything will bolt right up just because it should. Thanks for responding guys. Craig

I need a new radiator for my 280z with a stock engine. I'm rebuiding the car and don't want to put the original back in.(I can tell its been repaired at least 3 times!) Can anyone recommend a GOOD aluminum radiator that's not too much money or should I stay with the old style copper and brass one? Thanks guys, Pooky

Hey experts, I'm rebuilding a '77 280z that had a 4 speed manual tranny when I bought it. I've since purchased a 5 speed, also a '77, that I mounted to my engine and proceeded to install. I first lowered into the compartment and fitted the tranny crossmember into its mounts. No problem so far. When I lowered the engine further onto its mounts the holes didn't line up. The tranny seems to sit back 1/4" too far for some reason. I pried and forced the engine into place but don't like the idea of it all under stress. I know this will lead to premature engine mount failure. Did I miss something? I thought this was a direct swap. The cross member is mounted correctly to the tranny.(Angled forward) I also got the energy suspension poly bushings in the crossmember but dont think it should be an issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Pooky

Well said Phar. My goal is to have a head turner when I'm done. Sharp and classy, not pimped out. I love the changes that others have made that are the result of "thinking outside of the box". The goal of my post was to hear some modifications that many of us may have never even thought of. I'm certainly not committed to keeping my car stock. I can and will change things up, (already got some 04 Acura RSX seats). Just hoping for some nifty ideas from the veterans. Pooky

Thanks Richracing, My car comes back from the media blaster this week. A drum to rotor switch is something I thought about but didn't think I could afford at this time. I guess if I could locate those cars, its a possibility. Starting from a so called "blank slate", responses such as yours are helpful at this point in my rebuild. I assume the braking system you put together works well? Thanks for your input.

First let me start by saying that I am a newbee. I've been searching this site for months before I actually joined. I'm rebuilding my first car, a '77 280z. Before I started I knew nothing about these cars. Through the information on HybridZ I've learned a lot. However, I find it very hard to find the information I need using the search function. One of my biggest problems was finding information on things that others used to replace stock items. For example, I now know that Kia Sportage weatherstrip works better than new aftermarket, various seats that will fit with minor or major fabrication, and I now understand the limited wheel options we have. Those are some biggies. What about other stuff? There are some pretty creative people on this site. What are some of the nifty swaps that you have done? I've been thinking about some examples of things that there has to be other options out there for. These are a bunch that I thought of: 1. Wings, spoilers, or tail fins. Junkyards are full of them. Any models that look good on your Z? With or without modification. 2. Door locks, handles, window cranks that have oxidized. These small things are costly in the catalogs, gotta be some models that fit. 3. My Visors are in crappy shape. Any successful swaps out there? 4. Power Antennas? Dome lights? Shifter knobs? Gauges? 5. Any mechanical/engine parts? Are there any simple add ons from other engines that worked out? 6. Bumpers? Seems like everyone either has a bumper or the back is shaved. Anyone find anything else that looks good? 7. Vents or intakes you cut into your hood or fenders? Grills? 8. Brake swaps? Are there any better substitutes? Thought I read something about Celica brakes. Can't remember the details. I know some of this information is in various corners of this site. I know that some of you who really know these cars get tired of guys like me asking the same old questions. I thought it would be nice to have a lot of info in one thread. If you can contribute a change that you succesfully made, please give the details of make and model you got your swap from and possibly some pictures of the end product. I would certainly appreciate your input and think others can gain some knowledge as well. Thanks, Craig