WhiteHorizonZX

I'm SO glad that I'm not the only dude who thought about this thread recently. The Ford flat plane crank is going to set the world on fire.... it's awesome. So who's already planning a build with one?

Next time you have to do this... try using your knees on the bell housing and your chest for the pan, that way you can position and push it onto the studs via the tailshaft by hand. Done way too many that way. Makes it a lot easier once you've done it a few times and get a good pattern for yourself. Benchpressing anything against cement is a horrible idea, bad on elbows, horrible on shoulders (I was injured on Active Duty with my right shoulder, it sucks and once again... I feel your pain), and it won't allow your shoulder blades to properly rotate. Glad you got it done and that's a neat Z! Lookforward to seeing some more stuff of it!

Awesome work! I feel your pain about transmission lifting. I'm not a big guy (5'5" 160) and I've had to pull & install many many different transmissions. Anything from T5's, TKO600s, TH350/400, 700R4, etc But the real pain in the ass is my Bronco's transmission; uses an electric 4 speed OD auto. With tcase, torque converter, and fluid it weighs over 380lbs. That 5 speed may seem heavy, but you have no idea how good you got it man!

I can tell you from personal experience with metals.... You're better off making this from 1/8" aluminum.

What is it about this design that makes me think of... And why do I foresee some horrible outcome?

http://members.iquest.net/~aca/ That's the link to Algie Composite Aircraft. I read about this in the Jan '07 C&D. This guy/company is making carbonfiber airplanes... that use the LS1/LS2/LS6 blocks anyway. I was looking through the pictures when I came across a picture of a carbon fiber oil pan for a dry sump oiling system. I figured that some of you LS guys would be super interested in this, not to mention his turbocharging system. Anyway, thought it'd do somebody some good. Pvt. Dear

Alf!!! Hah, this goes right back to the idea of doing research, I came across a fair ammount of information you posted on this, yet I mearly looked over it & looked for key words, I'm sure you realize that I didn't actually "read" it by now. Thank you for this information, I'm very appreciative to have some real bed-rock assurance that I'm not just imagining things. If you don't mind, I'll take some time to list some ideas and plans that I have for the Z. I'd like to use a Painless Wiring 18 circuit fuse block and run all my own wiring. I had invisioned using a camaro/vette/firebird LT1-T56 combo out of an existing donar car. This is quite possible as they are easy to find in parts condition in my area. I assumed that because the T-5 that is already in use in the vehicle & the T56 were close relatives that it'd be a simpler swap, but I expect complications. I plan on removing virtually all the existing electronics in the vehicle & replacing them with newer, aftermarket parts. Like Autometer guages, retain the factory power windows & locks, make use of the donor car's fuel pump (and if that doesn't work, I'll go ahead & spend the cash for an Aeromotive pump), I have not yet figured out what to do about heater control. I was hoping to buy a GM sending unit & integrate it into the new wiring. I also had a new idea today as I was thinking of the same problem you expressed about temperature, I believe that if I used sheet metal to "duct" the radiator (I.E. creating an opening similar to that of the existing opening in the '86 model, using aluminum sheet metal), and then continuing the ducting up through the hood. I am not decided apon what type of exhaust headers I want to use, but I know I want to use headers. I have a unique idea for the exhaust that resembles that of the 350Z exhaust muffler. I am open to any and all suggestions, thank you very much for being so helpfull! Pvt. Dear

Sounds great, I can't wait to see how yours comes out. As far as the wiring goes, I want to use an 18 circuit fuse block from Painless, & integrate the painless wiring harness into the ecm (been planning on using an LT1 & the BW T56, but that's not deffinite). I probably should have mentioned it in my first post. But yes, plans are for new wiring, LT1 & 6speed trans. I intended on keeping the differential (seeking VLSD replacement) & CV's, unless someone disagrees.

Hi guys, I've been reading this forum for weeks now, looking into things & exploring this aspect of the Z world, and I believe I've been changed. I've got an '86 NA Z31 that's just pathetic. The car's sat for a little over a year now, and hasn't been run since june 'till today. I miss my Z, but there's too many problems with my electrical system that are far beyond the point where I can just fix it. After investigating my problems, it's become apparent that I have a chassis short, and I am just not willing to rip apart the interior to replace a length of wire. Here's the fun part. I'm enlisting into the US Army National Guard in March, I'll be back around the begining of this fall. I don't entend on being deployed but it's possible... anyway, that's beside the point. I'm coming into a good bit of money at that point & I've been wanting to work on my Z for some time. Now before you guys rant at me for not looking into this, I have, but there's not many resources. I know there's one guy on here who decided to drop the VG out of his '84 into a rat rod, and throw an sbc into the '84. I know that Dr. Buddah has done the sbc conversion to his z31 as well. Everywhere I look, I continue to hear that it's extremely difficult, & very costly. Well, I'm a frugal type of guy & I like to about things from the aspect of "what can I get without blowing my wallet", I think we all think that way from time to time, but I'm just looking for a little insight, some helpful hints, & a little information if you're so willing to give me such. Feel free to PM me too. Pvt. Dear