Phantom

Won't happen - terminal velocity in free fall is about 140 mph so car would very rapidly decellerate to that speed once clear of the plane.

Click on the links below and look at the pics. Speakers in back, in the deck, under the 1/4 window & in the doors.

Search under LS1/T56. I went with the 280 for my LS1/T56 conversion. The 280 already has fuel injection so the tank was set up and a locatin available for the external fuel pump. It also is structurally stronger although I've still added strut tower braces and a roll bar with subframe connectors to come.

Search the form for fastest street car or something like that. there is a posting either under motorsports or non-tech that shows & talks about a guy running a big block in a 240Z running in the 9's.

Well - the Top End Racing front strut bar I installed bolts to the firewall about 8" either side of the hood latch and seems really solid. The rear bar bolts to the top of the towers both sides and then 'V's' back across and down to bolt into the drivers side a second time down low. I also installed the Auto Power SCCA rated roll bar over the weekend so the back end should be getting pretty rigid now. I still plan on reinforcing the sub-frame connectors but that is a ways out. I've got other fish to fry on this car before I get back to that.

Guys - I've been dealing off and on with MSA for about 15 years now. I have NEVER had a problem with them that wasn't overcome with a single phone call. They have always been courteous towards me and their service has been excellent. I have their products all over my car. Do they always make the best or cheapest of everything they offer, probably not. They do, however, have a huge offering at reasonable prices and are always the first place I look for an aftermarket part. And here's the best part - they'll be there next week if I need to talk with them about a part I ordered.

I have 12 years and about $30k in mine including purchase price, all repairs, and modifications.

I've got the 3.70 R200 LSD mounted on my '77 280Z. I initially used the original half-shafts and u-joints. I've since upgraded the u-joints to the Spice Brute Force units. The car is running 12.9@110 and seems to be holding together.

That's where mine is too. I ordered an SCCA spec roll bar today. I'm going to get it in and then look at beefing up the frame rails. we'll see after that.

Oops - was writing this while you were writing yours. Jon - I have the Top End Racing strut tower braces front and rear now. Just added them in the past two weeks. The front runs across AND triangulates back to the firewall. The rear runs accross the top of the strut towers and then triangulates down on the driver side. I, too, have noticed the difference in handling when under power on a corner. I'm concerned that it's not enough, however, so I'm planning to add the four point roll bar and also reinforce the frame rails beneath the car. It will cost me some time due to the additional weight but it will still be faster than a two-piece car. My big question was in reference to attachment tabs to the underside of the roof and at the side to integrate the chassis more solidly into the roll bar. Your thoughts?

Let's bring this one back to life. I made my second trip to the track last Friday in the 280Z28. It has a total of 7 runs down the track plus the "unofficial power demonstrations". I have been watching the 'B' pillar like a hawk and noticed a hairline crack on the passenger side this weekend. I have triangulated front and rear strut tower braces now and I'm definitely going to add a 4-pt roll bar. I've noticed suggestions about tieing it into the top/sides of the car. Any further observations?

Scott, Call Jerry at All Z Car Specialist in Fort Worth. (817) 483-0383. I'm sure he has a plethura of R200's laying around you could get a cover off.

Theoretically you can build a car capable of doing it. I just don't know all the aerodynamic modifications that would be required. Here's what you would need mechanically: LS6 motor with procharger running at 7 psi boost. That would give you at least 540 RWHP. It can be modified to give up to 700 RWHP with more money. T56 transmission along with the Nissan 3.70:1 R200 LSD or the R230 equivalent. With 25" diameter tires this will give you 240 MPH in 6th gear at 6,000 RPM. My 280Z28 is currently running a 311 RWHP LS1 with no procharger, the T56 and the 3.70 LSD R200 with 225/50-16 tires and I have confirmed the gearing is good for 120 in 4th, 160 in 5th and 240 in 6th at 6,000 rpm. The challenge is to find a way to keep in on the ground at those speeds.

Are you talking about the nylon inserted lock nuts? Don't think the nylon will survive too well at the temperatures under your rocker covers - then you'll have lttle nylon bits floating around your oil system If you're thinking about the all steel variety then those might work. I'd do some serious asking around before I did it though.

Brad, Not that unusual for a competition tire. I know a guy with some Kumho Ecsta MX's that do the same thing. Basically it gets hot and picks up everyone else's rubber. You just need to get it on a twisty track and scrub it off!! Not real happy about hearing how you burn them all the way through 2nd and into 3rd gear. What kind of torque are you developing and what gearing in your differential?

Jeff - go through the personal albums and find one you like - then email the guy for what kind it is.

LS1/T56 & 3.70:1 R200 LSD, Dyno'd 311 RWHP, 326 RWTQ - Running 225/50-16 Yokohama S306's. They don't hook at all in 1st and barely in 2nd. Planning on going to the Kumho Ecsta MX's when these wear out.

Friday night at Texas Motorplex Spot. I'm still running on street tires so that's my story if the times don't come in where I want them - and I'm sticking to it!!

Actually every time in the 280Z28 is play time. I was coming home tonight and ended up alongside a Neon with major ground effects package & fart can. Very well done but a bit extreme. Evidently the kid driving had noticed me earlier and just wanted a look at the car. He was not interested in any "sporting" at all. He had a big friendly smile so I gave him the sound and view of engaging third gear at 60. After I slowed back down and he caught up got another big smile and the "that's awesome man" shake of the head. Nice kid. It was a good drive home.

The guys that drive them certainly have a high reguard for themselves - and probably rightfully so. I've never ridden in or driven a Viper - I don't fit real well. Tried to mess with one coming back from the car show yesterday. Just couldn't get him interested but did finally get his attention when I downshifted a couple gears and left him. Needed to get over a couple lanes quickly as my off-ramp was coming up.

Take a road trip over to the DFW, TX area and I'll let you take my LS1 powered '77 280Z for a spin. You can decide from there.

That engine design has been araoung close to 10 years now. I wonder why it hasn't gotten off the ground?

Do have a website handy for the shifter? Does Jegs or Summit handle it? Thanks for the suggestion!

Bill - different animal from what you have - especially if you are carb'd.

This is going to be difficult at best but I'm going to try to compare the LS1/T56 280Z to itself in its previous life and to my totally stock '83ZX. Well - let's see - they are both Datsun Z cars and there the similarity ends - mostly. The original Z got about 18-20 mpg, the '83Zx gets 20-22 mpg, and the 280Z28 gets 19-22mpg - but on 93 octane. Ride - before and after the 280Z has a much firmer ride due to the Nissan Euro springs and KYB gas struts plus the lower profile 50 series tires vs the ZX with it's stock 14" 70 series tiresand original springs & struts. Seats - Zx is much softer, Z gives a bit better lateral support with it's thinner firmer more wrap-around stock seats. Cornering - This award goes to the Z. Better suspension, strut tower braces front and rear plus V-8 has a lower CG. Steering - 83zx with it's power steering is really nice. The 280Z requires a lot of effort a low speed and tends to be almost overly responsive, especially on rough roads when at speed. Weight distribution - original Z - 1400 front, 1400 rear, ZX- 1430 front, 1450 rear, 280Z28 - 1400 front, 1430 rear. Braking - the ZX with its stock disks all the way around gets it here, the 280Z28 has the Toyota 4x4 upgrade in the front but still the stock drums in the rear and the Toyota brakes have never been completely right. Major room to upgrade here. Shifting - Both the original Z and the ZX had the Datsu T5. Nice shifter, smooth, easy and precise. T56 - notchy, hunt a bit more for the gears - but what can I say - its a 6-spd and I can cruise at 60 at 1,500 rpm. Accelleration - original 280Z the slowest, ZX a bit quicker, 280Z28 has 365 HP at flywheel vs 149 & 145 respectively. Need I say more? Stereo system - original Z sucked, stock Zx is pretty nice, don't know anymore on the 280Z28 as I blew the fuse the other day. Another upgrade on the way. Creature comfort - The ZX wins hands down. Better AC, power windows & mirrors, cruise control, T-tops for the nice days. Fun Factor - 280Z28 all the way baby! I look forward to the daily commute to and from work like a 5 yr. old looks forward to his birthday. Cost - original 280Z 12 years ago - $3,200, 280ZX a year ago - $2,600, 280Z28 including original cost, 12 years of maintenance & upgrades - nearly $29k.