Phantom

Davy, I can honestly say that I'm ruined forever. The power of these cars is truly addictive. I'm already dreading the trip back to the shop mines going to have in about 4 weeks. Another month or so without. I can feel the withdrawals coming on already.

That would probably still be in time to enter. They usually run registration for about the first 1 1/2 hours, judge for 2 hours and then give out awards for about 1/2 - 1 hour. Even if you don't get there in time to enter the show you can still park in the "Z" area and hang-out. You just won't have an entry number and will be a "phantom".

Dang, reading their write-up it would probably be cheaper just to buy a new one from Nissan.

I have had the same problems with my 280. The water was actually coming in through the windshield seal, around the windshield itself. I also had leaks around the seals that are on the front edge of the door. I'm in the process now of replacing every %^&$%* seal in the car - and when I'm done with that I'm probably going to have the windshield pulled and resealed by someone who'll guarantee it. This car is NOT going to rust out on me.

Oops. I'm not positive yet but I think the show runs from around 4:00 PM to about 8:00 PM. That may conflict with your plans Scott.

I'm 6'4" and have been trying to figure out how to lower my seat! I have just adequate headroom but no room for a helmet. Seriously considering taking out the adjusting rails and just bolting the seat straight to the floor. My first car was a '49 Cadillac and I've been thrilled with the lower ride height of the Z. If you want a true go kart feel, try a Corvette. Spirit - raise the seat with some spacers until you feel right. I drive with my arm on the window sill all the time in the "old-fashioned American way" - 'cept when I'm doing some serious shifting.

Sumo, Nope - not that I've noticed.

All that stuff pretty much just had to do with adjusting engine speed when AC was on/off. The LS1 computer took over that job. The stuff under the dash for door positions, etc. just needed a vacuum source which also was provided from the LS1. Also got rid of the vacuum reservoir bottle. Wow, you've really been studying that one picture.

Depends. Booster would be fine if only 87 octane available and a little more performance needed - or running a high comp engine and getting borderline with pre-ignition. Guys used to do it all the time but not too much any more with the advent of the new fuel injections systems. Hey - you know - I charge a usage fee for those quoting me. At least you gave me credit so I can flunk you for plagarism!!!!

Mothballs work quite well actually - if you get the old fashioned kind.

Get that baby on the road! The Houston area needs another V-8 Z to keep the American muscle on its toes - or maybe on its behind?

Well - third tank gave me 17.8 MPG. That included several full thottle "demo runs" so I don't feel so badly. Hey - I pulled up next to a WS-6 Firebird when I was fueling up and noticed the driver was filling up with 87 octane. Am I wasting my money buying the 93 octane stuff?

Easy way to confirm general area of the fumes source is to roll your windows up and turn your AC fan on. If you have no problems with fumes it is the back of the car. If you are still getting them it is probably firewall related. Gen 1 Z's are notorious for fume leaks around the hatch. I have had the problem with my '77 for years and just this week ordered a complete set of replacement seals for the hatch. If that doesn't do it I'm going to get a set for the tail lights.

If you really want to show off: Christian Classic Cruisers is hosting a Cruise at North Hills Mall in NE Fort Worth on Saturday, July 19th. It has a class for Z cars. The Cowtown Z Club is going to show up with a bunch of cars and I am planning on being there. There should be in the neighborhood of 200 cars from several different clubs entered which means probably 350-500 people. They also have an "under construction" category so even Spotfitz could enter. (Sorry Spot, just couldn't resist!) If you opt for this there is no work for anyone to do except show up and show off!

Kevin, AC system has new dryer, compressor, and hoses. Kept the original condenser & evaporator/expansion valve combo. Used the Freeze 12 for refrigerant. It is an environmentally friendly substitute for R-12. Compressor is a special compact, high-efficiency Japanese unit. One of the few non-Datsun, non-Chevy parts in the car.

Well, since my speedo goes to 160, I doubt if I'll be seeing any speeds above that. I also have trouble with wiper lift above 110. Car has an Aero kit on it so I know from experience that it is stable to at least 125.

Tom, Rebuild of the T56 is covered under "warranty". I already talked with the gent who provided the unit and he is al set to take it apart and make it right. Small aggravation at this point.

Gary, I have been thinking about the C-5 engine covers. They definitely clean up the appearance of the engine bay. I can't use the red ones, though, as they will clash horribly with the red paint on the car. the black ones might be ok if they fit with the other little mods (fuel line routing, etc) that the install required and clear the strut twoer brace I'm going to be installing. One thing at a time. It's the journey that counts even as much as the destination. I know you have a busy season ahead of you but if you get down this way please know that you're welcome to stop by for an up & personal tour of the car. Good Luck!!

Hey Spot - talked with your source for the '81ZX this weekend. Didn't say anything about your plans. Man - if he gets a couple more Z's he'll be competing with Jerry.

After a couple weeks of driving: 1) The phantom coolant evidently was just some voids that hadn't been fully purged out so now all is fine there. 2) Brakes - Toyota 4x4 up front and drums in back - not enough. Too much time near triple digits. I smell upgrade comig. 3) AC - 15-20 psi on suction and 150 on discharge indicates problem with expansion valve - it's integrated with the evaporator - $450 from Nissan - ouch! 4) suspension - new Urethane everything on its way. 5) Body - Lots of rubber seals - on their way. 6) T56 - Oops - going south - needed synchros in 6th, now needs them in 5th & 6th. Hope it can hold on a while longer. 7) Tires - 30 psi vs 36 psi and heat makes difference in wheel hop problem. Hotter and higher is bad. 8) LS1 - what a beast - pulls like a rock star from 3,000 to the rev limiter - which I've found too many times. Need to watch the tach more closely. 9) Chassis Dyno - hope to get that done week after next. Traveling this week and next week. Stay tuned for the numbers.

But Grump - Where's the stuff that mounts in front of the throttle body? Won't go too fast without that, will it?

With 7" wide rims and 245 wide tires you would run about a 10mm offset that would move the center of the wheel rim closer to the center of the car (in). As you go wider in tire and rim you will have to go the oposite direction by width increase. If you have 9" rims in the back you'll have to move the center 50mm toward the outside of the car or 40mm out from center. At that point you could probably run about a 295 series tire. You'll need at least 3 1/2" flares to do this. Best thing is to talk with someone local that really knows wheels and tires and can maybe allow you to "test fit" a few before buying.

Strut Bar looks very much like the one offered in the Motorport Auto catalog for $109.95. (800) 631-6331 Personally I like the Top End Racing versions. Not as pretty but much more functional. http://www.racetep.com

With Coil-overs and the proper offset on my wheels what is the widest tire I can get on the rear of a 280Z? I curently am running 225/50-16's with a '0' offset wheel and they are just touching the outside lip. With a 10mm offset toward the inside of the car I think I could get up to a 245/50-16. What would the soil-overs buy me space wise? Another 10mm, 20mm?

Naw - actually I've always been heads up - ever since I baited a guy into a race when he had an unmarked police car behind him. Who would of thought a lime green Impala Coupe with Cragars belonged to a cop?!? Fortunately he lived just down the street from me so I'd seen the car a few times. THe other guy hadn't and he paid the price. He was from out of town - learned some of the rules the hard way.