Phantom

Anyone read that article in the new Sport Z magazine on the new braking technology? Essentially it's a radiator for your calipers. I found it quite interesting. I'm very dubious of any new product but this one looks like it could make the difference for someone whose brakes are marginal in competition but don't want to do an expesive upgrade. Anyone else who has read the article with opinions?

I installed a 4-pt. roll bar in my car for the following reasons: 1) If my car gets any quicker it would be an NHRA requirement. 2) It adds some structural rigidity. 3) Because of it's close proximity to my sitting position (I'm 6'-4") it adds additional roll-over AND side impact protection. All that being said it still needs the 1-1 1/2" thick head pad to keep from caving the back of my head in if I get rear-ended.

I hope that motor revs pretty high because 1st gear will be nearly useless with the high numerical rear ends. My LS1 (6,000 rpm redline) with the T56 is at the limit with 3.70 in the rear.

Having attended a bunch of car shows with my car I can tell you that the Chevy guys are always amazed and intrigued by the V8 in the little Datsun. They'll spend 20 minutes with me looking at the fit of the engine and asking questions. The Datsun/Nissan guys, however, are another story. That's where the 'purist' definition comes in. Fortunately I have a very clean conversion so they have to grudgingly admit that mine may be ok - but all the other conversions are crap!

It obviously must vary by company or else that guys insurance company was just looking for an out. Mine has no problem with it - they figure it will reduce bodily injury in a car that essentially originally has no structural protection, air bags, etc. I've had my 4-pt roll bar for 2 years now in Texas and never even gotten a second look from the law enforcement folks. The recommendations to put some heavy pads on it are sound - or else wear a helmet all the time. soehow I think the helmet might attract more attention that the roll bar, though.

The stock C5 was rated for a 13.2 quarter mile. If the C6 is running in the low 12's I'd say it's significantly faster. Those times are the same as those for the old Z06. I think it's published quarter mile time was 12.4. If that's the improvement in the base engine model I have a feeling the new Z06 is going to be plenty quick.

Totally depends on your finally goals. FWIW the Z31 motor itself can be moded for over 500 HP so that would eliminate having to do a motor transplant. Check the back issues of Sport Z magazine for a 'centerfold' article on this. The Z31 starts out about 300 lbs heavier than the 280ZX so that would be a consideration but it does have a wider track and a better suspension. I think its aerodynamics are a bit better too. The Z31 is probably the least liked of all the Z cars and, as such, is very under rated for what it can be made to do.

PM Savage42. He'll know.

It was good to finally meet you. Several nice Z's and many other very nice rides there last night. The 1,000 HP '90 model Mustang was awesome. The highpoint of the night for me, though, was when a guy with a Honda S2000 asked me what I used for a daily driver and I replied - "the Z". The look on his face was a Kodak moment.

Unless he's replaced the motor, Darius has a blown LT1, not an LS1. Kraymond, Email me directly and we can probably work something out. My wife is out of town this weekend so this one would be perfect but it's probably too soon for you to hit the road again.

Made a trip to Johns Cars tonight. It was good I went today as he's across the street from Fair Park in Dallas and the Texas State Fair starts tomorrow. Anyway - the purpose of the trip was to eyeball another LS1 280Z - a pretty midnight blue one owned by Skelly - see his photo album. John Radevich's guys were putting the finishing touches on the AC compressor installation and had worked out bugs in the tach and the speedometer drive. I saw John while I was there and spent some time walking around my car with him showing off the new interior and the exhaust modification. The guy has an unbelievable eye for detail. We briefly discussed my pinhole leak in the radiator and then got into some rubbing hose issues, a missing AC compressor mounting bolt, and a leaking AC fitting - not to mention him noticing where I'd put a minor ding by the drivers side tailight when I backed into my suburban in the driveway. He would notice that:redface: ! Anyway - he suddenly disappeared and then reappeared with a handful of wrenches along with a bolt and lockwasher. 10 minutes later the missing bolt was replaced and the AC fitting was snugged up. What a guy! For those who have been asking - he does have a set of headers in stock and ready to go. www.brokenkitty.com

My california version 77 280Z came with a catalytic converter in the location you'r talking about. It was about 4" in diameter and did double-duty as a resonator. As long as th ecar isn't lowered you'll be Ok - otherwise you need to look for more options. Spend some more time with Google and "mufflers" or "resonators". You'll eventually find what will work. I found that some good sound deadening material inside the cabin gave me the same end result plus eliminated a lot of other noise.

Mike, We meet the second Thursday of each month. Next meeting will be October 13th. Go to the website, www.cowtownzclub.org, to get the latest news. Bill Davis President, Cowtown Z Club

In 10 days I did not see a single Z car of any generation in Israel - lot's of Honda's though.

No way an Optima battery weighs 40 lbs. I've got a red-top in my car. I think I take his weights as 'approximate'.

There are three up in the DFW area. I'm not aware of any down in the swamps.

I remember my first run - besides being wasted by the Chevelle I also wasn't sure where the 1/4 mile line was so I held it until I was sure - and going 120 MPH - and then said "Ooh S**T!!!" and nailed the brakes. I was well past the line and well into the slow-down zone. What a rush!

That's so the girl will have something do when she's bored.

Dang - that sucker looks bigger than my LS1! I wonder if it weighs as much? Very nice and clean install!

I know what you mean. I don't know how many times I got distracted and got caught by the rev limiter. It's also a bugger launching on street tires with the torque the LS1 puts down through the T56 & 3.70:1 LSD. I'm sure my original times would have been a lot better also if I had run tire pressures lower than 30 psi!

David, You're lucky! My first run at the strip was next to a '68 Chevelle with a built 454. He had a .02 second reaction time and ran a 10.8 quarter. He was halfway down the strip before I even reacted! You've got everything you need to easily run mid 12's except tires. That will be you're limiting factor until you get some DR's on the car. I finallly managed my 12.9 on 225/16 street tires but I only benefitted from about 50% of what first gear could have delivered. Even still - what a rush! Bill

I got my front and rear strut tower braces from them. Good quality parts but it took several calls to finally get them shipped.

David, Car looks just like I remember it - absolutely beautiful. What a roll you're on. Twins in the garage and twins on the way to ride around in them with mom & dad at events. I see the event even got you an 'honorable mention' in the new issue of Sport Z in the club area! Now you need to go for the full article once the family expansion arrives!!

My 280Z averages 19-20 commuting to work.

And you want to leave your fuel lines close to heat so that you can set yourself up for vapor lock - why? In my case I had two reasons for a fuel line reroute, 1) the lines would have literally been touching the passenger side exhaust header, and 2) the LS1 fuel rail inlet was at the back and on the drivers side so it was logical to come up and across the firewall. On a carburated car I can see why you'd want something closer to the stock Nissan routing but heat and fuel just aren't compatible.