Zetsaz

Pretty sure I have the same Tial actuator you have. Other than your stroker setup, I think some of our stuff is very similar at this point. I'm not sure I should be seeing a bit over 20psi if you were seeing 15, especially since I haven't even taken it close to redline. Need to get a boost gauge so I don't have to stare at a screen to monitor it. It's part of the reason I'm playing it so safe right now. Can't just eyeball a gauge. Rear end is is a 3.9 CLSD from a Z31. Not sure I wanna go through the trouble of pulling the turbo to open up the hot side right now, but if everything else checks out I'll consider that down the line. For now, I think my stock compression, plus the top end of my VE map running a bit rich, plus my timing and AFR targets being safe maps from @Chickenmanwill keep things safe even if I'm boosting more than expected. Just won't take it to redline at all in case it creeps even more.

Okay now that I'm making boost and starting to work on the VE maps it's SO fun. Took a break from tuning and engine stuff last night to install the headliner. What I thought would be 2-3 hours took 7... fortunately it turned out mostly okay, especially for a DIY job and the noise levels are noticeably better now that a bunch of holes in the car (wiring etc) that technically lead right outside aren't pumping wind and exhaust noise into the cabin. They are good mods.... because I hit 20psi yesterday according to my data logs with no issues haha. This is technically a bad thing because it means I'm over boosting. Not sure if I have the actuator arm just a couple turns too tight or if it has a leak somewhere. Might try to figure out a way to test the Tial actuator with my air compressor. There's also the small chance I was shipped the wrong one. I'll check the part numbers and make sure I wasn't accidentally sent their 22psi actuator instead of the 10psi I ordered. Anyway, here's a poor vertical video I sent my brother of some baby pulls i was doing on a a rural dead end road with a looooong straight. Wide open and super convenient for some mild testing. Including my squeaky clutch i fixed when i got home. Didn't even get it to 5k here. Once I was comfortable that the charge pipes were holding the pressure I pushed it a bit more in 1st and second after double checking the VE map. Took it to about 5.5k getting onto the interstate and honestly it pulls SO much harder than expected, but that may just be the 22psi haha. The block was fully balanced by Top End including the balanced crankshaft according to the build sheet I managed to get, and the basic cam info I got supposedly claims a 7200 redline on the cam... can't imagine what that's like since I haven't even hit 6k yet while tuning Snapchat-1473947449.mp4

Not entirely sure yet because I've only barely made boost. Was making like 3psi yesterday and realized a couple clamps weren't tight. This morning when I felt like I was ready to try a short pull in first I didn't even hit peak boost because the coupler on the compressor housing got blown off haha. I think I DEFINITELY want to go with flat top pistons on this eventually to help the off boost responsiveness, but part me almost wants to go with an ITB 3UZ in the super long run if this thing ever blows. I kind of like the simplicity of NA.... that or I'm just used to it and will completely changed my my mind once this thing is properly dialed in. Turbo noises are definitely satisfying though

Between the all the transmission and finalizing the last few pieces of the engine I've been working on this thing almost all my free time and the baby mistakes are adding up. That being said here's the engine bay update, now with completed charge piping and some mediocre wiring and vacuum hoses I plan to redo completely and tidy up at some point. Next steps, some of which are just fixing my own mistakes are: -Get new shift knob at my door because I've been running without haha. Datsun threads are M8 and all the later Nissans use M10 -Check and adjust oil feed. Dripping just a bit while running -Adjust exhaust more. Occasionally starts rattling. May just need to tighten the hangers at the back. -Tighten couplers.... Only made 3psi boost earlier because I didn't have the couple on the throttle tightened 🤦🏻 -Make top bracket(s) for intercooler. Just running some flimsy brackets on bottom. Charge piping is helping keep it stable but it shouldn't have to

Well she's moving! Charge piping isn't done and my coils might be wired funny because it only runs on wasted COP, no sequential spark right now. That or my tooth #1 angle is off or my trigger wheel is upside down, or or or.... But she moves! Friend is helping me with the hot side charge piping tomorrow that's holding me back. Hopefully I can figure out some settings and get it running smoother asap

Smart move. $400 for machining only is highly excessive. I had trouble finding anyone that did small batch work and ended up at a local machine shop that deals almost exclusively with marine work do mine for $80. I feel like that was REALLY cheap, but considering how little work it is for a shop with the right tools, anything over $150 seems excessive. it's really only opening up 3 holes plus some clearance on the thick part of the bearing opening for the thicker 71c gear.

Transmission in. Coolant fittings for the turbo done. The silver lining to pulling the transmission is I accidentally used the thinner Datsun clutch fork when I first installed it instead of the noticeably thicker "71C" fork. Comparison in the second pic. Checklist for first start is just -Remount coil packs -Refill trans fluid (Redline MT90 arriving today) -Install shifter -Refill coolant -Install Vacuum hose for wastegate and BOV -Burn new tune onto ECU (Already updated settings for new injectors, removed IAC, and new AFR Target Map) Technically optional for just a first start. -Finish intercooler hot side piping (Running into some issues with fitting things the way I had planned)

Transmission problems SOLVED. A check ball was missing during assembly and the selector over travelled and got stuck out of place but on reinspection they also noticed one bit near a synchro was assembled backwards? can't remember which piece specifically but apparently one piece is nearly identical front to back and wasn't set right which made it tough to go into gear to begin with. The shop redid the work for free and got it back to me same day! Will try to get it back in tonight and assemble the last of the coolant fittings which are arriving tomorrow. Unless I'm missing something i might be able to try a first start tomorrow night. If I'm missing anything hopefully it's by the end of the week

Well... the engine itself is dangerously close to firing. Just waiting on a few fittings and some BSPT plugs then I'd be running again. Transmission problem doesn't seem like what I thought. Seems like the stick is in 5th, but the trans is in neutral. Started the laborious process of pulling the transmission yet again. Will be taking it back to the shop that rebuilt it to see what the deal is. Seems like the selector forks aren't lining up or something because the stick goes to "neutral" but towards the right with some force and in "fifth" it has a lot of play up and down but neither is actually selecting a gear. Silver lining - I accidentally used the thinner Datsun clutch fork instead of the mutch thicker 240sx one, so I guess I at least get the chance to swap them out now, and triple check that I actually put the right release bearing in.

All that work kind of makes a carbon fiber panel seem cheap haha. I think if i have to replace my hood ever I may not even bother with repair, might just go straight to a Seibon hood and try to paint match

The distance you're picturing is exaggerated. I just measured and it's about 2-2.5" lower like Rossman mentioned.

I'm not sure I'm understanding your description correctly. You may be thinking of it backwards. Unless you somehow went even taller than a 280z radiator, OE 280z hoses should work for either application especially with a straight, with the small caveat that you may have to cut a bit of the end going into the radiator if the bend becomes too tight. They're slightly longer than you'll need if you have a 240z radiator. I still have my 280z radiator sitting around. Never got around to recycling it (started leaking). I'll take some measurements when I'm home today and let you know exactly how much higher up the 240z outlet is. Sadly, my 280 hoses are cut, so I can't just eyeball if they'll kink or work as is for you. PS - if I didn't already have the Mishimoto and wasn't already hemorrhaging money trying to finish this thing I'd ask ask to just make a second radiator and send it my way. Looks like a very nice piece haha

I may take you up on that. Underneath the car, the fuel lines are one of my biggest frustrations. They work fine, but I just flared them for EFI rubber hose for now. Trying to get my cousin to help me 3D print some mounts to run along the frame rail, right now they're just sort of hanging with only a couple of clamps in the back and front and zip tied to the brake lines which are more properly mounted. Stock rubber mounts don't work since I upgraded to 3/8" stainless line. it's not too bad since I only have very short sections of rubber, especially at the front. The rail is deadheaded and the FPR is running "returnless" style. I've heard that's not ideal with boost, but I figure if the "Medusa" Z is running that way with much more power than I'll ever have and Z Car Garage didn't bother to change it when they did a lot of work for him, then I'm probably fine.

The radiator is physically taller in a 280z. I'm sure a 280z hose would work fine on a modified radiator with a straight outlet, especially closer to 240z dimensions since you don't need to lengthen the hose. At the very worst, you'd be trimming an inch or two off the end if the new bend from having the radiator outlet a bit higher somehow created a kink in the hose. I trimmed my 280z hose to fit a Mishimoto radiator which only comes in the 240z style with the lower outlet upturned. Z Car Depot has aftermarket 280z upper and lower radiator hoses as well as OEM units, the Mishimoto hoses are only made for the 240z upturn but seem excessively expensive.

Thermostat housing is on and turbo is split apart for a sec while i wait on a couple of AN adapter fittings for the coolant lines which should arrive tomorrow. Occupied myself installing new door dome light switches and touching up the paint around the old busted ones. Finally managed to pull the old turbo studs put for the new longer ones to use with the spacer. Even welding nuts on the end didn't work. The stud extractor tool was worth every penny Had to relocate the PCV to clear my wastegate actuator and ground down the mount for the original one as well. While i was at it I baked the intake and exhaust manifolds in VHT flameproof paint. It's not quite ceramic coating, and I've heard of some people having issues with it flaking off, but realistically I'll eventually replace the intake at the very least with a nicer and better flowing Protunerz manifold. In the meantime, I'm satisfied with how i plugged some of the open holes and cleaned things up. Will probably run wiring under the fuel rail to keep things tidy.

Looking goooooood. Not sure why you had to kick down at the trans mount though. But your 73 is a bit different than my 75. Just saw your post on Facebook and started following so I could see other's ideas haha.

Spacer, new fuel rail and injectors and thermostat housing. Started getting the exhaust manifold fitted up and figuring out the correct angle on the compressor housing to clear everything. Super happy with the quality on the thermostat housing, but notice they accidentally sent me another outlet instead of the water neck haha. ProTunerz has excellent service though and already said they ship the neck on monday along with a return label to send back the extra outlet.

Yours is looking much nicer than mine, i must say! Granted you have a much nicer workspace than what I have available to me

My very much not Chinese made spooly boy has arrived. Thermostat housing and injectors should be shipping out sometime this week according to protunerz SO close to a new "first" startup. Will just need to sort water lines and the intercooler piping once it's bolted up, but it's super close.

Since I'm running the very conservative stock compression with dished pistons I figured the "newer" ball bearing turbos would get me better response on the low end, even though the GT series is starting to get a bit dated. The GTX for this size is apparently only a marginal improvement, and the G series is just too expensive for me right now. I got the whole assembly (housing, outlet, and water neck) for $194+shipping. Looking at other options which are just stock replacements that does seem like a good deal now that you mention it. Andrew (Milkfab) is also running a clutch fan and has now problems, but he has 3" intercooler piping which caused some fitment issues going under the engine. Mine is all 2.5" which fits great so far as long as I'm able to aim the compressor outlet just right to clear the steering column without having the couple hit anything.

@JMortensen Those charts are barely legible even if you zoom in. It's one of my big frustrations with the forums after the major update some years back. Images uploaded directly to it all get compressed and you lose detail on some of this stuff. I have personally experienced the lift that you're referring to and the front definitely makes the most difference. A lot of people don't realize how much of a parachute effect the front hood has to create lift. My coilovers were adjusted poorly before adding more of the interior and carrying some things in the rear deck which caused the back end to lower enough to cause problems. Before the front splitter was added, the lift on the front end was enough to make the back rub since it was already close. Over about 55 or 60mph the lightest blip of the throttle would cause one side to rub. Over 65 or 70 mph the front end lift was dramatic enough to cause constant rubbing.

Ahh, somehow I missed the post by calZ. I had intended to post the pics from my phone after doing the typing from my desktop only to realize they were taken around the time my old phone got bricked a few weeks ago and weren't part of a back up haha. I'll take a few tomorrow.

Hmmm.... Looks like I'll have to redo my heater hoses to set them up like yours. Can you link to the thread? I don't have the T like you, I just set them up like my old NA engine, but I do still have the T from the turbo block's heater hoses. For the water lines, I saw PMC taking the cooler feed from the block plug in the back under the exhaust manifold, and returning to the thermostat. TonyD seems to have suggested using the turbo as a replacement to the original bypass line which I don't have right now. Posting a photo from my phone of the clearance. Your clearance between the frame rails and trans crossmember should be a non-issue. My low spot is under the diff, but unless you hit something that's going between your tires or get a LOT of suspension travel over a bump, I just don't see how it would hit anything, For the most part that entire area is gets more clearance as the tires move over things.

Looking might similar to mine so far Your engine bay is going to be MUCH prettier than mine... I forgot to ask earlier, how is your water cooling for the turbo routed? Are you taking the feed from the block and exiting to the thermostat housing?

Recent orders that are hurting my wallet but should get this thing going. -Garrett GT3076R that I mentioned, with a 5 bolt ford style exhaust housing to bolt in that ultimate internal wastegate setup. Should keep things simple. -Tial 10psi actuator to keep things more reliable than whatever questionable chinese actuator was on there before. -650cc injectors and adapters for the 14mm O rings. Should be more than I'll ever use, but they were the same price as the 550s that were recommended to me to keep up with my turbo and psi goals. Will give me plenty of overhead, and better tuning since they're new and will actually come with a data sheet. -The new thermostat housing and waterneck from protunerz that I preordered ages ago should be here in time to install the water lines for the turbo. Was shocked at what they're asking for them now. I'm expecting them to be really great pieces, but I'm glad I preordered. Will give me more ports in more common modern threads while also allowing me to move away from the pitted oem pieces I have that developed a hairline crack on one of the sensors. They've been impossible to seal as a result and always blow some coolant steam onto the bottom of my hood and onto my header. Electric fans are still up for debate. I know that I can route the intercooler piping in front of the oil pan right now (have test fit my piping) and my clutch fan is working beautifully. Might avoid the extra expense and work for now just to get myself going. Don't want to have too much all at once on the to do list. If I purchase electric fans and the wiring it might wait until next month when I'm finally reimbursed for a conference I was at in February.