maichor

My 2001 LS1 water pump gaskets are reusable. Maybe they hadn't gotten around to it by '98. The motor was still brand new to everyone, including Chevy.

CorZette . . . you sound you should be govener of CA or something. Where were you when I was loading the Camaro rear end into my truck? Oh, yeah, you were overseas!

RPMS sounds good. I live 2 blocks from 1382/67. I will try to be home by 12:00 to meet you guys.

Should fit fine as per JTR instructions.

Yeah, I probably tightened it too much. Live and learn.

It turns out that before Dan Juday enlightened me about the roll pin adapter that Ron Tyler can make, I drilled and tapped the LS1 slave cylinder to fit 1/4 NPT. 1/8 was too small and those were the only fittings I had that could adapt to the 3 AN I wanted to use. Well, it turns out that when I tapped it, there was not too much extra metal there and it cracked. I didn't notice it at first, but when I added fluid and pressure . . . : Now I have to spend $100 on a part I already had. This time I am getting the adapter. Can you feel my pain? Still, this is one of my first big screw ups on this 3 year project. I guess it's all good. http://photos.yahoo.com/maichor75104

You know, the sad thing is, I could qualify for memberships in all of the aforementioned clubs/teams. :| Maybe what we need is a support group, like dead Hybridz annonomous or something. Wait a minute. . . I'm already a member. Username: Maichor @ http://www.hybridz.org. This forum is my therapy. 3 years and counting on my current project (Jackstands for 2/3 of that time, including now ). Maybe next year for me too!

You are not kidding. Only with my friend with his twin turbo Jim Wolfe Z didn't only get splashdown, he rolled right into standing water that was deeper than he thought and hydrolocked that thing instantly. He sold his Z at a firesale price and bought a Vette.

When my brother came to visit he brought me one he found on close-out. It is the one one the left. Glowing red eyes! Don't know if I will put it on though. What do you guys think?

Yes, my point exactly. What is that $$$ paying for. Is there a super synthetic or other gear oil that is better than the recommended Nissan stuff, You know, like Lucas is quality for trannies. Is there a top dog for VLSDs?

Is there a good aftermarket gear oil to use with the VLSD. They suggest a special oil from the dealer, but $$$!

Thank you so much! I go through the same hassle just about everywhere I go. I go to the parts counter, tell them what I am trying to accomplish, and they always stare at me puzzled and ask, "What car is it for?" I reply with something like, "The steering rack is off of an '86 Thunderbird, but I can't use the T-bird tie rod ends because they are too long. It is a custom setup. What I need is a 9/16" fine thread rod end that is about 3" long." More puzzled looks . . . "What car did that tire rod come on?" Or, "Nope, can't do it." Or, "Can't help you unless I can look it up." Anyway, you get the idea. My younger brother is a shift manager at an Autozone in another state, and when he was here to visit, he gave me answers. He pulled out the catalog, started reading specs, and we found several that would work. We checked until we found one that the store had in stock and walked home with the tie rods we needed. How come there aren't more guys like that? Anyway, my bro calls those guys computer monkeys. The good news is . . . now when I walk into Autozone and ask for something they can't look up, they motion me behind the counter and say, brake fittings are here, or fuel fittings etc. It doesn't usually work to say, I need 1/8 NPT to #3AN etc. Anyway, thanks again.

OK! Sounds good. I am using a Nitrous ready Denny's driveshaft with the large U-joints. It is definitely a heavier duty U-joint than the Stock LS1 Camaro driveshaft. I probably should pull the part# off of them when I get home.

Scottie, what about an adapter to go to an R230 from a GM shaft? That is what I am looking for. The driveshaft shop didn't seem to know about one. I could use the help. NEAPCO? I'll check into it.

Man! Where were you guys last weekend when I drilled and tapped my slave! Dan, where did you get that adapter again? Do you have contact info? Because, while tapping my slave, it cracked a little around the old pin location. Probably happened because I beat the pin out with a hammer and it was being stubborn. I haven't checked it for leaks yet, I may have to get another one and the adapter. Thunder racing sells the 2001 units, which I have/had, but ouch$!$!

Hey, motor is running, now I need to get power to the wheels. I am trying to mate and LS1 T56 combo to an Infiniti R230 differential. I have a Denny's driveshaft nitrous ready shaft I would like to use. I could cut off the Q45 u-joint assembly at the rear of the shaft and weld it to my driveshaft, but the driveshaft place told me that the Q45 u-joints are non-servicable. Is this true? Is there a servicable (i.e. You can replace it without cutting it off your driveshaft) unit that bolts onto the R230, say from a Skyline or 300ZTT? If so, how can I get my hands on one? I haven't found a 300ZTT in the jy yet. I know Tim240Z runs an R230, Pete too? Anybody else? Thanks. Project is a 1972 240Z w/ LS1 T56. Rear suspension is out of a 240SX with custom CV axles and an R230 from a Q45 and brakes from the J30. http://photos.yahoo.com/maichor75104

Hey Bill, both Jegs and Summit will have it. It is a really nice unit. There is a guy on eBay selling them with a nice handle that drops it back about 2 1/2". http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2437146998&category=33736 His price is very competitive and you get the handle, if you want your shifter to drop back like that. Otherwise, you can keep your stock handle or get a straight shortened on for $25 also on eBay. You will have to make sure he gives you the Camaro version, since Pro 5.0 Makes Mustang shifters too.

I know my wheels won't work on a stock Z, but there is room for them with a VR kit or large flares. Tires are 335/35/17's and 275/40/17's on OEM Replacements Cobra R wheels. 17 X 10.5 with 6.95 inch BS 27mm offset. No spacer or adapter, but all custom suspension with five lugs. Front was converted using Z31 hubs and they are 17 X 9 wheels, same offset. It was actually good that the hubs stick the wheels out more, because they now match the wide rears. Used Viper tires cost $50+40 shipping on ebay, wheels $850 shipped. Total setup, $940. I'm so close to being done . . . for now!

I hate to point this out, but isn't RICE just something to eat? You know, not too tasty unless you add lots of butter, salt, pepper, etc. or stir fry it with veggies and serve it in a buffet. It is amazing how much the topic of rice arouses so much emotion. Personally, I like fried rice, or Lipton packets. Now that is rice that I can stomach. So, in conclusion, I like rice ONLY if it is prepared the way I like it. Therefore, I think we can discuss rice forever and still disagree. However, rice will never be as good as real food. You know, steak, or eggs, or ice cream, or cheese . . . mmmmmmm. The power of cheese. I have to go eat lunch!

I got mine on eBay from a 2000 miata. Nice leather for $400. I think one of my album pics shows them from behind. If not go here: http://photos.yahoo.com/maichor75104 I had to make my own mounts.

1) Yes, compromise is a necessity. I can't talk though, my wife is AWESOME! She loves cars and has a list of her own that she wants. In my opinion, honesty is the best policy, especially with the wife. I never try to hide money from her, except around XMAS. She pays the bills and knows the account. At Christmas, I will use a credit card for her gifts, at least that way, she won't find out how much I have spent until she has her gifts and is enjoying them. 2) Fair is fair. Your wife may not have passions of her own, but you must make sure she does. If you are putting money away for your stuff, you should put some away for her. So far, my car project has cost me, a treadmill, 2 cats, a nice set of ceramic cannisters, a gold watch and a few other things over 3 years. But, I have spent nearly 10X that on the car. It will take you longer to get the money, but it is the way you need to go. Good luck!

Sounds very cool! I can't believe you are probably going to finish two cars before I finish one! Hey, I'm curious, what made you go Supra before fine tuning your LS1? Won't you still run into the same smog issues as before? Traction has been the nemesis of the super high hp Supras. I would guess the Viper stuff would be a little better setup for launching, but it may take too much to fit it under the car. I'm sure you will work it all out. As far as I'm concerned, you are a genius. You pulled off a difficult swap in almost no time at all. Good luck with this next one!

Thanks, everbody. I do plan on doing a writeup. A lot of thinking and measuring and thinking and measuring and . . . went into this swap. The writeup has been on hold for a while because I have been busy and the small amount of time I have had for the car has been used to prep the body. When will it be driving? My goal is to have it done by Xmas! By done I mean running/driving. Interior will be rough but that can wait. Oh, and Phantom, not to worry, as soon as it is driveable I will be wanting excuses to give rides etc. I want to get the feel of it an go with you guys down to Ennis and see what it will do. Will they let me run without a top? I will add roll hoops eventually, but it will probably remain a roadster. It is so close I can almost taste it!

I put some more pics in my album. Some of you guys have been following this. It is now all done. 335/35/17 and 275/40/17 tires on Cobra R wheels, no spacers needed. Five lug setup with big Toyota Brakes up front and 11" J30 brakes in rear. Small drum mechanical e-brake Adjustable rear toe and camber with cool 240SX multilink Stock 240SX springs, pics show ride height without fuel tank or driver It has been a long road. Thanks for all the encouragement! Celebrate with me! http://www.hybridz.org/phpBB2/album_personal.php?user_id=2109 photos.yahoo.com/maichor75104

Well, I edited the links for the video. Both work for me, but that doesn't mean much. Thanks for sharing the excitement! 25 megs, takes a long time to load.