KraZeeZX

That's the best part! I FINALLY have a kicking stereo system again!!! It's SO nice to have my 10" sub bangin while I cruise. The exhaust does give a bit of drone to it... but it can easily be covered up by the stereo at a reasonable volume. I think most of the noise I'm trying to cover up is my exhaust leak... once I get that fixed.. she's gonna sound soo smooth and quiet! You're going to LOVE your LS1! -Vann

Calico... if you search around on this site through my posts, you'll find all the information on my swap. zfan - I'm running stock manifolds => 2.5" pipe =>dual catalytic converters => X-pipe => Dual Magnaflow mufflers -Vann

Had a friend stand on the side of the road and get some footage. I never knew what my Z sounded like, but DAMN.. I like it!!! Make sure you have DivX - http://www.divx.com/divx/download/ The video is ~7 megs.. get it now! http://www.streetneeds.com/uploads/video/z32Ls1_nov5.avi Lemme know what y'all think! -Vann

duct tape and instant-gasket maker man.. you can't go wrong j/k hope you get it running for dyno day! -Vann

update from tonight .. 135 and still pullin hard in 4th gear! I never have enough cajones to keep going! -Vann

Well.. I had a date with MTI lined up to get some diagnostics done and see what codes I'm throwing... but I got lazy, slept in and decided I didnt want to pay for all that today. I took Tim240z's advice and ran over to Lowe's for some unatured alcohol. Found it is the paint-thinner section and bought 2 gallons for $20. (bought the extra for next year's inspection ) Went home, dumped a gallon in with the 8 gallons of gas I already had and took her for a quick spin around the block and then over to the inspection. WOW is that alcohol a neato trick or what??!? Here are my results compared to yesterday when I failed: Nox(ppm) - - Low RPM -- Standard -- 829 -- Yesterday - 1213 -- Today ------ 623 (HALF of what it read yesterday!) - High Rpm -- Standard -- 751 -- Yesterday - 951 -- Today ----- 370 (1/3 of what it read yesterday!) I'm still amazed at how drastic the change was! Just incredible! It also brought my 02 rating up from 0 to 1.65! I'm so happy now! It's much more fun to be able to cruise around and be legal and not looking over your shoulder every 2 seconds! -Vann

With the old v6 - 124 and that was near the top of 5th. New v8 - heres the setup: - Stock LS1 V8 - 4.10 gears - T56 6-speed - 18x9 wheels with 265/18/35 tires Got it up to 121 on a quick pass on a local empty 2-lane street. That was about 3/4's of 4th gear.. still pulling HARD and I still have 5th and 6th left. Once I get an inspection, and some balls.. I'll take it out on the freeway and try to reach 5th. Theres NO way I'll EVER wind out all the way to 6th.. I would crap my pants WAY before I ever got there. -Vann

Ya.. I'm still not sure whether it's EGR related or not. Some other LS1'ers say the reason the newer LS1's dont have EGR is because they have a different cam to acoomodate the lack of EGR... so... EGR may be my problem. Too bad I dont have any way to put it back on my Z. The MAIN reason I didnt pass is because they are testing my Z based on the newer Corvette emissions! Now.. I know they are supposed to do the emissions test for the body style of the car, but they went ahead and typed up 5700 - 8cyl for the engine size for my test. I KNOW it would pass the 91 emissions, no problem... maybe I just need to bring it to another shop and take the Corvette fuel rail covers off. Myron - Well first, I know I'm throwing codes.. my ODB2 light shines nice and bright all the time, lol. I would get it done in San Marcos, but I really don't want to have my car up at school for any amount of time. Last time I had my Z at school with me it was broken into.. so, you know how that goes. Of course... if I can't pass here in Katy, then the 2 hour drive might be worth it. I'll let you know how the diagnostics go. DaleMX - ya.. MTI informed me that MAF placement and Catalytic converter placement might be off... I'm sure they can only help me out tomorrow. jmortensen - You're right.. EGR is specifically made to reduce Nox, but Ive been told that it won't reduce the numbers enough to get my car to pass... of course, MTI might be wrong, but we'll see. brandonengineer - lol.. ya, sucks to have a newer car with a swap. What sucks even more is that the shop was testing me based on even newer emissions tests. I'm sure the lean conditions are contributing to my failure... my A/F gauge NEVER comes close to reading rich and barely ever touches the stoic area. Tim240z - I failed at both speeds.. I was 200 over (950 over 750 standard)at high rpms and 400 over (1215 over 830 standard) at low rpms. My engine had been sitting for about 2 years... but Ive driven her for almost a month now and have rowed through all of the first 3 gears a few times. Would that still possibly be my problem? And what does the alcohol do for the testing? I dont burn any oil and the engine is responsive as hell...I'm just getting irritated because I can't figure out exactly what's causing my failure. Hopefully I dont have to reinstall EGR... I'll have to get new manifolds and I dont have any $$$ right now. -Vann

Went to get my Z inspected now that everythings been running fine for a while. I passed all the test with flying colors, but managed to fail the Nox test by a fairly wide margin. Crappy thing is... it could be one of a bunch of problems causing the failure. My Z has been running lean... no idea why, but it has been. I dont have EGR and I dont have a way to put it back on. I have my exhaust leak on my driver side header. And my coolant system has no thermostat right now.. so I'm probably running in open-loop all the time. I'm bringing my car to MTI (ls1 specialists) tomorrow to get a diagnostics scan to tell me what codes my engine has been throwing... hopefully that will shed some more light on the situation. Just a bummer since I was sure I'd get my sticker this time. -Vann

Well, it's done by class.. so I was competing against the other Z32's. A black one ended up beating me out since his car was dirt-free. Needless to say.. that red Datsun took 1st in it's class (he always does) AND he took home the Mr. Mossy award (Mr. Mossy's favorite Z at the show). It is one, clean Z. -Vann

I managed to take 2nd place... a step up from the 3rd place I got in my last Z show. Too bad the show's are based on cleanliness (I have a few paint issues) and not on originality. Anyways... check em out here: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/698415/3 -Vann

I got passionate talking about why I own my car and why I built it the way I did over at houston-imports.com in a thread started by ON3GO. I was on a roll and realized all of this is very true and thought I'd share. I'm sure most of you can identify with it. -------------------------- -What made you own/build your type of car? Z cars... there is a heritage there that no other car has. You don't see any other imports that have a history like the Z car. Only a few domestics posess a similar quality.. vettes, camaros, mustangs... The Z is a timeless performer. Elegant and Ferocious. A poor-man's Ferrari if you will, but the Z is so much more. It is a car that can be had by almost anyone, but should be owned only by people with taste. The Z car is an amazing machine and has always been a top choice car since it's debut in the states. I got hooked on Z's back when I was 8 and saw my first z32. It brought me into the world of cars and I havent looked back since. In 99, I bought my 1991 300zx and further induced my infatuation with the Z car. I had friend's who owned Datsun Z's and have always loved the look and lines of the classic 240-280z cars. Now.. why is there a v8 in it? It further defines who I am. I have always tried to be a leader in the things I do.. this is why I pioneered the Z32 LS1 in order to take charge of a new trend in hybrid Z cars. I love the individuality and uniqueness this Z brings to the world. It's so great to take it out and have everyone watch it roll in with that oh-so-wonderful "WTF" look on their face. I am an individual, I enjoy being original, I like to push for new trends.. and hell, I'm a marketing major... being unique is my thing, and leading people towards new horizons is what I strive to do everyday. My Z is my statement to the world... a breath of fresh air. I'm telling everyone to push the envelope; pursue your dreams no matter what anyone else says. Our individuality and unique imaginations are what drive our culture to new heights. That is why I own/built my car. shift _ originality -Vann

well... I think the only thing you'll have him on for sure is weight. Convertibles weigh quite a bit more than hard-tops. Does he know how to drive his Cobra properly? If it's a stick, and he's a shoddy driver.. you can take him. I think it would be pretty close... if he's a good driver, I dont think you'd lose by much. What you should do is, ask him to lower the convertible top before you race and see if he remembers to put it back up... that'll slow him down a bit if he leaves it down. -Vann

sweeet. very sexy Z, the new vents are great! -Vann

Ya.. Darius's creation has a way of changing the way you view Z cars, lol... the video's of his Z are what put the idea of a v8 Z in my head. Darius is a hoss... I can't wait to see his new, ridiculous beast!! -Vann

Hey.. welcome to the boards!!! Ok.. first things first... SEARCH! There's a TON of information available here at HybridZ, all you have to do is use the search function to get an overwhelming amount of posts on what you're looking for! My personal input... ANYTHING! ANY engine you can dream of! Take a look around... you can put any engine you want into that car there. The 280zx's have fairly large engine bays and can accomodate most anything with the right fabrication. Take your pick.. standard Chevy 350 sbc or lbc, LT1, LS1, any ford engine you can think of... a monstrous Hemi... anything! Another route (I know you asked about v8's) would be a Buick GN Turbo V6.. those suckers have the capability to put out TONS of power. We've even seen a Jaguar v12 stuffed in a Datsun! Its all subjective, just take a look at all the different engines you might like to have. Look at all their specs... then look around here for other people who might have used that engine in a 280zx and make your pick! Remeber though.. this site is ALL about originality and being unique.. so don't just ask and let one of us tell you what to put in your Z! You need to make the decision.. that will ultimately lead to the highest possible extreme happiness factor once you get her runnin! Use the search function, browse around for a few weeks (or months or even years like me)... and choose your poison! Good luck with whatever you choose, as long as it's what you want to do.. it'll be awesome! -Vann

Sucks about the trans GB300Z - I don't think he ever mentioned that it was a Z32, and aside from you... Aldashwa (i think thats the name) and me are the only other 2 runnin around in Z32 LS1's here. Just to make that clear. I bought my combo with a 4l60e and specifically sold it so I could get the T-56. My Z was a manual originally, and I couldn't change that now could I? I've only driven stick-shift and I intend on keeping it that way. It's just more fun. The automatic is ONLY good if you intend on having an 8 second, straight-line car... point and shoot. I am really anti-automatic, it takes all the sport and skill out of driving... when all you have to do to go is hit the pedal... that's no fun at all, probably boring really. : I like to be able to drop it down a few gears.. get that nice high engine note and then 11's are EASILY attainable with a manual. Go with the 6-spd, you won't regret it! -Vann

Where at?? I'll be back down on October 21st until October 24th and I'd love to get some #'s to look at & a video. Lemme know! -Vann

Awesome! Talk about lookin familiar! I remeber when my dash looked like that... lol, everything just gone. Ok...you've got the white Z and the custom interior... now don't go out and buy a bodykit and my wheels! Dont want em being too similar now eh? Great job on the swap... You're not too far away, we'll have to compare sometime just for laughs! 8) Good luck with the rest of it! Cant wait to see it running, -Vann

WOW! Scroll down to the next bolded text line if you want to skip the info about what work I've done and just read about letting hell unleash for the first time in my Z! ... pics are at the bottom After battling the coolant explosion, PCM problems, other various eletronic kinks and an awful overheating problem.... THE Z HAS NO MORE MAJOR PROBLEMS!!!!!!! Here's what I've done since last week: - Got a new PCM and had it flashed w/ VATS removed - Got my radiator fan running correctly (when the key is in the on position) - Figured out my Fuel gauge is reading backwards! (I ran out of gas and it says full... then I filled the tank up and now it says empty!!! LOL) - Installed a very nice Flexcool® lower radiator hose (the upper one will be installed once I find some custom 90° bends) - Installed my new metal header gaskets (unfortunately there is still a leak on the driver side header ) - FINALLY washed the Z! So much dirt and grime came out of the cracks after sitting for almost 2 years! Next thing to do is clay bar, polish and 2 layers of wax to rejuvinate that paint! At this moment there are only a few more teenie jobs to be done before she is TOTALLY complete! - Install thermostat (running direct @ 180° w/ no thermostat right now ) - Install polished coolant overflow catch can w/ braided steel lines - Install oil catch can w/ braided steel lines - Install braided steel fuel lines - Install Flexcool® upper radiator hose - Flush and refill my cooling system w/ Dexcool - Rewire my fuel gauge so it reads correctly - Install new fitting for oil pressure gauge to fix the leak - Relocate PCM to inside and under the dash (I dont want another coolant catastrophe) - Fabricate new windsheild cowl for my wiperless configuration - Fabricate engine bay covers & air guides - Fabricate front and rear belly pans - Hide my battery & amp - Rewire the stereo system - Clean, detail and clean! It seems like a long list, but all of those jobs are NOTHING major at all. I should be able to have the majority of them done by the end of the month! The fabrication jobs will take the most time, but it's all accessory stuff now for the most part! Hopefully I'll have a good portion of that stuff done by October 30th which is when I'll be entering my Z in a local Nissan Show N' Shine car show here is Katy/Houston, Texas. I'm also going to be taking her to a show on November 13th in San Antonio which will be hosted by Sport Z Magazine! I'm soooo excited!!!! Onto the REALLY cool stuff and main reason for posting! (Sorry, I had to include all of my work and what's-left-to-do list ) I took the Z out for an "Acceleration test" for the first time Saturday night. I had never taken her above 2500rpms prior to this !!! I still played it REALLY safe though and just rowed through the gears... no power-shifting just yet... I'm not used to the T-56 pattern. lol Anyways... I went to a freeway that isn't too busy at night and decided to see how fast I could get up to 60 on the onramp. I took a left, and as soon as my car was pointing straight... I pushed it! 1st gear up to 5500 rpms... casual shift into second *Screech!*.... I'm instantly at 60mph and couldn't stop.. wound out 2nd gear to 5500rpms... slow, fumbling shift into thrid (I need practice) *Screech!* and then let off at 90 mph! ............ I was giddy and completely wired at this point. 90mph came SOO fast. I just couldn't stop smiling! Now the thing is... and I'm sure some of you already noticed... I shifted at 5500rpms. I know the LS1 redline is higher.. but I'm too scared to push it any higher just yet... that and she was pulling like a MOFO anyway! I was also shifting pretty slowly allowing time for the rpms to drop just a little before I got it into the next gear... I STILL spin in second and then into THIRD! I have never experienced 3rd-gear wheelspin before... and honestly.. I didn't expect it! I was shifting early, shifting slowly and I have 265, Y-rated, sticky tires!!! They still broke loose! MY ENGINE IS BONE STOCK!!!!!! Oooooh, the potential makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up!!! The power is just overwhelming... man is it awesome! (Keep in mind... I've been driving a 120hp 1986 BMW 325es for nearly 2 years now... this was my first taste of speed in that long amount of time! Man did it feel good! ) Ok.. I had to share. Sorry it was so long, but I just can't get over how unbelievable this creation is! On with the new pics: links: Gauge Pod Z pic 1 Z Pic 2 Z Pic 3 Z Pic 4 Night Pic (this one's pretty cool, just wish it came out a bit clearer) Night Pic 2 Happy Fall Holidays from the family Z-driving scarecrow! Enjoy guys! I'll be continuing work on the Z when I can get back home in about 2 weeks... I'm itching to get y'all some nice video, so hopefully that'll happen! -Vann

Well, while I'm fixing stuff.. I might as well take care of this too: I have a mechanical oil pressure gauge in my dash now, and the sending unit on the gauge has a tiny tiny leak. Doesn't sound bad... but oil leaking in my dash isn't exactly a good thing. What kind of adhesive or sealant could I use to block this off? It's leaking where the plastic tube meets the brass connector/sending unit. Thanks again guys, -Vann