speeder

The 350Z R200 has 6-bolt flanges identical to the Q45/Z32TT diffs. This diff looks like it will bolt up like a Q45 short nose R200 (same front-mount ears) but the rear cover only has one horizontal stud. I have a 3.36 from a 350Z auto sitting in my shop.

Mark, I was hoping you would weigh in here - That's good news. BTW, I solved my vibration problem - really stupid - I'll PM you. I ordered this pump from Summit: http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?Ntt=TIL-40-524&Ntk=KeywordSearch&DDS=1&searchinresults=false&N=0&target=egnsearch.asp&x=29&y=12 I will probably use at least a 10- row Setrab brand cooler (7"X13"X2"), but will get the largest one that will fit in the available space (Front fender side panel behind the louver- I'm building a new tilt front end with 280yz fenders with louvers like my current piece, so there will be extra space in that area- I'll buy the cooler to fit.) The diff coolers I saw used for clutch-type R200 LSDs in SCCA endurance racing were really tiny, like 8"X2"X2", and used this same Tilton pump. I'll use -6 hose and fittings to plumb it. Sounds like I will be fine if I keep it cool! Looks as if the failure modes for the viscous LSD are either leaking of the "mystery fluid" or breakdown? of same. I'll have to study this.

Saaaweeeet!

I'm in the final stages of prepping the Porker for road racing. I have an R230 from a Z32 TT installed, and am pretty happy with the performance of the viscuous LSD in my street driving so far. I've heard that the viscous units work fine until they heat up, then start to function as an open diff. Anyone road racing with one of these Z32 units? Impressions? I'm installing a big-a$$ diff cooler with a Tilton pump - The viscous principle is appealing - Its perceived advantages are better durability (no friction materials) and smooth engagement.

The Pathfinder Armada R230 rears are available in 3.36 and 2.95:1 ratios. As far as I have been able to discern, they are not LSD. I recently got under an Armada and visually verified that externally its R230 looks very similar to the Z32 TT diff - the only difference I could see is the finned rear cover on the TT unit. A quick check with Courtesy Nissan reveals that a ring & pinion set for the Armada is around $300.00 retail. I still may order one and eyeball the fit into my spare R230 -. I was investigating this option for my setup, but probably have acheived my desired gearing through transmission ratios and tire sizing. I've mentioned this to Z-Gad, who will probably be breaking his 3:36 R200 with that nasty 2JZ. The 2.95 ratio sure looks sweet for an automatic turbo car or a healthy SBC....I'm sure he will report if he tries the R230 option. BTW, second that the Z32 TT diff is 3.7.

280Z spec (27-spline) billet stubs.

Me too. I've just completed my drivetrain upgrade that includes Ross's Z32 splined axles, CV companion flanges, and billet stub axles. I could not have gotten this done without MM's parts. Good on Ross, the Z niche supplier extraordinaire!

Good job! It's all in the details. Been there, conquered that! With successful conversions to R134 on several old cars, I now know more about A/C (from the school of hard knocks) than I ever wanted to. Don't you just hate those jobs that siphon time and money away from the performance tweeks?

I use the HKS SSQV and have experienced no leaks. There is a recirculation kit available from HKS. The only downside to this unit is that it requires an expensive ($40.00) mounting flange unique to the SSQV.

Yikes! That makes my ankle hurt!

Here's the inside of the grease cap. A little out of focus, but it looks as if metal is being removed from the cap in addition to the deformation by impact. The large ring is where the cage contacted, the center mark is made by the shaft. Looks as if some engineering is required to build some kind of stop/centering device.

Just to add a note: Be sure to pay attention to Tim's note in Step 7. about cage orientation. If you get the cage reversed (easy to do, and you may be tempted to do it on purpose to adjust the axle length) , your axle will be too short and major doo-doo will result. I know this for a fact.

Got my R230 in, working well, feeling good about it. Recently heard from TimZ of a problem with the same axle setup I'm running (Ross's shorty axles and companion flanges, two inner Z32 CVs per side). Tim had a problem with overextending the axles to the point of ripping the RH cage/ball assembly past the stop ring in the CV housing. I happened to be at Tim's for the post mortem, and we found that, in addition to the overextension, the inner CV grease cap had a hole in it where the CV cage had punched and/or spun/wore through. Turns out that Tim's axles were assembled with the cages flipped so that the assembly was in the "short" configuration, obviously too short for the maximum extension experienced. This explains the overextension problem, but the hammered grease cap worried me. I came back to Florida and pulled my axles to check for correct assembly - Mine were assembled in the correct "long" confiigration - (couldn't remember how I originally did it, but I did measure the total travel required and had configured the axles accordingly) - which was good, but I noticed that both my inner side grease caps were getting hammered. Distinct bulges were noticed. Right side: and left side: not so bad I've read everything posted here about R230s and this thread - http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=90068&page=1&pp=25 contained a discussion about concerns for the cages floating inside the housings without any springs or buttons inside to center them. As I remember, this concerned me at the time, but several R230 conversions were being operated without any mention of problems, so I blew it off. Does anyone using the Z32 axles see any evidence of problems with this? Does this indicate that maybe a spring/ button arrangement be designed to control the travel?

Yeeeeeee-Haaaaaaaa! That's cool!

Victoria British p/n 54-890. I converted my '77's system to R134 and it works really well with all stock components. I have 35* air out the vents on a 100* day. I did flush the system thoroughly to remove all the old oil, did not replace the expansion valve. Use 20% less R134 than R12. An electric fan on the condensor improves performance and keeps system pressures down. R134 runs at higher pressures and many people overcharge. This, along with no condenser fan is probably the major cause of premature compressor failures down the road. On my two recent R134 conversions I've installed a high/low safety switch in the drier (the stocker only has low pressure protection) . I've learned these lessons the hard way. As Arnold S. says, "Hear me now and believe me later".

Spottedthis in Indy last week Gotta keep the rear end down on those 6 cyl F150s at high speeds. Not to mention the enhanced styling - What a babe magnet!

F'n hilarious! Wonder what his e.t. was on the NAWS run?

My message to the seller: Nice Z in your ebay ad. Looks just like mine! You must be located in the south of UK to have all those palm trees... Regards. No reply as yet, and I notice the bidding has ended early.... Funny sh1t here . This is one of several rather bizarre results from having my car's picture on the web - I've received numerous offfers to buy it, some legit, some not, but this is the first weirdness of this kind that I'm aware of. But then it's hard to escape the vigilance of my HybridZ "Posse"....Thanks guys. Takes all kinds, huh?

Heh-Heh, he said "dickbag". Seriously, that's some very informative stuff, SBC. Looks as if there's blame to spread everywhere.

Aww, You guys are probably right about "rules is rules" and "you better come prepared to race" - I was looking at this from a (pissed-off) fan's viewpoint rather than a sanctioner/competitor's. Pretty tangled political conditions here, though. I'm just starting to hear that Michelin's replacement tires were no better than the originals - It was a design problem rather than a manufacturing defect. Further, it appears that Michelin didn't do their homework and make changes to allow for the newly refinished oval area, specifically turn 13. Of course, Bridgestone, as Firestone's (supplier of spec IRL tires) parent company, had data that was probably not available to Michelin. I find it hard to believe that this was gross negligence on Michelin's part. Adding the chicane was not an acceptable solution, so the only other alternative would be to cancel the race. No matter what the cause, the race as a meaningful competitive event was seriously compromised. That said, my impressions of my first F1 event are that it is not as satisfying to spectate as ALMS or Rolex Grand Am racing - There is no going into the paddock/garages/pit area to scope out cars and/or drivers, tickets and everything are expensive. I do have to say that seeing an F1 car attacking the course is a real experience in person. You just don't get the full impact of these cars' handling and braking abilities on TV. My group was unanimous in saying that next year we will go to PLM or Sebring instead. Hey, how 'bout those American Vettes at Le Mans? Boo-Ya!

http://www.formula1.com/race/news/3209/740.html http://www.michelin.com/corporate/actualites/en/actu_affich.jsp?id=15410&lang=EN&codeRubrique=4 You be the judge. Sounds like Bullsh1t to me.

I was there, and left in disgust after the shock of reality set in. I thought there was going to be a riot - The whole place was reverberating with chants of "Bullsh1t! Bullsh1t! then booing, and water bottles were being thrown on the track. I envisioned a soccer-style set-to with all those South Americans and Europeans present. My understanding is that Michelin was genuinely concerned about safety after Ralf's crash Friday, and recommended replacement of the suspect tires (which were flown in Friday night, and , from Indy television, were mounted and ready to go that night), or, putting a chicane in to increase the safety factor at that point on the track. Ferrari voted against the chicane idea, but so did FIA. FIA could have mandated a chicane over anyone's objections. They also could have allowed all teams to change tires (To be fair to the non-Michelin teams) and then go race. If any blame is assigned, it should be on Ecclestone and his iron fist enforcement of rules. FIA's handling of this situation was the biggest factor in the creation of the fiasco. This whole episode demonstrates FIA's total desregard for the fans. It will probably be the end of the USGP - Which is already suffering from low interest in the US - I know that many in attendance this year are of the "stick it up your hiney" persuasion for any future GPs. I'm one of those.

Hey guys- I just got back from the USGP (Now there's a story for later) But I say go get him! Why don't we get on there and bid the price up to - like millions or so.

Big congrats John - and condolences to the bride.

Holy Crap! You'd expect better of a $1000.00 wheel.