Ratsun

The white and red Z's are okay. I think that the front end and the side cues make it seem too busy. It looks like it's trying too hard, but I still like the direction it going in. The orange Z is good, but I hate louvers on the hatch, and the rear needs to be retooled to be more 'Z-like' (taillights, bumper). Front end.... well, it's really good. I'd rather see a cleaner look. The headlights, grill, thin bumper and turnsignals should make it instantly scream 'z'. I'd drop money on it if it looked a bit closer to the 240z. Entry level Z. I wish. IMO, the perfect starting point would be a smaller version of the FM chassis ( I think the Foria concept went that way). 4 cylinder motors aren't my cup of tea, but If I had to go 4 cyl, I'd rather have something like a SR20VE, with a livelier tune. 5-speed manual, 2-seater, strip out things like cruise control, video screens, etc. Z should be as minimal as possible, light as possible, but as safe as possible. The whole point of the Z is to be a focused sportscar...that's driven everyday. Sorry about rambling, just my opinion.... --R

I've got one in Baltimore. It's a 5-speed coupe, 1978. Car's daily driven and complete. Let me know, I can shoot you pics and a full description if you want.

Thanks, Tony:) Looks like I'll have some scrounging to do. --rat

Actually.... that's a KA24DE valvecover. --rat

That looks great, Z-ya. I've been wanting a BSR spoiler for a while now.... will you be making molds of the flares as well? The BSR Z is my fave and I'd love to finally have body stylings for my Z! --rat

I swear... between Tony D and HLS30-H we have everything we need to know about the S30 in many respects. I wonder if there's anything they don't know:biggrin: BTW, Tony what else did SSS make besides that Z? Also, there have to be some other really outstanding Zs from that era... Any info?? --rat

Damn! Globerunner beat me to the punch! ---rat

I've had that happen. My heater core went south and leaked its juices all over the wiring near the turn signal switches. Turned on the turn signals, which shorted out the wiring. Replaced the wiring and had to replace the heater core and turn signal switch as well as well. A royal PITA. At best, a little wirework and it's all good. At worst you'll replace wiring and the turn signal switch ($200 for the switch assembly) --rat

I have a soft spot for carbs:) Besides my ITB set-up is perfectly at home in my 280Z daily driver. At least it will be after a summer's worth of tinkering and tuning! I can't wait to grab pics of this WIP in the summer... Hopefully in-progress pics of a build can help others:) --rat

Awesome write-up, Twistex! After getting your PM reply (ggod stuff) about the swap, I started planning mine. Having this guide gives me a better idea of how it's done. I've been thinking about this swap since my 240Z body needed more TLC than I could afford, and S13 shells are plentiful around here:) --rat

I've been trying to reach BadDog for days now to order framerails (among other things) and have recieved no answer. How long does it usually take for John to reply? I've had a hell of a time locating 280Z rear framerails and now I can't get them!!

I've got a white 1978 280Z coupe:) She's still bone-stock (except for the aftermarket tapedeck and funky 14's with autozone hubcaps (from the 2nd/PO). Once the weather clears up, I'll take care of the rust, drop the radio and FINALLY start putting all the parts and goodies I've been collecting/hoarding to good use^___^

I love these cars. Going up in value says something, and would lend validation to 'Pacific Mucle' (finally) taking it's place in the pantheon of great cars. However....no matter how much these cars increase or decrease in value I know several things for sure: --I'll drive it hard --I'll care for it and keep wrenching on it --I'll buy another (and another.....et al) --You'd have to pry the keys to these wonderful cars out of my cold, dead fingers

Here, here!

I'm all for starting with suspension and brakes. I had a harder time enjoying my first Z with problems in both areas (especially since the car had been sitting for a year before I'd gotten it). Once that was done, it felt worlds better. With my current Z, I think all I'll do for a while is refresh the brakes and suspension and possibly a MSA limited slip differential. Eventually, I'd like to work the head and possibly ITBs...That may complete my dream engine right there:)