Leon

Apparently, the holes in the flywheel for the pressure plate are not tapped deep enough for the stock bolts. If this happens, you must use shorter bolts in order to make sure that the pressure plate is clamped down properly. http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/57299-ordered-a-105lb-fidanza-flywheel/ http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/100321-fidanza-flywheel-act-clutch-install-and-pedal-mods/

Bobby, thanks! That's the kind of post I love to see! You are completely right about autoX or track driving not dictating the purchase. I realize that it's probably less than 1% of the driving I do and choosing a car for that 1% would be a bit silly. This car definitely has to be one I can live with day-to-day. After all, I have the Z if I want a harsh ride, virtually no sound insulation, loud exhaust, no heater, no defrost, and no power steering! I really appreciate the mpg numbers, I thought the M Coupe would get better than 26mpg but I'm not surprised. This is the draw of the S2000 and Z06, both are seemingly capable of 30mpg without much trouble. On the topic of the sunroof, I now realize that (in the M Coupe's case) it actually adds a bit of headroom, so that eases the search. Maintenance is the other big thing. The typical ~$15k M Coupe will need a few things, whereas the S2000 should be good to go. The Honda's reliability always pulls me back to the S2k. Plus, I do think the S2000 is very good looking, although it doesn't have the presence of an M Coupe. I will be doing my due diligence to figure out what I really want. More test drives to come, hopefully I'll hop into a Z06 soon!

Use heat to break those flywheel bolts loose, the installer probably used loctite. BTW, from the looks of that flywheel, you bolt in new friction material instead of resurfacing.

And when you do get a spark, make sure you index the VR sensor to 6 teeth from the missing tooth at TDC. Six teeth is 60 degrees (for 6-cylinder), 5 teeth is 50 degrees (for 8-cylinder).

I'll measure things up to be sure everything is properly fastened, and then not worry about it.

Ah, thanks for reminding me! I completely forgot about that!

Well, I took a look at and drove this M Coupe today. These cars are definitely smaller than they look in pictures, similar to the S30 actually. I fit, but not much room for a helmet, save popping the sunroof. Overall, it's really just a smaller, lighter, quicker M3. It's sort of reminiscent of the E30 M3, except with more power (and weight). It has a ton of torque (compared to what I'm used to) and a nice kick at higher rpm. What I didn't like about this particular one is that upon inspection I found that it was hit in the front (new hood, left fender, bumper, headlights) and the front bumper did not align correctly. There were some slightly bent parts up front and some foreign-looking metal piping in front of the radiator. Shock mounts definitely need replacing and likely bushings, among other parts. There was no service history, and the guy was convinced that unmaintained E36 cooling systems are nothing to worry about. The salesman didn't seem like he really wanted to sell the car, even though it's been on the lot for 6 months or so. Apparently, he knows what these go for and everything else there is to know about cars... I'm casually on the lookout for a nice Z06 in the area, other M Coupes and the S2000 is still in very strong consideration. We'll see how much pain Christmas will bring to my wallet!

Finally!

Bigger tires in the back will increase understeer.

!!! Amazing find, that is just awesome!

5-speeds were offered as options (US) starting in 1977, and standard by 1979.

You do not want to direct air underneath the car, but rather the opposite. The radiator should vent to the hood. Simply put, you want air pressure to be higher above the car and lower below the car (aka: downforce).

It's always one or the other, with $ and time! If you have both, you are a lucky man. Lightweight flywheels are a fantastic upgrade, I may have to devote a weekend to get this done. I'll be ordering a new transmission mount (hopefully ridding myself of some high-speed drivetrain vibration), clutch and clutch master (just in case) tonight. I should also take a look at the shifter bushings while in there. If you want the 280Z 5-speed I can sell it to you cheap, I don't feel like storing it once I swap over to my ZX unit.

It should definitely be noticeable. I plan to put in a new clutch and transmission mount in the process. I will also be swapping out my 280Z 5-speed in favor of a 280ZX close-ratio unit I have sitting around. Time to find a chunk of time to do this, I think that is more difficult then actually doing the rest of the work!

Nice looking torque curve, that car must be very fun to drive!

This may just be the most awesome 280ZX I've seen, just because of the engine! Great work so far, can't wait to see this beast run!

I think a flex-pipe is more necessary on a transverse mounted engine, where the exhaust tilts up and down with engine torque. I don't worry about it as much on a longitudinally mounted engine, since soft exhaust mounts should be able to accommodate the slight bit of twist (unless your engine mounts are screwed). Nice job, seems like you're moving along nicely!

Good point JM, but the gearing difference between the cars will not be a "make it or break it" kind of thing. However, for the hell of it I compiled top speeds in second gear for the three finalists! M Coupe (S52) - 61.7 mph S2000 (AP1) - 66.3 mph S2000 (AP2) - 60 mph C5 Z06 - 71.5 mph

I drive like a grandpa on my commutes, meaning 65mph or slower and in the right lane. I get on it only when I need to pass or merge onto the freeway. It helps save gas (100mi round-trip commute), lets me relax and keep my sanity. Plus, I've never had a ticket (knock-knock-knock on wood ). Since I keep my speed down on the freeway, low gearing is not a problem and I actually prefer it. AutoX and spirited weekend drives are another thing altogether!

I believe THIS is what you're looking for.

I believe the Fidanza units are 10.8 pounds. This is compared to a stock flywheel which weighs in at something like 25lb!

As far as hydraulic vs. mechanical lifters, there is no performance difference until you want to run a cam other than stock. AFAIK, the hydraulic head needs a different cam grind than a solid lifter head. If you plan to change cams, convert to mechanical.

Nice, I didn't know you had an S2000, Mike! I have checked out S2ki, and while there is some good info there, I've realized that many S2k owners seem to be morons... I've really enjoyed all E36 cars I've driven. BMW did a great job with every facet it seems, from the driving position, sound of the doors closing to the feel of the buttons. Everything feels very well thought-out. As far as year-round DD, this is not a problem in these parts! Good info on the control arm mounts Jon, thanks! I had a feeling it's exaggerated, it seems people that don't really know what they're doing are the ones that lose control "for no reason". This is why I loved driving the S2000, it's so neutral and easy to toss around. Talk about a fun car! Honestly, I don't mind not having the quickest car on the straight since 99.9% of the driving I do will be at low speeds. I drive like a grandpa on my commutes, so didn't mind the low gearing of the S too much. I actually like it! Now you see why I'm in such a dilemma! All three have great redeeming qualities, and all three will absolutely be fun. I'd love to find an M Coupe in good shape, without a sunroof and reasonably priced. We'll see if that happens! Thanks guys!

Quick update: Scooped this off of ebay! Looks like a clutch job and transmission swap is in my near future!

Mike, I definitely have experienced it in the S2000! Although it did have something to do with the rear tire pressures being unequal, as we later found out. Truthfully, when it happened, my correction felt very easy and natural because of the connective feeling to the car that the S gives that I had nothing but confidence even after that. I didn't have a problem correcting the S, but I didn't over-correct like many seem to. I'm sure it could bite me eventually, but I don't push my own limits, at least not on public roads. Thanks for sharing your experiences, it definitely helps! I will definitely let you guys know when the decision is made!