jaime240z

The part # for a 240-280Z should be 3503. I received one today through a mial order co. and it says 3503 C . Does anyone know what's up with the "C" in the part number? It looks like it might be the wrong one since it is very different from the grant adapter but i'm not sure if it's supposed to be different. The part that actually bolts to the steering column is different? Did anyone run into this problem before. I just want to know before I start taking my old one off. Please help. Thanks Jaime

Yes. I agree. I think a Kragen long block would be a good "quick fix" or low budget swap with low-moderate performance results. If you're looking for more than 250-275 hp you would have to invest in performance parts on top of the price of the crate motor. Not to mention the quality of the internals may be questionable. Not to say it can't be done. I just wouldn't invest money for performance for a block that may just be average whether there is a warranty or not. If you're looking for big hp numbers I would spend the extra $$ the first time and do it right. I would look at GM's ZZ4 short block if you want to save a little cash and bolt on the performance parts yourself. my $ .02 Jaime

I have a friend who put a Kragen 350 in a 70 Chevelle. It's nothing to brag about performance wise but it has been very reliable. As mentioned before it should come with warranty. I would recommend them if you're just looking for a replacement motor. I wouldn't drive it too hard warranty or not. I'm not sure the name of the re- manufacterer but his was a base stock replacment. Jaime

Sweet pictures. I was there in Antioch when someone rear-ended you. Looks like you got that all fixed! What kind of roll bar is that? Looks like a clean install. Jaime

Some auto parts stores sells engine levelers around here. If you can't find one near your home Summit sells them and they usually get my orders to me in 2 days. (regular shipping)

Sweet. Thanks! Jaime

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Looks like I have a new project ahead of me. Someone mentioned that there are better quality rad's out there. What manufacturer do you recommend. I thought griffins were pretty good? Are Howe's better? Thanks Jaime

Thanks for the info. I have a flowmaster on my Z now. I like the way it sounds on the outside but too much noise inside the car. Jaime.

Thanks for replying, Mat. I checked out your web site. Looks good. Is your car going to be painted the same color as the suspension parts? Just curious. I think that color would look sweet with those wheels! Jaime

Thanks, Mat. That is good news. Are you using that size on your Z?

Also, what griffin radiator is everyone using in their Z's. Mine is a '72 240. I usually order through summit racing. If you have part #'s that would be great. Thanks

My bank account would be the first to go. Followed by credit cards shortly after......

I'm having problems (again) with the MSA 4-row radiator in my Z. I am thinking about just buying (or making) a bracket to use the griffin aluminum radiator. I plan on going with v8 conversion soon, so I would buy the radiator eventually. I am just wondering if anyone has done this? What would need to be done as far as hoses. BTW: electric fan is installed so the stock fan would not be present. Thanks Jaime

Hopefully someone out there has an answer to this one. '72 240Z with coil-overs and wheel adapters from Modern-Motorsports. The wheels are 17x7.5 and 40 offset. I was supposed to buy a set of 17x7 wheels which would have fit for sure, but that deal fell through. I am also going to try to contact Ross with this quest. I am just wondering (hoping) that someone is already running this set-up without any problems. Thanks Jaime

Sweet! Thanks for the info. I can't wait to tear into my suspension too. Jaime

Just a reminder: if the car hasn't ran in a while and you have a new alt. make sure you have a full charge on the battery before running the motor with a new alt. I'm not sure about the wiring. Jaime

Mat, sweet looking set up! I am wondering what coil-overs those are? I am in the market for coil-overs and I am looking for some consumer feedback. I have used ground-control in the past and have liked their quality. I just received the struts (Tokicos) this week. Also, how hard was the install? I noticed on ground-control's website they say that installation on early Z cars requires cutting and welding? I noticed you have wheel adapters also. I'd like to see some pics with the coil-overs and wheels on your Z. Thanks Jaime

I'm pretty sure you will need adapters to get those wheels bolted on to a Z. You will pay less for the wheels through America's Tire , etc. but the adapters will cost you an extra $200 or so. I got a set from Ross @ modern-motorsports.com for $225 to my door. ( Good service, too ) Jaime

Those headlights are cool. Remember to wire them up after relays if your car doesn't already have them. I'm using some similar to those except mine don't have the light ring around the lamp. The ones I have are projection which are the first projection lamps I've ever seem for the 7" H4 conversion. If anyone is interested in these they are available from US Auto Parts 888-872-8866. They cost $55 each but they give a very perfect projected light beam that looks pretty sweet on a Z. Thay would look bad-ass with an HID kit for an extra $700 or so. Jaime

Those headlights are cool. Remember to wire them up after relays if your car doesn't already have them. I'm using some similar to those except mine don't have the light ring around the lamp. The ones I have are projection which are the first projection lamps I've ever seem for the 7" H4 conversion. If anyone is interested in these they are available from US Auto Parts 888-872-8866. They cost $55 each but they give a very perfect projected light beam that looks pretty sweet on a Z. Thay would look bad-ass with an HID kit for an extra $700 or so. Jaime

Sweet! I guess they're probably from a first gen. Miata? There's a honda/mazda auto wrecker about 5 miles from my house. I'm going to try to get down there this weekend. Thanks for the info! Jaime

Thanks for the info, Tomahawk. BTW, I do plan on using my car on the street only. I did a search on the topic and I think I may not need to section the struts. It does seem like a good idea due to susp. travel, though. I think I'll try the setup without sectioning first and if I feel the need to be lower then I'll try sectioning. While I'm on this subject, what spring ratios would you recommend for this application. I also searched that topic but I'm still a little blurry on the answer. I know everyone will have somewhat different opinions on this one but I'm just trying to get a rough idea. Once again, the 240 will have the V8 with ground-controls and tokico struts (non-adjustable). No plans for track use (street only). And I do plan on using low profile tires so I don't expect a smooth ride. I know I'm sacraficing comfort for performance. I noticed some people recommend a higher front ratio and others recommend a higher rear ratio. And others recommend the same ratio front and rear. What's the deal on that? Can anyone help me with this? Thanks. Jaime

I have overcome some obstacles with the Z (new battery, repaired radiator, ignition switch). Now I'm ready to buy some "Fun" parts. My next project will be with the suspension, mainly springs and struts (sway bars and poly. bushings are already installed). I want to go with coil-overs because of the added clearance for wider tires. I have used ground-control on my last 2 cars and have never had any problems, so I'm going with them again for the Z. I've heard nothing but good things about the Tokicos so I'm going to go with their struts. What I'm not sure about is whether or not I sould section the strut housings. I understand that doing so will allow for more strut travel, which is good. I just don't want my car to be too low. Especially considering the added weight the v8 swap may add. Also I'm not sure about what struts need to be used. I know the front Z struts should go in the rear. But which ones go in the front? I've heard VW rabbit & MR2 but I'm not exactly clear on that? Part #'s anyone? Also, I plane on using 17x8 wheels with stock fenders, of course.I am waiting for a set of wheel adapters that are on order to test fit the wheels that I have and see how much room I have to work with. For now I guess I mainly need to know the pros/cons of sectioning the struts on a V8 swap application.BTW the car is '72. Thanks! Jaime

WOW. Great info. I've been wanting to put new seats in my 240. I'm not ready to spend big $$ for custom race seats, though. What year was the donor car. I had heard that Miata seats were a good fit! How much $ did you pick yours up for? Jaime

That's a sweet looking bracket. How does ti mount to the car? It kinda looks like the kit in jeg's. I also got the side post cables because my pos. post also arced to the car. Thanks for the info. Jaime