BQR280Z

Beautiful job!!!! I find myself taking many pictures of the Z from rear quarter and behind. But then again, I always did like it from behind. Bill

A very interesting project, my son had 3 SHO's, so I got to know them way better than I wanted too. The motor is awesome, 2 stage intake, good revs, tough bottom end, lots of potential. But the motor is heavy, and tall, and needs aboat load of electrics to make it run (not very good, Ford electrics). The intake needs to be turned around with a spacer which increases height even more, and with a bell housing from an Aerostar I don't think you will be able to place the motor that close to the firewall. But that's what HybridZ is all about, so enjoy your work. Bill

Just a bump - only 3 days before the show. Bill

Registration starts at 8:00AM It will be an all day deal, burn-out contest, rap-off, flame-thrower contest, possibly a glo-off. Swap meet, craft show indoors at the Expo-center. This is the last show I plan on this year, if the weather is good. It is at the Baymont Hotel/Expo grounds, by the Truck Stop at the Hwy 10/54 junction. Their current classes don't have a great spot for us Z'ers but it will be fun any way. This is only their second annual show, and they seem very open to suggestions that will make the show better. I will suggest a "work in progress" class, and every car show needs a separate "Vette" class. If it works out for anyone - come on out - it would be cool to put our Z's together at a show. So far this year I have been the sole "Datsun" offering. Bill

I totally gutted my dash, heater core, A/C, defroster, vents - saved 42lbs just from under the dash. But my Z is just a summer toy. Bill

80LT1 - Sorry, no "work in progress" class at Waupaca Show. It is only the 2nd annual, and they seem very open to suggestions for future shows. I will tell them about a WIP class, they also don't have a Vette class this year which really sucks. That puts me in either Sport Compact or 2-seater sports. But it should be a good day anyway, I went to high school in Waupaca (32 years ago - My God am I old) so maybe I'll see some old friends. Bill

Yes, a nice trophy for runner-up and 1st, a plaque for third. That's the fourth show for me this year, trophies in 3 out of 4. It was a very nice show, Gandrud is a big enough dealer, they had a very nice registration pack. T-shirt, pocket knife, dash plaque, key-ring flashlight, and Gandrud coupons, decent door prizes. House of Ryan, had an all Mopar show going on next door, and there was a shared DJ. 80LT1 - there is a show in Waupaca on August 21. I plan on that one if the weather is OK. Gates open at 8:00AM, there is a morning cruise, burn-out contest, rap-off, glow-off, flame-thrower contest. It is sponsered by Beat-the-Heat, should be a good show. Bill

The Gandrud Chevrolet/Nissan car show was Saturday, August 7. I ended up being the only Datsun there, and their classes were a little GM biased. I entered in 1975-1984 Street Modified, and took Runner-up Best-of-Class. Not too bad considering some of the really nice cars that were there. I enjoyed watching people look at my car, you can always tell if they had a Z or if they have had a lasting memory in a Z, by the little smirk on their face when they see one. All in all, it was a good day. Bill

I would be glad to, if I knew. It came with the car, with no marks of any kind. After I removed the valance and filled the 5MPH bumper indents I cut it into 4 pieces and reglassed it into what you see. Sorry. Bill

I figured I would bump this up. The Car Show is just a week away. Anyone who can make it, come on up. Bill

This pix was shot at 8:30PM - with 800 speed film. The pic doesn't do justice to the shock value, but you get the idea. Bill

My idea of gun control is hitting what you aim at. I like my weapons and enjoy being VERY good with them. As for police only having guns, I have seen some absolutely terrible police shooters. I personally saw an officer empty his 9mm at an injured deer, 15 feet away, missing completely. Then go back to his squad for the shot gun. I was not filled with confidence in their ability to protect me or my family. I firmly believe life is precious and truely a gift from our Creator, but as the line goes...I would rather stand before God on judgement day and explain why I did use deadly force to protect my family, than why I did not. Bill

There is a car show at Gandrud Chev/Nissan on August 7, 2004 - Saturday in Green Bay, WI. There is a "work in progress" class for any hybrid's not complete. If we pre-register enough Z's they will make a specific class for us. Otherwise we compete in the modified class. You can email Verchelle Dehn at vdehn@gandrud.com or call toll free 1-888-GANDRUD. They will email back a pre-registration form. Lets bring out the old Z's and show them what they are missing. Bill

Here's mine. From a 1982 Ford Escort GT. Plus lots of time and fiberglass. But it only cost $15 from the local boneyard. Bill

Rags is right, turn the intake, but you need to build a 3/8 spacer for the throttle body end to clear the timing belt cover. Super engine, my son had 3 SHO's and I parted one out. The engine is very heavy for it's size, and also quite tall. But the 2 stage intake is nice and the valves shims are the same as Yamaha and Kawasaki (900/1000) motorcycles. We had a 94 SHO running 14.7's at 101MPH, not bad for a boat of a car and basicly dead stock, just attention to deatail and claiming all the free horsepower to be had. Bill

My conversion is rather elaborate, but if you are looking for a complete rear end change, it works very well. I removed the latch system from my 76 280 and built a whale tail that completely covers the old push button area. The latch I used is from an 80 280ZX and mounts on the deck between the backup lights. The cable I used is from a Z hood release, and I mounted it next to the drivers side rear strut tower. You can make new or modify the hasp and mount it to the hatch. The tailend will then need some mods to cover the latch assembly, but I was revamping the entire tail anyway. I know, lots of work, just the route I went. Bill

Here's my 76 280Z. Bill

Just installed a purge cloud light, it looks absolutely awesome. The purge tube exits in the cowl panel and blows a stream about 6' into the air. The ZEX light turns the entire thing blue. I know it is a little "ricey" but I like it. The shock factor is great, especially since the nitrous is 3rd gear and up only. I will try to get some good pictures and post a couple. Bill

80LT1, This Friday, May 14 is the annual car show in Clintonville, if your Z is up and painted bring it by. My Z will be there. Just got a new purge system for the NOS with a hi-intensity blue LED that lights up the purge cloud - looks awesome. I'll try to get some cool pix and post them. Bill

80LT1, This Friday, May 14 is the annual car show in Clintonville, if your Z is up and painted bring it by. My Z will be there. Just got a new purge system for the NOS with a hi-intensity blue LED that lights up the purge cloud - looks awesome. I'll try to get some cool pix and post them. Bill

She's out for the 2004 season. Any Z-meets in Wisconsin??? Bill

I agree, the air dam doesn't look quite right. The lower edge should be parallel to the ground. So it looks like you get to do what us HybridZ'ers do best - modify. Good luck. Bill

Has anyone added an aero splitter?? Any recommendations on how far forward one should exend?? I planned on running it under the car all the way to the front cross member. I would love to use a sheet of carbon fiber material but don't know where to find one that size (any help??) so I will probably end up with a sheet of 3/16" aluminum. Bill

Terry is right, check a tech sheet for the specific brand you are using. I have shot basecoat from Dupont, PPG, and Sherwin Williams and overnight has been plenty long enough. I like overnight because it lets you pinstripe or tu-tone with a little extra safety factor. According to Duponts Tech Manual - drying time for basecoat when applying their hi-production 7500 series clears is only 15-30 minutes. Bill

The basic spoiler is from an 81 Escort GT, came from a local boneyard, was cracked, price - $15. After that, the build-up is all mine. I kicked around cutting it into a 3 piece, and originally was going to keep the rear hatch latch button, but ended up with a semi-whaletail. It is definately different, and everybody says it belongs on "my" car. Bill