Rat Fink

Thanks Grumpy, yeah no matter what else happens, I'm also putting nitrous on, just because I always wanted it (again with the Mad Max) 100 shot, the only thing to decide is if I can afford the height of the half inch carb plate or if I should plumb the blower manifold. I'm in the Peoples Republic of California and they don't seem to tolerate blocking much visibility with a hood scoop, the windshield weatherstripping line seems to be the max I've seen. To keep the added height to an absolute minimum, the 144 and an no-choke 750 carb will let basically just the air cleaner extend past the hood, I think I can fab that and keep it to two inches. another half inch for the plate might make a difference. I know the blower costs more, but it sticks out of the hood and looks badass and that's half the reason; it's an expensive hood ornament that gives the performance and the look I want, and I won't have to mess with the low end for a while. So I'll bolt the 144 and 100 shot to my 9.6:1 and see how long it lasts. When it blows up I'll be asking about the 383 compression ratio I should use with the 144 again.

Thanks guys, I didn't do the conversion, BTW. As far as "what I want", well, I want a baby blower. (note the Rat Fink handle and previous Mad Max reference) It's not about "need" and I guess this is one place where everyone understands that for sure. Side pipes are another part of the Rat Fink equation. And what I'm reading from you says my friends aren't all that crazy, I can do what they say (put 144+100shot on my wimpy bottom end) and I'm not all that crazy either (I know it won't last) I'll keep you posted

Hello, I'm a "new" member who has been viewing for about 5-7 years, in fact I had a different member name on the "old" Hybridz site back then. It looks like I'll need to change it again, since I didn't know there was another Rat Fink, spelled Ratfink, oh well, sorry Ratfink I'll change it when I figure out how to. Anyway I wanted to introduce the current car and run my thoughts past you guys, especially Grumpyvette if he's reading this. My current Z car: (third I've had, but only one now) 1973 240Z with 350 ZZ4 crate motor, fastburn aluminum heads, Holly 750, 9.6:1, T5, R200. It dynos at almost 300RWHP, 325ftlbs, but I want about 400RWHP and 400ftlbs, maybe more with the occasional shot of Nitrous. I think this seems to be fine for my R200 and 280ZX turbo axles. Need bigger tires, I know. If I go with a built 383 I could get those numbers NA but probably would need really good gas and a fairly high compression ratio and maybe be a little less streetable. I'm thinking of a Weiand 144 blower for those extra 100HP and ftlbs, and a 100 shot of nitrous on top. (If you see Mad Max when you're 16, it can have lasting effects) So my existing low end is not forged and I don't think it'll put up with that abuse. Also the 9.6:1 won't take much boost either. Or will it? I have some guys who have built decent HP telling me that I should just bolt the 144 and 100 shot to what I've got and run it with lot of timing. Redo the low end if/when I blow it up. Thoughts? BTW, I just don't trust my own bottom end work at those high power levels. I won't install a rotating assembly in my block this time. I could spec a 383 crate short block and use my heads. What do you guys think is a good way to build the 383 if I want to add my existing heads, the 144, and nitrous myself? Weiand says 8.5:1, and my friends say that's CYA conservative and 9.6:1 should still allow me enough boost to get the numbers I want. Any opinions on OC/LA speed shops? I've been going to Superior in Anaheim. They could do the whole thing, but $$$. Oh well, any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks