Smokey Z

Thanks for the responses folks. I think I will attempt zcarzach's approach of doing 5 or 10 minutes a day on her and see where that takes me. I also like the take a week off of work idea to knock out some big things. Once she runs I can decide to sell or keep.

Hey Folks, As you can see by my last post and activity on the board life keeps getting in the way of my Datsun project. Since I purchased it i've done a lot of work and honestly it's not too far from being completed (if there is such a thing with any project!). I've got my hands full with a new job and two little kids and I need some opinions on what to do. I'm leaning towards selling since I can't drag the family around in it and I know I can always pick one up later when I can put some more time into it & enjoy it. Right now it has become a source of stress...... just sitting in the garage in pieces with no plan for the future. First a brief description of how the car sits. 73 240z, Signal Red, early bumpers, 280z vented hood, Body and paint has been completed. New carpet, new weather stripping, Corbeau seats, harnesses, roll bar, tokico adjustables, MSA springs & sway bars, poly bushings in front (have the rear but not installed), new ball joints, bearings, rotors, pads, & 4 piston calipers up front, MSA air dam, grant wheel, aluminum radiator. Not installed but in my possession is a low mile rebuilt 2.8 turbo engine with a t3/t4, sds management, newer clutch & 5 speed, exhaust, intercooler with polished aluminum piping, BOV, new fuel pump, fuel lines, etc. So here are my thoughts; 1.Hang on to it and finish when I can. Honestly with the job situation and until my kids get a little older I don't see this happening very soon. It is in the garage so it's not degrading with time, it just wears on me as it sits. 2. Post it up for sale as a project. I know when I was looking for a project I would purchase it but not everyone is like me! I suppose I could part it out and potentially get a reasonable amount of money that way too. 3. Get 'er running & driving and decide to sell or keep then. Problem is again- time to work on it. So- let your opinions rip. I appreciate the advice of my fellow Z addicts! Thanks, Randy

I hear you Jeff. I've had 2 kids, changed jobs, blah blah blah. My car has an abundance of dust on it as we speak. I still love your car. Good luck and I hope you get back too it sooner than later. Ran

This car has been my screen saver on and off for the past several years. Does anyone know if the car has been completed/ painted? I would love to run a 10" wheel in the front. WOW!

I love the look. It's amazing how a set of cool wheels can transform the car. Do you have an ETA on getting that thing on the road? Ran

Looks great! What did you use to fill in the holes? Also, what did you sand or file it down to get your finish? Thanks. Your car is an inspiration to get mine done!!!

Damn that car sounds mean though!

I sold it to purchase the Turbo L6. My friend purchased the LT1 & T56 to go in his 64 ss Chevelle, though the motor is still in my garage on a stand! I'd bet he might would sell if you were interested- plus I would have some space to work!

I bought my 73 in 1996, tore it down, painted everthing, replaces suspension bits, rebuilt and installed a 383/ th350. Drove it about 1500 miles and sold the 383 (I hated the carb & auto), bought a 96 camaro LT1 & T56 to drop in it, changed my mind (to be able to run in the SM2 scca class) and bought an l28 turbo, t3/t4, sds, intercooler, etc. Since I removed the 383 I have had 2 kids and a my wife is now a full time mom (read less income). Damn I miss it!

I hope I see a set of those under my christmas tree! Be sure to post pics when they are on the car. Enjoy!

Thanks for the info David. Maybe my lack of funds and procrastination will finally pay off! Looks like a much better option for me than the Centerlines.

Looking good! Post a straight on side view if you have one.

If the aboved mentioned items check out fine it may be your pressure plate. My Z32TT did the same thing you are explaining. The pressure plate had some bent fingers where the T.O. bearing rides, and did not have enough force to allow the clutch to release.

Do you have them yet? I would love to see them on the car. I really like the look of the wheels. Nice choice!

From experience (see sig)- just poke a pin hole in your oil pan. Toss the car around a bit in an auto-x and you will have plenty of smoke! Turning the smoke screen off is a bit more difficult though.........

Zhadman, Congrats! Those will look awesome. What did you decide on flares? What tire sizes are you running? Also, do you have any pics of your car on the site? I'd love to see it. Have a good one Randy

Do you have a picture of your set up?

What happended to the tranny? or are you just upgrading to be safe? BTW i love your car. It must be a real rollercoaster ride! Randy

Thanks for your help Jim. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Has anyone installed a T56 behind and L series Datsun motor? I heard that you could use a Turbo T5 bellhousing. Any truth to this?

I'm 32- But my Z being apart is making me age faster!

I had the opportunity to race a hopped up WRX at the Wendover airport Solo 2. I have been helping a friend install all his parts, so he let me race it. This thing is putting 285 hp to the wheels (upgrade turbo, injectors, turbo back exhaust, intake, up pipe, chip, blow off valve). It sure is quick in a straight line, but i could not get it to handle at the autox. I have taken several 1st places in my 91 300zxtt, so i am an ok driver (still way behind the FTD guys in the club). Anyway, i thought i was just sucking that day (about 5 seconds back from other guys in the class ), when i got to drive a MINI S prepped for STX . I ran 2 fun runs and was within a second of thier times, and 4 to 5 seconds faster than the WRX. Get to the point- I know The stock WRX is quick, but handles like an econo car. Put some adjustment in the suspension and im sure it would be awesome. BTW, my Hybrid 240 handled like crap before i sold the 383 and bought the LT1 to put in it. We will see how it does with the new set up.

I bought the LT1 over a year ago. My main problem is i keep changing my mind on which direction to go with the car. I was batting around the idea of a 300zxTT motor for a while, then i pondered an RB swap, then i thouht maybe to build up an I-6 and race BSP Solo 2. Too many ideas swirling around in my head- Focus Grasshopper! I am just finishing up some work on my FJ40 Landcruiser, then i'll get back on the Z. My goal is to have it ready for next spring (drivetrain in, replace current roll cage (this one keeps my seat from going back far enough for my comfort), reinforce unibody, LSD instead of welded diff, new gauges, etc. There is a tube frame Triumph TR6 with a Corvette drivetrain, custom everything (He is running 18x10" wheels under the stock body!) that i am trying to compete with in Solo 2 E-mod class. His car is truly a peice of art and i hope that mine will even come close (speed and fabrication wise) when its done. Hybrid RX7? Sounds cool! What trans are you runnig? Ever done the 1/4 in it? My Dad had a 76 280 when i was growing up. I guess that car got me hooked on Z's. A quick car but wait until you put an LS1 in it!

Cool to see other z-guys** Let alone Hybrid Z guys in Utah! My 73 started off with a 383/ TH350 in the Scarab position. I autox'd it for a year a decided to go a different direction. Sold the engine and bought an LT1 and 6 speed for it . Im planning on leaving the engine stock for know and dialing in the suspension and brakes- then i'll go looking for the horsepower i had with the 383. I used to have a 91 TT and took it out to the drags a few times. There was a guy running a 240 posting low 12's. It was red with a ford 9 in the rear. I havent seen the black one (havent been to the drags for a while since my car is collecting dust waiting for the engine to go in ). I'm located in south salt lake.