Con Brio

Hey guys, After installing the R200 w/Quaife LSD I proceeded with the 280ZXT CV axle swap via Motosports adaptors. The install papers that accompanied the CV's make mention of a retaining ring and listening for a distinctive "click" after sliding them into the diff. Never happened?!?! Does the Quaife have the "C-rings" as part of it's make up??? Appreciate any and all advice/input on this set up and install. Kind Regards.

Hey Duke...Not bad. It would really depend on the size of rim and tire combo. If you don't fill up the larger opening of the GTO it will look off. The rear tire/wheel on mine are larger than the front. So 4 equal sized tires might not work so well. A great wheel is made by a company in Australia (Oz you might be able to get more info if ya read this). Called Simmons Wheels (I think). They're 3 piece rims that are custom made to your size requirements. And they have more of a wire/mesh look to them.

That's a really cool car club guys (Italian Replica Club). Anyone be interested in taking on the monumental task of organizing an American counterpart???

Hey Trevor, Is that the April/May issue of Kit Car ??

Hey Mike...the photo shop looks great. Nice lines. I really like the intake on the hood. Reminds me of the 550 Maranello.

Hey Mike, I even took it one step further and modified the hood for clearance of the Edelbrock Pro Flo EFI I installed on my sbc. I had to raise the centre of the hood over 2". Bringing the centre level with the fenders. It looks great and gives the car more presence (sorry no pics). Ordered a set of lexan air scoops from Scorpion and cut them in using a/c quick release fasteners to hold them on. Then modified and cut in KingAir engine cowl latches to hold the bonnet down.

Hey Mike. To answer your earlier question about tilt front ends. "Yes." I have an Alpha 1 kit with a one piece tilt front end from VR Engineering (John Washington). And I love it. Not only does it look great and function well. But It has the added benefits you mentioned. I know the 250 never came with a tilt front end, or side pipes for that matter. But remember it never will be a 250. Build it the way you like it. And you'll enjoy it even that much more. Kind Regards.

Hey guys. How many of you out there had to or chose to modify the 250 GTO body molds? I've had to raise the centre of my hood about 2 inches to accomodate the taller intake manifold associated with my EFI. Although the car is originally an Alpha One the front clip was replaced with a Vela Rossa one piece hood. Kind Regards

Hey Duke, Sorry. Don't know the exact tire sizes. I'll find out and let ya know. They came with the car and I haven't paid them much attention.

Hey Duke, Thanks. The rims are standard 15" knock-offs. 10's in the back and 8's up front. I don't know the manufacturer though. They came with the car and there's no visible markings on them. They need to be cleaned up and polished but are otherwise in great shape. A little heavier than I would like, but they go with the era of the car.

I've been posting and updating my pics in my album. Sorry guys but I haven't been posting here in the forums. The motor is in and it's back at the body shop. Only took 4 hrs to slide the whole thing together and slip it in. That's including the laser cut flywheel, Centerforce II clutch with matching throw out bearing, roller bearing pilot bushing and custom Slik Stix shifter relocator by McCleod Ind. Haven't decided if I'll keep the Edelbrock Pro-flo EFI or go back to the carb set up.

Hey Mike, Although "Oz" does have strong feelings about the sidepipes keep this in mind while doing your build. It is "your" car. If in fact a true to original or "replica" is what you're going for then maybe not. This is an expression of yourself. Of your personality and character (probably why you didn't just buy a factory built car). You obviously want something original and unique. I've seen pics of a VR with pipes...not bad. And everything is reversible. Consider that at the end of the day you have to like the car. Oz, I received the manuals. They look awesome. Great job. Thanks.

Hey Oz... I'd like to get a look at that manual. If you send me a PM I'll leave you my e-mail address. Kind Regards.

Just got it back from the paint shop !!! It's so shiny. Like a new 'black penny'.

Hey Duke...I got one. Bought mine from John Washington. I believe it's still posted on his web site in the "For Sale" area (If ya wanna see some before pics). It's originally a Alpha One but the front clip was changed out to a Vela Rossa one piece tilt w/next gen. cheek panels (due to an accident) Have done a complete strip down and am in the rebuild process. -350 sbc w/aluminum heads, water pump, Billet Specialties tru trac, Edelbrock Pro Flo 3500, T-5 w/Mcleod Slik Stix shifter and relocator, Centerforce II, R200 w/Quaife, aluminum moustache bar and support bracket, CV axle conversion -poly throughout, all suspension components were powdercoated, Eibach progressive springs, 1" swaybar up front 3/4" in the back, Koni adjustables, adjustable TC rods, aluminum front hubs -240sx brakes rear, Toyota 4x4 up front, stainless lines (hard and flexible), Wilwood proportioning valve Sorry no pics (some in my album)

Just read through the thread and want to say "Thank you". It's nice to know I'm not alone out there. I've been having good and bad days. But lately it seems more bad. You guys have given me some much needed encouragement. Cheers !!!

Mine is a coupe. If you wanna see some pics John W. still has it listed on his web site (Alpha One GTO For Sale), or check out my photo gallery. Although it didn't look quite as nice as the pics from John's site. They were about 2 yrs old. Initially thought it would just need a little TLC. But upon closer inspection once I got it home I soon realized that a complete rebuild was the way to go. Now I'll know exactly what I've got into it. Sounds like you have some great ideas in mind for yours. Will you be putting a soft top on it???

Nice work on the VR. It looks awesome!!! I bought a used 250 GTO from John (great guy to deal with) and am in the process of a complete rebuild. So I got lucky and didn't have to deal with any body modification issues. Looks like a lot of effort and work has gone into it so far. Keep it up!!! What are your plans for the power plant???

Hey y-not, I'd like to attend. I've never been before and have heard nothing but good things. Unfortunately I'll just be getting back into the country (21st) and straight into my 250 GTO project. It's been killing me buying all the parts and shipping them home while I sit abroad. If all goes well I'll have the car finished well before next years event. Have a good one.

I used Tremclad's gloss black to paint my engine compartment. First I applied "Rust check" primer, then 4 coats of the Tremclad. It cost me less than $50. And I sprayed it over the coarse of 3 days with no sanding in between coats. I tried to post a pic but the file is to large. I'll put it in my photo gallery.

It's been a while since I've up-dated my progress on the GTO. Well...it's coming along nicely. The engine is finished. The rebuild went smooth and it really cleaned up nice. The Tru-Trac system from Billet Specialties looks great! The interior is also finished. Everything except the headliner and sun visors were replaced. The Recaros never looked better. The body has been stripped and is at the shop awaiting it's new paint. I've choosen black for this project. With the tan interior and chrome accessories I believe it'll look "awesome". Now for the bad news. With the addition of a roll bar, Quaife, Borla exhaust, TC rods, Centerforce II clutch, and to many other goodies from Jeg's to mention. The budget is over by 20%!!! Back in Canada for 30 days starting on April 19th. Looking forward to "getting into it". Sorry I didn't post any pics. But there are some in my album. Cheers.

I just finished ordering my roll bar from IOP. I went with the 1.75" DOT w/ opional removable cross member & harness bar. After speaking with Ken he informed me that the bars are seperate and can be used independantly of each other. It's being shipped unpainted (no guarantee), I'll be chrome plating it once it arrives. I would like to thank all those who answered my questions and assisted me on this thread.

Thanks Johnc. I agree, calling them is the best way to go. I'm currently in Japan at the moment so the forum is a little easier for me at times (crazy 14 hr time difference). I have to tell ya, trying to build a car half way around the world has it's challenges.

Thanks Mike. I'll go with the 1.75" DOT based on your recommend. Any chance you know if the removable cross member bar and harness bar are welding together to form an "X" type shape or are they seperate pieces that can be used independantly of each other.