Filmjay

That's a pretty intriguing ebay auction. The fact that it's BOTH chassis is a plus, especially for the price. A little rust, I don't mind as long as its' not in the unibody. I've sent the seller some questions. But transport for it would be about $1500...assuming there are no international laws regarding 3rd party transport. I'd prefer to use a pre-74 to get by emissions issues and for the slightly more sloping roofline. IS there not a floor pan kit for a 240? I'd be surprised if there wasn't. But, even if I do have to replace floors, it's not really that big of a deal as long as there's a kit available. I've replaced floors before...although not in a Z-car. Again, I have no problem in replacing some of the metal, as long as it's not in the unibody too much. I really can't say until I have the car in my possession what will need to be done. In the spirit of Enzo and the early Ferrari's I'm shooting for a road-going race car while still remaining street-able....hopefully. But, I will be using a custom fuel system with a Holley or Barry Grant external pump and an aluminum fuel cell. I haven't decided on a 15- or 20-gallon yet.) I've learned that, if the stock tank isn't necessary (say, for a restoration) by the time an original tank is boiled out and restored a nice fuel cell/external pump can be used. Although my engine options have, just last night, expanded. My fiances' father has offered a race-prepped 355 SBC from one of his circle track cars. That might be route I go since my Northstar would still need a rebuild and modification to mate to a T-5. A northstar WOULD be pretty trick, but after working on it previously, it IS a P.I.T.A. to do so compared to a SBC. Plus, parts are FAR more readily available. I was just planning on the N* because it runs, and I already have it in my possession. But, with the SBC, the body is going to need considerable stiffening no matter what car I base it on. Thanks for the ideas and suggestions. Keep 'em coming.

Couldn't you use a Holley Commander 950 ECU w/ an LS1 program? Plus, if you wanted to tweak it, you can simply plug a laptop in.

That's exactly what I was wondering. I did already receive a reply from the guy though. He gave me some line about Nissan/Datsun using high carbon steel used in the Z-cars production. And then mentioned a while back he had a welder replace panels ON THE FRAME?!?!?!? He's either being "country dumb", or really doesn't know what he's talking about. My money is on #1 though.... I asked for pics of the inner fenders, rear glass/trunk, and rocker/sills.

One thing threw me off..."The last time I tried to jack up the car the metal bent under the jack.." Too bad too...not to far for me and it's exactly what I'm looking for, and for a decent price. ...and I'd have simply sold the dash to one you guys, b/c I'll be doing a custom dash any way... :-/ But it's just too much potential body work...even if it IS salvageable. *I sent the guy some questions...it might be a possibility for me...depending on the extent of the rust. It's kinda hard to tell from the small pics and the fact that its' rust colored! LOL!

hmmm....lots of fabrication eh? What sort? Fiberglass fitting? bracing/stiffening? V8 install? (I just ordered the JTR book this morning, so I guess that will be answered soon enough. ) I'm in love w/ Chelle's V12 setup. Although, SpeedRacers' and Con Brio's are a little more "practical"...if a project like this can be called as such. lol. And I still haven't found pics of yours yet..... But, I think some of the things she's done are a little beyond my current abilities. I won't be making any super major structural changes. Though I may look a bit closer at her rear deck lid rework. The hood and rear of her car are something I'd really like to try later on. But, first things first.

The FWD Northstar can be mated to a 700R4 bell. All that is required is to move one bolt hole up about 1 inch on the bell and a custom 11-inch flywheel available from Cadillac Hot Rod Fabricators for about $375. But even a stock Northstar would destroy a regular 700R4...so a rebuilt hot rod version would be needed. I've already got a 4.0L Northstar just waiting for me to find a suitable donor car.

Hi all! I've been a relatively frequent lurker to these forums for the last few months while doing research, and refused to do so until I was ready to begin my new life. But, I've finally joined up and am finally taking the leap and making the first baby steps in seeing my dream project come to fruition. At the moment, I am still in the planning/budgeting stages. Though I am still hesitant to post this in the fear of it being seen as just another "bench racer", because it most definitely is NOT. I've searched and searched, and have read all 280+ threads pertaining to the 250GTO conversion. I've learned about everything I can so far without actually digging in myself....from door latches and trim rings, to rocker panels and frame stretching. I don't have the car yet and am still looking for the right donor. But, I DO have its' future powerplant already in my possession...a 4.0L Northstar V8. (JTR V8 conversion manual is already on the way) Which, upon reaching a state closer to completion will be re-yanked and sent to Cadillac Hot Rod in TX for a rebuild. So, I would like to ask you more experienced guys and girls about your experiences...especially w/ the 250 GTO. But ANY insight pertaining to V8 swaps/mounting, suspension setups, parts sources, etc...is welcome as this will be my first ever Z. Some of the questions I'd like to begin with are as follows.... 1. Which car (240, 260, or 280) would be the more appropriate choice for the kit, based on the amount of horsepower to be put into the car? (350-400 NA hp) The '71 240 is ideally what I'd like to start with, but the stronger, more rigid 280 would need less stiffening. What does experience say, given the planned HP? 2. What are some of the things that would need to be retained from the Z? Or can I get away with just getting a stripped Z? Would these items be easier REtained or obtained new based on availability (not price) 3. Based on the available 250 GTO kits and the quality of such, would it be better to mix/match the body components from different kits? That's all I can think of for now at 7am. I could go all day though. haha! ANY insight on any area of rebuilding a dream Z is welcome. Preemptive thanks for taking the time to offer a studious reply. Not really looking for "how-to's". More about the "things you wish you knew beforehand" and had to learn along the way.

New to the boards here, so I haven't been able to follow the project... But is that a "DE" or "HR" VQ35? Great job though. Sounds great!

An admin will need to upgrade the php.ini file most likely. Oh...and hi all!

Nice find. I was going to make a suggestion to free the motor, but since you're dropping a 350 in it, I'll save the typing.