rags

Yesterday I got my exhaust finished up. All stainless, mandrel bends and I have 2 options for how quiet it is. Instead of using a traditional y pipe, the exhaust shop recommended a 2 into 1 single chamber muffler tucked up close to the driveshaft in the middle of the car. From there 3" to the back of the car to the traditional location of a muffler where he added another flange. Attached to that flange he made 2 options. The first is just a straight pipe with tip and the second is a 2 chamber muffler with tip. I drove the car home with the straight pipe and although I like the sound, I don't think wide open throttle will pass LimeRock Park's strict noise policy. I'm glad the shop asked about that track and suggested the second muffler option. I just ordered 2 new O2 sensors from Rock Auto. Once they come in and I get them installed I'll set up a tuning session to see if anything HP wise has been gained by the long tubes. Anyone want to buy a slightly used Sanderson header full exhaust?

350Z wheels

When you expand the search to include a 240Z, let me know. I know of a very clean one that is for sale. Joe

Yesterday I got tired of seeing my headers sitting on the workbench in my basement so I bit the bullet and started the install on my 280. To be honest, I was a little hesitant because of all of the fitment issues people have been speaking of. Well after about 10 hours, I can tell you the headers were obviously made on a 280 because I have absolutely no fitment issues and am very happy with the final product. Sorta makes the "no gasket" situation easier to swallow. Just reuse the gaskets that I had and all is good Joe

Send pictures to rags260z at verizon dot net

Gabe, how much?

Looks great so far! I can't wait till the car becomes slow to you and you start thinking about supercharging the LS in the 280. I've been thinking about this for a while now, just waiting for someone else to do it first Joe

Actually, the picture of the ext/int gasket doesn't look like it was leaking at all. I can't play the vid here at work but can tell you that a blown head gasket does NOT have to leak coolant or oil and can only let combustion escape externally to the engine. From your description it sure sounds like the head gasket is the culprit. Do a compression check to make sure. Joe

Forgive my ignorance but isn't the pickup front diff also an R180 which would make the stub axle the same diameter as the broken one in the picture? Since you have a 73, the diff mounting position is in the correct place for an R200 swap so all you would need is a diff and mustache bar. Joe

Looks great Mike. The next picture needs to be of the car under power at the track! Enough with the teasers already Joe

What is wrong with the trans?

Well I just received 2 sets today and both of them are not welded on the inside of the one primary just like you have. There must have been a reason for this to be left like that.

Wow, that looks great! One question, how far above the floor is the top of the tank? Do you think the standoffs and dummy floor for the late 280z would be high enough to clear the tank? Also, the fuel level sender you chose doesn't have an ohm range anywhere near the stock S30 range. Would you happen to know the range of the 300ZX unit? Your design seems to leave a lot of room for a center exit exhaust which I am trying to do. Looks like I'm gonna start searching for a 300ZX tank and filler Joe

+1 for the mechanical fuel pump

I have a few. What are you looking to spend? PM me

Has anyone seen the show on Nat Geo called LA Street Racers? I just caught the end of it and there was a V8 S30 racing a second gen Camaro. The Camaro won but man, high hp cars! Joe

Yeah Will, they do. If you hold the unlock button down for more than 3 seconds the windows will start to open. If you hold the button long enough they will open all the way. Joe

Strange how all the speed bumps along the build don't seem so bad now, right? Great looking car Keith, good to see her running! What is the elbow off of the throttle body from? Looks like it would be perfect for a cold air box I want to build. Joe

Welcome back man. Once a Z guy, always a Z guy. It's in the genes!

Hey Josey, a picture of the mandrel bend builder kit would be cool when it arrives. 3 inch dual all the way back right? Joe

Will it seems you and I are the only ones who actually live in a town in NJ. Everyone else just floats around the state.

I've seen 2 cars tear the diff strap mount when using a short diff, but nothing specific to removing the stock front moint

Finished in a week?!?! And looks great! Must be nice to live in a part of the country where you can find a quality fab shop Joe

Sure I'm game.

I've used Aircraft stripper to remove many layers of paint on 3 different cars. The stuff works very well if you take your time and use as many coats as it takes to remove all the layers of paint and body filler. I used the brush on application. Brush on, wait 10 minutes and scrape off with a putty knife. Also remember to deactivate when you are finished by washing the panel with water, obviously drying thoroughly to avoid flash rust. Joe