zeeboost
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Posts posted by zeeboost
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While I'm at it, and since I can always use a different point of view - any cons to the C6, other than it's more common than a widebody? I'm confident I could do any type of engine repair to it, but I've never messed with a transmission/transaxle like they have, so if something goes wrong I'd be in unfamiliar territory. I've modified Zs for the past few years, and nothing else. I'm also not sure about how much corvette parts are marked up, if something was to break. That's another pro for the Z - junkyards
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It's not the time that I'm concerned with. Until school starts, I have plenty of time on my hands to do the widebody project. It's the money. That's why I'm debating on which car to spend the 30k on. I can drop that money into the widebody, and although it will be very quick (most likely quicker than the vette) after everything is said and done, I'm still left with a rustbucket that's noiser than hell going down the highway, I'm sure it will have water leaking issues, where I can only drive in nice weather, I'll have to yell at the top of my lungs to hold a conversation with someone, or crank the radio to 7/8 max volume so I can make out symbols and drum beats to recognize what song is playing, and I'll still smell like crap anywhere I go. Another downer is always having to take the girl's Neon when we go out of town because of this.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE these cars, and I've been dreaming about building this widebody for years. Now that I'm finally adding up the expenses, I'm trying to look at what exactly I'm putting the money into. I agree 100% about if the passion is there, then there shouldn't be an issue. That's a different perspective that I never noticed, and it's true once I think about it. The other cars I've built I had a lot of passion into it, and didn't care what kind of money I put into them. Maybe I've lost that passion...I don't know.
As I mentioned earlier, I have college coming up this fall. I'll be going to school full time and I'm not planning on working, as I've saved up enough to be able to survive on my own for the remainder of school. I will be going into a med field, and in order for me to achieve my goals, a 4.0 is a must. I really don't want to have to worry about a project car when I have exams coming up...plus it would be an easy excuse for myself to put off homework. Although I would be "finished" with the project by this fall (if I start very quickly), as history has taught me, there's always work to be done with these. Plus, if I finish the widebody project, I'd need to take my Ranger with me to have as a daily driver and a parts hauler. The more I think about it, the more it seems more logical to abandon the project. I only want to take one car with me to college, and probably my R6 as well. Although a 350z would be much more practical for me, since I wouldn't worry about parking it anywhere or what weather conditions it sees, I'm still going to see if I can test drive a C6 this weekend. I have a buddy that's a sales manager at a GM dealership, so I'm hoping he can set something up with me, if not this weekend, then soon. Maybe once I drive it, I won't really make a connection with it and end up sticking with the widebody project...who knows.
Thank you all for your advice and different views on the situation - it really helps put things into perspective. Just to clarify, again, it's not a time thing. I don't mind putting the labor into the car. I love building these cars...it may just need to wait a decade or so before I should get back into them.
BTW, I'm planning on selling the '77 2+2, '83 turbo, '76 280z, and MAYBE my '72 240zt. If I buy the C6, then I'd also sell the '75 widebody project. The remaining Z and a few parts would go into storage if I bought the vette. I'm going to be doing some research on the vette forums to make sure it's something I want to get into.
Knowing Lance (zeeboost), my vote is video games.
I may play Call of Duty when my friends get online every once in a while, but for the most part the time would be directed towards studying and homework.
There is one other variable in here...my '82 280zxt. It's been in the most unmotivated bodyshop I've ever seen for the last 1.5 years. This was designated to be the DD. I have over $1000 in brand new Nissan/MSA weatherstripping, all rust repair is being done, dynomat, a/c, it will look exotic (not as good as the vette, but close), and I'm planning on replacing the carbed v8 with a megasquirted LT1 with an EDIS to eliminate the opti (which I already have all of this stuff in the garage). I've lost motivation on that one, too, since I haven't driven it in so long. If I can convince myself to stick with that as my DD, then I'll probably give the widebody a green light...but not before test driving a C6 first
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I remember reading that thread a while back, thanks for bringing it to my attention again. I think the main point that everyone agreed on is for the price, a hybrid Z is a good bang for the buck...most dollar figures were in the single-digit thousands. To me, 30k still seems like way too much to throw at an old Datsun in a few months...especially for a mild (to me) 700hp build. In that thread, Mikelly confirms the driving experience I'd expect to hear: the P-car and vette were both extremely quick around the track while enjoying the creature comforts, more predictable/controllable, and were able to hold their own. I don't think I could drive a few hundred miles in the widebody...the vette, I would make excuses to do it. Yes, I've always wanted something different - it's one of the things I enjoyed most about the Z, but even though C6 vettes are common, I still don't see them all the time, just every once in a while, and they have a stock exterior.
20k sounds more reasonable for the widebody...I may try my luck with the stock drivetrain and see how long they last. I'll do some more research on the LQ9, and re-work my build costs on my excel spreadsheet to see if I can convince myself to go for it again.
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One thing I've always worried about with side exhaust is the paint, especially if you have flares. I would think that the heat and soot from the side exhaust would kill the lifespan of the paint on any rear flares, or even the rubber on the rear tires. I know in '97 the Ford F150 had a side exhaust from the factory that would exit directly in front of the passenger rear tire...needless to say, that tire usually gets cracked/dry rotted much quicker than the rest.
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I recently went through this with a really good friend of mine - guy made a left turn through an intersection right in front of him, he was on his bike and wasn't able to slow down in time...he fought in the hospital for a day, but couldn't pull through. I'll pray that your family turns out more fortunate than him, because it's horrible how quickly something so precious can be taken away from you so abruptly.
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Sell it and move on, once you start to have doubts you may lose motivation and the project will drag on.
you've got a good stable of cars that you can't possibly drive all at once. I would start to downsize and focus on getting your education figured out while driving something reliable, clean and quick. Personally I see Vettes and vipers al the time and they are boring to me because they are almost always stock... but if I see a cleanly modded RS4 or M3 or even a IS300 I pay more attention... that all boils down to a personal preference though so pay no mind to me babbling. I would really love to have a car I can get in and out of comfortably, take long trips in without being a ricer or cop magnet, park it downtown without fear of it getting pissed on or otherwise desecrated, parallel park it, and throw bikes on during a camping trip. I would imagine that I could get really annoying trying to go camping or the beach in a Viper or a Vette.
good luck.
Your mindset is where mine should be, but it isn't. I know while going through college, a car should be the least of my worries, but I still want something a bit different. I wouldn't mind opening my garage to see
looking back at me. I could just hop in and drive away.
...and like I mentioned earlier, I'm planning on downsizing quite a bit in the near future. Honestly, something that I wouldn't worry about parking anywhere, getting dirty, etc. would be the 350z, which in addition to its cheap price and my turbo kit, makes it more appealing to me. But, if I buy the 350z, I'd still end up building the widebody, so it wouldn't accomplish much...just make things more complicated with another car to add to the list.
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I'm not paying a professional garage to work on my Z - never have, and never will. Well, mechanical work, anyways. Body work is a different story for me. If I want to do a 700hp build the right way, engine/tranny/supercharger alone is $15,000, add the rear end, seats/gauges, body work and good paint job, coilovers, illuminas, camber/caster plates, wide wheels/tires, wilwoods on all 4s, not to mention all the other little things that come up, I will hit $30k easy. Now, I can drop $10k if I want to try my luck with the stock LQ9 and T56...but I figure it's only a matter of time before it grenades, and I'll be looking more at 500rwhp unless I add heads/cam, which would be a couple grand.
The GTM looks like a perfect candidate for the type of kit car that I'd like to build once I'm out of college and have a house, but my current circumstances wouldn't allow that kind of build. I don't even have enough space for all the datsuns, they're scattered out around southern and central Texas
. I have a couple of bodyshop guys lined up for the widebody if I decide to do it...I just need to decide if I wanna pull the trigger for the project or not. I see the vette much more of a practical daily driver than my widebody...I'm not even planning on having wipers on it :mrgreen
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Personally I've never driven a vette, so I couldn't tell you if I'm a "vette guy" or not. I just know that they are one heck of a bargain as far as chassis/suspension design, and they start you out with an excellent platform. I love the looks of the C6, but again, I haven't driven one...I guess that should be phase one, but I can't picture it too different than my v8 280zx. I did think about an rx7 ls1 combo, but then I figure I should just keep the Z as it's the same concept - big engine in a little car, and I know a lot more about the S30 than the FD. They are beautiful cars, though, I just wouldn't want to keep the rotary.
I'm not really a bimmer guy. I have driven them, and like you said, the power was smooth (M3, can't remember the year), ride was quiet, sound system was great, I loved the way it looked...but for whatever reason, it just didn't do it for me. Even drove an Audi quattro for a while, and although it was fun and zippy, it wasn't something I'd be interested in owning. Maybe it's the sound of american muscle that gets me? I know it's a huge plus, anyways
Like you, if I could go back, I wouldn't have bought all the Zs in my sig...maybe one of them. At least half of the Zs in my sig will be for sale, hopefully soon. I've been building them for the 9 years now...maybe I'm just getting burned out. It's hard to overcome their timeless bodylines, light weight, and room for just about anything under the hood, though.
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Alright, really starting to get second thoughts about my widebody 280z build. Over the last couple of years I've been accumulating parts for this, and the time to build it is getting closer and closer. Its features are: rear IMSA flares, speeder's old front clip (1-piece fiberglass bonnet with IMSA flares molded in), speeder's old sideskirts, and a 3-piece rear spoiler for the body. The engine I'm planning on a supercharged LSx engine pushing close to 700rwhp...most likely 670, through a T-56 and already acquired R-230 rear end. Coilovers, wilwood brakes, the works. Completely gutted interior, 3" dual exhaust with custom long tubes, you get the picture. So anyways, after looking at all of this, I'll be spending close to $30k, if not a little more, after the drivetrain/body/paint/chassis are complete.
With that kind of money, I could get a c6 vette, in which the magnacharger that I already have in my garage would bolt right onto (just need to add a different hood). Even more crazy is there's a 1997 Viper GTS (blue/white stripes) for sale locally in the same price range. I've looked up insurance on both, and they were much cheaper than I expected...easily affordable for me. So, going through my head, spend $30k on a Datsun, vette, or Viper. Seriously, it's starting to sound ridiculous to me to spend that much money on a Datsun. But, it's what I've been planning on building for the last couple of years. If I bought a newer car, I could get rid of all the Datsun parts cluttering up both of my garages. Then, the technology and aerodynamics are no comparison...just looking at a vette and 280z side by side, you don't need to compare drag coefficient numbers...it's night and day. Did I mention the targa top on a vette is a huge plus? Yeah, the Z may be lighter, but probably not by much. Then I wouldn't have the same wind noises, creaks, squeaks, pops, etc. I don't know, but I'm seriously considering dropping the project...
Another thing for me to consider is that this next fall I'll be returning to school for another 3-4 years to finish my degree. I'm 3 years into it right now, but after trying to balance work and school, I ended up choosing work because it demanded too much of my time, and well, can't argue with the money, so I've been out of school for coming up on two years now. If I keep the widebody project, it will be going to school with me, along with my R6 and '97 Ranger (so I can haul parts around). On the other hand, if I bought the vette , it would be just that car going with me (and probably the bike). The Viper...I may buy another beater, because I wouldn't trust leaving that one in the school parking lot. The viper doesn't seem as practical to me as the vette, but damn it's just so beautiful.
So, if you had the money, and given the circumstances, what would you do? Another thing I've been toying around with is buying an '03-'04 350z, since I have a turbonetics turbo kit for one in my garage just collecting dust...but I still think I'd be happier with the vette...I don't know. I realize this is a Z forum, therefore you will be biased. Maybe those are the kind of opinions I need right now
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Funny, eBay is giving you a plug on this thread.
Beautiful car, btw. Good luck with the sale.
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I just parted out a 280z that had a Scarab v8 kit installed, along with long tubes. I still have the long tubes for sale, if you're interested.
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Every 2 or 3 months there's a fleet that comes through Austin - I think they're next scheduled run is in April. I'll try to find more info on it when I get home and everything isn't blocked.
Found it:
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How does one get to do such a thing?!
Every 2 or 3 months there's a fleet that comes through Austin - I think they're next scheduled run is in April. I'll try to find more info on it when I get home and everything isn't blocked.
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Do you take payment in babies? I have a five-month-old with half a heart, but she's beautiful and actually very healthy. Seriously... not.... seriously. Seriously. Think about it... for a second. Just kidding. Maybe. What am I saying!?
Interested?
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I'm needing some more parts for my '75 280z widebody project. Figured I'd check here before I buy the stuff new.
- I have a rear coilover setup for it, now I'm just looking for the fronts. I'd also prefer if some illuminas went with them.
- I'd like to get a 4-piston AZC front brake setup, but I'm open to other options. I'm not too interested in the Toyota 4x4 setup.
- I'll be installing an LSx engine and T56 tranny, so I'm also looking for these mounts as well.
edit:
- I'm also looking for front and rear camber/caster plates, preferably Ground Control, but again, I'm open to other options.
Thanks...
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She is not responding... anyone else? i have 3 ready to ship ,price is firm for lower 48 states. just pm me for pics
Fixed
I believe this is 280zforce's future g/f...or whatever. Maybe you could ask him if she's still interested, or if he'll buy them for her?
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Wow, I sent 3 of them to the scrapyard...
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So 3 for go and 0 for no, huh? That's hybridz for ya, I guess.
Yes, I'm definitely planning on chassis reinforcement. For some odd reason, I got behind a slick C6 Z06 on the way home with the license plate "BLUFFN", and now I want to go for it...don't ask. -
For 800+ you'll need some serious rubber to meet the road to get it down and to stick.
I'd be all over that though, blown 408 would be killer
I'm looking at Nitto 555Rs, BFG R1s, or some Mickey T Drag Radials...
Now I'm wondering how much I'll need to upgrade the fuel system. I keep pondering, I'm sure 550rwhp would be more than enough in that little car, and I could keep the injectors that came with the blower, wouldn't need to worry as much about the tires (although they're still important), not to mention thousands less. On the other side, you don't see a blown 408 Datsun too often, much less a blown 408 in anything.
Anyone see this as a bad/stupid/foolish idea?
How much power is Darius's new setup making? I can't really find too much information on here about it.
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A bit of everything, actually. I'll run her on the streets most of the time, but I also plan on taking her to the drag strip as well as the local circuit track. This Datsun is supposed to be my big, bad one. All my other Datsuns have been mild power builds (roughly 350rwhp being the most), so I planned to go all out on this one. I wanted to build it right the first time so I wouldn't regret the power being made. For example, I thought the stock T3 would be plenty of power for my '72 240zt; it was great at first, but over time I kept increasing the boost more and more. Now I'm demanding more than the T3 can provide, so I'm building a larger hybrid turbo. Although it's very easy to just swap the turbo, it's still the same concept. I don't want to "get used" to the power too quickly and then regret not building the 408, but then again, if it's just going to make the car stupid to drive, where I spin out any time I try to get on it, then there's no point to it, and I'm better off sticking with just heads/cam. I'm hoping some of the higher hp guys will chime in.
The rest of the drivetrain is a 3.69:1 R-230, and a built T-56.
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Okay fellas, I've been battling this back and forth. Long story short, I've been wanting to build an LSx 408 to put my Magnacharger mp122 on. Looking at other builds, I should expect to be in the 800hp range, but the torque will be instant, having roughly 85% torque by 2500 rpms. Similar build with a 404ci:
I have a contact that's selling his built LSx 408 out of his show camaro for a killer price. It features:
LME 408 ci iron block (late model engineering, Houston Tx)
lunati pro billet rods
lunati 4in crank
custom wiesco nitrous pistons 4.030 bore 11/1 C.R.
ARP main studs
ARP 1/2in. head studs
o ringed and reciever groove
copper head gaskets
LME ported oil pump
custom camshaft(specs givin to buyer)
morel hydrolic lifters
AFR judson port, big bore heads hand ported @ LME(355cfm,258cfm exh.) machined for reciever groove and 1/2in head studs
Dual springs good to 660lift
custom pushrods
Jessel rocker arms
6.0 iron block machined for 1/2in head studs,line honed,bored to 4.030,decked,o-rined
stock f-body oil pan
front and rear covers
stock valve covers
If he sells it to me he will keep the pistons, since I'll be changing them anyways to lower the CR. I'll probably be changing the camshaft as well, since it's a custom nitrous cam.
He's wanting to know how serious I am with purchasing the engine before he puts it out for other potential buyers, and I told him I'd let him know shortly.
I don't know if it would be foolish of me to purchase it...if I can't get it to hook with that much power, should I just go with a stock block and just add a head/cam package to yield roughly 550-600hp? Would 800hp and instant torque be too much for my little Datsun widebody project? I'm planning on running some 315s in the rear on 17x10.5 wheels, with one of the stickiest compounds I can find, but I don't know how much it will help.
Anyone have any advice? I could really use it right now...
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Was that with the Holset or the GT35R?
I can go positive boost by revving. Great looking car for the price. Enjoy the rush of BOOST:eek: -
Unless my boost gauge is off, I can get close to 0" manifold pressure by revving the engine, but I haven't seen it go positive. Turbo diesels, on the other hand, I've been able to build at least a good 10psi of boost revving the engine in neutral on a 6.0L Ford powerstroke.
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Losing interest in the Z...what would you do if you had the money?
in Non Tech Board
Posted
Yeah, I'm planning on adding that on the '82 280zx, as well as a high-flow cat (to help with the fumes) to make it more daily-driver friendly. If the LT1 can't make up for the added weight, I'll add a procharger to it
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