zeeboost

I just received my '76 280z from the body shop. When I went to pick up, I noticed the paint had noticeable lines on the hood and roof...I believe they are known as Tiger Stripes? I brought this to the owner's attention, and he told me that it would take about 6 weeks before the paint would completely adhere and spread out evenly on the car. I talked to a couple of other body guys about this, and they called bs on it. They said it was the painter's technique, the gun not adjusted properly, or something like that. Anyways, I took a few pictures to try to give you a better idea. FYI, it still needs to be wetsanded and buffed, but I told them I would do it to cut back on costs. For the most part, the car looks good: But you can see the lines running up and down the hood and roof when looking at it directly in the light: Anyways, I'm contemplating if I should take it back to them to have them fix (most likely repaint) the lines, or if it's something that really will go away after 6 weeks. I appreciate any advice, and any info on what causes these lines to happen.

I have the mounts and cv adapters ready to go for the R230...shouldn't be that big of a problem. I know nothing goes as planned, but I think I have everything covered with the rear end. The tranny I can't imagine being that difficult. I'll probably need to "massage" the tunnel, and mount it up. The engine...well, I'm not too familiar with the newer generation of chevy motors, so that may take some time. I was trying to avoid taking the engine to a machine shop, which is why I asked about the valve springs. I can replace the valve springs myself, I'm sure it's no big deal, but I believe there are a few other measurements that need to be taken that I'm not too familiar with, which is why I would take it to a shop. The last machine shop I took my old school sbc to, he explained the different measurements he needed to perform in order to insure there wouldn't be any conflict with the new cam/spring/lifter/pushrod combo. I can't remember any more details than that. The stock EFI datsun tanks are supposed to be well-baffled for an EFI setup - I'm running one on my '72 240zt with the fuel pressure at 45psi give or take a few, and I've ran it close to empty before with no fluctuation in fuel pressure while cornering (I have a gauge on the A-pillar). My biggest concern with the fuel tank is if I'll have any fuel starvation issues with as much power as I'm planning on making (especially since it will be with forced induction). I don't know if the stock tank will hinder me. I plan on having custom long-tubes fabricated for the exhaust, but the stock logs will work until then. Radiator hoses shouldn't be that big of a deal - I'll sort it out when I get the radiator and engine in place. I won't have a driveshaft ready until the rest of the drivetrain is in place...then I figured I would have it trailered to a driveshaft shop. If I can get everything else mounted and roll it out of the shop, I should stay out of trouble. I'm still searching on this, but I'm always reading about other people swapping over to the F-body or corvette pulleys...is there a different offset? I figure I'm going to have to relocate the alternator (based on others' readings) but I can fabricate a bracket for that or something. I'm assuming I'll need to stick with the 6.0 pulleys so everything will line up with the supercharger. Then again, I think that supercharger will also fit the 5.3, so it may be alright. Like I said, I'm still searching on this.

After seeing the trailer, I wasn't expecting to be laughing throughout most of the movie. It was a nice breath of fresh air after being let down from recent movies over the last few months. It's definitely my kind of movie...it was great.

Okay, here's what's going on. This weekend I'll be pulling the entire drivetrain out of my Widebody project. The GM at my dealership has given me permission to use the shop for this weekend only, as long as the car isn't stuck in a stall during business hours. I can roll it out, that's no big deal. Installing the new drivetrain will be fun, as I need to do it as quickly as possible (on another weekend that he authorizes). I've installed an old-school sbc, but not the new generation yet, so I'm trying to make an accurate checklist so I can have all the parts ready to at least install it all in one weekend...it doesn't have to be running, but it would be nice. Drivetrain will be a magnacharged LQ4, T56, and R230 rear end. LQ4: -I will use the factory PCM and wiring harness...shouldn't be that hard, right? The engine will be a turnkey. For the most part, it'll be staying stock, but I may throw in a blower cam for starters. I thought about L92 heads, but I don't know if they'll work with the magnacharger (which is an Mp122, btw). I guess I'll find out how durable the stock bottom end is...I may install ARP rod bolts, but that would be all. -Anyways, for the fuel system I'm going to weld a couple of AN fittings on the factory tank. I'll run a 1/2" feed and 3/8" return SS braided line. Aeromotive A1000 fuel pump and pressure regulator. I plan to use this fitting to connect the fuel lines to the factory rail. -I'll be installing a Griffin radiator, and I have an electric fan off a Jeep, and another off a Lincoln LS, so I should be able to figure something out. -Of course I'll be ordering the JCI mounts...and I won't be running a/c or p/s (at first). If I have to relocate the alternator, it shouldn't be that hard. I'll need to order an F-body oil pan, pickup, dipstick tube, etc. I believe I'll be running the LS7 clutch and flywheel. -I also have a throttle cable ready to go. Autometer phantom gauges will be monitoring everything. T56: -I'm debating between a stock T56 or the D&D unit: http://www.ddperformance.com/T-56%20Transmissions.htm . I need to do some more research on the torque limits of the stock t56, but I'm leaning towards the D&D. Tilton clutch m/c, Russel SS braided line and adapter will be ordered. R230: I'm pretty sure I'm ready to throw that one in. So, if you're still reading this post, do you see anything else I need to add to the list? Again, I need to try to get everything installed in one weekend, so that's going to be the biggest thing. -Can L92 heads be used with the maggie? -Will the stock tank be able to work well enough with the Aeromotive pump to support my setup (guessing at least 600rwhp)? I plan on running side exhaust, so if I can get away with the stock fuel tank, I figured I'd take it. -I'll most likely throw in a blower cam - would springs be necessary with this? I haven't done much research on the new generation valvetrain, but I thought they already come with some pretty stiff springs...I've heard of a lot of people doing cam swaps, but they mention nothing about springs - I don't know if it's just a given, or if it's not necessary unless I'm planning on really winding this motor out (which I'm not). Sorry for the long post, I just need to try to get everything sorted out right now

I'm planning on installing an Lq4 with a Magnacharger mp122. The supercharger is sitting in my garage, with the rest of the kit (intercooler, mostly), and I'll be ordering the engine soon...hopefully this month. I'm about to create a new thread about this, but anyways, I guess I'll be the guinea pig. I'm going to start out with a stock 6.0 (I may add a cam) and go from there.

Yeah, don't remind me. That whole thing was a mistake...nothing went like I had in mind. I hate learning the heard way...

Lol, well, the brown 280zxt I was forced to get rid of by the GM (eye sore), so that's somewhere out in a field right now. The gray v8 you'd have to break-in to the body shop that it's been sitting in for the last year and a half, and there probably aren't any parts on the Widebody that would interest you...maybe the Corvette IRS? If you can get that thing out of there, then you've earned it. Maybe it will motivate me to throw the R230 in there BTW, the blue Z is currently being painted - I hope to have it for sale in the next couple of months...took me long enough.

And a later picture via Microsoft Virtual Earth found my widebody and an '82 280zxt I used to have at the same parking lot:

My primered v8 280zx in the parking lot at my dealership:

That car looks amazing, but I wish he would fix the hood.

Fixed

A little off-topic, and I'm not sure if it's been discussed before, but why does the right side of the rear spoiler have a bulge in it? I have the exact same fiberglass spoiler in my garage, but never knew why.

A few years ago at a major paintball tournament in Houston, some asians used 4 sentries to set up a parameter around their base...and yes, those are totally wicked.

The link is giving me an http 500 internal service error.

You'd be surpised how much you find out about each other and where you stand in your relationship when you eliminate sex.

Similar situation: http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=129528 One thing I've learned: cars are inanimate objects, that's all. Honestly I've been thinking about selling all my Datsuns and just buy a cheap-ish, fun daily driver, such as a C5/C6 vette or a 350z. Hell, if I wasn't 6'5", I would've already sold them for a Lotus Elise / Exige. Anyways, these cars require a lot of time and attention, just like a woman. If you can't find a balance, one has to go. In my opinion, it's not worth sacrificing someone who loves you to an inanimate object. If you both love each other, the car really shouldn't get in the way. On the other hand, a car will never (voluntarily) run off with a stranger, or your best friend, so that's a big plus Whatever you decide, it has to make you happy. If you can't find a balance, but would rather have the girl, then make the sacrifice and lose the car. If you're a car nut like many of us, ditch the girl...but hey, if she's just getting pissy, get used to it, because that's a woman for ya.

Which guy? Michael Pitzo or Mat Meyer? mark - Mat Meyer currently has an auction up, but I don't know if that's who you were asking about. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-Series-280Z-1975-280Z-2-seater-ready-to-drive-or-restore_W0QQitemZ180305246900QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item180305246900&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A727|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Yeah, I had a similar situation and filed a claim with Paypal. They ruled in my favor, but told me they were only able to recover $0.00 at this time. Hope it works better for you than it did for me. You know, what's funny is the guy that's screwing me over, mat meyer, went by the name of matty on a dodge forum, and he claims to reside in Iowa. Funny...

Have an update for you all: Paypal just e-mailed me today, saying that they decided in my favor but were unable to recover any funds from him (no @#$%&) so I'm still SOL. I already have his cell phone number, he just won't answer. His contact information is: User ID:meyerm99 Name:mat meyer City: Pleasant Hill State: IA Country: United States Phone: (515) 339-0818 I found his myspace at: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=86275690 He's selling his 280z online on eBay right now, and you can see his bike in the background on the eBay picture. eBay ad: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-Series-280Z-1975-280Z-2-seater-ready-to-drive-or-restore_W0QQitemZ180305246900QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item180305246900&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A727|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318 His car, with his bike in the background: Closeup of his bike from his myspace account: Same freakin' bike!! Ahhh, I'm so furious right now!!!

He lives (I'm assuming) in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Long story short, I bought a 240z air dam from him on eBay for about $130, paid him same day, 6 weeks later I still haven't received it or heard from him. I filed a dispute with paypal, but they're dragging their feet with it. I'd rather have the air dam than my money back, though. He's been a member with ebay since '01, he has 100% feedback, and looking through his feedback, it looks like he's bought a few datsun parts online as well. I've e-mail him and tried calling him several times, but end up with his voice mail. I don't think this guy is trying to rip me off, I kinda get the feeling like something has happened to him. Anyways, if anyone may know the guy, please PM me. Thanks

Funny, most of us want the expensive exotics but drive the cheap econo-daily beaters, then you drive the expensive exotic but have the cheap beaters on your "list." I guess when you already drive a track-ready 600+rwhp P-car, you don't need anything else

Is that the one you picked up from the garage sale?

Austin - still interested in the Holset H1E?

In case the capital in the beginning didn't give it away, those were here in Austin. I know the guy with the Z31, he works at boost logic and does some really good work. IIRC, that was around 500rwhp at the time, and he's planning on pushing it a lot further. I'm sure Shaggy will chime in when he sees this...