Zhadman

I think that's the same car they built at Signal Auto here in Torrance. If it is then one of signal's employee's owns it. Signal (Japan) I think had the head severely worked over and they were looking for 400hp. It's also running a V-mount intercooler setup and some custom suspension bits. Interior was fully gutted when I saw it. They were working to get it ready for D1 at Irwindale. Very cool guys, easy to talk to.

Double post... sorry

I wish I could help with your wiring dilema, but I haven't quite reached that part of my build-up yet. I'll be running a stand alone and, at this time, am not sure how much of my harness I'm gonna hafta mess with. ...I do have a .pdf version of the S14 FSM, though...

Looks good! There are becoming more and more of us SR guys here. What route did you take with your motor mounts (chassis side)? Did you weld them to the frame or bolt them in? I see you're still using the SR's mounts... I am, too. Are you running off the SR ECU or did you go stand alone? What else are you doing to the car?

'73 240 SR20DET BLACKTOP (S13) w/Microtech EMS 18x8 Volk Racing 57 Pro's (Zero offset) 4x Disc Brakes w/ Alcon or Brembo Calipers HRP manual steering rack Custom Fender Flares Modified front spoiler Vented Hood Shaved Sidemarkers Drip Rail chrome removed and DR cleaned (to be painted body color) 'one-piece' bumpers Lexan windows (rear 3) Maui Blue Pearl Metallic paint...yummy Custom CF Dash, covered in Alcantara Weld in Cage, covered in Alcantara Custom simple door panels... in... uh... Alcantara Defi-Link guages Tilton Pedal Assembly ...And the list goes on a bit...

I was thinking that EXACT thing! Just let me have the split window, ok?

ROFLMA... I attended HS in VV . This, however, is a topic that will generate very, VERY different opinions. I, myself, have 18's for my Z.... for show. Even though my 18's were custom ordered and fairly lightweigh I also have a set of 16's for Auto-x'ing and track events. So I can view both sides with a head nod and a smile.

mmmmm.... 18's. Looks awesome! Someday I will post pics of my 18x8's. Yum.

Dropping an SR in a 280zx isn't going to be much different than putting one in a 240. Just depends on your level of technical/mechanical/fabrication proficiency and how deep your pockets are!

Well... Fiberglass (E-glass and S-glass) is approx 30% heavier than CF. For a street car there's probably no point in having a hood made of CF, but for a car that is a dedicated race car (and on a strict diet) then every pound counts.

Please excuse my ignorance here... So if you have a stock 240Z 4 lug hub then this is not a direct bolt on? This is for individuals who have already converted to the Z31? Perhaps I read your description incorrectly.

I don't think you would get too many individuals in the armed services who would willingly fire, or drop ordinance, on American citizens... assuming the 'rebellion', or 'uprising', was mainstream and popular. I own a Beretta 92FS and I hope to hell I never have to point it at someone...

I think the ORIGINS of this look go back to the days of the Gasser. IIRC it was a period in drag racing history, from the late 50's to mid 60's...even though the look was replicated well into the 70's. The cars were 'jacked up' and appeared to be sitting well above thier frame rails (either because of a rules mandate or to gain traction... or both. Not sure). There are probably a host of individuals here who could expand on my short blurb... Here's a few links to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. http://www.gassermadness.com Gasser Wars Book

Watch your back John... I'm a comin'! Lol... I'm a firm believer in the saying: "Too much car... not enough driver". I'm not enough of a driver to give you a run for your money... yet.

I haven't fabricated my SR motor mounts yet so I can't be too much help there. I can tell you that they will be welded to the frame rails and will be positioned in such a way as to use the SR's stock mounts (engine side). I had kicked around the idea of connecting my new mounts to the OLD ones... but that would be overkill and, IMHO, alot of unnecesarry work. As far as power goes... I'm likely to run a Microtech EMS and tune the engine stock. That's right...stock! Once I get the motor dialed in and running purrfect I'll start messing with it. I want to track EVERY change that is made to the engine. IMHO (again) 'tuning' is much more than just slapping parts on there and mashing the pedal. My car is going to be set up for Auto-X'ing and perhaps some larger track events... so I'll be gearing my suspension set-up in that direction. Again, though, I won't be making any radical changes to it until I can get it out on the track and guage the cars attitude. Interior, Exterior, Wheels... Top Secret for now!

Someone else is having that problem as well. I thought I was just having computer problems!

Very true! It seems that so many people are biased against the domestic offerings. If you look at bang for the buck and out of the box performance then the SRT-4 is the way to go! Might sound funny coming from me (and my love of Z's and my Subie), but hey... it's the truth. Throw in factory performance support coupled with the warranty and you have a recipe for a very successful car. Dodge has made great pains to produce a car that can hang with, or out-perform, most 'imports'.... and for 20k!

Well... I have both. Head on over to http://www.NASIOC.com (if you haven't already). There are several tech forums where people have detailed problems they have had with the Subie. Subaru (and other auto-makers) are getting very strict with their warranties and will negate yours if it appears that you have modified or abused the vehicle. There have been members who have complained about tranny problems and have been left out to dry by Subaru. ALOT of those members have modified thier cars and have problably driven them really hard. But for every one person that has had a problem with thier car (and recieved crappy service) there are probably hundreds more who have not. Subaru, in their infinite wisdom, markets the cars with 'Wanna Race' slogans and commercials showing stock cars tearing up the back roads. They tout the car as a sports car, Rally bred... through and through. But if you make to modify your vehicle or run it in any type of competition (SCCA auto-x, for example) they may very well void your warranty and deny service. There are several 'mod-friendly' and 'owner-friendly' dealers here in SoCal who have recieved very favorable recommendations from California Subie owners. I have found that smooth operation of the WRX tranny requires some finess and I cannot shift it the same way that I do my Z. That is not to say that it is a BAD tranny... but you gotta learn to use it. My father, who has always owned sports cars and has attended several racing schools (Skip Barber's being one) absolutely loves my WRX. He loves the feel of the clutch and the (factory installed) short shifter. As far as handling goes... I couldn't be happier. It's great! BUT... it doesn't come with performance tires. I don't think that Potenze RE92's are going to win awards on the race track. The suspension is also a tad soft, but IMHO is great for everyday driving. I don't notice excessive body roll in corners and it feels fairly tight. One thing to remember is that this car is NOT the STi. If you want race tires, no radio, a super tight suspension and 300hp... then teh STi is the car for you... not the standard WRX. The WRX is not a slouch, it's just a bit tamer to 'satisfy the masses'. They can, however, me made to rock the tarmac... with some simple suspension modifications (read about the warranty above, though). I can't wait to start modifying my WRX... but I think I'm going to play it as safe as possible and delay that until my warranty is up. Obviously I am a bit biased, so take that for what it's worth. It would be foolish to defend the car as perfect... and I would respect the opinion of certain individuals here greatly. Ultimately... the choice is yours. Go with what you want and like. Treat your car well and you should have no problems. Good luck... Cheers! Keith **edit** Just a couple additions: A car marketed as a performance car should be able withstand the abuse of a spirited drive. Transmission failures during everday driving are unacceptable. If there are reliability issues with the Subie tranny I think it is a failure on Subaru's part to correctly identify and correct problems with thier equipment. Most of the horror stories I have heard have directly related to poor customer service at the dealer level. Subaru will commonly refer those with complaints back to the dealer when issues are present. I think the dealers are using the modified/abuse rule to limit thier responsibility. This isn't only a problem with Subaru... many dealers selling many makes are also adopting this philosophy. I also want to reiterate that it seems that the owners complaining of equipment failures seem to be a minority. But please... research this yourself. DO NOT take my word for it! Second... The Dodge SRT-4 is a GREAT car (since it was mentioned here). Dodge has really highlighted themselves with the overwhelming factory support of these cars. They offer sizeable and thorough upgrades that (when dealer installed) are backed by the factory warrantly. I feel that more auto makers need to take notice and adopt similar practices. I think it fosters an environment that serves to totally satisfy the customer and breeds loyalty within the owner demographic.

Having just purchased an '04 WRX I think I'm a bit biased. When you say WRX are you meaning WRX... or STi? The sticker on mine was 25k, but they have 'dealer incentives' right now and are really looking to move remaining '04's. Might could get a good deal. It's a great car! I don't find the ride very mushy or un-responsive at all. It has a nice hp/torque curve, is all wheel drive, and there are alot of things you could do to upgrade the car... from mild to wild. Whatever you decide on, though... enjoy! Keith

Yeah, I've wanted one ever since they were released here in the states. It's a blast to drive, too. I'm in the 'break in' period (the first 1000 miles) so I can't rev it over 4k... but it's still alot of fun. Even on the (relatively) crappy stock tires it hugs the road and always goes where I point it (so far! ). Yeah, it's probably not for everyone. I don't care much for out and out brute power. This car will be great for Auto-x's and canyon runs... where I hope that it's all wheel drive will really shine.

Not that I'm well known here, but oh well! I got tired of my crappy commuter (Ford Focus) and traded it in on an '04 WRX . Not since my 240Z have I been so excited to own a car! I was going to get an STi, but I figured my Z can be my super-duper car! I joined up over at ClubWRX.com and I have to say... HybridZ is the BEST forum I have EVER been a member of. I'm never very quick to label people, but the maturity level (or lack thereof) in other places just amazes me! So to you HybridZ'ers... I tip my hat!

I just ran into a similar problem out here in CA with my '73. While disassembling the body I had noticed that the tags were all missing. I was smacking myself in the head for not paying closer attention earlier (too excited when buying the car). The PO informed me that the car had been broken into and the VIN plates stolen! D'oh! I contacted the CA DMV and had them run the VIN... came back clean and un-registered. I can't remember if Texas actually has a DMV per se (I know Oklahoma doesn't... I was stationed there). Here are my suggestions: 1. Contact your local tag agency, take the car there if you can, and explain your situation. Hopefully they will run the VIN for you. They will be more inclined to help if you have the car there... kinda like proof of ownership (9/10's of the law! ). Have them cross check the license plates to verify which VIN it is registered under. 2. If the tag agency is un-cooperative then take the car to the your local PD (or county equivalent) and, again, explain your situation and see if they are willing to be more helpfull. Good luck![/i]