DavyZ

I'm curious to know how the rotors that Richard found can be vented like the 4-Runner ones if they supposed to be solid?? I'm not trying to antagonistic here, just trying to understand what the options are. From what I've read above, the wider $-Runner calipers fit the (wider?) vented rotors, while the truck calipers fit the narrower, solid rotors? Is this supposed to be correct? If it is, then the vented 300ZX rotors only work with the 4-Runner calipers. If, in fact, that Richard has found truck calipers that were used with vented rotors, according to RedNeckZ, they should work with the 300ZX vented rotors, regardless of whether or not they come from a 4-Runner? While we are hashing this FAQ material out, are there any better or other options to this setup? Or is this beating a dead horse even more? hey, wait a minute, I think I saw it move... Davy

The only thing I can suggest is contacting a place like TD (Transdapt) or Kennedy Engineering and find out if there is an adaptor made for the application. PAW sells TD products in their BIG catalog. Hope this helps. Davy

I'll probably go that route--I have always had great results with their products. There is an auto-paint supply store near here where I will pick some up. I have never seen these two particular polishes at Kragen. Thanks, RacerX! Davy

OK, I disassembled the lights and used my fingernail to scrape off as much of the paint as possible (wet down of course). I then used a Maguire's #6 cleaner wax and it did take off the overspray quite easily, but left a cloudy surface due to minute scratches although I was prepared for this. I then used a veryfine Maguire's wax/polishing compound and it left a nice finish. However, I feel like I'm not finished yet with this and I will be purchasing some plastic polish very soon to finialize the surface of the lenses. Thanks for all the help and advice, guys! Davy

bump

Michael Spreadbury--I used those pics of your conversion to wickedly inspire my brother to do another Roadster!! Heh heh, you gotta love side drafts on a modern motor with more cubic inches in a sweet handling car like a Datsun Roadser. Glad to have you joining us! Davy

John, please stop spending the 401K money!!! Seriously, it looks like you have the best equipment yet. What are you trying to do? WIN? Davy

I currently don't have AC, although there are a number of guys that have installed Ac from MSA (LoneInAZ) and from Vintage Air (Mike kZ?). The JTR book says you can use the Datsun Sankyo system and fab a bracket for it to fit your engine, or use the GM unit. A good AC shop could make you hoses and charge the system. If you need in depth information, I can't help you with that yet, sorry Davy

Again, I don't think they'll bother you and I truly believe you can get away with this. That said, if it does not work out (read: fix-it ticket), you will still have to have it mounted in back anyway. I would be very tempted to put suction cups in the holes of the plate ans stick the sucker to the back windshield. That may be a bit iffy since the glass slants a lot, but it may actually be legal. You need a friend who is a cop... Also, you are in LA...so don't tell me more than half of the lowriders, ricers, truckers, etc. have equipment or other that isn't legal. Do a sano job and I bet they leave you alone. Even if you get a ticket, I'd find a way to mount it temporarily to get the fix-it ticket erased and then mount it back to the original place That's one reason I'll run coil-overs--if i get a ticket for being too low, 10 minutes later I'll have it to 'legal' height. Tim, take an antacid and relax--you worry too much about this stuff, especially being in LA. Davy

DRK, I'm supposing you already have the Corvette LT1 motor? If you don't, consider the Camaro LT1 motor which has different brackets AFAIK. The LT1 from a wrecker should come with all accessories and the brackets for them. Sometimes the brackets from Vettes won't work because they tend to be laid out differently (wider) than the Camaro and Caprice engines. Where are you in the swap? Before anything, make sure you get the JTR manual AND the TBI/TPI swap manual. Then, after reading them make your decision and then research brackets. There are a few of the 'billet' companies that make brackets for any configuration for the accessories. Kudos to you on doing the research, but just make sure you do it in the proper order--have you measured the LT1 motor with accessories that you plan on buying? Measure it, if you have not already, and then also measure your Z car's engine bay. Hopefully you will not have to buy anything and can stick with the stock brackets to save some CA$H. Davy

What one thing happened that was not covered in the JTR manual?? Well, the biggest thing was the "while I'm at it I might as well do..." That very thing has caused me to "micro-modify" or detail just about everything I'm coming across. It just adds to the length of the project and the time spent doing everything. Oh well One good thing though, the car will be detailed to the hilt! Davy

Rick (V8ZRACER), You have an awesome car and we're glad you're here on the forum!! Davy

Thanks for the info Van, Fortunately I read it before uncapping the Goof Off. I have plenty of cotton polishing cloths and even a synthetic chamois that I can use. The lenses are recessed and I have to pull the assemblies apart before commencing on the polishing, and get rid of that sticky black silicone sealant that was liberally used on the back of these parts. I have tried to use 3M Wax & Grease remover to really no avail--if anyone has better ideas as to removal of the black stuff, I'd love to hear. Davy

Tim, those Pro-Comp Ultralites look really nice with the dash! Sweet install; I'm sure that it is easier with the dash outside of the car. Davy

Will it make as much horsepower or torque as the Chevy? Will it be as easy to work on? Will the parts be readily available for you when you need them? Will they be cheap? Are you good at fixing and maintaining Maserati motors? Just food for thought. This may be harsh, but leave the Italian motors for the Italian cars. American and Japanese motors are better suited to swaps IMO and they are more reliable, less fussy, and are built to last (also cheaper to fix). Our family has owned two Lancias, one Alpha Romeo, two Saabs, one BMW, a Triumph TR7, a Mercedes Benz, two Volvos, a Chevy Truck, a Dodge truck, a Dodge Monaco w/383, and more...I can tell you with resolve to run away from the Italian stuff. Heck, I'm more inclined to play with British iron than Italian iron since I know it'll be broken before I start monkeying with it... Just my opinion Have a nice day. Davy

I don't see it. What am I doing wrong?? Davy

I think a turbo is about as 'cool' as it gets! It'll look totally hot too Seriously, you have tremendous tuneability options with the turbo motor, and EFI (If its a GN/GNX motor) so no problems starting in cold weather, and great mileage to boot. Hopefully the car won't be overpowered if you tweak it a little All eyes are watching you, Phil, including my brother who is considering this in about a year! Davy

Shiin, my 260Z was exactly the same way...in fact every 240Z and 260z that I have seen is the same way! Pete's site has great info on relays, and yes, relays do make a difference! Good luck. Davy

Tim, I think the cops are really concerned with the 'lighting' aspect of the plates, not really where the plate is. If you bought one of those frenched license plate brackets and welded it into the rear lower valence, as long as it was lighted, I really don't think the cops would have much to say. Anyway, Lone's suggestion sounds like a good one to cover up the fuel cell outlets. Davy

RacerX, I would say yes if there was actually a car to see at the moment! lol I have a ton of parts, but I sold the 260Z because of the smog issue and rust. I also had a '72 240Z for a brief time and sold it quickly. Now I'm hunting for the 'right' car--cheap 240Z roller w/straight body and NO rust. As soon as I do, you are very welcome to come over and see it, daughter and all! Thanks for asking! Cheers, Davy

Also, if you are doing a Chevy EFI swap, buy their TPI/TBI Engine Swap Manual as well. Most questions you have can be easily researched using the 'search' function in the forum. However, the JTR manual is a great way to begin. Read it two or three times all the way through and then step forward into the conversion. Just food for thought. Davy

Looking good! Man, you must be stoked for getting this far already. I am also curious to know what size the turbo is. Davy

You are certainly headed in the right direction with the donor car! (Did Tim just say that? ) Buy the JTR Chevrolet TPI & TBI Engine Swapping Manual. Also, you'll want the JTR V8Z conversion manual as well if you don't already own a copy. Since you have gone this far, just keep forging ahead and do the EFI swap. You'll have a better, more consistent and reliable setup when its done. Good luck! Davy

Welcome to the forum! Jeromio is currently doing the swap and has a website documenting his swap. Look for a post of his and click on his link to the site. Lone Star has already done the swap, but does not have a website. However, there are a few pictures of his car in 'members rides' or 'featured cars'--one of the two. The new engines are great, I agree, but there are less of them and they tend to more expensive then the LT1 engines. Also, the JTR manual/swap is based on the classic SBC, but does not cover the LS1; hence there is no 'kit' for the swap and the guys that do it have to forge their own territory, and this often results in increased time to finish. As the LS1 engines become more commonplace, you'll see many more swaps with them--they are extremely good, powerful motors with a lot of potential. Davy

That car has one heck of a cage!!! Nice find! I think the V8 will complete the car!!! Davy