DavyZ

From looking at your website, I figured you had closer to $20,000. I'm sure you did most of the work yourself; the hard work has really paid off in a very hard-core hybrid. I hope my Z project comes out as sano as your RX7. David

Shoot, I want to see what the Fiat bumpers look like on the Z!!! Please post a picture!!!!! Pretty, please, DAW!!! David

Pete, I like the Datsun body-style better than the Vette (and you do too, otherwise you would have bought two Vettes instead of meticulously building that piece of Datsun/Chevy ART you have in your garage)!!!! After reading the description, this car seems like more of a liability than anything else. A Ferrari body kit has more class than this, even an older Vette kit would have been cool, but a mid-80's Vette???? Not appealing to me, sorry. David [ June 23, 2001: Message edited by: DavyZ ]

Do you have any idea when the oxygen sensor was last replaced? Realistically, that wouild be one of the first things I would replace on any FI car I bought used. If it is properly working, then the computer is getting a proper reading (most likely) and you'll enjoy better fuel economy than before. The fuel filter (as you posted) is something I would also replace in addition to the oil, filter, plugs, wires, coil, cap & rotor, etc. Sounds like you are on your way. David

Dan Juday has very recently took a trip to AZ and bought $$$$ worth of glass from him. He only said good things about it. I think he even bought the front quarters of the Subtle Z if I'm not mistaken. WebWalker, go to the "Announcements" and look up "Met John Washington and gave him money." Dan, are you out there? David [ June 22, 2001: Message edited by: DavyZ ]

I know I'm gonna pull my dad's expertise in to this project when I need help! He is pretty experienced in auto mechanics (and just about everything else) since he worked on trucks and tanks in the Korean War. Hey Z YA, who's car do you think will be faster? Any predictions??? David

Hey, c'mon! Life is not so bad. MSA used to have a Scarab style V8 conversion kit that they used to sell. It looks like they have improved their kit by going with a setback position like JTR. Don't be discouraged that you have done this! If there is apparently no one on the forum that has used the kit, then contact MSA and ask them for a reference of one of their customers who has done the conversion using their kit. That way, you'll have a better appreciation of what you have. Bottom line is this: Forge ahead with the MSA kit, especially if you can't return it and you'll be fine! It really looks like their kit is vastly improved and well made from the pictures. I wish you well in your project! David

I always do a double take when I see that motor! Nice job! Does the outside of the car equal the beauty inside the engine bay?? David

Heh, cool! Kinda nice when you can get some serious tire spin in a Z, eh?!? Have some fun with the car! Maybe you'll have yours going soon and then you and your dad can drag race!!! Make sure you post a video--that would be cool. You can call it, "Like father, like son." David

Speaking of using pipe for bumpers, at some point some compnay was making 1" tubular front bumpers for 1st gen Z cars. About 10 years ago I took pictures of Z's I'd see in neighborhoods with those bumpers. They are good looking and are curved to the shape of the front end. All were painted matte black which did a great job of hiding the fact they were even there. Funny as it seems, they probably did a much better job of protecting the Z's than the stock bumpers did. David

The mustache bar is the rear mounting bar--long and mounts to the studs sticking out from the aluminum rear diff cover. If you are swapping an R200 in to where you had the R180, you'll need the mustache bar for the R200. They are slightly different and are not easily interchangable. The JTR manual has picture comparisons between them. Using the 350 Tranny is not ideal, but you gotta do what you gotta do. If the 700R4 is way out of your budget, use the tranny yoiu have. Just remember about the low gearing. You could just use that tranny for now and save up for an 700R4 later. $400 sounds about right for a 700R4. T5's are more!!! Figure that this conversion will cost you much more than you originally had intended on spending, but will be worth it in the end. David

Where does the power come from for the mirror? I'm assuming you run a hot lead from the headliner to the mirror. Won't that look a little tacky? David

Great idea--only getting one legally may be a problem... David

I don't think the floorplans will be so expensive, but the framerails might be. You'll have to call up the shops in your area to see what they charge. Another idea is to check with the local high school auto shop and talk to the teacher about getting some of the students to do it for a project or even some $$$. I've found that the high school auto shops in my area are great. Also, you could try the local junior college auto shop classes. Take a class and do it yourself at night. David

Al Silvera's site says that they cover over the stock hole--all that needs to be done is drill a second hole for the screw to go thru. Otherwise it's a worthy mod. I didn't notice too many Hyundais in the yards...of course I was looking for Z's at the time. I even found a Maxima with those elusive rear disc brakets--came back later and couldn't find the car!!! Stupid... David

Yes, I was exaggerating to a point there, Richard. I knew someone that tried to pick up a cone while hanging out the side of a pickup. They were going maybe 50mph (not km/h) and needless to say, he was not able to sufficiently grab the cone--he just had a very sore hand and arm for the next day or so. I was just making my point...but got carried away in exaggeration David

Looks very cool with the ZG flares and alloys. The skulls are a mean touch too. Baaadddd! David

The R200 is a physically wider pumpkin--just take your tape measure and compare the distance from side to side where the axles stick out. They are similar looking, but there are definite noticable differences in dimensions. This very topic has come up recently as well--someone posted that one of the guys sites has a comparo between the two (not sure if it was jeromios site or not). David

How long do you think it will be before this engine becomes available at a reasonable price? I'm not trying to discourage you, I'm just curious about your time frame. I figure it will be 1.5 to 2 years before they start showing up at wrecking yards and such. The price may be somewhat high due to the initial scarcity. That will change with time though. David

You are so happy you forgot to post a picture! Hehe! David

I'm sure John Lingenfelter could make you a 1000 hp small block chevy, but be prepared to pay $15,000 to $20,000 for it. Use the Internet to locate engines. Even ebay has engines at reasonable prices. Locate GM wrecking yards using a search engine and then email them. Hope this helps. David

The answer to your previous question is yes, you are right; that is exactly what it takes. Get the rims you like and then figure out what size spacer you need. You may also have to get longer wheel studs to account for the spacer--it really depends on the rim you purchase. David I forgot to mention: Evan (EvanPurpleZ) sells the spacers--find a thread he posted from a while back in the general part of the forum and email him for a price. You could look up "Sweet Jesus...progress" and you'll find it using the search function. [ June 20, 2001: Message edited by: DavyZ ]

Pete, when it comes to the Z car, I have to agree with you. I would think 280Z's would be the best candidates for that kind of modification. I personally like the current setup the most. Putting the engine load where it was designed to be in the first place seems to make the most sense, especially from a practicality point of view and an engineering point of view (I'll rely on yours ) If cutting out the frame rails was not so intimidating, it would be something I would like to do. I think your car is much better than new with respect to the structural aspect (shoot, in any aspect) of the car. David

You might just have to invest in a drop-base airfilter. If that does not work, you could always convert to a cowl-induction hood. David

Michael, Craig (IdealZ) has transplanted 2 or 3 types of seats in his Z. He's a tall guy too! (Maybe taller than 6'4" if I remember correctly) Knowing this, you can visit his site at www.ideal-z.com and find the "how to" section. Your question is answered there. It's too late for me to get the info; I'm a ill and have to go to bed, sorry. I hope it helps though. Welcome to the forum! David