DavyZ

Couldn't you use some plexiglass from TAP plastics or something like that to make a tunnel (bend plexiglass sheet over a piece of wood, affix at both ends of the wood and voila, a 'tunnel' that you can actually see into...) for this experiement? Man, if you are going through the trouble (cool project BTW) of doing this, you may as well see what you're wanting to look at anyway. Hopefully you haven't lost too many sheckles in your project already to make a modification if you desire to. I like your ideas and it will be a great learning experience. Practical experience beats books anyday LOL! Davy

See if you can locate an automotive paint store near you, one that supplies the body shops in the area with paint & supplies--those stores usually carry very decent primer in rattle cans. The one that I go to near me has a very knowledgable staff and they have made some sound recommendations to me in the past. Just a thought. Davy

Some great advice above! There are some other threads as well--great ones actually, from the past regarding this very topic. That said... I have read in the past that lowering the inflation for street radials is very mixed in the reviews--do some research before committing to that. If they are race tires, that's a different story. Also, I believe that for drag racing you won't need the anti-sway bar. If you have time or inclination, softer front springs will allow the front tires to droop while launching and help in the weight transfer for the launch. Good luck! Davy

A mechanic I spoke with in the past said to avoid the SL1 series cars---nothing but trouble there. The SL2 cars are better. He also suggested buying a used Honda or Toyota if I could find one. Davy

Does you box make some noises? It may sound funny, but mine is in the same place and actually makes some noise. I have no idea if it is normal or not, but given the chance to do it over (and I will), I'll put it inside the engine compartment. With all respect to Grumpy, vibration you'll have inside or outside. Moisture should not be in issue under the hood up high (watch it when cleaning the engine compartment). Heat is an issue or at least can be under the hood. Grumpy raises ideas of what you'll need to compensate for or try to minimize. Most mountings I have seen, however, are in the engine bay. I like the ideas of putting it in the cowl area...only if I wanted to hide it. Heck, I like the look of an MSD ignition!! It costs enough to display it Davy

Ah, that's the one I wanted him to see. There are a few more running around as well; older, but still relevant to his question. BTW, be forewarned not to ask questions that have been answered time & time again. In other words, the search function is your friend; you use it similar to "googling" a search. Good luck. Davy

A thorough search in this forum will answer all the questions you asked. That said, buying a converted car will save you money. Anything is possible given your budget, but I would bet against it because it is not probable. The 260Z is a fine car, there are just fewer of them around. Davy

It looks like "diamond plate" to me although I have not seen that pattern before. Aluminum, yes? It will look good Kiss your sponsor. Davy

Ouch. Everything else is good, right? (pistons, crank, etc.) Hopefully you have a friend in the machining business!! Good luck in getting it back on the road to shed some rubber. Davy

How soon will you know if you passed or not? Good luck!!! Davy

I remember he was getting out of the Z and into something else for racing. Be nice if he showed up once in a while; he was a good regular to the board. We still have Jap Tin!!! Davy

Probably the best thing for the 4 door IMO. I have an aquaintance who has a customized Chieftain and I didn't think there were many left who even knew what the car was let alone restore one. Best bang for the buck is probably restoration. The work is really good looking from the photos and I'm sure your handiwork will make this project become top notch at its completion, judging by your work on the Z Go for it!!! Davy

Wow, the car is coming together very nicely...looks like you are nearly finished with the work. I think you'll have one of the nicest Z cars in Sweden! You do some really good custom work. Is this your only Z project or will you get another one? Davy

Thanks for posting that. I like very simple instructions like that to read for obvious reasons I think the site will come in very handy when I want to do the same thing for my speaker enclosure for the 240Z. I have a goody dreamed up... Davy

Also, baking soda is supposed to be a medium that does not warp metal, but I don't know how much up to the task it would be considering the description of your car. The yellow pages is probably a good place to start under 'media blasting,' or 'sand blasting.' Just a thought. Davy

I know the pain. Unfortunately, the Suburban is a wee bit older and gets poorer mileage, about 12 on average. I just filled up the other weekend for a trip to Squaw Valley and I think it was about $110 for regular unleaded and the tank was not completely empty. Davy

Heck yes. I imagine that an angle grinder would do the same job--just be prudent as to how much pressure one puts on the tool. Thanks for the info! Davy

Gosh, I guess it pays to use the search function!!! Davy

They make special drillbits specifically made for spotwelds, but I have never used them. Are they overkill? Might be something to look at if they are not too expensive. Davy

The pictures show up a little late. I thought the same thing after looking at this again, but they're still there. Davy

Good question. Answer: I'm not sure. I think Excels from the 1990s are basically the same and you KNOW you are looking at the right part when you see it. When you grab it from the car get the whole assembly INCLUDING the rubber grommet from behind and also get some of the wires going to the bulb as well---it'll make it easier to splice onto the Z. Davy