Z Project Ideas and Resources

[Zetsaz]

I'm starting this as a personal resource for Z project stuff and for ideas on my own project. (When I get a Z that is. For know I'm satisfied with learning as much as I can).

This isn't really a project (yet) which is why I'm posting here, and it's more as a benefit to myself and others, as I plan on compiling this first post into ideas and links for information regarding multiple aspects of a Hybrid Z. I was doing a page on LibreOffice, but I figured I'd write it all out here and get some feedback from a knowledgeable community. Feel free to provide it on anything that you'd like.

 

This is what I have so far, and it's by no means final. I'll change the text color to red on anything that becomes final for my own project.

 

 

Car:

Listed are my choices. I would be okay with any if the price is right, really, but I'm listing my own pro/con since in certain cases they'll probably come into play.

 

240z: A bit more expensive than a 280z in decent condition, but it's lighter and has the more classic feel. It also doesn't have the hideous bumpers like the 280z. Has a more "raw" feel than later models, but not quite as enjoyable on longer rides since it's noisier.

 

260z: From what I've gathered, this is basically a middle ground between the 280, and the 240z, as it was just a transition model. Slightly heavier and more reinforced than the 240z, but not quite like the 280z.

 

280z: Heaviest, most reinforce model, but also the most modern. (First?) to commonly have A/C. Quieter on the longer rides. Significantly heavier than the early models thanks to more reinforcement due to changing safety regulations in Japan and the US (correct me if I'm wrong). Aesthetically, the only thing that would keep anyone away are the big bumpers, which can be changed with a little bit of money and time the 240z bumpers.

 

 

Engine:

Many options here. Won't really list the transmissions since there are multiple options there for every engine. I'm not really interested in the V8 because of poor fuel efficiency as I'll be driving it a lot when I finish (... okay, the little purist in me wants to at least keep it inline 6 haha). For my own project I would be leaning for the Toyota L6 swap. Partly because apparently they're easy to swap, and highly reliable. Another part of that is money. From what I've read and looked into, the swap is cheaper than others. My dad (the guy that would be helping with some of the work and $$$) seems to dislike the idea of having an old Z, but he actually seems to like the idea of having a Toyota L6 project because he's had a really good experience with Toyotas.

 

1JZ/2JZ-GTE: Seems easy enough from the reading I've done in the Toyota L6 forum here. Avernier has a great post about each type of engine Here Along with transmission info. Info on how easy it is is here in a post by Russ. (RUSSJZ-ZED)

 

7M-GTE: previous generation to the JZ engine. Don't know much about it, but from what I've gathered, it doesn't have quite the potential or reliability as a JZ, so I'm not really considering it.

 

RB25DET: Lots of info about it on this site and others. A common swap with lots of potential, though the price and work required is starting to turn me away from it. Don't currently have any links that would provide easy info on everything you need to know aside from just saying, "Go to the Nissan RB forums on HybridZ."

 

SR20DET vs. RB20DET: The tiny purist in me would want the RB20, but realistically the SR20 is a better choice. There's a lot of debate about it, but there is definitely more aftermarket support for the SR20, thought the RB20 can be found for less. Both are good options on an S30. Despite potentially lower total swap costs, bother are lower on the list for what I want, so I won't go into much more detail on either.

 

 

What follows will be updated tomorrow, but what is listed is part of the other ideas I have so far. The main issues are above.

 

Suspension:

I'll be honest now, and say I don't know jack about what will be required for suspension, but I know it'll be different depending on the engine I get. This section will change over time as I learn more about it and get closer to actually having a project.

 

Brakes:

Same as above.

 

 

Aesthetics:

Exterior:

Rota RB wheels (Feel free to suggest others): Link

MSA type 1 air dam with brake vents

ZG flares

(280z to 240z bumper conversion brackets if necessary) Link

Paint:

Paint Guide: Link

How much?: Link

Paint ideas: White 280z

 

Interior:

Sound deadening: Links and info

Audio: Links and info

Seats: Links and info

Edited February 6, 2012 by Zetsaz

[Zetsaz]

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