Mike Mileski Posted April 2, 2015 Share Posted April 2, 2015 As a few of you might know, I am in the middle of installing a GM 480hp LS3 crate engine in my 1971 Z that previously had a ZZ4 motor in it. I just installed the JCI mounts in it about a week ago and should be dropping in the motor in the next week or so. I know a guy locally that did this same conversion on his 1971 about three years ago. I went over to his place last Saturday to ask him some questions and look at his car before I started installing the wire harness on mine. When I got there he told me he was planning on selling his car to help finance some property he's looking at. Long story short, it was a great deal on an absolutely killer car that I just couldn't pass up. Besides the LS480/376 engine, it has a Tremec T-56 Magnum trans, Aviaid dry sump oil system, Subtle Z body kit, AZ Z Car Wilwood brakes, fuel cell and tons of other stuff. This car was raced in AZ for many years before he bought it. It had a straight body and was rust free but it had some pretty beat up floor pans. He totally replaced the floor pans with heavy gauge material and reinforced it with low profile rectangular tubing. It's a combination track/street car and it's a beast. Check out some of the pictures I've attached. This guy is a certified aircraft mechanic and his work is super meticulous and impressive. I plan on driving this until I finish mine and will then have to decide which one to get rid of. Mike Mileski Tucson, AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rags Posted April 2, 2015 Share Posted April 2, 2015 Man that looks great. Nice score! Looks to be really anal about the cooling and oiling system layout. I like! What are the plans for the other car now? Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rturbo 930 Posted April 2, 2015 Share Posted April 2, 2015 Is that the same car as this one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socorob Posted April 2, 2015 Share Posted April 2, 2015 That car is clean! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLATA Posted April 2, 2015 Share Posted April 2, 2015 WOW, that is a Z, man you score big time, ENVY WOW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Mileski Posted April 2, 2015 Author Share Posted April 2, 2015 Is that the same car as this one? I don't believe it's the same car. If this one has been outside of AZ, it's only been to NM or CA. My plans are to keep this car until my other one is done and then I'll decide which one to sell. There's no way I'd keep both. It wouldn't make any sense. Mike Mileski Tucson, AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackzpeed Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Inspiring... two LSZ's good problem to have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB26powered74zcar Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 I plan on driving this until I finish mine and will then have to decide which one to get rid of. Mike Mileski Tucson, AZ Please give me a shot at it if you decide to sell this one... pleeez ~joel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texis30O Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Very well done. It looks like a blast to drive. good solid parts and well built. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 I'm changing my pants after looking at the hood venting. Amazing. I see a fuel cell, but no cage? Maybe it is so well done that I just didnt see it. Love the wheels. Love the whole car. And let me guess, you got it off Craigslist for $1500? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Infidel Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 That is some really nice fab and tig work on the ducting. Nice score. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nullbound Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 That's extremely cool. Is there a date I can put on my calendar for when this one will be on the market? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Mileski Posted April 3, 2015 Author Share Posted April 3, 2015 It has an Autopower roll bar inside for a little bit of roll over protection. The stiff floor pans and underside bracing you can see in one of the pictures makes it a super stiff chassis. It feels like it has zero flex. I have no idea how long it will take me to finish my other car (is it ever really finished?), so I have no idea when It'll be time to part with one of them. Mike Mileski Tucson, AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nullbound Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 No, they're never really done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 I like the fender vents. Are they functional or purely cosmetic? Did he fabricate them or are they off another vehicle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastTnZ Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 That z is awesome. No words for the level of detail that was put into it. Even the flat exhaust for added ground clearance! Sweet z it looks very clean! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naptown Dave Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 That looks like a tough build to top, you must have some big plans! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Mileski Posted April 4, 2015 Author Share Posted April 4, 2015 The side vents on the rear portion of the front fenders are functional. Each vent has its own small high powered fan that you can turn on with a switch that will pull additional air out of the engine compartment if you feel the need to. I have custom front and rear lower control arms that I designed and made on the other car I'm working on (see pictures) that I may switch to this car down the road. I'll just have to wait and see. Mike Mileski Tucson, AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 I'm looking at the angle on that inner tie rod and wondering if that is why mine wear out frequently..."somebody" with your skills should design and make us all (haha) modified outer tie rods to fix that. For free, of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnjdragracing Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 SWEET!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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