Next Project: 1971 240Z

[cygnusx1]

 Love the overall cleanliness and attention to detail.   I also really like the blacked out trim against the orange.  I hope I can see it soon. 

Edited April 23, 2010 by cygnusx1

[z-ya]

Thanks Dave.

 

what do you guys think of the metallic graphite mirrors, door handles, bumpers, etc. I didn't want to do them in black, and everything in orange would be too monochrome. So I guess it is a kind of three tone scheme. I even used the graphite in the engine compartment on the booster.

[rturbo 930]

Regarding the graphite bits, I'm not entirely sure it works with the orange, but it certainly doesn't look bad. On the other hand, I can't really think of a color (besides black) that would be a better choice, and I agree that painting them black would have been too much. Definitely better than orange though, at least on the bumpers. You could get away with it on the handles, but I'm not sure if it would look better or worse. Same with the mirrors. Bottom line though is it looks pretty good.

 

Heh, just noticed it matches the wheels too.

 

Also I am curious what made you choose the RB25DE. Mind explaining? Not knocking it, just curious because it's not one you see very often.

 

What are your plans for the suspension? What's the anticipated use for the car?

Edited April 23, 2010 by rturbo 930

[cygnusx1]

I agree with what he said ^  

 

Matching the wheels is a +1.  That makes it work.  Are those the rare metal side mirrors or are they the plastic ones.  I have the metal ones on my 280 and cannot find them anywhere anymore.  I don't think the mirrors would look bad in orange as a second option.  The handles, bumpers....etc. look just fine in metallic.

 

 

[z-ya]

Regarding the graphite bits, I'm not entirely sure it works with the orange, but it certainly doesn't look bad. On the other hand, I can't really think of a color (besides black) that would be a better choice, and I agree that painting them black would have been too much. Definitely better than orange though, at least on the bumpers. You could get away with it on the handles, but I'm not sure if it would look better or worse. Same with the mirrors. Bottom line though is it looks pretty good.

 

Heh, just noticed it matches the wheels too.

 

Also I am curious what made you choose the RB25DE. Mind explaining? Not knocking it, just curious because it's not one you see very often.

 

What are your plans for the suspension? What's the anticipated use for the car?

 

 

Appreciate your comments. It will get a BRE style air dam painted orange to match the body. Yea, matching the wheels was the plan. The wheels centers are a little lighter than the rest of the graphite parts. I actually painted some spare handles orange, but the graphite looks better.

 

Some of the reasons for the RB25DE is that it's a street car that my wife and daughter will drive. 200HP is more than enough to propel a 2400lb pound car for them to drive. It will be as fast as a stock 350Z given the power to weight ratio. Modern engine, drivetrain, EFI, etc. Turn the key, and drive. The motor is stock, and will stay that way. Should get great fuel economy.

 

The suspension is setup with Eibachs, Koni adjustables, 7/8 front sway bar, none in the rear (yet). 4.44:1 gears and RB20DET trans. I haven't really driven it yet, so I'll have to see what it needs then. Brakes are new and stock except for Porterfield R4S pads and a 280Z booster. It should be a fun little buggy to drive...

 

Pete

 

 

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[z-ya]

I agree with what he said ^  

 

Matching the wheels is a +1.  That makes it work.  Are those the rare metal side mirrors or are they the plastic ones.  I have the metal ones on my 280 and cannot find them anywhere anymore.  I don't think the mirrors would look bad in orange as a second option.  The handles, bumpers....etc. look just fine in metallic.

 

Dave, the mirrors are the metal ones that came on the 280z Black Perl Edition. I've got the same ones on my silver car. I had an extra set I got on Ebay, and I figured I'd see what they look like. I like them. BTW, it may be hard to see from the photos, but all of the graphite parts have a high gloss urethane on top of a metalic base, so it looks much better in person. It really comes alive in the sun (the orange doesn't hurt either). Shades are required when looking at this car in the sun!

[z-ya]

Glass is in. Hood on, but needs adjustment. Exhaust is done. Drove it a couple miles today. Runs great. It pulls nice at all RPMs. It has a sweet intake and exhaust note when you get on it. Hopefully get it on the highway soon. I've got 4.44:1 gears in there now so it will be interesting to see how it is on the highway.

 

Edited May 9, 2010 by z-ya

[cygnusx1]

Absolutely love it!  

[xonix_digital]

Pete is correct in saying that it looks better in person! I just got back from a Z meet in Norwood, MA and I got to inspect this car first hand. I have to say I LOVE the graphite handles and bumpers. No-one but Pete can tell that they don't quite match the wheels.

 

Also, the RB25 motor looks AMAZING in the engine bay of that car. Makes me second guess the route I am planning to go.

 

Really great build Pete. You will be seeing emails from me with questions!

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Alex

Edited June 7, 2010 by xonix_digital

[rjstcroix]

Hi Pete,

 

Excellent work...a great looking Z.

 

Really like how the RB sits in the engine bay.

 

Hopefully get to see this car at ZCON next month!

 

RSC

[z-ya]

Thanks guys.

 

Ron, it was great to hang out with you at the convention. See you next year.

 

Drove the car to and from Nashville (2500+ miles), without any issues (except a leaky brake hose). Engine ran flawlessly. 32MPG!

 

Here are a couple photos from Autoblog of my car sitting out front of Nissan at the show:

 

 

 

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/23rd-annual-z-car-convention/

Edited August 10, 2010 by z-ya