I'm hoping spring brings us:

1. A dynomometer test at the rear wheels;
2. A best-of-three 1/4 mile time ticket from your local drag strip;
3. An in-car audio/video tape of a hard trip around The Glen with hot tires;
4. A safe and official East Coast Timing Assn top speed ticket from an abandoned airstrip.

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1970 240Z

Sorted out, on the road and ready to rip! Due to the very unusual 60 degree February weather here in western NY I was able to take it out for a short test drive and it did not disappoint. I was afraid that with the big V8 engine up front the car wouldn’t handle “Z Like” anymore. But being that the LS is only 55lbs heavier than the L28, and the huge and heavy crash bumpers are gone, the car handled extremely well. With a TON more torque that you absolutely feel. Back into the garage until April, at least, for some last detailing.

What a ride it’s been!

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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

And soon to be christened with a new name, and custom plates:

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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

Love that name!!!

Did you attract any attention on the road?

OK, so now you can officially upgrade your personal signature here to include the beast.

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1970 240Z

MONZTER Z update:

Yes, the car has been officially christened “MONZTER Z”! Added a subtle clue as to what makes this Z a monster!
The little bits left to be sorted out were done by the great guys at Redi Imports in Victor and she’s up and running. Took a ten mile shakedown cruise yesterday in the rare sunshine and 55 degree weather. A couple of takeaways: third gear and 3500 rpm is the sweet spot, pulls like a train / hard cornering right has the beefy BF Goodrich TAs rubbing a little on the front inner fender liners, I’ll probably have to remove them, no problem in the rear / there seems to be an occasional misfire on one of the left side cylinders, I suspect a coil, will sort that out on the spring.

What a ride it’s been! Thanks to all of my pals who pitched in with help and advice over the last 4.5 years. I certainly learned a lot and accomplished things I never imagined I could do. Now can’t wait for Spring to rip some roads!

PS: I will be taking the car to the Import Nationals at Carlisle PA on May 9-12 and participating in the East Coast Z Nationals. If anyone wants to join me, let me know!

PeaZe!

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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

Outstanding

The r/f tire rub on hard right turns was familiar to mine, too, until I changed tire siZes.

*(Webmaster Jim, can you please confirm that this thread has THREE MILLION views? thanks).

Frank T

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1970 240Z

Great work JT! This is one mean lookin' Z!

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John Kish
1971 240Z - original owner

It’s been a while so here is an update on my MonZter Z…

It’s been on the road all summer and has been a definite process of sorting out growing pains. Some of the tweaking involved taking down oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pressure sensor, oil filler neck), leaking water temp sensor, replacing all fuel injectors, replacing/upgrading coils/plugs/wires, replacing electric fuel pump, and upgrading the radiator.

Sounds like a lot, but driving the car is the best and only way to detect issues and correct them one at a time. I’m pleased to report that the car is running like a fine watch and is INCREDIBLE. Drives like a go cart on steroids, literally. Tons of torque under your right foot instantly. The Z chassis took to the Eibach springs, urethane bushings and KYB struts perfectly. And the big BF Goodrich radial T/A tires are simply the best I’ve ever driven on.

I took the car on a 100+ mile trip through the twisty Finger Lakes roads las week and the smile on my face couldn’t be wiped away.

Over the winter I need to flared the wheel wells just a little bit to help with clearance. And am also contemplating a professional paint job.

Thanks for following the journey, what a ride!

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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

Great follow up on a very interesting upgrade journey for your Z. I'm glad you seem to have gotten the "bugs" worked out and hope you can now enjoy many more fun trips with that cool Z.

Oh, I just noticed you managed to relocate that powerful engine bay service light to the driver's side. Thanks for keeping your CT club Z buddies informed on your progress. It was one of the more interesting posts I've followed.

Have a great holiday Zeason and stay safe my friend.

P.S., my vacuum booster is currently on it's way to Harmon Classic Brakes LLC in Canton GA for refurbishing. I hope to have it back by early December.

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John Kish
1971 240Z - original owner

I want to watch in-car videos of this car on the Watkins Glen International course! Hook a GoPro onto a stalk on the rear shock brace and let us look over your shoulder while you run the gears around the course. Leave the volume turned up full!!
Frank T

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1970 240Z