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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Sun Apr 12, 2020 6:31 am 
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:24 am
Posts: 1373
Location: Webster, NY
Frank, the engine was a LS LM7 out of a 1999 Silverado. One of the biggest differences between the truck variation and the cars was the intake. The truck had a “tall” intake with a complex system of runners designed to provide more torque than horsepower as would be needed in a truck. The Camaro/Firebird/Corvette intakes were much simpler and cleaner designed for premium airflow and more horsepower over torque. The cams were slightly different as well. Also, a switch to the shorter intake manifold was a must to clear the Z hood! When done, I expect to be in the neighborhood of 325hp/330tq.

And yes, I agree. It’s like the big guy upstairs has called a “time out” on the world and set us in the penalty box for a bit to regroup. A long time coming and not necessarily a bad thing.

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


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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:06 pm 
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:24 am
Posts: 1373
Location: Webster, NY
Project 530Z update:

Baby steps, but still moving along. Installed new brake master cylinder, the larger 280ZX type will push more fluid into the larger Toyota 4 piston calipers. Also installed a new hydraulic clutch master cylinder. Now this is a relatively simple installation when the car is apart and being assembled at the factory. BUT replacement, not so much. The push rod and clevis is attached to the clutch pedal by a pin and cotter clip. This OF COURSE required me to lay UPSIDE DOWN into the driver side footwell, wedging my upper body under the pedals. Now under normal driving conditions, the 280Z has plenty of leg room, but shoulder room? NOT!

But after dropping the daggoned pin and clip a few thousand times (gravity works) I was finally able to finesse the pin in and secure it.

Where’s the Tylenol?

Stay tuned.


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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester
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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:32 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:53 pm
Posts: 14778
Location: CT
:lol: Haha! Ah yes, most of us have spent upside-down time under the steering column. The lazier among us don't even bother removing the driver's seat or the steering wheel, we just try to contort ourselves up under there like circus monkeys and practice shallow breaths for about 20 minutes.

Getting out can be a scary experience. I have stories......
Ever hook your belt loop on the seat adjustment lever? :shock:

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1970 240Z


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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2020 11:26 am 
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Joined: Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:16 pm
Posts: 1180
Location: Ansonia, CT
:lol:
I can relate. I got stuck under the passenger side once for about 10 minutes working on heater lines. :roll:

Those pedal clips and pins are a pain. Definitely not an easy task for us "plus sized" :wink:

Good under dash pics by the way. Keep on truck'n! :thumbs_up:

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John Kish
1971 240Z - original owner


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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2020 5:41 pm 
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Joined: Fri Dec 25, 2015 7:39 pm
Posts: 697
Location: Long Island, N.Y.
I love the work and all the thought you put into building this road and track machine. I just wanted to let you know that you may have to get back down under the dash to reconnect the bullet connector from the brake switch. Your nice, clear, sharp pictures seem to show the disconnect. So...so.. sorry John.

I'd love for you to set up a Go Pro... that's facing YOU when you take it out for its first run. And maybe a second one facing forward. 8) :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up:

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1985 300ZX- GLL Dark Pewter Metallic - Survivor


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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 8:47 pm 
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:24 am
Posts: 1373
Location: Webster, NY
I caught the disconnected brake light switch Howard, while I was taking the picture. It’s been corrected.

John and Frank, yes the seats, console and steering wheel have been removed. Believe me I needed all the room I could get! The darn forward console bracket cost me my favorite sweatshirt though. Grabbed the sleeve on a sharp edge. It was either re-contort myself back under the dash, while halfway out, or just PULL.

There’s always more sweatshirts. :D

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


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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 7:01 am 
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:24 am
Posts: 1373
Location: Webster, NY
Project 530Z update:

The quarantine baby steps continue. Next the V8 engine needs the new oil pan installed and the relocated alternator bracket drilled and tapped. I’ll have to wait for some helping hands to rotate the engine on the stand to install the pan, unless I want to do it upside down, which I don’t. The drive belt pulley and water pump spacer are installed, ready for the alternator.

Thanks to my pal Tom Bork of Doc Bracing for refreshing the rear axles half shafts with Spicer racing u-joints that will handle the increase in power to the rear wheels. Also thanks to LynchburgNissan for providing new hardware to secure the axles. No sense trusting 43 year old nuts and bolts for this job. Now I’m finally ready to get that rear suspension back onto the car, one piece at a time.

Stay tuned, stay safe.


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_________________
John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester
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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 7:01 am 
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:24 am
Posts: 1373
Location: Webster, NY
Project 530Z update:

The quarantine baby steps continue. Next the V8 engine needs the new oil pan installed and the relocated alternator bracket drilled and tapped. I’ll have to wait for some helping hands to rotate the engine on the stand to install the pan, unless I want to do it upside down, which I don’t. The drive belt pulley and water pump spacer are installed, ready for the alternator.

Thanks to my pal Tom Bork of Doc B Racing for refreshing the rear axles half shafts with Spicer racing u-joints that will handle the increase in power to the rear wheels. Also thanks to LynchburgNissan for providing new hardware to secure the axles. No sense trusting 43 year old nuts and bolts for this job. Now I’m finally ready to get that rear suspension back onto the car, one piece at a time.

Stay tuned, stay safe.

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


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 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 12:18 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:53 pm
Posts: 14778
Location: CT
Wow, that sure cleaned up well.
Hope its ready and sorted for a fast lap at WGI this summer or fall.

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1970 240Z


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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 8:09 am 
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:24 am
Posts: 1373
Location: Webster, NY
Project 530Z Update:

It's been a while and a very strange year. My apologies for taking so long to post an update on my project. Summer activities are in full swing, best as can be expected, and the project has slowed a bit but not stopped.

The entire suspension was removed, disassembled, cleaned, painted. New urethane bushings, Eibach springs and KYB gas struts installed. All new nuts and bolts. Swapped in a R200 3:9 differential from a 280ZX and rebuilt the axles with Spicer u-joints.

As you know, I upgraded the front brakes (have to stop that 350hp some how) with 4 piston Toyota truck calipers and 300ZX vented rotors. I've decided to keep the wheels close to home with 1981 280ZX "snowflake" wheels and Sumitomo 215/60/15 performance tires. They will fit under the fenders better without having to have to cut into the sheet metal or use flares (which I don't care for). However, in order for the MUCH bigger Toyota calipers to fit under the wheels, I have to replace the stock wheel studs with longer 50mm studs and a 1/4" spacer. That will be done this week.

The V8 is ready to go. Installed a shorter depth cast aluminum oil pan (I know it's foolish to say but it's pretty!). After the brakes and wheels are finished up, it will finally be time to mate the Z32 5 speed to the engine and mount them in the car.

Stay tuned.


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_________________
John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester
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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z POLL
PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 8:28 am 
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:24 am
Posts: 1373
Location: Webster, NY
Would like to hear your thoughts on my final paint scheme which will be done over the winter.

The interior of the car is that Datsun brown/cinnamon common with the 301 brown metallic exterior of the 1970s. I hate brown so I am painting the car! The stock seats are being replaced with black leather seats from an Acura Integra. The dash and console are also black. The headliner, door panels, trim panels and carpet will remain the original color, although I may be tempted to change to all black in the future.

I've eliminated the huge crash bumpers and will use the MSA body kit shown in the first picture below. The black'chrome 280ZXT snowflakes will be the wheels. I also intend to use black BRE/DATSUN stripes on the front fenders.

Now, I am down to TWO exterior colors. The first is 2019/20 Nissan "Monarch Orange Metallic" as shown on the Maxima below. The second is Dodge Viper "Copperhead" also shown below (without the hood stripes of course).

I'm at least 6 months away from paint, but I'd like to hear your thoughts.

JT


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_________________
John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester
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 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 10:14 am 
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Joined: Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:16 pm
Posts: 1180
Location: Ansonia, CT
Ooooh! That's a tough choice as I think your Z would look great in any of those colors. I'm leaning towards the Copperhead though.

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John Kish
1971 240Z - original owner


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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 10:44 am 
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Joined: Fri Dec 25, 2015 7:39 pm
Posts: 697
Location: Long Island, N.Y.
I'm thinking that the snowflake wheels would "pop"/contrast better with the Monarch Orange Metallic. Great job at creating both

the "Beauty" and the "Beast" in one sweet ride. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! 8) :thumbs_up:

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1985 300ZX- GLL Dark Pewter Metallic - Survivor


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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 11:52 am 
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Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:53 pm
Posts: 14778
Location: CT
Copperhead does it for me.

Q: Might it not be easier to install the engine first, then match up the gearbox?

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 Post subject: Re: Project 530Z
PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 2:17 pm 
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:24 am
Posts: 1373
Location: Webster, NY
Frank T wrote:
Copperhead does it for me.

Q: Might it not be easier to install the engine first, then match up the gearbox?


Much easier to install as a unit. Lots more room to install the flywheel, clutch, etc and match up the bolts while its out of the car. Then up and in, bolt up the mounts and done.

Then custom driveshaft has to be made (R200 diff plate, 300ZX transmission yoke) and oh yeah, a new custom wire harness to get the bad boy to RUN!

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


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