...And except for a fuel pump issue, we'd have had it running this weekend, pretty sure...

New pics:











Getting there!
Mike

 

Better shot of the dash...

 

What are the specs on the motor/trans?

 

It's a bowtie four bolt main block that's been screened and prepped to roadrace standards. The rods are 6 inch eagle H-beam forged units, with a scat9000 crank, and Wiesco forged pistons. It has ARP studs and bolts everywhere (except the waterpump pulley... lost them!). The heads are Dart Conquest 2.05/1.6 valves, running an isky hydraulic roller cam with 282/294 duration with a 530/550 lift. I'm running an Edlebrock Victor Jr. singleplane intake and a Holley 750DP mechanical carb. The ignition is full MSD, 6AL/Billet distributor/coil.

I'm runnig a roadrace oilpan with trapdoors and crank scraper, along with windage tray. I'm also using a Canton accusump, oil filter system, and Mocal oil cooler. The engine builder claimed 530Crank HP, But I'll be happy with 400WHP in this 2200# rocket!

Tranny is a Tremec TKO600 (with roadrace gearing) with a McLeod Blow Proof bellhousing, and I've got a 153ring LWFW, along with a custom Tilton hydraulic release bearing. I'm using a Centerforce clutch/PP for the moment. We'll see how it holds up. The driveshaft is only 19inches plus yoke and flange. The Rear diff is out of an infinity Q45 and has LSD and a 3.54 ring gear. I'm using custom cv axles rated at 750#ft. torque...

This build has been an 8 year on and off process... I'll be glad when I can finally use the car... I've done 90% of the work myself. I only paid for the paint and for a change, paid someone else to weld in the cage (I've built a number of my own over the years).

Mike

 

Awesome Mike... at least this is keeping you busy now and how much easier is it to work on that motor... lol

 

No Doubt steve! And I'll be driving the 996TT to work tomorrow, so I still get to enjoy it some!

Mike

 

Very cool, Mike! That is a hell of a lot of work, but I'm sure it's very rewarding knowing you've done it all yourself.

When do you think it'll be finished?

 

I truly hope it is at the Zone2 event. That would be special, probably just to hear it.

Best.

Jeff

 

Wow, Mike, great Z. I have a soft spot for Datsuns (had several Datsun Roadsters over the years...hence my username). They are such solid cars and simple to work on. The cage looks very nicely done. So when it's all finished let me know cause I want to buy it.

 

Looking good Mike. I will have to stop by to see the progess firtshand.

 

Will you be driving in DEs...or are you in a race class? Great work...oh yea be safe

 

Thanks for the comments gang... This car is the reason I'm not tracking the 996TT anymore. It just doesn't make sense to track that car when I have this one nearly complete.

Adam, Finished? Are they ever?

Jeff, I doubt it will be at Zone2. But it will probably be at the MAY First Settlers HPDE (Think it is around memorial day weekend).

Gunther, Come on down man... Picked up a new pump today and hope to have the car cranking before the new President takes the oath.

DublinOh, It's strictly a DE car, but could probably enter in a NASA unlimited TT class, but wouldn't be competitive with the flyweight openwheelers there!

Mike

 

Holy crap, that this is awesome! I used to have a 280ZX that I absolutely loved. Used to talk to James Thagard quite often when I lived in Tallahassee, and have had a few rides in his car (240Z with the 280's I6, twin turbos, N2O, etc....). I'm not sure if you've ever talked to him online, he used to be on zcar and hybridz quite a bit.

 

Steve, I know James rather well... I was one of the three founding fathers of HybridZ and recently stepped down as Sr. Admin. We're working on standing up a new site that will get away from the standardized questions that have unfortunately derailled the intent of that site... probably a wiki or blog site...

I've owned datsuns for 20+ years and written quite a few tech articles on them for a couple magazines and a number of websites...

Small world!

Mike

 

Small world indeed....I haven't really spoken with him since I moved south years ago (right around when he got his doctorate and kid).

That seems like a very neat and helpful site you're setting up. I always have the itch to hop into another Z-Car (thinking Z31 Turbo lately...), and will probably be using it as a big resource once it's up!