Phlebmaster's Fairlady 240Z Evolution

Re: (phlebmaster)

breadbox — 2009-10-23T13:27:49-08:00

Get froggy there Aaron. That v8 Z will be an amazing car to drive on the highway.

Re: (seang)

phlebmaster — 2009-10-21T14:59:02-08:00

The beast is coming together!!

I blew my head gasket on the L26 last week.

Update!

Took the head to Paul's place today and Chey decked the E88 for me.

She almost looks like she knows what she is doing. lol

Almost done!

Finished! Paul also drilled and tapped the bolt holes and gave her a good looking over.

When I got home we put the Z back together and she runns like a champ.

I also got some goodies for the SBC....

Comps Xtreme energy hydraulic flat tappet grind #12-211-2, with two changes... it has the 4/7 swap and LSA is 112 (instead of 110).

Built for 1.6 rockers, lift is .501"/.501

(If used with 1.5 rockers, lift would be .470)

Cam is new/unused.

The 350 is coming together. I test fitted some heads (not the ones I will end up using), but I just wanted to feel like progress is being made. lol I will be using 58cc 305 heads.

Re: (phlebmaster)

seang — 2009-10-12T10:07:21-08:00

Cool vids of v8 z-cars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...klist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ex=29

Re: (evildky)

phlebmaster — 2009-10-04T08:23:42-08:00

I have a ZZ4 350 SBC in my 240z!!
:D

The ride home was interesting to say the least! I now have a rebuildable engine. The block casting # is: 10243880...350...95-00...2 or 4...Vortec truck, Gen.I crate motors and "ZZ4", roller cam, one piece rear seal. The block was not in the weather very long...just a month or so. The rust in the cylinder walls is just surface rust.

I can use either a roller cam or a flat tappet with this motor!

evildky — 2009-09-11T12:06:31-08:00

nothing wrong with a V8, the sbc si a pretty simple swap that requires no major changes to the chassis, ultimately it's a matter of comfort, if you are a sbc fan and enjoy working on archaic pushrod engines I say go for it I considdered it myself once upon a time, and the ultimate decider for me is that I have mroe exeperience with the L6 and other import and och motors and I just do nto like carbs (fuel injection is of course still an option for the sbc conversion) and I do not like pushrods

it's like the fuel injection vs carb discusions, do what you feel most confortable workign with, you'll enjoy the project more and fight it less if it's something you are comfortable with

Re: (usafdarkhorse)

phlebmaster — 2009-09-11T10:40:18-08:00

I may kick myself for this post.... But I am commiting to a V8 swap.

I am in the process of looking for a donor car or a good deal on a SBC / tranny combo. I have been considering this for awhile and have been too afraid to mess up my 240z. I will take my time and do this right. I will keep you updated on my acquisition of parts toward this endeavor.

I have finally figured out that I will not mess her up if I have your help....and I know I will. I have seen too many awesome threads and have been encouraged by a uhem a couple of guys here who have done many of these swaps. It is just that I have seen a few of these swaps started and never finished and that is what makes me nervous.

No worries with you guys around.....

Failure is NOT an option here and I can't wait to get this thing done!! Updates as they happen.

Oh, first on my list is that V8 swap book!!

Then.....

My ideal donor car will be a very cheap, running, driving complete junker that I can pull all my parts out of.

If that is not the best option then the following will be on my list....

SBC engine 350 Preferred- must be complete carb to pan

Tranny Manual Preferred

JTR mount kit

R-200 and the stuff to make it fit

I am shopping CL now and looking into what my other options are for parts.

Re: (phlebmaster)

usafdarkhorse — 2009-09-10T16:00:19-08:00

Wow. Nice progress.

Re: (phlebmaster)

jbracy7 — 2009-09-04T19:18:52-08:00

you have givin me hope for s30 every where i see you on the front page soon

Re: (phlebmaster)

gmac708 — 2009-09-04T18:58:15-08:00

Quote, originally posted by phlebmaster raquo;

I did a practice run on my stenciling I will be doing paint real soon and wanted to try out a few ideas. What do you think of these??

I like the one on the rear spoiler
Not so much on the hood

Looking really nice otherwise. Great job, keep the updates coming.

noobdrftr — 2009-09-04T18:35:49-08:00

looking better and better..keep up the good work

Re: (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-09-04T12:14:49-08:00

I did a practice run on my stenciling I will be doing paint real soon and wanted to try out a few ideas. What do you think of these??

Re: (kelloggman)

phlebmaster — 2009-08-10T08:48:31-08:00

Quote, originally posted by kelloggman raquo;

r those 14s or 15s
and yes the black looks amazing

Thanks! They are 14x7 wheels.

Re: (phlebmaster)

kelloggman — 2009-08-10T00:17:49-08:00

r those 14s or 15s
and yes the black looks amazing

Re: (tzh)

phlebmaster — 2009-08-09T13:22:13-08:00

I finally painted my wheels black.

Looks way better!!

tzh — 2009-08-08T20:16:42-08:00

Nice work , man .
funny to spraying the paint in the lot ^_^

Re: (Bleach)

phlebmaster — 2009-08-06T14:11:52-08:00

Another parking lot restoration day. lol

I was bored today during lunch...notice anything missing in this picture? :D

I also pulled my rear spoiler off and sanded down the rear hatch I traded with Skib to get his rear spoiler and filled in the big gap that was at the front of the spoiler...... :p

I love my job! lol

Re: (phlebmaster)

NSR_s30 — 2009-08-05T20:07:05-08:00

Looking good man.

Re: (AZhitman)

phlebmaster — 2009-08-04T14:47:49-08:00

Quote, originally posted by AZhitman raquo;

Aaron, you freakin' ROCK.

Haha...thanks Greg!

I might lower my 240z as well. lol

AZhitman — 2009-08-04T14:46:16-08:00

Aaron, you freakin' ROCK.

UPDATES!!

phlebmaster — 2009-08-04T13:50:37-08:00

I have decided to get busy on the bodywork and to make my 240z look like this.....

So here goes...........

I started with new carpet....
My wifey gets a new dinning room carpet. :D

Before.....

After.....

The edging glue was still wet when I took these pictures but it dries clear.

More done today...... My car has gone electric!! :D

I did away with that stock fan and put in an electric...Thanks to Paul!!

Here is my NOS switch.. lol

Got motivated by that BRE car. Started back up on the bodywork. lol

I ran out of cream hardener. I backed the bondo glass with a special fiberglass strip and that should keep a good grip on it. I will do more after I sand this stuff down and go over everything I need to with the regular smooth bondo.

Almost got it done. Just have to correct a few flaws then wet sand again to make sure they are all out, then primer. :D

Got bored tonight and decided to shave my side markers and fill those rear bumper bolt holes.

I backed the side marker holes with galvanized steel plates riveted on and then silicone to prevent moisture. Now I will do some more finish sanding and fix any inperfections.

I finally got my front air dam!! YAY! It needs some work, but it was a great price and I don't mind putting in the effort. :D

Test fit....

I finally got it on. Now I just need turn signals that fit in the grill.

I love this picture! It looks so mean!! :D

Here is a better picture this morning.

Does this look better? Temporary paint while I wait for the primer.

I now have a real rear spoiler! :D

Re: (gmac708)

phlebmaster — 2009-07-12T21:29:37-08:00

I fixed a leaky gas line from the vapor tank and replaced my pass fender in addition to changing the tires. lol : I R Tired now!

I discovered this leaky hose the last time I put gas into my 240z. I had never filled it up to the top before then. :

So here goes the process of dropping the tank and replacing the hose.

Over all it went pretty smooth. 8-)

Here is the passenger fender swap. :

The new fender waiting for install.

The old fender before removal.

Here we go........

You can see the rust on my old fender.....

I also have a couple of other supprises under my sleeve thanks to Paul.

Re: (phlebmaster)

gmac708 — 2009-07-12T19:12:05-08:00

Very nice update. Keep up the good work.

Re: (NSR_s30)

phlebmaster — 2009-07-12T10:03:24-08:00

OK, now before you say they are ugly yellow...remember I am going to paint them black. :D These are the wheels I got from Megan..(zrac3r) Thanks Megan!~!

I picked up some nice n wide tires yesterday from BRAAP. He is a pretty cool guy! I used a manual Harbor Freight tire changer and did this myself last night. It has been 20 years since I last used a tire changer...it's just like riding a bike. :D

Does this all seem familiar?? Remember my 620?? lol

I now have 3 4 lug wheels with tire that have 80% tread on them and a matching set of 2 14x7 wheels with no tires. I am going to sell the wheels with tires for $30.00 and throw the 14x7 rims in free to someone who needs them. They are strait...I figured out what the problem was. My lug nuts were not the tapered type so my wheel was off center. Thanks to Paul for explaining that to me. :o

Re: (Bleach)

phlebmaster — 2009-07-10T12:42:27-08:00

Quote, originally posted by Bleach raquo;

Its a parking lot restoration! Are you spraying the paint in the lot too?

Only if I can get away with it. I did that with my 620 already.

Re: (phlebmaster)

Bleach — 2009-07-10T12:26:35-08:00

Its a parking lot restoration! Are you spraying the paint in the lot too?

Re: (phlebmaster)

NSR_s30 — 2009-07-08T20:27:07-08:00

Looking good man.

Re: (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-07-08T15:13:09-08:00

My driver side glass dropped out of the track today on my way to work.

I spent about 30 min tearing the door apart just to find the wondow rolly up thingy is now stripped out so I need a new one. Oh well, gives me an excuse to post more pics. :lol:

The plastic piece on the window that rides up and down the guide broke off that metal tab so I had to epoxy it back on.

This was simpler than I thought it would be. This is the reassembly.....

Re: (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-07-06T09:44:48-08:00

I put a ZX radiator on this weekend.....fits great! Thank you Skib!!

It doesn't hang down too low...

Oh yeah! Look at what I got from Zrac3r...Thanks Megan! This will replace my pass fender. That fender is the only body damage besides the typical rust on this car.

Re: (marlin29311)

phlebmaster — 2009-07-01T11:11:48-08:00

I know

I couldn't find another example of that color.

Re: (phlebmaster)

marlin29311 — 2009-07-01T11:07:03-08:00

Quote, originally posted by phlebmaster raquo;

I finally decided on a color....cool vanilla. You all have seen it on GM cars :mrgreen:

That's a Chrysler

Re: (breadbox)

phlebmaster — 2009-07-01T11:06:03-08:00

Thanks man!

Here is my best attmpt at photoshop. :D

Re: (phlebmaster)

breadbox — 2009-07-01T11:01:29-08:00

vanilla? Lets see it. Your vids on the build were fantastic.

Re: (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-30T13:43:30-08:00

I finally decided on a color....cool vanilla. You all have seen it on GM cars :mrgreen:

It won't draw the cop's attention as much as my exhaust will. lol It will still look good with my yellow wheels and black trim will go nicely. :mrgreen:

This color will run me about 37.00 a quart.

Re: (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-29T11:24:17-08:00

Look what I just got today!! :D Now I can do the paint the right way.

Campbell Hausfeld Siphon-Feed Spray Gun
Model DH6500

SPECIFICATIONS

Features
Pattern control adjusts fan size
Fluid control regulates amount of paint sprayed
External mix air cap included
Perfect for customizing and restoring automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles
Sprays lacquer, enamel, stain, primer, and urethane
Siphon-feed, non bleeder gun with adjustable pattern control sprays up to 9" pattern

Includes
Siphon-Feed Spray Gun - DH6500
External Mix Air Cap
1 qt. Anti-Drip Canister

Re: (marlin29311)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-29T10:38:56-08:00

Thanks!

Better pics of the bodywork and primer work this weekend. :D

I now think I should name this thing the ghost rider.

Notice the rear fender where the rust used to be?

Re: (phlebmaster)

marlin29311 — 2009-06-29T07:33:22-08:00

Damn! You're flying through this! Looks awesome!

Re: (NSR_s30)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-29T07:17:04-08:00

tried my hand at a little fiberglass rear spoiler. It was kind hard to get the right angle...but I think I have figured out how this stuff works. lol

Now for a front air dam! :D

Re: (evildky)

NSR_s30 — 2009-06-28T19:55:39-08:00

Can't wait to see it painted man.

evildky — 2009-06-28T19:48:47-08:00

very nice

Re: (AZhitman)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-27T19:18:25-08:00

I said I was doing bodywork this weekend...well, here is after some serious sanding, de-rusting, Bondo Glass, and primer. :D

That bondo glass dries really fast : I had to re mix it several times because it would harden so fast. :lol:

Not too bad for 4 hours work. I finish sanding and primer tomorrow. I will wait on the paint because I have a friend with a compressor and paint gun. I will do this car the right way....no spray can job this time. :D I like this car way too much.

AZhitman — 2009-06-25T14:55:40-08:00

Damn, Aaron!

You're flyin' thru this project!

I wish I wasn't so damn OCD about my restorations... I'd probably have a lot more fun doing it your way.

Re: (phlebmaster)

gmac708 — 2009-06-25T14:46:34-08:00

I like it "without" too
Thanks for the update. Looking good

Re: (evildky)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-25T10:21:21-08:00

Here are the obligatory swap pictures.... :D

See the pipe size difference?? :

Ready for install

I learned a few things about puting these on...not as strait forward as the stock and getting to all of the bolts is alot of work. :

So I make her do it... :lol: :lol:

Looks pretty good!

I am not going to use the muffler...as you can see it makes the exhaust too low and it scrapes the ground.

Oh well it sounds WAY better without it IMO. :D

here is the video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...edded

evildky — 2009-06-25T09:42:08-08:00

wow, someone like a yellow...a LOT!

Re: Phlebmaster's Fairlady 240Z Evolution (phlebmaster)

NSR_s30 — 2009-06-24T20:20:21-08:00

Looking good man.

Re: UPDATES!! (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-24T15:35:05-08:00

Here is a picture of the whole set-up ready to install when I get time. :D

That should make a gooood sound :D

I install it tonight...video coming right up.

Re: UPDATES!! (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-24T15:33:34-08:00

Guess whats next..... Thank you Beancooker!!

I finished painting my wheels tonight, so I now need to get wide enough tires for them

Here is the awesome 2-1/2" exhaust system I will put on my Z this week

flowtech muffler with tip from the G35 exhaust

I will pick up the header from SKib in the morning so I can get this done ASAP! I can't wait to hear this thing rip! VIDEO TO FOLLOW :D

Re: UPDATES!! (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-24T15:31:17-08:00

She got a shave...I wanted to see what it would look like without the bumpers

I now have tunes!! Yay! :D

She is definaitely an ugly duckling...wait until I do the bodywork and paint. I am thinking of something flashy!

Here is a start up video after the engine swap

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...edded

Re: UPDATES!! (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-24T15:29:22-08:00

I got started on my new wheels!

waiting for paint....

Nice comparison......:D

Working on some other ides too....

I also put my Z hood emblem on tonight :D

UPDATES!!

phlebmaster — 2009-06-24T15:28:26-08:00

Hhahahaha...here you go guys. :lol: SKIB ROCKS!! Thank you for your help with this.

Say goodbye to the L24

Say hello the the L26....

Re: (phlebmaster)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-02T04:56:42-08:00

I now have a rebuilt L26 to swap in.

Re: (Pharaohabq)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-01T12:38:55-08:00

Thanks for that advice...I don't plan on doing the turbo but I will look into the options that I have.

I am wanting to modify, but still keep the stock look under the hood

With body mods of air dam, flares, and rear spoiler.

Pharaohabq — 2009-06-01T10:55:22-08:00

Hey Awesone, Congrats on your "new" Z. it looks pretty good. No doubt you'll find more rust, but it definitely looks good, it's got very little rust in comparison to most you'll see. Though yeah, you'll want to get on that rust asap! and get a couple cans of spray primer to protect the areas you clean up in the meantime. then get it all stripped out and you're set.

One of the first things you should do is decide what diection you want to go with the Z. Do you want to restore it to classic stock style? If so you'll want to step back and crunch some numbers. it's not cheap.

It kinda sounds like you want to modify it. If that's the case, there's a ton of stuff you can do. Though you'll again be best off looking at where you want to be with it. If you're wanting Turbo, you might forget that L26, just start looking for an 82/83' Turbo engine and 5 speed tranny. you'll save a ton on swapping parts that later you'll be replacing anyway. Also at the same time the Turbo engine comes with the electric Dist, lighter AC(as was said) and you might even consider a 300zx VLSD at the same time. There's a ton of options open at this point just save yourself some $$$ and make a plan.

Also, now that you found a car look into Classic/modified insurance, it's cheap and will cover the car's real worth rather than risk having it totalled for a paint scratch...

So, all that being said, congrats again, and we look forward to more pictures.

Phar

Re: (70 Cam Guy)

phlebmaster — 2009-06-01T07:02:30-08:00

Quote, originally posted by 70 Cam Guy raquo;

Congrats on the new-to-you car!

Is that suspension all spares? You have any plans for the struts/spindles you don't use? specifically the lower halves of the struts?

Modified by 70 Cam Guy at 11:48 PM 5/31/2009

I am selling those parts to fund my 240Z project. http://portland.craigslist.org....html

Re: (phlebmaster)

70 Cam Guy — 2009-05-31T23:42:52-08:00

Congrats on the new-to-you car!

Is that suspension all spares? You have any plans for the struts/spindles you don't use? specifically the lower halves of the struts?

Modified by 70 Cam Guy at 11:48 PM 5/31/2009

Re: (bigred240sx)

phlebmaster — 2009-05-31T22:33:38-08:00

Thanks!! I can't wait to get started on her. I may have an L26 to drop in....we will see next week.

Re: (phlebmaster)

bigred240sx — 2009-05-29T17:29:49-08:00

nice looking z.

Re: (Bleach)

phlebmaster — 2009-05-29T15:18:51-08:00

Quote, originally posted by Bleach raquo;

I bought a Z without getting a pile of spare parts.

turbo that 240Z! Yank the whole L24 and toss it into the ocean

Maybe soon. I need to get to know her better first, so a rebuild is the way to go.

Re: (evildky)

Bleach — 2009-05-29T15:00:53-08:00

I bought a Z without getting a pile of spare parts.

turbo that 240Z! Yank the whole L24 and toss it into the ocean

evildky — 2009-05-29T09:26:49-08:00

I'd chuck tha a/c compressor, if you decide to run a/c the newer usit fomr the 280zx is a direct bolt on and has a lighter aluminum body

has anyone else noticed you can't buy a Z without getting a pile of spares with it?