Your constructive opinions please...

[northstar ninja]

So i've been contemplating my next project car. I want to do a RB25det swap. Originally i wanted to put one in a S13 hatch, or S14 chassis. Recently i saw these sick pics of a s30 chassis, and what she could look like... http://photobucket.com/mediade...set=3

http://photobucket.com/mediade...et=11

so S30 +rb25det = I figure that a modern motor, and electronics, in a~ 2400 lb car with the classic timeless lines of a S30 can't be wrong.

I know the swap has been done already, But what do you guys think ?It helps that i already have the RB25det

I just need to find a clean chassis...

[evildky]

it does help that you already have the RB otherwise I'd encourage you to stick with the L28ET which is a bolt in and makes about as much power to a point, as for the chassis, thats the hard part, the motors don't die but the cars rust in half anf when wrecked it takes very little to ruin a chassis, just be prepared to open your wallet, a better chassis is worth the extra cost when you start adding up the time and expense fo repairing a poor chassis,a nd don't forget the brake and suspension upgrades

[northstar ninja]

thanks. I've been looking for clean chassis down south, as theres no snow there. i'm hoping i can find a non running car with a solid chassis, as it will help cuts down on costs. i'm not sure if i want to try and find a restored chassis, as who knows is it was done correctly... I read somewhere that after about 250whp the s30 chassis needs extensive bracing, if you have any insights on that it would help. its going to be a street car, so if possible i'd like to avoid a million pt roll cage, but if its necessary, its necessary.

[evildky]

the chassis stiffenign depends more on use than hp, my stock chassis is taking 300 whp, and getting ready to be more, it's an autocross car, for a serious drag car it would be mroe of an issue, I do intend on caging it just not yet

[northstar ninja]

I want it to be mostly a streetcar. thats why i would like to avoid an extensive cage... i think ~300whp is going to be my short term target #. easily achievable with the rb, but i want to make the cars handling is all sorted out before going even that far...

Out of curiously do you have a mods list? I'd like some guide lines on where to start. It seems theres quite a difference between the 240Z and 240sx, lol. I like doing research, but being pointed in the right direction would be appreciated...thanks...

[northstar ninja]

oh i forgot, what year did the s30 chassis gain all the weight due to thicker sheetmetal? ( not counting added weight of the later year bumers) i think it was during the 280Z production, but i'm not sure as to what year...

[Spickler240]

Very nice

[evildky]

the Z32 has far more in common with the 240SX than the 240Z does

as for weight, the earlies cars (70-71.5) (look for vin numbers 14000 and below) weighed the least, the weight gain was gradual, side impact beams appeared in I think 75, the LCA's were made of thicker sheet metal beginning I believe in 75 as well, 75 got the larger heavier tail lights, the 71.5 got a heavier trans and a longer driveshaft, in general the earlier the car the lighter the weight

as for mods on my car, it's a long list, what do you want to know? engine, suspension?

[onosqv]

Haha, you killed a cone, +2 seconds!!! :p

[evildky]

yup, 3 time KYSCCA EM champ, and that pic is at fort knox airfield, where I bought a runway light on a sepperate occasion, got more power than traction

[northstar ninja]

i was wondering mostly about steering/ suspension/ brakes setups. from what I remember the 240z doesnt have power steering :/ is there a way to swap put a compatable rack from a zx? the only reason I'm asking is cuz the rb has a power steering pump, lol, so might as well use it... oh btw what kind of wheels are those, and did you cut your fenders to fit?

[evildky]

no there is no easy power rack swap, I believe the miata is a favord for those seekign power steering, or you could just remove the power steering pump, much like I did form the L28ET, the 280zx rack steers form the wrong side so ti won't work, my suspension, sections strut housings with tokiko illumina inserts and GC coil overs with TTT weld in camber plates, running 440 lb/in coils up front and 250 lb/in coils in the rear, with MSA swap bars forn and real, front is 1" rear is 7/8" IIRC, the wheels are CCW's 17x11 up front and 17x12 in the rear, and yup I had to cut the bosy for clearance, if I can ever find a trailer with a lower deck height I'll lover it more and cut away more, and if I ever decide to get up off the money the 280YZ boky kit will cover the wheels

[northstar ninja]

mmm wide body. yummy... though from that angle it makes the nose look really long...

[northstar ninja]

steers from the wrong side? um confused a bit on that one- like right hand drive, steers from the wrong side?

[evildky]

yeah I don't love the way it stretches the front end

as for the wrong side, the S30 steers from the front of the wheel, the S130 steers form behind the frotn wheel, so the rack works opposite, the imput would have the reverse output

[northstar ninja]

oh

[twogees]

evild- thats yours? daaaamn!

why dont you move to fla wiht all your awesome z knowledge hehe

[evildky]

the primer monstrocity is mine, the white one has the body kit I want, actually it's one of only a couple that will cover my massive meats

[kazumi3]

It's up to you what you want. But the exterior lines of a S30 is timeless (like XKE - Jag). I have a RHD '72 Fairlady Z packed with a RB25DET and built by Vildini Motorsports in Mission Viejo California. I thoroughly strengthened the body and underbody to match the positive G generated by the powertrain. The power and torque generated is sufficient. This body (marginally strengthened) is also matched to the ride inputs (tire - damper - bushing) trying many different tire pressure settings front and rear. Dampers are Illuima 5 ways but honestly you need to build your own damper calibration. Aftermarkets are no good. These cars are far from being a modern automobile but if you put enough thought into building your Z with modern technology they can be quite satisfying and enjoyable to own. Good Luck.

[northstar ninja]

thanks alot! I'm in the middle of buying a 260Z needs alot of work everywhere interior exterior etc- but theres virtually no rust! theres only one spot where the driverside floor pan seam. (basically where your left foot would sit) itll take a while to get it all nicely and properly restored , but its worth it! Wish me luck, hopefully ill document the build....

[kazumi3]

One other point, these modern Nissan engines have a fantastic heart beat. The combustion / firing order sound is beautiful starting from the starter motor cranking to intial combustion. It's so smooth. My set-up is 3" mandrel bend exhaust front to rear with a Megan racing muffler. You made the right choice. These engines are so reliable and turn-key.

[northstar ninja]

I agree whole heartedly. While I can appreciate the sound of a cammed V8, theres something about the smooth song of a turbo inline 6 that just caters to the senses. Its always an added plus that RB's sound isn't commonly known, so lots of people will wonder whats in the car, and why its badged as a 250Z (Later on a 270Z with rb 26 crank and pistons over bored should bring it close to 2.7L)... The Z will turn heads, and the motor will make them wonder...
Modified by northstar ninja at 10:45 AM 4/1/2008

[bigred240sx]

yes it will turn heads and i like the badges haha

[kazumi3]

Above my Fairlady Z emblem on my front fenders I've attached a 432 emblem.

This was the S30 Z with the S20 twin cam motor - 4 valves per cylinder + 3 side drafts + 2 cam shafts (432).

My RB25 DET is a modern interpretation of the original S20 motor.

[Datsun364z]

I got some pennies to throw in....

Do this first.

Do this next.

Dont copy me, but just do it. You will be pleased.

[evildky]

I do have an apreciaction for the LS but again I can make as much power for less $$

[northstar ninja]

I already have the rb motor so, selling it, and doing a v8 swap seems counter productive.

[rb30dett]

Hope everything goes well with your car. You are doing exactly what I want to do, as far as engine and shells go! Nice!

[northstar ninja]

Thanks. Ive had the motor for a couple years, planning to put into a silvia/240sx shell, but could never find one good enough. I saw the Z pictured above and it was like love at first sight. I'm taking delivery of the car next sunday. I'm so excited! It need s ALOT of work, mostly restoration stuff. At least the rust isnt bad. The battery tray is still intact!!! lol... Oh well wish me luck... Dooes anyone know of a mount kit for this swap? i figure if someone has already done the hard part for the fabrication, i wont have to use my time to do so...