Well, I've had a lot of people ask me all sorts of questions about my current build, so I figured I'd start a thread over here on SHO for my build efforts. There isn't really a section for Datsuns (or Nissans for that matter) here, but I suppose this project is a "hybrid" of sorts, so here goes.
I own a 1973 Datsun 240z (the first Fairlady, and the original inspiration for the 350z in many respects), and ripped the 2.4l inline 6 cylinder out and replaced it with a 283ci Chevrolet v8. It fit nicely, and even has some spare room for turbos or a supercharger, when I get around to it.
I quickly blew the puny 4.7l 283ci motor, and am currently completing a 350ci (5.7liter) build to replace it. While power is fun, it's the rest of the car that really matters to me. Here are the important phases that I need to complete before taking the car back on the road:
- Some of the sheet metal has twisted from all the torque of a v8. I need to repair and reinforce that so it doesn't happen again
- I'm rewiring the car from the ground up. Wiring wasn't great in 1973 and 40 years of corrosion doesn't help.
- The tail lights were mangled by the previous owner. I'm fabricating a light panel to replace the stock lights that were hacked in.
- I'm replacing the r200 rear differential that has welded gears with an LSD-equipped r200 differential
- I'm replacing the 3speed automatic drag transmission with a proper semi-helical-geared 5-speed (possibly a 6-speed), and cutting the driveshaft to fit properly.
- The nonstandard Datsun suspension will be removed for custom 2.5"diameter coilovers (yes, I have both trig and welding to do, and I'm not scared)
- I either need to attach the gas tank properly (with correct ventilation) or install a fuel cell.
- New tires are a must, because the rear differential is welded the tires have seen severe abuse. I'm planning 315/35-17 tires on the rear and 275/35-17 on the front, but probably not for phase one of the build (that's 12" wide per rear tire. I'd go wider, but I can't find street-legal tires that are wider)
I really have my work cut out for me, but most of it is pretty simple as long as I plan it out accordingly. I'll probably update this thread from time to time, but if you're really itching to see what's happening with it, head over here:
Anger Project | Madness Shop Manual
I might respond to questions and answers that get posted here.
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