Lap Timers

[DJACEY(UK)]

Were lap timers ever an option (factory or dealer) for Z's ? Attached is a picture of a Japanese Kanto Seiki unit which is reputed to have been supplied to Nissan.

[raman]

This clock was used in some of the 280ZX's, I have adapted one of these clocks to fit in my 240Z dash, I was sick of the analogue clock running my battery down.

[DJACEY(UK)]

Thanks raman. Sounds like a good idea to replace the old type clock. What functions does the digital clock perform ? Any extra wiring required to install and get it fully functioning ina 240Z ?

[raman]

The new clock needs the 12V from the Fuse box as well as the lights and Accessories from the fuse box. I got an old analogue clock and used it’s surround to put the new clock in. The 280ZX clock needed to be cut up a bit but with some careful work with a Dremel it fits in OK. The 280ZX clock has a stop watch lap timer.

I have also removed the chrome side air vents and replaced them with the Italian style twin louvered air vents, like in the new S15 Silvia and DC5 Integra (RSX)

I have taken a few Pics of my dash, It is out of the car at the moment.

[TomoHawk]

What would you use the timer for? Most of the race tracks i've been to are using the transponders now.

[raman]

The main reason for the Digital clock is that the Analogue clock was flattening my battery when my car was not in use, After 2 weeks of not using my car the battery was dead.

[TomoHawk]

That's a good reason. I've never had that problem with my car. Why not try a solar charger?

The reason I asked is that local race courses are using the transponders for timing laps, because timing yourself can be dangerous when you take your eyes off traffic and go looking for the clock & buttons, take one hand from the wheel to press a button, etc.

A famous American talk show host once said, " The only people that use digital clocks are scientists and terrorists." :surprised

[sblake01]

I've never had that problem with my car either. It sometimes sits as much as a month without being started. Maybe that's a 240 issue. The digital clock just doesn't look right to me in a S30 dash. I also agree with TomoHawk as far as the prudence of using it as a lap timer.