TomoHawk

I was thinking that too. Wiring it shut for the winter would be fine, but not for the summer. An electric solenoid to operate the fresh air door, maybe?

He's correct. the heating system on a 280Z relies on vacuum and vacuum pods to operate things. Unless the vacuum pods are broken, you need to check that all the hoses are in good condition and connected properly. For reference, I have used "fast Frog's vacuum diagram" as a guide. Even my radiator shop guy said it was better than what he could find on his computer system. BTW- fastwoman posted a writeup on how to service the vacuum selectorhttp://www.classiczcars.com/forums/engine-drivetrain-s30/35521-refurbishing-hvac-vacuum-selector-valve-1978-280z-useful-info.html Wade- What kind of vacuum pods do you look for? I think I need one to operate the fresh air door on my '78. Please keep some notes on where you find any compatible units, as that will be a popular item one for these cars.

Yes, you have the idea right; some kind of simple OBD output, and air-fuel ratio would be nice, if it is so equipped. I already started looking for a Bluetooth OBD adapter for other purposes/vehicles. eBay has them, cheap. BTW- after I got the car, I took it to the e-check station to see what condition it was in, and the tech guy couldn't find the OBD port! An older guy stepped in to explain the car was too old, and exempt. It might be fun to take this "antique" car with "OBD" to a service station, have them scan it, and then drive away after they tell you that the ECU is totally dead and there's no way the engine should be running!

One question : Would it be possible to include an OBD interface to this homebrew controller, or is it a totally different can of worms? I get the feeling that such a thing is a part of a totally digital controller.

Now there's your secret weed compartment, not the big tool bins behind the seats.

That picture is what made me ask about this, thank you.

Yes, the factory AAR should be replaced with something, even a solenoid-operated valve. BTW- I've got a small box of 324s and 741s in the drawer still, but I haven't breadboarded anything since college.

I think those were on most GM cars from the 80s. Thanks for the pictures.

thank you. I will keep a eye out for one, not that I need one.

I watched it on the TV some, to see who's where, but I had it on my 30 inch computer screen most of the time. A friend has an 80-inch screen, but he had to work. I even considered leaving it on all night to get the feel for those that are there in person. It's not my favourite 24 hours race, but it's the best one, for cars, in the U.S. On HybridZ chat, we discussed better (bigger) alternatives for the small Daytona course, like someplace in Texas or the Southeast flat-lands, or maybe even Illinois, which reminds me of France. It seems kinda boring to watch cars going in a circle, even if it isn't the NasTcar course. Obviously people get something from it or they wouldn't go or watch it.

I'm into drugs... Er, I work at a pharmaceutical lab part time, so I get it more often than most.

I always fly my helicopter down the middle of the highway! I was wondering if Bruce Willis was going to jump out... Maybe the video car was really from a movie casting company (with big signs all over it) and they were all trying out for the next F&F movie?

I don't really store much in the tool boxes other than a quart of oil, and jumper cables. If I go on a long trip, I might take a bottle of steering fluid, some transmission fluid, and a jug of coolant mix (behind the seat.) There is always a jug of water in the car. Everything else is normal stuff, stored in the provided places. IMO, if you need all that extra room to store stuff, I'd rethink what I'm taking.

Sarah, I wasn't suggesting that a replacement be (completely) digital, but with a combination of things, I think it could be nostalgic, yet better than the original. Don't forget to include a way to control the AAR.

In the 280Z Owner's Manual, it mentions a "Comfort Clip" when you can use to keep a little slack in the seat belt while wearing it. Is there really such a thing? FWICT, There are similar things that you can use for securing baby seats, or I could make one from some light metal, I think it has a shape like an H or

I think most people don't really want the replacement to be totally like the "digital" stuff. It's just that to make it work kinda like the vintage analog stuff, you will probably need some digital parts with programming to fill in the gaps. But some tuning would be welcome.

It was my quality front-wheel-drive Ford that made it through the 2 inches of fresh powder to the barn. BTW- I have a custom carpet for the back, and it goes under the metal strip at the front. I need to make a long screw to hold the tire in place.

I risked my life in the snow storm we had going out to the car barn to get these photos, so I hope they benefit. The first photo shows the forward supports reversed. The second shows the left panel in place with the cutout for the tire The third photo shows how the sheet metal screw that holds the panel in place, and the screws used to attach the luggage straps. the fourth photo us what you see when you lift the deck. FWIW, there aren't any "secret" or "hidden" compartments in an S30, unless you take out the side panel where the radio antenna is, which takes about 15 minutes to do, so it's worthless, and the antenna is there anyway.

I drew that cartoon in P-Chem class one day, and we spent the next hour debating the 'miracle' part. We actually came up with a mathematical algorithm (some quantum physics stuff) for the miracle, but it included a couple suppositions that were pretty much impossibilities themselves.

Why not just give then a call to see if he is there, or just ask for some information?

It looks like the Micro Squirt system is what you'd use for something like an L28 engine.

I think the deductions probably depend on the class you were entered in. Otherwise you might want to keep an eye out for a free oil pan or a free set of decals.

My scores were fair, although I thought I did a fairly good job of cleaning things after the rain we had, in 2008. At least I didn't see any comments like "non-stock radio" or " non-stock seats" like I got once at a regional show (for DD class.)

billyjarrell- Is there any progress on this project? You've got several dozen (at least) 280Z owners that would go for something like this, as long as you don't have to swap in a SBC or a turbocharger

Thanks for mentioning that. It seems like just the thing. I wonder how it got by everyone- probably because March is the busy month for Z owners; cleaning the garage, putting the car back together, tuneup, etc.