Zedrally

Ok Alan, Never having seen a LHD zed, I have often wondered what was mirrored and what wasn't? You mentioned the handbrake and exhaust/carbs, is there anything else. Incidentally, when one thinks about prototypes, one wonders if they where LH or RH drive? My bets on RH drive!

Z Kid, You didn't say if your 240 engine was past it's use by date? If it isn't, may I suggest that you "hunt around" for a 280C sedan and pinch the motor from it. It's a far better upgrade if thats the path you want to follow. As Alan T said, you will find it slow revving in comparision to the 240.

There is, I had one done for my 260. Can't remember name, but they where out Ringwood way. Have a flick through the yellow pages.

Halz, Why not start a new thread, Car Club in WA. There appears to be enough on this list for you to start one up. These discussions in the For Sale Forum must be pushing the limit.

Ahh..... Thats Dons personal page that he created several years ago for the NDSOC. At least I know I wasn't imagining it when I couldn't find any info about them for Mike. Appears nothing has changed within that club and all members again need crystal balls and rely on mental telepathy for communication.

They must have moved web sites. All I get is unable to locate server!

Thats the car, how did you manage to break into the NDSOC site?

Lindsay knows the person and the car. It was garaged there for a while last year. Unfortunately, I can't download your uploaded pic, so I don't know what it is a photo of? I was speaking to the owners son last week and he didn't mention that 004 had been sold, then again I didn't ask either. Send photo to 240z@universal.alphalink.com.au so I can see who you're talking about.

I have scanned a feature that was published in the Racing Car News on the Dashing Datsuns in the 1972 Southern Cross Rally. Unfortunately, no matter what I try I can't get it uploaded. If anyone would like copies and upload to this site please mail me with your address.

Not sure about model, the advantadge here is that Subaru marked their diff's. So look for a sticker with 180 on it.. Now if Alan only lived in Victoria! This is the best part about these forums, the depth of knowledge that is out there, if one only new the question....

Hi Rick, Thanks for your insight into your setup. I'm not sure which Historic Series you're referring to, however, the Historic Rally Car [hrC] Eligility Regulations Cat 2 [1968-1975] Wheels section 5.6.4 states that wheel size may be varied by one size from manufacturers specifications. [see page 11-79 of the CAMS Manual. This was derived from the Historic RAlly Association eligibility regulations. Consecquently, a 15" rim is within guidelines for this type of competition. Generally, we need to raise the car for this type of work. The rally tyres I have when fitted actually lower the car to what we now know is an un-acceptable height. Sounds like you've got a great setup for sprints and motorkhana's, it's more or less what I ended up with, less rear sway and 16" rims. As for the L180 Diff, best bet is looking for a wrecked Subaru.

For a quick 280 transplant, go to your local yard and look for a 280C. Thats the nissan sedan. They only came with a auto so generally there just run in, unless the PO did the head. If you sold your trans, then you might be in for a shock. 5spd boxes don't come cheaply. A 4 speed option is available, look for a 180B or 200B box. Not sure if the bell housing is the same though.

Just to bring all up to speed on the Latest. Saturday brought forth many ideas and suggestions, some good & some not to good. An interesting point was made regarding 260 front struts. Apparently they are a better strut than the ones used on the 240. News to me, I thought they where similar. A quick check into the factory manual indicates a hard and soft suspension option. I guess that it would be in the springs, however, are the struts the same all the way through the model series or did they upgrade/strengthen then over the model years? I start to wonder about the front end in the 280C series, being a heavy car, I can only guess the front struts would be "beefed up". Thats something to look into later. Luckily as far as the RAlly Zed goes, the local koni distributor owns a rally zed thats had the covers draped over it for a while [these cars just seem to have been "ferretted" away for a rainy day here]. Enquires are progressing into his setup. Cheers......

Nick, I think you have just spotted a mistake in the book? or is it an oversight as no Jap production is given. If so then there figures are"rubbery" to say the least! It must be remembered that the 240z appeared as the Fairlady Z with a 2L engine there, but the question remains how many zed's [2L to 2.8L] where produced in total? Anyone with any answers? The first 500 where all LHD, 500 was a production figure that Datsun [Nissan] needed for the vehicle to be recognised by whichever sports ruling body at the time as a production whatever car [racing,rally/whatever]. The earliest RHD is #004. I know the owner and it is maintained in showroom condition.

Nick, Surf over to http://zhome.com/History/Zproduction.html Production figures are listed. A total of 6437 zed's [240 to 260] where imported into Au. The page gives a great breakdown on yearly figures. How many are left is another matter?

Small correction Alan. My 240 didn't [doesn't] have a rear sway bar. The mounting brackets are there though. My 260 has the bar. There where some 240's that where destined for the UK market delivered here [wharf strike in UK meant they diverted the ship here instead, that's an unsubstantiated rumour, maybe you can confirm]. On of my firends has one, they stand out as they have the large front indicators, must check if it's got the rear sway. wonder if any Australian delivery 240's made it to the UK to replace the ones that we pinched! [maybe a new thread on this, I leave that up to you] Thanks for the in depth explanation on springs, rates etc. I don't feel as I'm floundering now, not a expert but able to reasonably understand.

Our rules allow 1" over standard, most 240/260's out here run 15". The rear sway bar is from a 260. I'm heading out in an hour or so to see the expert, so I',, keep you informed of what they suggest.

Don't get your hopes up hmsports...yet. I still have another Zed with original suspension and would like to complete the collection with a 260 2 seater. Thanks again for the assistance, I'm inclined to go for Bilstein's as suggested. Although, I can't help feel that Koni's with a stronger spring might be a solution? The Bilstein option opens Pandora's box... Are there different types of Bilsteins? If so which is better suited to the Zed and forest rallying? Do I need adjustable platforms or can I go for 15" rims for extra ground clearence? What would be a suitable spring to start with? TIA for any advice that you can help me with.

This is great guy's. I probably should clarify why the springs, originally the idea was to have a setup that could be used on the track, autocross, tarmac rally and forest rally. I now realise that is impossible in one car and having enjoyed rallying the most, I intend to develope the car in this area. Looks like there will be a set of Koni's on the market here. Thanks again, you both have pointed me in the right direction.

Cheer up, move to Melbourne and have access to parts & service! At least you've located 4 Perth members, Moderator Mike's visiting Melbourne and there has been silence from the local community. C'on Melbournites [fellow Victorians], lets hear from you and get together to welcome our overseas visitor. :classic:

Obviously having posted this in the Rally forum, thats the use of it {rallying}. Certainly lowering is NOT an option in this area of the sport, in fact if anything we need an extra 1'-1 1/2". The springs have NOT been shortened, they are just a smaller diameter spring to accomodate wider rims.:stupid: