jmorrison146

Oiluj - When you converted the interior to black, did you paint the red plastic panels or replace them with new black ones?

As far as I know, Nissan didn't keep very good records of how many of each color combination were produced. With 52,628 Zs produced in 1972, how rare can a silver/red combo be?

Thanks for the input and experience and thansk to Lonetreesteve the photos. I thought the red might grow on me but so far it hasn't. If I decide to "fade to black", I'll take Patcon's advise and put the red panels up for sale and buy new black panels. Thanks again to all for your help.

Thanks for all the input and great references. In my past Z experience, I think the car definitely needs help with high speed stability at freeway speeds (Southwest US freeway speeds of 80+). As for the rear, the car is used as a daily driver and occasional long-distance GT so, in the interest of esthetics, I'll see how things go without it. Thanks again for all the input!

Jarvo - thanks for forwarding the Car and Driver article!

Yep, you're right. The 115 lbs of downforce created by the spook negates some of the 140 lbs lift observed at the front of the Z.

Doing a little more research, I found this great thread (http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/misc-s30/17453-bre-not-bre.html) in which Carl Beck references 1970s Car and Driver magazine testing. I couldn’t find a link to the original Car and Driver “Crisis Fighter Z Car” article, but I’ll take Carl’s word for it. Stock configuration at 70 mph = 140 lbs lift at the front, 35 lbs lift at the rear. An unducted BRE-style front spook generates 115 lbs of downforce at the front but adds 20 lbs lift to the rear (55 lbs total). Adding a BRE-style rear spoiler creates 75 lbs downforce a the rear, balancing out the package nicely. BUT adding the front spook (required, in my opinion, for stability at highway speeds) without the rear spoiler results in only 55 lbs lift at the rear. 55 lbs is one suitcase or the difference between a full tank of gas and an empty tank. BUT Carl (who should know) recommends both. Pete Brock (who should also know) used both. Z Car Home has a great Z Aerodynamics article by Dr. Ben Millspaugh from Z Car Magazine, June 2005: Part I Z Aerodynamics by Dr. Ben Millspaugh Part II -Z Aerodynamics by Dr. Ben Millspaugh Part III -Z Aerodynamics by Dr. Ben Millspaugh

Recently purchased a silver 1972 Z that is bone stock - . I've owned Zs before and know that the front end gets a little light at higher speeds, so I want to add a BRE-style spook to the front. Both of my previous Zs also had a BRE-style rear spoiler. The more I look at this car and others on this site without a rear spoiler, I like the clean lines of the rear of the car without the rear spoiler. So . . . what would be the net effect of a spook in front and a clear rear end? Are front and rear spoilers a package deal aerodynamically?

Has anyone accomplished a complete change of color on a 240Z interior? I'm buying a silver car with a red interior -- really nice car and the interior is in good shape, but I'm not a big fan of the burgundy. Black is much better. I plan to renew the carpeting (already black) and reupholster the door skins and seat covers in black, but I'm wondering how much hassle is involved in pulling, priming, and painting the plastic interior panels and headliner. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Great information! Is anyone running 15" Panasports with the Arizona Z Car / Wilwood brake upgrade? If so, what width and offset? I would like to stay with 15s and I don't plan to lower the car. Wilwood says their BP-10 is the most "street friendly" disc brake pad.