kmack

Mike, The sound of an inline 4 motorcycle engine hitting close to the rev-limiter is entirely different than a Harley chugging down the road w/ straight pipes. My personal favorite (for bikes) is the old KZ1000's when they come on the cam at about 9000 rpm. Beautiful sound. Btw, anybody want to know why Harleys "lope" at idle? It's actually a carburated backfire through the single carb. A glitch in the carb system of all things. When Harley first put out their fuel injected bikes, they were quiet and ran smoothly. So to keep w/ their "heritage", the engineers re-programmed the injection maps to incorporate a miss or mis-fire actually, so the characteristic Harley sound could further be enjoyed. What a joke....

I saw one listed on ebay last night.

So is this the post where all the Texans are hanging out in?

Hmmmm......., Ferrari, Lamborgini......Italian cars. Webers are Italian carbs. A home market carb would be a logical choice. My wife used to have a Fiat X1/9. It had a Weber carb on it, and I thought someone had done a swap to a performance carb. But turns out it was the stock carb! They only swapped out the air filter.

I have those same rims for my car.... a 215/60R14 is the largest tire you can safely put on a 14x6 rim.

Your tires rub with a 195/70R14 tire? Is your suspension stock or modified? I ask because my car has the stock suspension and I'm running 215/60R14's on 14x7 rims and I have no rub problems. If your suspension is lowered some that may cause some rubbing, but I wouldn't really think so. You might want to try and check this out a little further.

Hey, Zsled. If you're looking for Z people, check here: www.zcluboftexas.org This is the big club here in Texas located out of Dallas. There are a few of us Z nuts here in Texas on this site, so if you have any questions, ask away....

I saw a bumper sticker years ago and have never seen it again, it read: "Your father should have pulled out early"

I only get to drive my Z once in awhile, usually about once a week. So yesterday I driving back to work from lunch exiting the freeway....a car on the access road doesn't yield and cuts across 2 lanes to get right in front of me going 25 mph! I slid to a stop and luckily didn't hit them. But of all things, the car was a 280ZX! Painted light purple and with a woman driver!! (No offense to the ladies on this site) Then she had the nerve to flip me off afterwards. Stuff like this makes me not want to drive my car, but the fun I have just driving it is enough to overcome the very few instances like the one above. Our cars are meant to be driven, so drive them! Just make sure you're careful and paying attention to the world going on around you....because $20 says the Volvo on the right and the Suburban on the left aren't paying attention, especially to you.

WOW! 12-14 mpg? If that's what i could expect from Triple Webers, then I'll stick with my SU's. Right now I'm getting right around 19-20 mpg in town and I can get 25 out on the highway. (And that's with a very heavy foot!)

If the pinstriping was of the vinyl tape variety, then a heat gun and a razor blade/putty knife will work great. Be careful when using a raxor blade as you need to keep the blade almost flat to the surface of the paint. If the striping is paint, then you just have to sand it off.

Alan, Please don't take this as being disrespectful, but if you feel this guy's website is inaccurate, then you should contact him and let him know. Not just flame about it here. We all have learned over the course of time that your knowledge base is very well informed. But you have had access to people and other information straight from Japan that most over here on this side of the pond could only dream about. So whatever info we can gather from limited sources here, is all we can go by. We all know Nissan was not very good at documenting every aspect of every car that left the factory or with what options were available. So we're left with digging through junkyards and looking at hundreds of cars to try and come up with a good idea of what was being offered. I'm not trying to say your wrong. Just trying to play Devil's advocate and shed some light on what we face from over here. Some of us will never has the access to the knowledge base you have. Unless you help us by writing it down somewhere for the world to get to...

Do you have the complete carpet set? What condition is it in?

http://www.geocities.com/~z-car/specs/ Check out the above site for a general overview of all the Z models. For more specific differences betweent he early cars, www.zhome.com is a great place to start. Or do a search here and you'll come up with all sorts of discussions on the differences and what will fit off one and onto another. I was looking for a post I have that gave quite a few specific examples, but I can't find it right now.

Alfadog, If you go to the home page on my website, I put a link to the first write-up I did. It's about midway down the page under the picture of my car. That way you can at least look at it and get a feel for what is involved. As for the access panels being warped, you can take them off and slowly work the warp out. But be careful. I have 2 extra sets. One set is kinked (first attempt) and the 2nd set is just right. They flew a little; just enough to get them back into shape. But work it slowly. Find a junk set somewhere to practice on first, get a feel for it.

smg1404, $94 mounted and balanced sounds really good. Best price I could find on the AVS's was $71 each from Tire Rack. Then I'd still have to pay shipping, mounting and balancing. Discount tire could get me some, but it ended up right at $100/tire after all was said and done. Let us know how they turn out on the track.

Yeah, the only downside is the single, skinny size for 14" rims. I'm specifically looking for either 205's or 215's for my 14" wheels. And unfortunately I can't afford 15" rims right now.

I'm in the process right now of searching out new tires for my car. But the Yokohama AVS's are a little on the high side for me right now. I'd like to have them but there are cheaper alternatives. For those of us out there that like to race though, another tire was suggested to me by a Porsche guy. Falken's AZENIS RS. This tire is one step down from an actual race compound for the street. I have seen this guy run an 8 cyl. 911 on these tires hard through an endurance race and they stuck like glue! And they are cheaper than the Yoko's. They are good for driving on the street, too. Although I was told you won't get more than about 20k miles on the street with these tires. Check 'em, out.... Falken AZENIS RS

Rick is correct, the ball joints from VB are aftermarket. As for MSA's $34.95 price, That is what I thought the price was earlier this year when I was looking for mine. But MSA said they no longer could get them at that price and was only ordering Nissan replacements @ about $52/ea. Victoria British got my business...

Alfadog, In your picture, you outline the doors, hood (bonnet, I forget I'm a Texan sometimes!), hatch, access panels as being bent. Where are they bent or are they just not aligned? As for the scratches, you can sand the paint and the scratches down. But if the scratches are deep, you may need a light putty filler (usually comes in a tube) to fill the area slightly. It's a pretty easy process to do by yourself. As for the rust, the areas you show and typical. On the lower fenders, if the scratches on top are deep ones, it'd be easier to just replace the fenders. The wheel arches are going to be a little tough and it's best to let a body/restoration shop tackle those. The area underneath your hatch is a place I had to deal with on my car. I actually have write-up on making a repair section for that exact spot (except on the other side) on my website. I'm in the process of re-writing it for this site, but that'll take another few days. As for using bondo or replacing the metal, go with the metal. Bondo will work good but only if it's applied correctly and the metal underneath is prepped correctly. To use bondo, the metal must sealed first before the bondo is applied. DO NOT APPLY BONDO TO BARE METAL! Over time the metal will absorb moisture from the opposite side (through the metal, think osmosis) and will begin to rust under the bondo. Then it all peels up. Also, bondo should not be applied to areas that will require more than 1/8" or 3/16" thick. If Bondo is deeper than that, then you need to shape the metal more. If you can afford it, definitely go with a shop that does professional restoration work. They will have the knowledge, ability, and pride to do the job right.

The old steering wheels are very easy to refurbish. There is a write-up in Sport Z magazine about it. I think it was June of last year (2001). I did mine a few weeks ago.... took 2 days working in the evenings (had to let things dry a bit). Turned out looking VERY nice!!!!

I understand you feeling about living out in the middle of nowhere...I grew up 7 miles north of Mexico. We had a 1000' landing strip out back, small rifle range, decent driving range (I played golf, too) and enough woods out back to go camping in the "back yard." Also was great in high school because I could stay close to home and still "park" with the girls! I'm still looking for a place like that, but a little further north of Mexico.

Well, I might be "far away", but it's still rather warm here and we don't have to worry about snow. I've actually only seen snow twice in my life. Comes from living no further north than Houston, TX!

Do you have to ask? :stupid: Glad to see there really are women out there that love these cars as much as us guys do. Welcome!

How much of a Z enthusiast are you? Ok, so we have a make of car covering over three decades with all different types of cars and owners. I made up this little test to see what kind of Z car person you are. Take the test, add up the scores, and we'll see if it is accurate or not. OK? Here it goes. 1). My Z car is: A: stock B: modified C: barely streetable 2) My helmet is: A: a Mark Martin mini helmet with a clock in it. B: used primarily on weekends C: strapped in the back at all times 3) When I get stopped its for: A: 15 over B: 25 over C: outrunning a police chopper 4) On weekends, I like to: A: drop the car off at the detailer B: wash the car in the driveway C: use a nylon spatula to clean the rubber from the quarters 5) For tires I have: A: the set that came on the car B: the set that came on the car, road race tires and some drag radials/slicks C: my own personal “tab” at the Toyo dealer 6) A major mod is: A: a K&N B: a stroker motor C: a tube chassis 7) “Katayama” is: A: a type of Sushi B: Godfather of the Z C: The name of all of my children, including the girls 8) When I see a BMW M Coupe, I think: A: nice car B: I could take him C: Wuss 9) When a deer jumps out in front of my car I: A: call my insurance agent since my reaction time isn't so good. B: appreciate the fact that I have coil-over suspension and avoided the accident C: race it 10) When a little kid throws a rock at my windshield I immediately: A: call the police and my insurance agent B: chase the kid down and make his parents pay for the damage C: race the kid for his bike, laugh as I drive away with his Schwinn poking out of the passenger seat window 11) My passengers usually are heard to say: A: nice car, what is it? B: Man, I love Z’s C: I think I just crapped myself. 12) Powershifitng is: A: abusive B: fun C: mandatory 13) My driving style is most similar to: A: Morgan Freeman in "Driving Miss Daisy" B: Steve McQueen in "Bullit" C: Bo and Luke in "Duke's of Hazard" 14) When I am making love to my partner, I am thinking: A: completely about them B: mostly about them, but I'm also thinking about that weird skip at 4,800 Rpm’s as well. C: how the hell did she get dressed so fast? I only screamed out "5 point quick release harness" once. 15) My car has been smacked up by: A: the Valet at the club B: sliding into the tire barrier at Sears Point C: throwing a rod through the pan and oiling the front tires at NHIS 16) Lime Rock is: A: Where Fred Flintstone lives. B: A fun place to watch and race C: a romantic place for a date. 17) Race fuel is: A: offensively odorous B: fun but expensive C: a tasty non-dairy substitute 18) When people ask how many halfshafts I have broken I reply: A: What's a halfshaft? B: None, but I trashed some U-joints C: I had to use a come-along to get the last one out of the floor. 19) I hate digital tachometers because: A: They only come in one color, it would be more fun if I could toggle to complement my shirt. B: They aren't accurate. C: They can't be positioned at 12 o'clock for shift points. 20) I have boiled: A: water for tea. B: my coolant. C: my brake fluid. 21) When I break something I think: A: I hope that is under warranty! B: damn, there goes my mod money! C: that was cool. 22) If my Z got totaled I would: A: buy a Lexus, the Z thing is out of my system. B: cry a little, curse the name of the guy that hit me, hope insurance pays for an identical car C: hold a memorial service, harvest the car for parts. Light a candle in memoriam. 23) A cool tool I own is: A: a mini brush attachment for my vacuum. B: a digital torque wrench. C: an air powered valve spring compressor. 24) When I drive down the road, other people: A: wave. B: give the thumbs up. C: take down my plate number. 25) Speed bumps are: A: a necessity with all the crazy drivers out there. B: a nuisance, especially with headers. C: a perfect opportunity to catch air. 26) When I pass other Z’s I think: A: why are you waving at me? B: Woo-Hoo! Save the wave! C: I could take him. 27) "The Fast and The Furious" was: A: really cool. B: entertaining. C: a comedy. 28) Rice in general is: A: tasty, especially pork fried. B: mostly a joke, but some are quick. C: something FOR ME TO POOP ON!!! 29) When I go out on Friday nights with my friends, I usually end up needing: A: a Wet Nap, ice cream can get so sticky! B: rags to get the shoe polish off the windows. C: bail money. 30) Racing is: A: not my cup of tea. B: fun on weekends. C: the quickest way to get anywhere. 31) I set off car alarms: A: when I forget to disarm mine and open the door. B: when I blip the throttle in parking garages. C: everywhere I go. 32) At cruise nights, I open the hood: A: to show off the Nissan engineer's work. B: to show off my aftermarket intake and headers. C: I don't open my hood, you don't need to know what's under there. 33) My exhaust is: A: factory stock B: aftermarket C: home fabricated 34) My Z car is: A: transportation. B: a hobby. C: an obsession. 35) http://www.classiczcars.com is A: a great website for early Z car owners B: just as real of a place as any bar or club. C: the definitive source for all aspects of Z car ownership and the only Z site I visit. 36) When I hear "Brock" I think: A: “Huh?” B: legendary Z racer C: I could take him 37) When I see cones on the highway I: A: slow down B: think "autocross" C: proceed to participate in autocross 38) If I had $1,000 to spend on the car, I would: A: upgrade the stereo B: upgrade the exhaust C: get the car out of impound. 39) I have a fire extinguisher: A: in my kitchen. B: in the back compartment. C: bolted to the rollbar. 40) I have spun my Z out: A: in the rain. B: in the snow. C: in my garage. 41) My car has a lingering smell of: A: "Magic Tree" air freshener B: brake material C: engine fire 42) An RB26DET is: A: a vaccination serum B: possibly waiting for transplant in my Z C: already in my riding mower 43) When I see the number of this question, I think: A: the number after 42 and before 44 B: King Petty C: I could take him 44) I purchased a holster for my timing light. A: No B: Yes C: Full Shoulder Harness 45) When people ask if the Z is a V6, I: A: check the owner's manual B: laugh C: punch them in the head. 46) My Z is made out of: A: umm, I don't know B: lightened chassis, engine/suspension mods C: pure evil 47) When I see "Cobra" on a Mustang, I find it: A: intimidating B: challenging C: hysterical 48) My cats are: A: Persian B: hollow C: in the basement 49) My windows are tinted to: A: cut the glare B: save the interior C: hide the cage 50) The local dealership's service center: A: welcomes my business B: frowns when they open the hood C: has a restraining order against me So, add up your scores and see how you did. If you have an abundance of A's, you are a Z car OWNER. You bought the car mainly to drive on weekends and sunny days. It’s the car you always sort of wanted and figured you would try one out. You will grow tired with its quirks and eventually trade it in on an SUV. You're not a bad person and you are welcomed into the Z community, but you probably won't stay in for the long haul. If you have a lot of B's, you are a Z car ENTHUSIAST. You always wanted one and when you finally got it, had a blast. It’s most likely your daily driver in good weather and you have some mods and have fun with the car. This is where the majority of Z owners fall. You always wave and have fun at car shows and drag strips. You will probably always have at least one Z around during your life if finances will allow it. If you have lots of C's, you are a Z car FANATIC. You are pre-occupied with racing your car and being quicker and faster than everyone else. Numbers matching means nothing to you. You will forego groceries for the week in order to purchase a brake upgrade. Your neighbors give you a disparaging look as you rumble down the street but secretly admire your beastly machine. You are few and far between but everyone knows of at least one "Type C" out there. You actually do need help but since you are a hero to the B's, no one is willing to get you professional medical assistance.