EricB

Carl, I know... that's why I'd rather spend more and be good to go for a while... I thought I'd compare prices in case you all had used some other company's services... Or did you rebuild yours yourself? -e

I called the guys at drivetrain.com and here's what they said... a full rebuild (bearings, synchros, seals) is $680.- & takes approx 5business days an outright 280Z or 280ZX 5spd (apparently it doesn't matter to them) is $1000.- +$250 core charge. Shipping from their Vegas warehouse to LA is about $60.- What do you all think? The local junkyard sells trannies for $150 if I remember correctly... -e

To your knowledge does anyone sell rebuilt trannies for our Zs? I lost fifth all of a sudden without any notice on the freeway this AM, but did make it to work in 4th just fine, 1/2/3 whine due to what I believe to be one of their shaft bearings having spun itself... Basically this one's had it... Yeah I could go and get another tranny from the junkyard but who's to say how many XXXXXX miles it will have and how long it will last... I could give my tranny to someone to have it rebuilt but that means I'd be dead in the water for a while... that's why I wonder if there still exists someone that sells them outright? Any clues? Thanks, -e

I rebuilt an 81 F54 (new rings & bearings) and matched that up with an early E88 head with the bigger N42 valves, am using triple Mikuni 44 PHH carbs, and am getting almost 25MPG on the freeway - not much less around town. -e

If there's more than one available on your return I'd be keen to buy 2 K&M "umbrella" sticker from ya Razor. -e

It's hard to photograph a big black dash at home after dark without the use of a crazy spotlight... photographing it in the sunlight saturday morning will turn out better - Can you guys wait until the weekend? -e

Morning all, Hope you had a great Thanksgiving - I know I did because my fiberglass dash FINALLY showed up on Friday. I'd been in dash-less for most of the year actually so boy was it nice to see it arrive. It came in a big brown box but without any packing material inside - no worry though as it was totally unscathed and is exactly what I've been wanting all along. I couldn't find anything wrong with it at all... Yeah! Now the research & hunt for the right set of gauges begins... Maybe by '05 it will be in the Z? hahaha -e

Did you see this pic on the Japanese C110 website you linked us? Hahahaha some Japanese guy/gal & fan of American cars bought an ex-CHP caprice and is pictured here driving it in traffic.... hahahahaha

OR attend Tokyo Auto Salon which is in January. It's the Japanese equivalent of SEMA if you will. Much greater likelihood of seeing some Zs and some Skylines.

That's known as the Infiniti M45 in the States and is THE understated executive muscle car. Can you believe they never advertised this car be it either print or commercials here and they wonder why they didn't sell??!!??. The great thing though is that second hand even as new as a year old they are heavily discounted. I am pinching my pennies in order to make it my daily driver... silver/black & lowered on some 18" R34 GT-R wheels painted gun metal instead of their gold/bronze colour.... yeah that's right: forget about it!

Super Autobacs on Tokyo Bay at the Shinonome stop off of the Yurikamome line if I recall correctly (check subway map for confirmation) is one of the biggest. It IS cool but doesn't really carry much stuff for older cars like ours... They do have a great partnership with a bookstore which is located on their top floor. I forget the name of the bookstore... Fun to go there and look at the cool cars in the parking lot. But you won't find old Z or old Skyline stuff... You really have to go to the specialists which have already been mentionned in this thread. There's a couple more I've visited but right now at least their names escape me. -e

When you land Razor go pick up a copy of "Autoworks" magazine, it's widely available even in the convenience stores like 7-11 and what not. It's a great magazine that covers both old cars like ours as well as newer ones too (AEE86, Silvia/180SX/240SX, etc). In it you will find TONS of ads for places that cater to our cars. Full page ads nine times out of ten include a map at the bottom with the nearest JR or subway stop and how to get there. You can use the phone number area codes as an indication to whether they're in Tokyo, Yokohama, etc and then it's just a matter of getting on the right train in the right direction of course. -e