Replacing the chassis

[sblake01]

While we do have some members with V8's here and occaisonally there's a post like the one recently that had an Infiniti VH45DE in and early Z, that sort of thing is not a very common topic here. I think you would find more of that type of info on a site like HybridZ. I'm not trying to put you off or come off as 'jolty' as that term was used earlier, it's just that the majority of us have some form of the Nissan L series 6 cylinder engine in our cars and would be more adept in answering questions along those lines. I, for one, however, would like to see your progress on this project.

[TomoHawk]

I'm with Mr. C.

After he clarified himself, we can see what the real question was.

FWIW, I always tell my kids, "If you don't understand, ask 'why', or ask more questions." dfr867 didn't need correcting, just some questioning.

NOW, he'll get some useful answers.

thx

[dfr867]

It's great to see people who actually post some comments about my dilemma with some common sense. I really appreciate it.

Ok. So some of you might like to know.

My Z is currently down to metal. I mean metal. All wiring, dash, upholstery, everything is out. We are currently working on the body. I plan on taking the car and having it dipped. There are only two places within 300 miles of my home that do it and I'm on a list a mile long so this is really going to slow me up.

I plan on doing the restoration of the body from the ground up. I've put together a great package that will make this car handle like a sports car of this day.

Ok. I probably got your attention when I said "Viper". I'm one of those damn people that can't have everything someone else has. I've looked at Z cars until I was blue in the face and no one seems to have that setup. I'm sure I ever get this thing done, it will turn some heads.

I looked on the net for Wrecked Viper Cars and was fortunate to find an owner that was willing to sell me the motor for about $6000. A new one is 10.5 for the crate.

I'll be more than happy to keep you all informed; if you would like. I'll try Hybridz now. Thanks again for the time.

[Mr Camouflage]

Hi dfr867

Viper engine sounds interesting. The chassis would definatley need strengthing. I've seen pictures of a z with the frame rails extended to the rear sub frame, and out to the sills in 2 places either side.

Here's the chassis measurement diagram I was talking about.

240z-chassis-measurements.zip

[TomoHawk]

That diagram is from the 240Z factory restoration manual.

[panchovisa]

Nice idea, but the design and execution of the chassis modification will determine how happy you will be later.

I see two ways to do the job. The first is to replace everything forward of the firewall.

The second is to cut away from inner rocker to inner rocker and from bottom side of cowl to begining of storage compartments (or all the way to taillights!).

In the first case you will need to add a roll cage to tie in new front clip to rest of body. Additionally full length framerails tied into roll cage would be senseable.

You can not expect to be able to add "point loads" of front clip to thin sheet metal of Z firewall (I don't care how big the end plates are!)

In the second case a full custom chassis can be made with the remainder of the body hung from it (non-load bearing).

I myself would go with the second option using stress aluminum panels bonded to a box tube space frame with a tubeular roll cage (fully triangulatedas much as possible. One seat/two seat/ street/full race)

In either case unless you have an engineering background, or SERIOUS practical knowledge, the services of a local racecar builder are in order.

[panchovisa]

Cont:

With the power of V10 the Datsun drive train is out. Stick with Doge gearbox and consider some live rear axel (NASCAR Ford 9", check Speedway Engineering). Get rid of the Macphearson struts up front also and go with a double A-arm coilover set-up (Speedway again, and Carerra (sp?) for coilovers). Don't skimp n the brakes, top of the line all the way around!

Figure power assited steering is a must (weight + big fat tires). Full custom interior, cooling, electrical, exhaust (side pipes YES), and every other pain in the arse system will need custom fabrication.

All that is Z car is body (with custom flairs for big meats). I see at least 30K for decent job and 50+K for killer show car.

Hope you don't have kids that need college anytime soon.

[Zrush]

There's a superb custom body shop up the road called Time Machines. They specialize in "hybrid muscle cars". I bring this up because we were at a show and they had a '68 Camaro on display with a Viper engine AND Viper interior! I should have taken pictures. Fantastic automobile. Strickly a World of Wheels showpiece. Seems the Viper engine is what machine heads are putting into alot of cars now a days (at least around here). My (not my husbands) motto is everything in moderation. $50K, hah, I've got alot more than that in the 77 280Z and I still have the L28!

Keep playing the Lotto!!!

Vicky

[panchovisa]

Zrush,

I said 50 plus (as in no upper limit). I know what you mean, the first build of my car totaled 38K, I'm afraid to know the truth when I finish the second build (next year)!!!!!

I just wanted to throw out some reality to our new poster. Daydreams are cheap, the real thing costs big time.

[dfr867]

You guys rule down here. I've gotten nothing but "you can't do this" from everyone on HybridZ. I know its a $^!# load of money but screw it. If you want something unique, go for it. I didn't say it would be ready by Monday or anything!

I read everyone's post and I really appreciate the feedback. I knew this was going to be a big project (hobby). I just can't seem to do anything half assed. I want the best but I don't have the bank for it. I know it will take time. Ironicly, I was watching Speed Channel the other night and Barrett Jackson was on. One of the guys that built the car said it took him 14 years. I think he might be on my schedule! Anyway, someday it will be and I allready have the V10 in my garage! Not to mention a mint-condition Alpine CD player. You know, the cool ones that were in about 10-15 years ago. The low lighted green lights that are sqared up. Talk about motavation!

[Mr Camouflage]

Originally posted by dfr867

You guys rule down here. I've gotten nothing but "you can't do this" from everyone on HybridZ.

Ah, well. Hang around here then. We'll help out whenever we can.