omg! my z is awesome! new suspension and more..

[cozye]

I've owned my 280 now for about 3 months and have slowly been working through various mechanical and getting the car in good running order. I've done all the usual stuff, brakes, clutch, tune ups, adjustments, etc.. and resolved a lean running issue that took me forever to work through.

I still have a few a small list of minor maintenance items a couple more issues to resolve however I've just finished a big job and one that has made a huge difference. I went through the entire suspension on the car, replaced all the bushings with the MSA urethane kit, put Tokico HP struts in, and the Eibach spring kit. In addition I yanked off the old beat up exhaust that was on the car, which had some el cheapo muffler stick welded to the end of it, and replaced with the MSA Premium exhaust kit w/ Dynomax muffler.

This job took me a couple of weekends, and a hour here and there throughout the work week. It was a big job for me I think, I would have rather replaced the clutch again.... Some of those bushings were a major PITA. The blues tech tips were a great resource however. Also the exhaust took me quite a bit of time as well since the PO had the old muffler cut off and replaced, and they cut or broke off the original exhaust hangers so I had to weld up some new ones. I had a good time doing that as soon as I figured out how I was going to fabricate them, as I have a brand new mig welder I was dying to use. I've wanted to weld for a long time and this car gave me the excuse to buy one and try it out.

I finally got it back together last night and took it for a test drive. WOW!!!! :love:. This car feels brand new!! It's running so well and feels so tight. I can't believe the difference. I was worried a little that it would be too rough, or harsh, but not at all. It's firm and planted, but has just enough dampening to soak up the bumps. No more body roll, no more front end dive on the brakes, no more big vibration from wore out mustache bar bushings. It's just solid and smooth and responsive, and, and, etc...

I was also worried about mixed reviews that the MSA exhaust would be too loud without a resonator. Not at all. It's effin perfect.

I am effin ecstatic.. Just thought I'd share how much I'm pleased with these upgrades.

Next up is a visit to a dyno for gas analysis to double check my butt dyno. I've got to say though, this car feels like it's running tops!!!

[ZCurves]

Sooo you post about all of your hard work and how excited you are and then forget to post pictures!! For Shame! How can we fully share your excitement without pics??

Seriously, congrats! Savor the reward from your hardwork! Enjoy the ride.

(Then start looking for something else to replace, upgrade or enhance!)

Edited December 7, 2010 by ZCurves

[cozye]

Sooo you post about all of your hard work and how excited you are and then forget to post pictures!! For Shame! How can we fully share your excitement without pics??

Seriously, congrats! Savor the reward from your hardwork! Enjoy the ride.

(Then start looking for something else to replace, upgrade or enhance!)

eh.. my Z still isn't pretty yet. I'll post a pic or two later, it looks like a 33 year old Z (although garage kept mostly), but drives like a 2011

[FastWoman]

Wow, congrats, Cozye!

This inspires me to take care of a couple of back-burner issues -- differential mount, gronky steering column, mystery transmission issue (see other post). Still, I think I can share your ecstasy when not milling about in a tight parking area or shifting gears! I can't help but smile when I drive my Z.

[cozye]

Thanks Sarah.

Yes, it's very inspiring. It's nice for a change after working on so many little issues to just get it running, then doing something that makes a really big difference. Very motivating, and it's a big PITA job out of the way ! One step closer to paint time..

[olzed]

It's great when all the hard work pays off Cozye. The single biggest improvement on my 240 was when I fitted power steering. I did this mod three years ago and still get a huge feeling of satisfaction when I drive her. It's like a modern car.(except the diff clunk) Parking is a breeze now. No more looking for space to turn.

[cygnusx1]

Waaaay to go!!! Make it rock and roll....THEN make it pretty. That's the right way to do it! Enjoy every minute of it.

[herbsteiner]

Cozeye, baby!

Both Billy and I are anxious to see your sweetheart with the bumpers you got from us. Will be a mucho-fun car, fer sure! A big Texas congrats to ya, Eric.

Herb

[cozye]

Cozeye, baby!

Both Billy and I are anxious to see your sweetheart with the bumpers you got from us. Will be a mucho-fun car, fer sure! A big Texas congrats to ya, Eric.

Herb

Has Billy signed up for the forum? I'll be sure to send you guys some pics. I found a chrome shop and I'll be sending both bumpers off in a couple of weeks for restoration. Getting much closer to paint job time

[Oiluj]

It doesn't have to be "pretty" to post pics Cozeye.

Most of us with "pretty" cars started where you did! Even a dented, primered Z is pretty to my eye, so don't be embarrased to post pics.

Mine wasn't a bad 50 footer when I bought it, but it had lots of "huge" warts when you got within 10 feet. And mine was pretty darn nice compared to most un-restored cars..

So please share a few progress pics. You will find lots of support here.

[herbsteiner]

Eric

Actually, Billy's trying to sell his white '72 on Craigslist. He wants 6500 for it. It's got a real nice paint job, and the interior needs some work.

[cozye]

Eric

Actually, Billy's trying to sell his white '72 on Craigslist. He wants 6500 for it. It's got a real nice paint job, and the interior needs some work.

That's too bad. I'd like to have seen it. He's a real nice guy.