Just to ask i know no factory whale tails or wings were produced for 240z but i was lead to believe the whale tail i have on my (though it is reduced in size) is a copy of the jim cook racing whale tail can anybody tell me if this is correct or not

Must say i am enjoying this discussion just luv it wheres the line in the sand guys when a zed becomes not a zed

Mick

Well, Mick, for me the line is 1978 for the last true 'Z' but for others I think it's 1973. That's just me, however, to each his own. I appreciate a nice example or most any vehicle, I just have my preferences for ones that I would own.

Wow, i guess everyone took my words too seriously...

I meant the Whale Tail was found on Z's as in the entire Z legacy with Datsun/Nissan.

However, to a true Z fan, an original Z (any 240Z's) or later 260Z's and 280Z's never did come with wings TRUE.

but you guys know what I meant, not literally but sorta.

Ok. so IF I DID PUT A WING ON.. it would be from a ZX-R

Note: S31 chassis not a S30 chassis original Z.

Originally posted by ZmeFly

It was the reason for the 1979 280ZXR.

The wing actually put 350 lbs of downforce on the vehicle at 100+ mph.

Personally I do not care for the big arse wings on any car. Race cars...fine. But a car that is meant to be driven on public roads...it seems useless.

As for the down force. I always thought (I dont really know mind you.) that the Z's had a problem of front end lift at high speeds. Wouldnt a wing worsen this condition? Obviously that is assuming no front spoiler. (rpmZ)

I do love the car though. (yella delight) it is a beautifully done car and I would like for mine to look so nice!

I also must compliment you on the website. Very cool!

thanx ROOPZ ....... the website is now 3 years old and needs some serious updating......

I must admit every time I drive past a Honda with a T-wing I feel like pulling over and ripping mine off….. as I’d hate to be mistaken for a rice boy.

Also my car isn’t daily driver, it usually only comes out for abuse, ……. now that I have RB25DET g/box and don’t have worry about breaking another g/box. :classic:

Wings are for aeroplanes.

Maybe it's a bit off the topic but we see these wings mainly on Hondas, Mitsus, etc. i.e. fwd cars. How important is downforce on a fwd car?

Originally posted by sblake01

Maybe it's a bit off the topic but we see these wings mainly on Hondas, Mitsus, etc. i.e. fwd cars. How important is downforce on a fwd car?

I assume that you mean REAR downforce on a FWD car. It's a good question! I'm curious too.

Anyone have an answer?

Originally posted by sblake01

Maybe it's a bit off the topic but we see these wings mainly on Hondas, Mitsus, etc. i.e. fwd cars. How important is downforce on a fwd car?

Some cars do need it, i sure a z will benefit from downforce in the rear.

FWD, down force in the rear?That is a good question.I wonder if that ranks with the cold air intake mounted behind the raditor rice mysteries.

well for sure you wouldn't want the rear wheels hanging out (as if in an "oversteer situation in a RWD car) but how much downforce is needed to keep the rear tires of a FWD car planted firmly and tracking properly?

The last time I brought this up (what good is a wing on the back of a front wheel drive car?) I was told that it helps when cornering. I suppose any downforce is good if it doesn't add too much weight or drag, but it's fairly obvious to me that wings on street cars is done 99% for the looks only by people who actually think they look good or make the car look faster.

You said it there Mike. The ricers think it makes their car look faster. It kind of reminds me when we used to say that our cars seemed to run better after we washed them. ROFL