TomoHawk

I would like to see cars grouped in an honest way. That means sportscars with other sportscars, not tuners or Mustangs or BMWs, ans the latter 3 aren't sportscars. Even marques like Jaguars would be in a different group, such as sedans, as there are only so many Jaguar models that are truely sportscars, and they were made decades go.Tuners should be with other tuners, and BMWs should be with other sedans. Something like that.

Before I vote, I'd like to ask what you mean by "cosmetic modifications?" Is it something you add or change that is not period correct, or deviates from "Z-ness" or just something that keeps with the Z Ness, but just isn't the stock or oem parts or design? About the judging- I think that daily driver, being over the usual 7 years old (when you are expected to trade in your "old" car to buy the newest model) could be 'divided' into a class that is older (25+years) and one that is newer (less than 25 years.) There are more parts available as replacements or customizations for the more recent models than the older ones, and the older ones are at a distinct disadvantage. For example, if you try to compere a 300ZX with a 240Z, you will probably lose because the 300ZX has all shiny new parts, and the 240Z has parts that have been repaired, restored, or from the JY. Another reason to try a split in the DD class into two similar ones is that because daily drivers, being say 30+years old, will most likely have replacement parts on the engine, (injector connectors, fuel rail, alternator, etc.,) on the body (body side mouldings, emblems, bumper parts, and anything rubber or plastic) and especially inside (carpets, seats, dash cover, shifter, steering wheel, etc.) That way, there is a class you could enter your low-budget DD and probably compete against the DD prepared by a person with a larger bankroll- especially in these current times when money and jobs can be hard to find, but not the enthusism.

I'll give this a break while people make their the way to the convention. Meanwhile, I have an attorney friend who said he'd give the document a look, and discuss the missing information with me. Good luck to the people going to the convention.

The week before the 2008 convention had perfect convention weather. It was sunny and warm the whole week. Even I had to wear my winter coat all week for the convention. You take some chances picking the date.

Per the Rulebook, the Nissan Modified class allows "Any Nissan engine offered in any Z model including the addition of turbochargers, superchargers, carburetors, nitrous, and intake system is permitted."

Here is a photo of the one on my 280Z, which is located on the glove box door.

So far, it looks like the spark plug boot might work. I got one from a Chevy and it might need a little trimming, but the shape is generally correct. I would like one with a slightly longer arm on it, so I will hold off on making this permanent for a few days. I might even use some black RTV stuff to keep it totally water-proof.

I dunno aout bribing Will, I watched him drink the free beer at the 2008 convention...

Good luck to everyone going to the convention. It's too far to go for us middle-US owners, and hopefully it will be coming east again soon.

I'll take your word on that. It's hard for me to see it.

Letting the nametage hang loose is respectful of the car? It should be removed or held or pinned against the chest, or something like that. A loose nametag could make contact with the paint.

I've used that on the intake too, and it seemed to brighten it up. Just don't get any on steel parts or fasteners, or it will start to rust pronto.

IMO, those things are cool, but not required. I think I'd keep them , or maybe lay them in the back, but there should be some announcements or handouts in your information packet if you are required to disconnect the battery, or anything like that.AFAIK, in stock class they check everything, so everything should be opened, but only when required. Hood & hatch can be opened right away, for spectating, but the doors & glove box need to be opened only during judging. Usually there is enough room to open the doors fully without hitting anything, but be aware anyway.

Good idea; right plug wire end. It might be a little on the big side, but I will make some measurements and go look. The weather will be nice tomorrow, and I get in for a dollar.

Taco Bell hot sauce!

No problem. Chill bro... You've got the ZCCA judging rulebook, and it's a good place to start. Go through the section for your class (S30 Stock, modified, DailyDriver, pages 7/8) and see what areas the judges will be looking AT. For example, in DD, the judges look at the Exterior and Interior only, and in stock and modified classes they check Exterior, Interior, and Engine. then print out pages 10-12, and read what they look for in each item, and try to clean & perfect that stuff. The process is simple: CLEAN THE CAR. After that, CLEAN IT. If you think it's clean, clean it! repeat..... Most deductions are for dirt or unclean stuff. Driving down the highway with the windows open doesn't count as vacuuming. I think I'll suggest you totally empty the car, and put the required stuff (owner's manual) in there, and anything else in a plastic tub/cardboard box/duffel, in case you need it (spare oil, spare fuses & fanbelts, rags, wax, detailer, snacks, FRS radio etc.) that way, you take it out and use it, then put it pack in the tub. I keep the tub in the car except for when you are cleaning or the judging period. The rest you'll learn from hanging out with people. The convention is more about the people than the car show, but for most people, it's a big exciting thing.

Sorry, I don't have speakers in the office... It will have to wait until I get home.

YUK. UGLY. It doesn't look anything like an S30. It's just another import/Infinity. Besides needing two hours to wash & wax, they put the engine in the trunk.

Does anyone know of a source for the rubber boot that covers the Battery terminal on a 280Z alternator? MSA has nothing, and neither does eBay. Is that something you commonly find at the JY on newer vehicles maybe? thxZ

I can agree with most of your experiences; I've seen that happen too. That is basically what I have noticed myself, about how things work at shows with proud owners, and I have always accepted the results I got. Instead of trying to improve the score at the moment by arguing,I usually just ask about what kinds of things (if there is time to ask) should get attention (fix the carpeting, vacuuming, dusting, dash detailing, upholstery repairs, etc.) because as most people know, you can't honestly critique your own work! The score sheets only have deductions, and maybe a comment or two. It's impossible to see where you ought to be putting your efforts for the next time. Again, this topic isn't about what to do about losing points here or there. It's about defining the judge's protocol during a show, because that is as important area as "certification" or classing. It would even make the judging more consistent and fair.

As for numeric the Poll specifics, you should look for trends, not the individual percentages or ratios. To me, it says that people aren't happy that the engine was changed, or the interior was changed, or the body was changed. the specifics of the changes is another topic to discuss.

Most aren't there after the call to put away the towels is heard, and it's no fun waiting for the judge to get to you, so you start looking around, or get a snack/souvenir, or whatever. Even when it's required for the judge to open a door, or check a lamp, or whatever operational item is required by the rules (which is fair enough) some courtesy is in order for the car and owner, to ask him to do the operation. then if a judge needs to get into the car, there is a proper and respectful way to do that too, and it doesn't add any time to the process, provided the owner is there.Cooperation between judge and owner will actually save time, rather than cost time, provided the owner knows what to expect. One thing I forgot to mention earlier is that I have experienced personally, was a couple judges that weren't familiar how to operate the car or switch and almost broke something trying to operate something.

the poll may be ending, but that only refers to the voting. The discussion may continue, unless the topic is closed.

That is why this topic was started; to get more ideas together and refine it into something that is reasonable enough to submit. I already have some things written up, most of which were mentioned already, but many minds are always better than one when brainstorming. It was practically impossible to get the most recent, important, changes made, let alone to add a new section defining a whole new set of rules to something so many think "isn't broke." It's not "broken- just incomplete.

Instead of a 5 ft. rule, let's just call it an arm's-length rule instead, to make it more fair for the judges, but still respectful for the vehicle and owner. Gnoses's comment about how an intensive 2-day inspection is a little much is correct, but the Z car/S30 isn't about that, and the ZCCA judging criteria allows for a LOT of variation or flexibility. This topic isn't about the strictness of the judging criteria or any judging criteria for that matter. It's about defining how judges should act while examining the vehicle and how intrusive things should get. BTW- most antique or marque organizations that I know of require a fire extinguisher (10BC) and you get DsQ'd without one- even outdoors. I'm not aware of disabling the electrical stuff, but it doesn't seem unreasonable- at the most you would just need to reset a few things afterwards. For indoors, some require such things as an empty gas tank or special fire-retardants added to the gasoline.