CoastGuardZ

Phil- Sounds like you and I are/were in the same boat. I have a L28 in my garage that I have been contemplating using for a swap and just keeping the numbers matching L24 around as a "just in case I decide to go back stock." A few years ago I thought I wanted a 3.1 and decided to start gathering parts... the block was as far as I got... but then for simplicity's sake I decided to go for a mild 2.8 build - I'd like about 225-250hp. I too am interested in hearing other people experiences vice just their opinions. We've got a lot of experienced peopled here at the site so I'm interested to see where this goes. Also, similar questions have popped up here before, so some creative searching might net you some previous answers from members that haven't been heard from in a while. BTW- looks like your VIN is missing a digit. ~Nate

Never was one for wearing gloves for street use (other than winter). When I used to race karts these are what I wore, but fire retardent race wear was required... http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/products/product_detail.aspx?cat_id=121&prod_id=972&showFeatures=1

Thanks man, your response made up my mind for me. I just ordered the Eibachs from MSA, they had them for $190, down from $325?!? For the Tokico HP's I tried a company I haven't used before, so we'll see how that goes. SCO (sport compact only) anyone heard of them? They cater to those tuners!!! :eek: !!! :surprised Hope they don't think I'm one of them. Anyway $246 for the struts. Less than $450 for the set, I'm happy with that. I can't wait to get them in, as of right now the rear squats a little while sitting and A LOT under acceleration and she handles a bit like a soggy marshmallow. Does anyone have comments about Urethane vs. Rubber bushings for spirited street driving?

Wow, that is ridiculous. Where did you see that at Rick? Nate

I would recommend towing it or having it transported for you but if you do decide to drive it... most if not all, states have "in-transit permits/plates". These allow you to drive over state lines without fear of breaking some other states licensing laws. Being in the miitary and wanting to keep my home states plates, I have had to do this 5 or 6 times now. You would get this plate from the state you buy the car in and they will want to see a bill of sale, your license, proof of insurance on the car (Z) you have purchased, and possibly other info depending on that particular state check their website before hand to make sure. Also, don't be afraid of law enforcement, contact the state police for the state that you are buying the car in if you have any questions about the legalities of that state they will be happy to help keep you out of trouble. Nate

Note on the drop in... Quality does matter. I've pulled and helped pull a few and the penda's and duraliners seem to be well ventilated to not trap moisture like some of the el' cheapo models. The worst I've seen from them was scuffed/sanded and rubbed paint, which is no worse than they do to the bed for prep to install of the spray in's. The penda I pulled from my first truck an '88 fullsize chevy had been in for 10 years and had only rubbed the shinyness from most of the paint. Then again - it's all personal preference.

The bedliner bit is personal thing. On my last pick-up, a Frontier, I researched the drop-in's, Rhino liner and LineX and after nearly two years I went with a Pendaliner SR Drop In. You see with the spray in's they utterly destroy the original finish just to get the spray to adhere. Also the spray ins do not flex, the bed and wheel wells do, which is permanent damage, where as the plastic ones do give a flex a little. Two major events led me to my decission... 1) My motorcycle with the kickstand down flexed the bed liner in my previous truck, I did the same thing unintentionally with the Frontier and it left a small dent... at that time with no bedliner... not a big deal. 2) while transporting a L28 block and 5 spd tranny, an unavoidable abrubt maneuver caused the block to tip over and roll a bit, denting both wheel wells and leaving a couple of dents and gouges in the bed floor. A drop in would've most likely absorbed most of that energy a not have left as much permanent damage, a spray in would've most likely have left noticeable dents and may have required some repair. The spray ins are only as good as the guy installing them and they cost considerably more, although they tend to look very nice. The place a bought my Pendaliner from also did spray ins, the owner told me that if you use your truck's bed occasionally the spray in was the way to go, but if you beat the hell out of it go with drop in. It is quite the personally decision and opinion, either way you'll still have a reliable good looking (even if it is a 'yota :devious: ) truck. But if you're interested at all check out Penda's website... and watch the video... http://www.pendacorp.com/truck/bedliner/pendaliner/ Nate

I can tell you that I worked at a dealer for awhile, and we sold the same song and dance of a "no need to ever wax sealant". It was crap, all front-end profit for the dealership. Just a sealer/wax that was applied by our detail shop. As far as making washing easier, any wax will do that. Better off buying a quality polish and wax, something like Mothers products. The undercoating isn't a bad thing, although you may be able to have it done elsewhere for a better deal. Car companies cut corners when possible so they often scrimp on any undercoating if at all. If they salt the roads in the winter up there you may want to go with it, the older 'yotas were notorious for the beds rotting out. anyway that's my $.02

For starters, congrats Kurt. The tow dolly question has popped up here a few times before. You will get many ideas and theories and opinions on it. My take is that the Manual tranny rear tires down is okay. Taking out the driveshaft won't hurt and having it towed on a rollback is even better. I personally towed my 72 about 1100 miles on a dolly with the shaft in and rears down. So I feel that this is an acceptable mode, although from now on I intend to use a full trailer my previous vehicle was "limited" to 3500 lbs and now I'm good for 5000+. On the topic of it having to be a currently registered vehicle, that's news to me. I know that it was not the case in SC nor is it the case here in NY according to the NYSP. Of course this may be different in other states so you may want to contact the states you will be transversing. Something else you could do is get a temporary or in-transit plate. These are usually about $10-$15 and would cover your butt. On the side of safety make sure that the tires on the Z are road worthy or better yet take a pair with you that you know are good. Congrats and enjoy your road trip.

Luckyyyy! Not a bad deal at all... I know I'd do the same. Too cold here. Did the machine shop give you an idea on turn around time? Nice weather and all, I'm sure you'd rather be Zn' around. And just think, when you get back up here it'll be peak Z season in NY too! Nate

WHEN THE HECK DID YOU MOVE TO NEW MEXICO???!!!??? Not that it's bad thing, cause it's like 20 up here right now. I was going to have to call your bluff on the whole "sunny day" thing, because you there's no such thing as a nice sunny day in Western NY in the middle of January. Man I'm really sorry to hear about your "little event" and at least you can be thankful that it was a localized event and not a "major" event like the Cement Truck that Will had invisioned. Good luck on a speedy recovery, and I don't foresee us bumping into each other in New Mexico so maybe at a Z show sometime... maybe Texas or MSA? ... correction ... right now it's 17 / wind chill is 4 ...

VQ40 and Dana Axles.... Man I'd be dangerous if i just had more time and money....

I voted for a few, especially the ones I use a lot. I do like the idea of an encyclopedZia, you know for all of us with a less than adequate memory, and to help the newbs out with the JDM's HID's and the LSD's. Oh, and for Bill's sake how 'bout a spell check... sorry Bill couldn't resist

Sweet!!! Looks great... mmmmmmm 918 so yummy. The rebello definetly makes me jealous. Nice Job. :rambo: Hey Ed, If you're lookin' for someone to add some more miles to yours just give me a call. :bandit:

How 'bout this shade? It's got a pearl sheen to it. I saw it at the ZCCA convention in Syracuse. Here's a link to it in my gallery... http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=16884&cat=500&ppuser=2476

Went back home to Charleston, SC for Thanksgiving and saw a gas station that had 87 for $1.89, 89 $1.99, and 93 for $2.09... which was an amazingly great deal compared to the $2.35,$2.45 and $2.55 here in NY. I also noticed that prices did not change for the holiday like they usually do... hmmmm?

Good find Tomo. Mark... Classic Motorsports is a magazine (a good one at that) that is affiliated with Grassroots Motorsports (another outstanding mag) that is based out of Florida, Orlando area I think. I'm really digging that "disposable" airbrush thing! Nate

Japanese Domestic Market ie: Cars and parts meant for the home market (Japan).

Okay so I keep seeing this thread on the front page and decided to give it a look. I was leary to even look at it as I thought it was more comparing the 350 to the much more classy Z's that we own. But now that I've read I'd like to say a piece and ask a question. I don't own the book nor have I read, although I have seen it for sale at a Books-A-Million before but saw the 350 and... well you get the picture. As far as the forward goes... I don't think it's a matter of Mr. Morton not saying what he felt to be true, but a matter of the author/editor deciding that it's not exactly a favorable comment and then placing it elsewhere in the book and then finding some other fella to "My life was incomplete until the day Nissan released the Z!" After all, when somebody says something semi-unfavorable people go "Wha! Did you hear what he said!??!" for the next few weeks maybe even years... The written word on the otherhand is permanent and esentially last forever. Proof of this? Well i think the Goertz myth is proof. Which brings me to my question... I agree that Goertz didn't design the Z. Who did? I've yet to see that pop up. Alan, Chris, Steven... I'm sure one or more of y'all knows, do tell. Also, What class did the 911 race in? It was also a 2.4L 6cyl during that time. And the 914?!? It seems to me the 912 would've been a better advesary than a 914. Nate

Maybe it's a more east coast style ride but I have to say I like the first one, although I think the spoiler is a bit excessive as is his asking price too . I can't believe the Orange one didn't go for more! Of course maybe Kenny and I have the same motivation for our fondness of it :nervous: Nate

If you have to explain it to someone it isn't worth the time it would take to do so. It's your car. Maybe he's jealous? If I wanted to buy your car I would tell you, "gee you should sell that thing and buy (insert any car name here). Heck you'd be lucky to get $200 for it... you know I've got $200 right here and I brought a trailer to tow it home with." Anyway, Camaro - sports car or muscle car? Neither, it's a pony car. Grouped together with the Mustang and the 'Cuda. I have similar issues everyday at work, The 3 guys I work with each drive the typical American trucks, a Silverado Z71, a F150 STX 4x4 and a Ram 1500 4x4, while when not in the Z I drive a Frontier 4x4 . So I used to try arguing with them about American vs. Jap, compact vs. full size and oneday I just realized it isn't worth it... we all drive what we like and none of us will budge - regardless of the fact that mine is more reliable, better gas mileage, more ground clearance and better off road capabilities.

Love the spook, my personal favorite. Black looks okay, if you're gonna leave it that way I would paint/clearcoat it in black. Personally though I feel that it looks unfinished when not painted, ala Honda Civic "ricer". Here is a pic of a silver 240 Panasports and a painted spook... should give you a good idea of what yours would look like.