Zed Head

Who will be doing the machining? Have you estimated the total cost to completion? Subaru still uses the R180 and there are a bunch of custom covers out there. I'm not sure if the mounting stud dimensions are the same, can't remember. I think that they are. https://www.flatironstuning.com/rcm-r180-differential-cover https://www.machinedspeed.com/product/custom-hi-capacity-r180-differential-cover https://www.importimageracing.com/products/r180-rdf-asf-machine-r180-billet-rear-differential-cover-subaru-sti-2004-2021

I wonder if $40 gets you the good aluminum. The Z cover is a loaded structure, not just an oil holder-inner. Not sure that old beer cans will do the job. Better ask. Diff cooling is a popular topic. These words in Google will find a bunch. site:hybridz.org differential cooling Here's a good one. https://forums.hybridz.org/topic/133692-r200-differential-cooler-pump-and-plumbing/

The low cost of the 3D printers probably opens up a lot more opportunity for casting. Used to be, I think, that you'd need a CNC machine to cut a form. The upfront costs were very high. Hard to keep up. I saw a guy make actual usable durable robust electrical parts with his printer. The "work" was mostly calculating and using CAD to make the computer file. Kind of disappointing, no handling of hard metal tools and setting up the machine to cut the piece. Life just keeps getting physically easier. Jeff Berk, does that family shop have a web site? Would be interesting to browse.

More fins is a good idea. https://www.z1offroad.com/nismo/nismo/nismo-rear-differential-cover-upgrade-r200-p-2339.html I wonder if they're using a 3D printing/additive manufacturing/stereolithography tool to create a wax form. Lost wax casting. Probably a lot easier to make the form with the new printers. Zip it out, pack it, pour it, send it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost-wax_casting#:~:text=Lost-wax casting – also called,cast from an original sculpture.

Insulting people on a friendly forum is appropriate? C'mon. When do insults ever really cause somebody to change their views? And your Swift quote could be pointed at HS30. Kind of funny. The sad part of it all is that the insults are like the turd in the punch bowl. Once the turd goes in the whole bowl is ruined. Nobody wants to drink that punch. When I see that HS30 has joned a conversation (he never starts one) I know how it will go and how it will end. It's just who he is, by his internet persona. And, despite your half page, I don't know more about who HS30 is. Overall, your reply kind of helps make my point. A small group of people who value his opinions, for reasons unknown. I came across a funny article this morning. That might be his voice... https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/23/you-shouldnt-be-doing-that-female-pro-golfer-films-mansplainer-at-driving-range

Do you have some axles? They're hard to find. People have reported that the aftermarket replacement axles are longer than the factory units and bind. I think that those adapters might cause binding also. The only adapters that seem to work are the ones that use the original axle flange as the mating surface and build the adapter around it. Something to be aware of. If you have adjustable control arms you can always widen the track. Here's a thread about it, with a picture pulled out. https://forums.hybridz.org/topic/128943-z31t-axle-swap-can-fit/#comment-1204163

A not-bad 78 is up, no reserve. Big bumper delete. Looks like it might have had a diff swap in the past, it has a yellow mustache bar and an R180. Could be a fun daily driver. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-datsun-280z-160/

I sent him a message last night with your info above copied in to it. He replied "Thanks! I'll get in touch."

To clarify - I appreciate Carl's rational on-point posts. You know who he is, he describes his history, and replies with the facts as he understands them. He has contributed to the Z car world with his web site and his respectful participation in conversations on the various forums. He makes a new person want to "join the club". I don't really know who HS30 is. Apparently his name is Alan (or Allan). He seems to have a small circle of people who respect his opinion but does not give much reason for anyone new to the field to do the same. He seems to assume that people should already know who he is. Can't really tell why his words should mean anything. He's just a loud voice on the forum. He makes a new person wonder "do I really want to be a part of this?". Carl adds, HS30 subtracts. I appreciate Carl's efforts but sometimes it's best to move on to more productive endeavors.

You can start your own new thread and link to the various posts here. You have that power. Frankly, I'm starting to feel embarassed for you guys. The "Flat-Earth Society" insult is an obvious sign that the discussion has degraded. There are no winners when things get this bad. Why not just stop posting? At least if you start a new thread we can all use the Ignore function of the forum so we don't have to see it.

Glad to help, and good luck. Hybridz is not very actively moderated. Not sure how fast they move or what the rules are for messaging. I can drop the guy a message and send him over here if you don't get through.

"Black Pearl"! https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-datsun-280z-162/

Just saw this on Hybridz. More expensive than a wrecking yard but cheaper than some places. Has the ratio, apparently. https://forums.hybridz.org/topic/133338-r200-370-open-and-z32-5-speed/#comment-1241777

There's a metal sleeve that the nut seats on. Threads showing is determined by the sleeve. https://www.carpartsmanual.com/datsun/Z-1969-1978/axle/front-suspension Part 23.

The bolt size problem is well-discussed on other forums. In principle, the clamping force of the bolts does not depend on the space around them, and the ring gear should never move on the carrier once clamped down. But people still use sleeves to take up the extra space. I can't remember which has which but it sounds like you're saying that your carrier has 12mm holes. By the words in the various discussions you should be able to use a ring gear with 10mm bolts. Put these words in to Google and a bunch of Hybridz threads will come up. You'll find links to sleeves/spacers if you want to go that route. The diff shop might have some opinions too, I'd guess. site:hybridz.org 10mm 12mm differential carrier

Search your local Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Probably have to buy a complete used diff. Maybe even a beat up parts car.

Is there a problem? On my engines, a 76 and a 78, 5 and 6 were always darker and 1 was always whiter. I don't think that air flow is well-balanced through the EFI engine intake manifold. They all get the same amount of fuel but diferent amounts of air.

Big picture wise, people can categorize the years and styles in any way they want. Some would argue that calling them Z's is offensive. Too informal! Insulting!

Does it have a miss now? You're on Page 4, hard to tell what the current state of the situation is.

The 92 mm number keeps popping up, on various forums from various people, over decades. Thanks for confirming, again, and adding the collar/sleeve/bearing measurement. Looks like 47 mm to the fork contact surface? Should be a good setup. You did the pilot bushing, right?

For what it's worth, the definition might be better phrased as "the first series" of cars, and 'the second series". What they are, not the labels that have become popular. And unpopular.

I'm not sure what you mean. I was just rephrasing Carl Beck's definition. It only uses the VIN as the identifier. He says that Nissan defined two specific ranges of VIN and that those ranges were used to define "Series". Nothing about features. Just VIN.

So, the people that are defining their "Series" by the parts on the vehicle are out of line, speaking nonsensically (no offense intended to anyone). What the "Series" designation really means is that the VIN is within a certain range. The parts (and the build date) don't define the Series, the VIN does. If somebody says that they have a Series 1, just ask for the VIN and you'll know.

HLS30-00000 - 00005 = Series 0. A small group, but still needs recognition.

The Tom Cruise Alpha 1 GTO sold. Pretty good money for a 1976 280Z! https://bringatrailer.com/listing/vanilla-sky-ferrari-250-gto-replica/