jmortensen

The synchros in the Comp transmissions are Porsche synchros which are the same as the synchros in the "915" box from 911's. I would use what they use. Overwhelmingly people who race 911's with the steel synchros use SWEPCO 201, which is an 80W-90 weight gear lube designed for heavy tractors and machinery. I gave a buddy a close ratio comp box with the .8 overdrive, and he tried a couple different lubes in it, and was about to take it out when I gave him some SWEPCO. He is a believer now. It works well in clutch style LSD diffs too, and in brass synchro transmissions as well, especially when mixed 50/50 with ATF. It is a GL5 rated lube. Swepco used to have a website but I have been unable to find it recently, but you should be able to find a bunch of suppliers online. If not pick up a European Car magazine and look for a vendor who sells Porsche parts. They will have it. It is expensive but definitely worth the $$$. Jon

I got mine thru the junkyard network, had it shipped from the east coast to the west coast and ended up paying $325. I was told to ask for 87-89 300ZX Turbo 5-speed. Since then I've heard lots of people talk about this, no one else has ever made the manual or automatic distinction. I can say that a manal will be an LSD, just not sure about the auto. Jon

I've seen some BSP cars that would TEAR ME A NEW ONE!!! Vic Sias comes to mind, but I think he's sold his old car. That pic is definitely me. If you've got any others, Steve, I'd appreciate an email with some attachments. Steve's been for a ride with me at the autox before, but I think I was a little out of control that day, Steve, so be nice...:cheeky: It was fun but not fast that day... Jon

It looks to me like your E31 has been shaved at some point. Not too much room between the "E31" casting number and the bottom of the head. I know, it's not the most scientific way to tell but it has worked for me in the past. If it has been shaved, your compression will be higher than you expect. IMO putting the bigger valves in is a must, if not you might as well go with a shaved P90 or just an N42, since they already have the bigger valves and compression you're after. I expected my car to run on pump gas with a stock bore L28 with flat tops and E31 mildly cut, about the same as yours from the looks of it, with unshrouded valves (read bigger chambers) and it doesn't. I need about 95 octane. According to the engine calc I was supposed to come out at 10.2:1 compression. I think I have something more like 11:1. My chambers are polished, there are no sharp edges and I still can't run pump gas, even with the timing backed WAY off. I can't prove my compression ratio, but everyone else's stories makes me think my compression is high. A BIG cam would help on the compression and octane too. More overlap allows more compression with less octane, but you'll lose some low end. On the other hand, mine hauls butt, and it's not a daily driver anymore. So this was a good way to go for me, but certainly wouldn't be a good thing for everyone. Jon

Alfadog, I'd like to see your picture. I lost EVERYTHING with regards to the buildup. Had to format the harddrive and thought I had all my old pics backed up. Jon

A brief rundown: GC coilovers and "roadrace" camber plates 200 in/lb springs front, 250 rear Tokico Illuminas MSA swaybars Heims jointed TC rods Heims jointed front control arms Slotted front crossmember for bumpsteer G Machine bushings in rear Everything else poly Homemade strut tower bars front and rear 300ZX R200 LSD ZX 5 speed L28/E31 (dished pistons at that time, about 8.5:1 compression :disappoin) now with flat tops :devious: 490/280 cam Triple 44 Mikunis w/ITG Cannon manifold 2 1/2 exhaust ZX elec ign MSD Yokohama A005 slicks 250/45/15 or thereabouts the metric is 250/590/15 Custom 8" circle track steel wheels (heavy wheels)

Thanks! It's my first attempt at editing video. Took me a while to figure it out, but every time I made progress I wanted to do more. Jon

What do you think? This video was taken 4 years ago when I had just installed my Mikunis. My brother in law and my wife and I all drove the Z that day. I was at the end of a run group and didn't get a chance to drop my rear tire pressure between runs. Having the rears about 3 psi too high made for a fun ride! There are 2 autox runs, the first one shown from inside the car and outside. The run with my bro in law was made right after he had driven his last run. The video with music has some swearing in it, so if you've got kids get the other one and listen to the Mikunis singing all by themselves. Here's the URL: http://hybridz.jimzdat.com/zpics.htm Here are direct links to the vids: http://hybridz.jimzdat.com/pics/jmortensenwithmusic.wmv http://hybridz.jimzdat.com/pics/jmortensenautocross.wmv I don't usually spend a lot of time on this board, but I thought these might get someone's blood pumping (works for me!), so here they are: Enjoy!!! Jon

My buddy and I were at the Streets of Willow running a POC slalom, and he was having the same problem in his 510. Our cars post times at autox that are within a second of each other, and since he has changed his transmission he has come within 2 seconds of my Z on the big tracks. His problem was using the 280Z five speed. There is a BIG gap between 2nd and 3rd. When we came onto the straight, he'd stick right with me until he shifted into 3rd, then I'd drop him like a bad habit. He'd drop right out of the power band and the car would lug along until he hit 4000 rpm or so and his 44 Mikunis started to work again, but by that time I was gone! Your diff ratio seems really extreme, if you are concerned about the 2-3 shift I'd suggest a 280ZX transmission, as it has tighter ratios. I think you might find your top speed really limited by such a low gear. On my friend's car we installed a Roadster tranny which has ratios similar to the ZX tranny with the comp synchros, and that allowed him to catch me again. Jon

That was my post on the zhome list. This is not my Z, but the owner is a good friend of mine. She love Z's , and has owned 4 or 5. In fact, she's holding on to #1496, which she purchased a few years back, and selling #476. This is a very good restoration candidate, it has the original motor and "monkey motion" 4 speed. Runs and drives good. Thanks all, Jon