norcal z

Hey, guys - I just posted about this and some other things on the "Website Development and Bugs" forum before seeing this thread. My preferences are also set to "show all threads" and "show 40 posts per page", which isn't happening, either. I'm guessing that the default is currently set at "3" for each of these features. If you notice other bugs, it will help Mike out if you'd post over there. gary

It was in a former gf's 280z (parked on the side of a one-lane country road), with the t-tops off. Those bicyclists that passed by sure got a surprise! And to think, until i saw this poll, I'd forgotten about that episode! edit: I know, this is NOT what you meant here, but I couldn't resist!

Hi all - I've been on a 4 wheeling trip to Moab, UT, for the past week, so here's my $.02: I suppose Mike has a point about the early Zs being similar enough that they could be grouped together, and I also tend to agree that the word "club" doesn't need to be in the name. So, I suggest we simply call it "Classic Z Cars", which I think would look good on promotional items (hats, shirts, etc.) along with the Z logo.

Hi everyone - I haven't checked this forum out in quite a long time, but went racing this past weekeng and got the "bug" back. So I thought I'd check out the racing forum here, and this was the first thread I looked at. All I can say is, "WOW"! This is great. Sorry, but I can't offer anything to the discussion, but hearing about it from all of you is very interesting. I hope you will continue it here. Perhaps it is because these cars primarily raced in series on the European and African continents, and media coverage of the events back then was almost non-existent as compared to today's events, that most of us here do not know more about them. The Indy and NASCAR have mostly been featured in the media here, and so that's what we've grown up with (well, until Speedvision, I guess!). gary

Looks good, Mike, but everyone needs to list where the goods are located, just like in this forum.

I like the second and third T-shirt examples, also. In fact, I like them both. As for the shirt color, how about gray with the red/blue logo, and white for the original emblem logo? The cups are cool, too. Gee, thanks Mike - just what I need is more cool stuff to spend my money on!

well, we do have quite a diverse group now. My name's Gary, I'm 47 yo and have lived here int he San Francisco Bay area for the past 15 years. I'm employed with a major public transportation agency in Contracts & Procurement. I primarily work with Specialized Engineering Services contracts, and also purchase our rail rolling stock. I've had my poor, tired old '72 for 3 years, but it's still enjoyable to drive. It will undergo a resto-customization maybe in a year or so, after I've gotten Phase I of my other project conpleted. That involves building up my '97 Jeep ZJ (Grand Cherokee) to better handle more hardcore rock crawling. I belong to a group of ZJ nuts who like to prove that our Grands don't know the way to the mall, but they LOVE Moab and the Rubicon. Until a couple of years ago, I was a crew member and co-driver of an IMSA-styled dirt modified stock car. That was a real blast! Nothing like 500hp under the hood and a wild-*ssed bunch of competitors to stir things up! My first car was my mom's '57 Chevy wagon, then a '48 Chrysler Windsor sedan. Other notable cars include a '64 Impala SS, '69 Road Runner, '69 Chevelle SS396 (375HP version), '64 Austin Healey 3000 Mk III, and a '72 Pontiac Grand Prix. Ok, that's probably more than enough. Hope to meet up with at least some of you in the future. Until then, z-ya!

actually, it could be kinda cool if you're customizing rather than restoring as original. If you'll recall, later model Zs (280s) were lighted a redish-orange hue, which, like lots of armed forces applications, was easy on the eyes at night by not ruining your night vision. But, I would agree that SOME of those bright indiglo colors were a bit too much.

I sent you an e/m about a problem posting a pic (you recently replied to it, and I just responded to that). Also, there was a minor grammatical error on the auto response to when i posted a new link a Z business. I'll try posting another new link and copy the text (sorry, I'm rather 'anal' about the use of "and" and "an"). edit: hmmm, I thought I read that you were finally getting the yellow one back together again. At least you have a garage! gp

Mike - Looks good so far! I've found one or two minor things to tweak (will e/m you directly), but I like it a lot better than the old site, and that was pretty darn good. It amazes me that you have time for this AND the Yellow beast!

Well, sorry I don't have an answer for ya, but mebbe someone will respond here soon. Mine needs a new antenna, and I wanted to go with an electric one. g

Hmmm, How 'bout I throw out another option for you? Scott Bruning has some great videos on rebuilding SUs, and runs http://www.ztherapy.com/. Check it out - you may want to get a video and do DIY, or send them in and have him do a professional job. ------------------ Gary P '72 240z - 5 spd., Crane Cams elec. ignition mod, BFG Comp TAs (needs tlc) '97 JGC Laredo - K&N filter mod, Don-A-Vee TB spacer, factory skids/front tow hooks, Con-Ferr roof rack

Hey, Brian - Sounds good - maybe you'd let me check it out sometime. I'm just "next door" in Mtn. View. ------------------ Gary P '72 240z - 5 spd., Crane Cams elec. ignition mod, BFG Comp TAs (needs tlc) '97 JGC Laredo - K&N filter mod, Don-A-Vee TB spacer, factory skids/front tow hooks, Con-Ferr roof rack

Not to knock VB, but there are a couple of other sources you should also check outfirst, before buying anything: Motorsport Auto www.zcarparts.com, and Courtesy Nissan http://www.courtesy-nissan.com/ ------------------ Gary P '72 240z - 5 spd., Crane Cams elec. ignition mod, BFG Comp TAs (needs tlc) '97 JGC Laredo - K&N filter mod, Don-A-Vee TB spacer, factory skids/front tow hooks, Con-Ferr roof rack

OK, Robert, I found what I was searching for. I'll cut and paste the relevant parts of several posts to the e-mail list from the past year, for future reference here. It looks like Rob probably has the best suggestions, but I'll also include some comments from Kyle & Manny, as well. gary --------------------------------------------- from: 240z-club-digest V3 #266 Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 09:00:53 -0400 From: Rob Roy Subject: Re: <240z-club> eagle talon seats Ernie: If you are considering a seat swap, please check out the seats from either a CRX or Civic SI. I got seats from an '88, but other close years will work. The Civic versions have better fabric, otherwise the same. They are as low and as light as stock Z seats, have excellent side bolsters and under-thigh support and are generally cheap. THey look terrific, and the velour is cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. All you need to install them is a flat piece of metal for the rear to make a bridge across the stock Z floor supports because the stock Honda tracks are just a bit wider than a Zs. You'll also need a Dremel or other cutting tool to remove the stock Honda bolt loops in the front and to cut a bolt clearance notch in the outside rear supports. I swapped my seats left/right so that the recline adjusting knob didn't press against the seatbelt at full rearward position. Except for the Dremel tool, all you'll need is an electric drill to make new mounting holes. BTW, I carefully measured and considered every bucket seat in five different junkyards before coming to the conclusion that the Honda seats were THE seat to use in a Z. WARNING: Some years Honda put the outside track flat on the floor and the inside track higher - on the side of the "driveshaft" hump. You do not want these seats, despite the fact that the rest of the seat is identical to what I've described. You want seats with both tracks flat on the floor. I paid $125 for two in excellent condition. YMMV. --------------------------------------------- and a couple more comments from Rob: from: 240z-club-digest V3 #401 Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 14:24:45 -0500 From: Rob Roy Subject: Re: <240z-club> performance upgrade <snip> My last suggestion for low buck improvement is to toss the stock seats and get some from a late 80s Honda CRX SI or Civic SI. These seats are light, easy to install, easy to find, cheap to buy, don't raise your head height and feel really, really great! They have support under the thighs, in the small of the back, and at the side bolsters that makes the driving experience soooo much better. You'll feel like a runner who got out of loose leather wingtips and into new, snug Air Jordans. Autocrossers will tell you that for the quickest time, the driver's body has to be immobilized -- impossible on slick, flattened, unsupportive, 27-year-old stock seats! --------------------------------------------- Here's Kyle's comments regarding Talon seats: from: 240z-club-digest V3 #265 Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 15:43:02 -0700 From: "Kyle Hagemann" Subject: Re: <240z-club> eagle talon seats from ernie ruiz > > Has anybody put the Eagle Talon seats in their Z? Yeup! > If so what year did they come from and will eclipse > seats work? I got 91's, AFAIK... Laser/Eclipse/Talon is all the same. BUT - they're a MAJOR PITA to install. If you're over 5'3", you'll have to *completely* remove the stock seat brackets, fore and aft, and bolt the seats directly to the floor. Too bad, too. They'll line up with the stock mounting provisions, but the seats are so tall, your head will be thru the roof. :-( If I had a time machine, I'd wind it back and NOT do it. I'd get the stock seats refurbished. <snip> --------------------------------------------- And finally, here's what Manny had to say: from: 240z-club-digest V3 #320 Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 15:48:10 GMT From: "Manuel C" Subject: <240z-club> <L6> Starion Leather Seats... - -- Group Message from "Manuel C" Good Morning, After installing my new wheels...I decided to go back to my stock seats. I have a pair of Starion Leather seats that are available to a good cause (any proud z owner). They have adjustable head-rests, with Lumbar and side bolster dials. The Passenger side is in Vgood shape, the Driver side needs some work. I used adapter plates and only made two holes (front rail) for the install. I would not recommend them for anyone taller than 5.10, you will loose some adjust-ability sliding back. <snip> [This message has been edited by norcal z (edited 02-19-2001).]

Hi, Robert, and welcome to the group! I think I've seen an answer to this question on the e-mail list, so let me do some checking and I'll post back here. gary ------------------ Gary P '72 240z - 5 spd., Crane Cams elec. ignition mod, BFG Comp TAs (needs tlc) '97 JGC Laredo - K&N filter mod, Don-A-Vee TB spacer, factory skids/front tow hooks, Con-Ferr roof rack

whoa, pretty nice, Ron! But before I can get one of these, I need to get the car lookin' good! But, now that you've posted here, we can "find" you again! Thanks, and hope you have success. gary

Hi, Roger - Mike posted a reply to this question under the "Z-Car Microfiche CDROM" section. Apparently, there were some production delays from the vendor burning the CDs. From the forum summary page, scroll down to the bottom and you'll find that section - it's the most recent topic (at the time of this post). gary (also anxiously awaiting it's arrival!) ------------------ Gary P '72 240z - 5 spd., Crane Cams elec. ignition mod, BFG Comp TAs (needs tlc) '97 JGC Laredo - K&N filter mod, Don-A-Vee TB spacer, factory skids/front tow hooks, Con-Ferr roof rack

My catalog is might be a little old, but Motorsport Auto has a CFC-free kit listed for '70-73 240Zs. You might want to give them a call at one of these listed numbers: Order Toll-Free @ 800-633-6331, or for Questions/Conversation @ 714-639-2620. They are located in Orange, CA. ------------------ Gary P '72 240z - 5 spd., Crane Cams elec. ignition mod, BFG Comp TAs (needs tlc) '97 JGC Laredo - K&N filter mod, Don-A-Vee TB spacer, factory skids/front tow hooks [This message has been edited by norcal z (edited 05-06-2000).] [This message has been edited by norcal z (edited 05-06-2000).]

On the e-mail list, there was some discussion regarding replacing/not replacing certain bushings, such as the lower control arm bushings. The consensus seemed to be that they did not need to be replaced if they looked ok or weren't obviously bad (if this is not correct, I'm sure someone will jump in here -no problem) My question is, although my suspension experience is with American cars, is there something inherently different with the z-car that you wouldn't want to replace all the bushings, including LCAs? Or is it more a matter of not having ready access to a press to do the job? And certainly, replacing these without one IS a major PITA, I know! I can't imagine that 28 yr. old rubber can still function as it was designed, which is to reduce noise & vibrations from being transmitted through the suspension. I'd like to hear what others have to say about this. FWIW, my intention was to replace all the bushings with like rubber ones, rather than going poly. This old body of mine gets enough bouncing when I race, and this car serves as a co-daily driver (sharing that duty with my Jeep ZJ). Gary [This message has been edited by norcal z (edited 04-28-2000).] [This message has been edited by norcal z (edited 04-28-2000).]

Hey Rob, just curious - what's up with the "self tuning" gremlin?

Boy, someone must be a mind reader with this post! BTW Mike, the link for the CD-ROM didn't work - it took me to the Peak website (yours??). I was sucessful going through scarab.240z.org homepage, however.

OK, after hitting the 'send' key a few minutes ago, I decided to check out the Haynes manual. Briefly, it mentions that there are differences in carbs for auto tranny cars and manual tranny cars. I saw in another forum area that you have just swapped in a 5 spd from an automatic. I assume since you didn't say otherwise that these are the auto tranny carbs, right? That might also have something to do with your problem (tuning), although it doesn't seem to answer why it would all of a sudden "come on" as you described. It *could* have an impact on eventualy being able to tune them properly, I suppose. Someone else who's done the tranny swap should be able to address this... ------------------ Gary P '72 240z - 5 spd., Crane Cams elec. ignition, BFG Comp TAs (needs tlc) '97 JGC Laredo - K&N filter mod, Don-A-Vee TB spacer, factory skids/front tow hooks