Sean240Z

I'll be heading out tomorrow morning. I look forward to seeing some of you there. Cheers,

Gus, Will there be a Meet and Great on Friday night? If yes, where and what time? Cheers,

Sorry, double post.

Jeff, Will you be down in Orlando for ZFest? I hope to see you there. Cheers, Sean

I spoke with Wayne and a friend of his (I think his name was Gord) about Z-Fest. Unfortunately, I didn't get Wayne's contact info. I did give my email address to Gord, so hopefully he'll drop me a line in the next few days, and I'll be able to get Wayne's contact info. If I do, I'll PM you with the info. Cheers,

I was at a local car show (Fort Walton Beach, Florida) on the weekend and met Wayne and his Black Skyline (a nice guy and a cool car). This was the first Skyline I've seen in the flesh. I wish I'd had my camera with me (I wasn't expecting to see anything other than American Muscle Cars). Wayne mentioned that they actually used his car during filming of Fast & Furious 3 (his car was parked in the background during the parking garage scene). Cheers,

I just registered for ZFest and made my hotel reservation. Hopefully, I'll see some of you there! Cheers,

I'm planning to be there. I'll probably leave the Florida Panhandle on Friday morning and head out along I-10. I hope to see you guys there.

"I am thinking of getting Falken Ziex ZE-512 in a 205 60 14 all around. Im looking for a good handling tire with reasonable treadwear. " Justin, I've got Falken Ziex ZE-512, 205-60R14's on my 240z (5-speed, 3.9 R200). Overall, I'm very pleased with them. I had BFG Comp T/As 215-60R14s before and the Falkens are a big improvement (i.e. have better wet grip and are more progressive when they break away). I do run them at 45psi though as I found that at lower pressures, they tend to feel a bit "squirly" when transitioning from a slalom to straight away. Even at 45psi, I do not find the ride too harsh (at least with Suspension Techniques sport springs). I like my "Old School" 14's. Cheers,

It's Official!!!! We did it!!! Warner Home Video has announced that John Frankenheimer's classic 'Grand Prix' will be released in the US on July 11, 2006 in a Two Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition. Special Features will include four never before seen documentaries and the archival film 'Grand Prix: Challenge of the Champions', taking viewers behind the scenes of '60s Formula One racing. The restored 65mm film will be released in widescreen format with a re-mastered Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. To reserve your copy of Grand Prix from the first shipment on July 11, fill out the Secure Order Form at www.PutGrandPrixOnDVD.com. Orders will be filled by The Motorsport Collector in Downers Grove, Illinois. All Major Credit cards accepted. We ship worldwide. All of you who signed our online Petition - more than 7,000 fans from more than 40 countries - deserve credit for convincing the powers that be to release this classic bit of racing history on DVD. You made it happen! As of now, we are only aware of a US/Canada release date. We'll keep you informed of further developments via email or you can visit isit www.MotorsportCollector.com or www.PutGrandPrixOnDVD.com for the latest information. Sincerely yours, Paul Zimmermann Managing Partner, The Motorsport Collector -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- email: pz@motorsportcollector.com phone: 630.515.1440 web: http://www.motorsportcollector.com

I have such an understanding wife! I don't know how, but I missed all the info on this race weekend and just saw the flier today. I checked with the boss and she was able to find someone to look after the kids while she works this weekend, so I'll be there. I'll drive up on Friday night and be there first thing on Saturday morning. I'm looking forward to the six hour drive from the Florida Panhandle. It's been over a year since I took the green machine on a good road trip. I wonder if I'll be able to park in the coral? Anyway, I look forward to seeing you all there. Cheers,

BadDog, Sorry for resurecting an old thread, but..... I was wondering if the '72 Dash Cover from MSA fit better than the '73 one you originally ordered? I've got the exact same issue ("but is off about 1/4" for the left air vent") with the full cap I just received for my '73 240Z (build date 6/73). I wanted your feedback before I return my full dash cap. Cheers,

Ed, Yes, that was the one I used. Cheers,

Hmmm...Interesting. I've got the Scheider Stage II cam with 25,000 miles on it. I've had no problems and was unaware of the potential issues. I just found some more info at the following link: http://www.geocities.com/zgarage2001/engine.html Scroll down to the 8th section on camshafts for some info on Cam Rules, the CWC billet and a recommended street cam. I just adjusted my valve lash this weekend. I'll keep an eye on the lobes. Hmmmm.

MikeW, I guess I probably got two right door seals then (probably the one that was missing from your kit!). As in your case, one bag was labeled for the right door and the other (incorrectly) for the left. I just flipped it around and it installed fine, except for the aforementioned join at the dash instead of under the skuff plate.

My wife and kids were gone for the last two weeks, so I spent that time working on my 1973 240Z. Over the two weeks, I removed the old and installed all new weatherstrip (Precision Weather Strip Kit from Motorsport Auto), had my first experience with POR-15, adjusted my valve lash, changed my oil, lubed the chassis and installed one of Dave’s (aka “Zs-ondabrain”) headlight harnesses. I thought I’d summarize a few of my lessons learned as they may be useful to some of you out there. 1. Weatherstrip - The biggest pain with installing new w/s is removing the old w/s and adhesive. My wife has a heat gun which was a big help for softening the old rubber and adhesive. I also sharpened the end of an old acrylic toothbrush to act as a scraper to remove adhesive without scratching the paint. After removing the w/s, there were a few spots (under the rear hatch inner w/s and under the door kick plate) which had some rust. I scraped the rusty area and used some POR-15 (Metal Ready then POR-15) on those spots. The POR-15 works really well. I was very pleased with the results. The door w/s that comes in the w/s kit from Motosports Auto did not include the strip that goes between the rain gutter and the main w/r. I had to cut this section from the old w/s, clean it up and re-install it. Also the right and left door w/s is identical, so the join on the passenger side is in the stock location (i.e. under the scuff plate), while on the driver’s side the join is up beside the dash. After installing the new w/s, it was definitely more difficult to close the doors. As suggested in this forum, I used spray silicone on the door and w/s (on the door side and under the w/s flap). After a few re-applications of the silicone and a couple of days, the doors close nicely with just a little more force than required with the old worn out w/s. Again, this was installed in my ’73 240Z. Overall, I was very pleased with the Motorsports Auto (i.e. Precision) w/s kit. 2. Adjusting Valve Lash – I have a Schneider Stage II Camshaft and kit installed in my L28. I’d adjusted the valve lash previously but decided to research the procedure through this website. The following link was very useful regarding the “fit no-fit” method and the suggestion to use a 17mm crow’s foot socket on my torque wrench (http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=1803105&uid=786489&members=1). I did the adjustments cold as I was out of practice. The valve lash adjustment went very well though I did learn two important lessons: Lesson #1: I removed the spark plugs and used a socket and wrench on the crank pulley bolt to turn the engine over. After I had finished adjusting the valves, I was eager to sample my handy work and … forgot to remove the socket and wrench from the crank bolt before I cranked the engine! Doh!!! That was pretty stupid! Fortunately, there was no damage as the wrench fell off when the crank pulley nut backed all the way off. Lesson #2: After I finished adjusting the valve lash, I took my Z for a maintenance test drive. It was awesome, the valve train was significantly quieter; however, about a mile from my home, a valve started ticking and it got worse and worse. I limped home @ 1,000 rpm dreading what I would find. I pulled into the garage and pulled the valve cover. I found that for the third exhaust valve (I think that was the one) from the rear of the engine, the 17mm lock nut had backed off and the valve lash was huge. I had used my torque wrench to tighten the 17mm lock nut to 40 ft lbs and couldn’t understand how the nut could have backed off. Upon closer inspection, I noted that just to the left of that exhaust valve is a head bolt. With two wrenches in the tight space around that valve, I did not notice that the 17mm crow’s foot socket had contacted the head bolt and stopped me from tightening the 17mm nut to 40 ft lbs. Though my torque wrench clicked indicating 40 ft lbs, the nut was loose. I readjusted the valve lash, buttoned everything up and fortunately, there was no damage. 3. Dave’s (aka “Zs-ondabrain”) Headlight Harness - What can I say? Awesome craftsmanship, easy installation and improved headlight brightness. Previously, I had replaced my old melted fuse box with the replacement from Motorsports Auto with modern blade fuses (pricey but worth it IMO) and noted an improvement in the brightness of the headlights. Given the improvements I’d already seen in the performance of my headlights I wasn’t sure I’d notice an improvement in my headlight brightness with Dave’s Harness. With Dave’s harness installed, the headlights were even brighter and on par with any new car’s system. I recommend this upgrade to everyone. Anyway, it was a busy but rewarding two weeks. I’m just waiting for my new dash cover and door window channel (to stop the windows from rattling) to arrive so that I can install them. Cheers,

15 years this month. My '73 240Z was my first car. I bought it just as I finished high school for $5,000. It only had 72,000 miles and had never seen snow; consequently, I have only had to deal with some very minor rust over the years. I love my Z and I'll never sell it.

Dave, I got the harness yesterday and it looks awesome! I'm hoping to install it this weekend. OBTW I also got the Alternator Adapter from Arnie in the box. Are you two working together? Cheers,

Chris, The ST springs are stiffer than the stock springs and will not compress as far when you lower the car. Once the car is sitting on the ground, you should see a difference of only an inch in ride height. You're in Panama City Beach? I'm just along the coast in Shalimar (near Fort Walton Beach). Cheers,

Chris, I installed KYB Strut inserts and Suspension Techniques lowering springs in my '73 240Z. I installed the bump stops in mine but actually cut them in half (i.e. reduced their height) to avoid engaging the bump stops too early, but providing protection against metal on metal contact (I got this advice from some long forgotten source). I've driven my car since 1999 in this config and have never had it bottom out. Cheers,

I'm interested in upgrading to the 280ZX Turbo 70 Amp alternator; however, when I search the various online parts suppliers, all I can find are 60 Amp replacements for the 280ZX (non and Turbo). Has anyone found a source for the 280ZX Turbo, 70 Amp alternator? Does anyone have the full part number for the 280ZX Turbo, 70 Amp alternator (i.e. LR170-###)? Cheers,

Ian, this a good thread. My philosophy is that I bought my car to drive and enjoy but I still want it to look good. Over the 15 years I've owned my Z, I've upgraded numerous components mostly with parts from newer Zs (I guess you could call it a resto-mod). I've modified my car to enhance performance and appearance as I was not concerned with maintaining my car's originality (I never plan to sell it, it was my first car!). My Z is unique, there's no car exactly like it on the road, and that's the way I like it. My car is a daily driver and I've put 55,000 miles on it since 1991 (for most of that time, I lived in Canada so it was garaged for five months of the year). I occassionally show my car but do not expect to win (it's hard to compete with a car trailered to an event). I mainly go to the shows to meet with fellow enthusiasts and talk Zs. In my experience, the Z community is made up of friendly, helpful individuals who love their Zs and cars in general. I've met very few snobs who would look down their nose at a "work in progress". I say, do what you want with your car as long as you enjoy it and have fun. Cheers,

I had problems with my MSA header. See the following thread. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12474&page=2&highlight=MSA+clearance MSA paid to fix the problem and now I'm happy with the fit, performance and sound. Cheers,

DatsunZsRule, No problem. I know what you're going through. Before the Canadian Air Force decided to move me to Florida for three years, I spent four years in Cold Lake, Alberta (I've seen -67 degF with the wind chill). I know it's pathetic but I could only go about four weeks each winter before I had to shuffle out to the garage through the snow, sit in my Z, move the gearshift and make vroom vroom sounds . They should have support groups for those suffering through Z withdrawl in the northern regions . I gotta tell you, I'm really loving life in the south. Driving my Z year round is SWEET. I'm really dreading returning to the Great White North in 2007. Cheers,