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[daretobedifferent]

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Edited July 13, 2023 by daretobedifferent

[Kent]

I am interested!,  my 240z is one of the early ones which hopefully won't make too much difference (it needs some reinforcement)

[260DET]

Great idea, let's hope that there is plenty of interest. Racing experience shows that the basic S30 is weak through the fire wall to the strut towers.

[RLY240]

Interested too, sounds like a great idea.

[daretobedifferent]

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Edited July 13, 2023 by daretobedifferent

[WhitleyTune]

Sounds great, I'm certainly interested! 

[daretobedifferent]

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Edited July 13, 2023 by daretobedifferent

[marc280]

In case you have interest in doing this for a 280zx I'd definitely be interested... If not I'd love to see how you do it so I may be able to try something similar in any weak parts of the s130 chassis. 

[260DET]

The main problem with the S30, S130 and Z31 seems to be that both the rear and front parts of the body start at the fire wall with insufficient structural connexion between the two.  Look at a modern body like the MX5 to see the difference in structure there, it's significant.

[daretobedifferent]

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Edited July 13, 2023 by daretobedifferent

[AndBir]

20 minutes ago, daretobedifferent said:

A big downside to the Z is also the front strut tower regions. While its shape provides some strength, it's only supported by the upper fender rail (which is weak - spot welds seem to give way here quite often)

Strange that these issues were not corrected in the latter S30 models as I imagine they showed up in the 240Z cars that were rallied by Nissan.

[daretobedifferent]

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Edited July 13, 2023 by daretobedifferent

[gilltech]

Quote

Strange that these issues were not corrected in the latter S30 models as I imagine they showed up in the 240Z cars that were rallied by Nissan.

I think they were addressed to some extent weren't they? From my observations the 260Z shell is an improved construction over the 240Z, albeit heavier. But then people also complain about the added weight. So I guess much depends on how the car is to be used.

But certainly if a car is being stripped down to bare metal for a complete rebuild then that's the time to seam weld it in various areas rather than rely on spot welds. And putting a strengthening kit to tie the front end to the rear end better, such as is being discussed and designed here, is a great idea and a great initiative.

[gilltech]

Would there be any advantage to having an 'Export Brace' (google it) such as used on early Mustangs? A heavy gauge one-piece ribbed steel brace in a V shape that connects the top of the front strut towers to the central part of the firewall, replacing the standard rather weak bolt-on angle braces. Along with a strut brace it triangulates the front clip.

[daretobedifferent]

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Edited July 13, 2023 by daretobedifferent

[260DET]

The S130 and Z31 are very similar structurally, for some reason Nissan just seemed to carry the basic design over. Back in those days structural strength did not seem to be a priority like it is now, for safety and noise minimisation reasons too. 

[corey_obr]

Count me in, getting the z blasted next month, so these might be roughly ready at the exact right time.

[240z2jz]

Interested!!!

[daretobedifferent]

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Edited July 13, 2023 by daretobedifferent

[skipz]

I'm interested!

[DatZed]

I'm also interested pending the final design and details.

[Shaun05]

10 hours ago, DatZed said:

I'm also interested pending the final design and details.

I second that. Quite interesting.

[Agno]

I'm interested pending compatibility with the 260Z chassis

[Hurtle]

Also interested. 

[Devil zed]

I'm keen. who's capable of straightening in Sydney area? my rails out a bit. going full length rails and this kit when the time come