S31 300zx RHD conversion

[Kavs]

Hi guys

Wondering if anyone would know if you have to change the firewall on an S32 300ZX (84-88) to change it to RHD? 

I'd really love to get one from the states but reading up on conversions for most cars is very off putting.

 

Cheers,

Matt

 

 

[C.A.R.]

You can register it LHD.

[Kavs]

Thinking about it but would prefer it RHD if it is economical to do so. D you know if the rules restrictive on modifying LHD imports?

Edited June 13, 2021 by Kavs

[C.A.R.]

I suggest you speak with a Certifying Automotive Engineer in your state about it.

I have not performed a RHD conversion on a S130, but I would think you'd need all the donor parts from a RHD S130 to complete the conversion.

[gilltech]

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I would think you'd need all the donor parts from a RHD S130 to complete the conversion.

Ditto my thoughts. I would expect one to need a RHD steering rack, dashboard, wiring loom, Aus-spec headlights, taillights, sidelights/turn indicators... may need ADR-approved items too such as seatbelts, brake parts, maybe windscreen... Many components fitted to North American-spec'd cars are different to those fitted for our market.

Whatever the plan for RHD or retain in LHD, any car you source in the USA would need an asbestos-free certification... checks of gaskets, brake linings, underseal, heat wrapping, insulation, ????? ... it's illegal to import asbestos into Australia.

[Kavs]

The asbestos checks etc are carried out by the importer, I am mainly curious as to the firewall, cost goes through the roof it you have to change it out, someone I spoke to said that some early Z's were relatively interchangeable by design. If the spend if over 5-6k I'm out.

[gilltech]

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The asbestos checks etc are carried out by the importer,

Yes but it's at your cost not theirs.

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some early Z's were relatively interchangeable by design. 

A hard one to check, unless you can find images of the firewall in empty engine bays, and on the cabin side, for both LHD and RHD cars and compare.

Note that some cars have differences in the floor pans and deeper footwells (for pedals) on one side compared to the other. Sometimes one floor is higher to suit an underlying catalytic converter or whatever. So I'd check out the front floor and footwell areas as well. 

[Kavs]

Will do thanks.

[AndBir]

On 6/12/2021 at 10:57 AM, Kavs said:

Wondering if anyone would know if you have to change the firewall on an S32 300ZX (84-88) to change it to RHD?

From what I read, you DO need to alter the firewall to give the same rigidity where the rhd steering and brake/clutch components are to be mounted and then seal up any old (now unused) firewall holes. But, unlike in the USA (rhd to lhd), you do not need to cut out the entire firewall from a donor and use this as a replacement section.

As mentioned, better to discuss this with an expert.

[gilltech]

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you do not need to cut out the entire firewall from a donor and use this as a replacement section.

But that surely is the better way to go, don't you think,  so that everything lines up and is located where it should be on both sides front and back. And easier to certify.