The Brown Hornet - as NEW 1971 240Z - SOLD

[KatoKid]

How about the rest of the exhaust sytstem.......have you had a chance to discuss diameter, resonator/muffler types and location with Andy? Assume you will need to register the car so noise vs performance will be an issue?

[RB30X]

I don't know why you think you will get flamed for going for this firing order route with the headers. It makes perfect sense, it will increase scavenging of the exhaust gases and probably sound unbelievable. Tell the guy who makes it to make a few sets as I'm sure the are people here that would buy them

[acf321]

Thanks Gents ..

 

I know i'm no expert, unlike some of you blokes, so the last thing I want to do is come on this forum sounding like i'm preaching, because I am definitely not going there. All i'm trying to do is to share my experiences and highlight what I'm learning for myself along the way, in the hope that it might be of some interest to another Zed enthusiast. 

 

As for the balance of the exhaust system, Andy said that the header would be 1 5/8" or very close to that (as I gave him my valve and cam specs) and from the header back, we'll be going single 2.5" stainless mandrel bent pipe with mid mounted stainless resonator, and rear 'mega-flow' type stainless muffler. For what its worth, Andy is dead against double pipe systems to the rear. He said they; 1) weigh twice as much, and 2) he is yet to see one actually add a performance benefit to anything (again ,, this is not MY view). The actual extractor will be made in mild steel, and then be ceramic coated inside & out.

 

Cheers

 

Adam

 

 

[MaygZ]

I would be VERY interested in hearing more about your scavenging system.  This is how I was always told true 'extractors' should work, but the extra expertise and cost was prohibitive.  I was told that therefore 'headers' were built.  I have always been confused that they now seem to be interchangeable terms.

 

Equal length tubes give a minor extractive effect, but nothing like properly calculated and built 'extractors' that scavenge each pulse.

 

I hope the cost isn't too high.  Please do discuss with your man the costs involved in running off a few sets.  It may make your set a bit cheaper also.

 

The Hornet is a road car, right?

[acf321]

Thanks MaygZ ..

 

As for the cost of the hand built 'extractors', that will be around $1200+, but then comparing to SWR's $1660, or importing a set of left hand side Stahl, it is OK for what I'm getting. The cost of ceramic coating is typically around $300-$400, then there is the balance of the system. If you want to save money, this approach is not the way to go, but if you want to maximise your engine's potential, then these mathematically modeled and calculated bespoke units are available.

 

As for running off a few sets, I don't think that is an option (of course Andy will keep the design of my set), BUT Andy did explain (as did Nat later on) that inputs such as; 1) cam duration, 2) valve size, and lift, and 3) CR and detailed nature of the porting all go into making a unique set. Andy did say, that every 5 degrees of cam duration beyond a certain level leads to a ~1" difference in primary length. As for the mathematics, Andy uses his original text book from his mechanical engineering degree that was written in 1920 and applies to all engines. This specific book is also mentioned in "how to modify your Datsun Engine and Chassis", so its not just a load of bollocks, I actually know of this book, and can confirm it is what Andy is using to run his calculations.

 

So I guess in summary, if you want a set of these extractors, then you'll need to build the same engine spec as the hornet, which I'm sure James' will be happy to assist with.

 

I look forward to getting this thing done, and then letting you all know how it goes. Thanks for your feedback and interest.

 

I just found this Video actually showing this scavenging effect of a set of 'firing order' headers for a Merc C63.

 

 

Cheers

 

Adam. 

 

[mossy]

So the header your talking about Adam, is that the octupus type you usually see on yahoo japan?

 

http://page7.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/g89662068

BTW these are over 3k....but very nice

[Brabham]

Good work with the exhaust Adam, I look forward to hearing it. I have heard 123-456 extractors so will be interesting to hear the difference. Yep those extractors are the way to go and should work a treat. I have seen a GT40 exhaust and I can vouch that it is a nightmare to construct and install - although it does work and sounds awesome. Let me know where you get the ceramic coating done as I would like to do my extractors too. Do you need to bead blast the extractors first or do the coating guys make sure the exhaust is clean? Cheers and looks like you are on the homeward stretch, congrats.

[NZeder]

So the header your talking about Adam, is that the octupus type you usually see on yahoo japan?

 

http://page7.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/g89662068

BTW these are over 3k....but very nice

That looks just like what Adam is talking about. Those headers are usually seen on high power output L6 build in Japan - funny I have really looked that close at them (price always made me look away quickly) but they are 153,624 just was Adam is looking at getting custom made to suit his setup - perfect. Like others can't wait to hear the car once complete - might even have to use up airpoints and come for a visit

[acf321]

Week 68...

 

Not much has happened these last few weeks, but today I went over to Nat's shop to have a look at the re-skinned dash. Before we opened it I was pretty skeptical as i've seen some really poor dash restos before. On opening the package, this was anything but shoddy. The fit and finish is perfect, as is the way they matched the new skin to that of the factory finish glove box lid. Nat hand painted the glove box emblem too, and from my perspective, that looks excellent.

 

We pulled all the gauges apart, cleaned them, polished the lens and re-assembled. Aside from the clock that is not working, all else is a perfect fit and to me looks factory fresh. We'll paint the centre console in the coming week or two, and with the new choke and throttle levers, the interior should start to look as fresh as the outside.

 

I'm awaiting another shipment of parts from the US this week, which includes F&R strut top caps, and new gear shift bush, and a set of OEM exhaust/inlet man washers so we can send the car off to the exhaust place.

 

Hopefully more to report in a week or so, when Nat will have the dash, door linings and maybe centre console in place.

 

cheers

 

Adam

 

[acf321]

and these.,

 

The last one is Derek Bell and me at a function last weekend. If you don't know Derek, he is a five time LeMans winner from 1980, having driven 917, and 956/962 with Jacky Ickx. If you have seen Steve McQueen's movie LeMans from 1971, Derek is one of the main drivers of the Ferrari's in the movie (who was almost incinerated in the car), and remained very close friends with Steve until the end. I won't go into all the detail, but it was an amazing night, at which Derek told many stories from the old days, including that of how he was chosen by the factory to test the 917 body configurations, that had him driving at 396kmh in the rain, with experimental aero packages! Pretty awesome stuff, if you're into it. If you want to see Derek in action, here he is at LeMans in 1983 in the 956. Top speed was 246mph, where he had his foot to the firewall for over one minute (at 0:31-1:34). This car was making 850hp, and weighed about 600kg.

 

[NZeder]

re the clock - common issue and I think it is a Cap that fails.

 

Dash looks great like the rest of the car too

[acf321]

in case you wondered...

 

The Brown Hornet is sleeping under a sheet ..

 

I am yet to have the exhaust made up, but its surely getting close. I needed a self imposed break!

 

Adam

[gav240z]

in case you wondered...

 

The Brown Hornet is sleeping under a sheet ..

 

I am yet to have the exhaust made up, but its surely getting close. I needed a self imposed break!

 

Adam

 

I was going to PM you and check everything was ok. Good to know you were just taking a small break. No need to rush. Although I am anxious to see it finished.

[Brabham]

If you can get plans or pics of the exhaust once it is finished I am interested in seeing those. 

[KatoKid]

Its funny (not really) you know, when you don't hear from a regular forum member for some time, especially after Kyle I was thinking of others and realised I hadn't heard from Adam and a few others as well for that matter.

 

Good to hear from you Adam and looking forward to the final unveiling.....when it happens and in your own time!

 

David.

[FLEXZED]

in case you wondered...

 

The Brown Hornet is sleeping under a sheet ..

 

I am yet to have the exhaust made up, but its surely getting close. I needed a self imposed break!

 

Adam

 

Hey adam

 

went past Nats just before xmas and saw the hornet he lisfted the cover and  all i can say is AWESOME

 

 

 

Loui

[acf321]

Thanks for those comments Gents, appreciated.

 

yes, I just wanted to keep in the loop. I reckon I might be able to get that exhaust done in Feb ,,,or that is my hope. We are doing a knock down on the house, so the Wife has finally taken control of me and the finances ... and NO she has not seen the bills to date !

 

Thanks Loui on the feedback, I think you are the only person other than me and Nat to have seen the car. I really love the colour, although recognise its not your typical blue, silver or red.

 

Had lunch with a mate today who has a Jensen Interceptor in as new condition .. I asked him; "when was the last time you saw an 'as new' 240Z on the road"? he just shook his head and said the could not remember seeing one in literally years. I guess once its done, there will be a market for this kind of thing (and NO I am not thinking of selling - yet!)

 

anyway, pop on by my forum occasionally, it might be going in the not too distance future !!

 

Cheers all.

 

Adam

[acf321]

Its been about three months since I went down and had a look at the Hornet .. it was a much needed break for me, and by bank account.

 

Nat's been busy though .. and I took a few photos. The car is very nearly ready to be driven now. All we really need to do is complete the interior (seats are done), balance the wheels, add a battery and exhaust and the car should be right to go. A few more things like the correct length of door seal rubber, aligning the rear hatch, putting on the bonnet, and finalising electrics.

 

Here's where its now at;

 

1) Selector is now installed with 4 speed gear knob (i will be chasing up a 5 cog number in due course). This was just done by gently heating and bending the rod back dramatically from the centre point, as was done in Lurch's red car. I have a photo with the console in place, and the car in 1st gear, to show how much room we have left, not much, but sufficient. The transmission feel is genuinely like a rifle bolt, given the tranny is rebuilt, and there are all new bushes in the selector. The shorter shifter feels rather more like an MX5 too, which is not a bad thing,

 

2) Dash is installed, including the magnificent Cali-clock from my very good mate Mike. All the dials have been disassembled, cleaned, and the lens cleaned. They really look impressive in the flesh, and like new,

 

3) The Compe Steering Wheel is on and looks just perfect.. Old School Fast look

 

4) All electrics are now operational, and the centre console is all connected, with new rods for the air vent and heater controls. The fascia is the original one, and is a little shabby, but does remind me the car is a 71 model, and not a 2011 model. I restored the side vents (with super fine steel wool that made them like new) but have yet to complete the middle vent,

 

5) Centre console fits perfectly, but will need the small holes drilled for the rear following my refurbishment of it last year, and we'll be re-spraying it in the correct 2-pack paint to ensure it wears better than the cheaper canned stuff that's on it now. I think it looks great, and given it was a busted up mess when I got it, it really looks the part,

 

6) Fuel lines are in, including elec fuel pump, and regulator (see photos). We went for a simple type single line and have not put in a return line yet, but should there be an issue with this, we'll add a return later,

 

7) New door cards are in, and they look brilliant! - still available last year so if you have the means, grab a set via Nissan while you still can.

 

8.) Seats are recovered, but as I was not happy with the tension of the fabric, they'll be going back to be re-done.

 

Enjoy the photos. Shouldn't be too long now!

 

Cheers

 

Adam

 

[acf321]

more

[acf321]

and lastly

[Riceburner]

Compe wheel and calender clock, good choice. It's Awesome mate, this is an immaculate zed! A dream car

 

Any progress with the headers?

[acf321]

Thanks Gareth.

 

On the headers... yes, Andy is still going to be doing the firing order set of headers, but given i've had a break and need to finalise with Nat before we move the car out, it might be a few weeks, if not a month or two to get the exhaust done. Not sure if I mentioned it, but i'm getting a custom 1 5/8" ceramic coated mild steel header, with 2.5" mandrel bent stainless system with mid resonator and rear sport muffler from there back.

 

Yes, must say I have taken a little more than some inspiration from your car, its a monster!

 

Cheers

 

Adam

[Lynton]

Adam did you get your stock steering wheel foam grip reconditioned and if so who by? Looks great Lynton

[mossy]

Adam did you get your stock steering wheel foam grip reconditioned and if so who by? Looks great Lynton

 

The steering wheel is a Nismo compe handle steering wheel, very pricey but very nice!

[Lynton]

Adam do you have a supply source, Lynton