Kato Kids BMW M3 powered 71' 240Z

[260DET]

Idle is crap? Racing cams will do that. Or maybe it's the abcwxy@h**@!!!!

[KatoKid]

Sometimes I doubted this day would ever come.....

 

Big thanks to my brother for encouraging and being a great sounding board through the process.

 

    

 

[Ponyo240z]

Sometimes I doubted this day would ever come.....

 

Big thanks to my brother for encouraging and being a great sounding board through the process.

 

First drive 1.jpg First drive 2.jpg First drive 3.jpg First drive 4.jpg First drive 5.jpg

 

 

WOOW!

Why cut the video when you were about to go full throttle. Show us more

[260DET]

Hooning at it's most deserved best, great feeling isn't it, I think that congratulations are in order.

 

Crikey, that motor looks huge in there, are you sure there is only one?

[KatoKid]

Thanks guys. Hardly hooning....I didn't break the speed limit 

 

Motor looks big Richard but its all airbox/induction. Head is big though.

 

Observations: Everything works!

• Power steering feels great, not too light and good feel on center.
• Gearbox is good, no noise and synchro's are nice.
• Didn't stomp on the brakes but they work fine.
• Exhaust is quiet at idle, bit hard to tell when on the gas with no glass, door, interior etc but sounds great! No knocks or noise from touching anything.
• One of the biggest problems I've had with other conversions has been clutch release, happy to say this one is excellent to the point I can reduce travel and lower the pedal a bit.
• Motor.....ooohhh that motor.... I'm lost for words. Very torquey and punchy down low, even using only 4,000 rpm and not full throttle it has absolutely no traction in the first 2 gears. Granted its probably a couple of hundred kg's lighter than finished weight but its going to be snappy! Cant wait to drive properly and use all 7,500 rpm.

To say I'm stoked would be a massive understatement. Bought back memories of the first drive of my chev powered LJ Torana.

[Cozza]

Fantastic Mate. Very happy for you!!

Moar video is a must.

[lightmaster240z]

Wow that is great new mate

[dat240z]

Congratulations........ a long journey approaching the finish line. You should be very proud of the car.

[Riceburner]

Great stuff Dave!

[jeff43]

Top job Dave!!!!! We need more video, your just teasing us.

[KatoKid]

Thanks guys.

 

I need to hang panels and lights etc before that will happen.

[mossy]

Good stuff mate, it won't be long now!

[PB260Z]

Congrats Dave.

 

That first drive experience is amazing, and all the sweeter when the conversion is as groundbreaking as yours is.

 

 

Cheers

 

PB

[KatoKid]

Cant believe its been a month since last post....I've been away a fair bit for work, plus Easter and then 4 day ride in the Victorian high country so only just getting back into it.

 

Panel shop was supposed to come and start hanging doors and other panels on Saturday but the wife had already made plans which derailed that...... so today I got stuck into prepping the wiper motor and linkages to go back in. The motor comes in its own waterproof bag which was in excellent condition but was covered in red over spray so I had to clean this up as well as the linkages and pivots which were nearly seized.  Wiper motor was pristine when removed from its bag, just a lube and check over can go can back in. Linkages were pretty terrible to look at but were sound so just need a good clean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CBR Jeff]

Lots of little steps Dave. Looking good.

Sound like we have the same problems. Family, bikes and work impacting on our projects.

It's a good life we have, would not trade it for anything.

 

Jeff

[KatoKid]

Haha...yep,lots of parallels and as you say I wouldn't change anything.

[KatoKid]

Part of the deal I have with the panel shop is that they hang the panels so they came around today. Doors and guards went well, took some time to get just right but gaps and alignment are great.... very happy! Pics of dusty panels:

 

 

    

 

Not so happy when it came to fitting the bonnet as the MCA strut tops are hitting the bonnet frame. When I first fitted them I thought, mmm that’s going to be close …. turns out no way with the adjuster in place and even with the adjuster removed the bonnet still needs 5-8mm before it will close. Even the 2 strut top mount bolts closest to the guard are going to be close.

 

 

   

 

I know they previously used the inverted design with the remote adjuster coming out of the bottom of the strut tube for this application so will be interested to hear what they have to say. 

 

[gav240z]

Car is looking good, I too hate bonnet alignment problems.

[ZED660]

Dave

I had a similar problem when I installed my MCA's  and when I contacted Josh he said to remove the top adjuster like in your pic and I was then able to shut the bonnet without any problems.  When I compare your 2nd pic to my attached it seems like the black centre part and nut sits higher than mine even allowing for a different angle of the photograph.  Taking out the thickness of the alloy bracket in mine I feel the three mounting studs would be about the same length which do not foul my bonnet. 

 

It is a shame to halt your progress, hopefully it can be rectified without too much delay.

 

Regards,

Geoff

[potter260]

I just ordered a set of MCA coilovers last week, your making me nervous lol! Cars looking amazing by the way ??

Mitch

[KatoKid]

Thanks Geoff.

 

Agree mine looks a bit taller than yours, I may have to put a spacer between the current strut top mount and the underside of the tower .

 

David

[d3c0y]

Just get them to send you a set of inverted fronts with adjuster extensions. If anything they are a slightly better design, but just require greasing periodically and it's easy to install the extensions.

Edited May 20, 2017 by d3c0y

[260DET]

Much more convenient to have the adjuster at the top than the alternative of having it at the bottom, basically the top just needs spacing down, no drama.

[PeterAllen]

As per Richard's suggestion, what about a spacer plate between the strut and the tower?

Edited May 21, 2017 by PeterAllen

[d3c0y]

Much more convenient to have the adjuster at the top than the alternative of having it at the bottom, basically the top just needs spacing down, no drama.

 

Not if you have to fit the adjuster knob each time you want to change the setting. Mine are permanently mounted and can be accessed by simply turning the wheels as they are external to the strut.