240Z OEM Headlight covers - Yes or No

[acf321]

I'm putting a set of the OEM headlight covers on my 71Z, but wondered what the general view on these are amongst the die-hard fraternity. Like the Jap style mirrors, the light covers tend to be an acquired taste, so I wanted to put it out there to see your thoughts, that is yes or no?

 

I have read from various sources that the covers were supposed to be an OEM addition, but cost precluded this. There are apparent aerodynamic benefits also, but I am not aware of these (but would be interested if anyone knows).

 

Thought i'd ask the question and see where it goes.

 

Cheers

 

Adam.

[620Z]

Go for it. I don't mind them. I think there might be some aero benefits. But nothing you will ever notice. I had them for a while on my Zed before I did the G-nose. But one flew off on the track at Sandown doing over 200. So I sort of didn't worry about them then. But if fitted well they can look nice. Oh and to get light scratch's out just use a very light sandpaper or cutting solution on a rag.

[Sirpent]

Adam

 

If they are the chrome ringed type go for it.

 

As far as aerodynamics, I don't have any hard data on a Zed's exposed HL buckets but what I can tell you is this as a comparison.

 

In the mid 1980's, it was calculated that the side door mirrors alone on an Aussie touring car cost approximately 2+ Kph down Conrod.

 

The "Z" HL buckets would have a significantly higher effect considering they act like parachutes to an oncoming air stream.

 

Peter mac was also telling me that during his time as a mechanic with Skaife that they once taped up the bonnet opening gaps on his car in qualifying and he bettered his qualifying time as a result.

[RBZ 260]

+ 1 don't mind them

 

Expecialy if u don't have to drill any holes to fit them. If stainless I would drill the cone to fit. Stainless  version looks too cool not to fit it.

 

but most important. if u like it than fit it.

 

its good to get input on some things. ie fitting a veilside kit to a car should be punished by death by throwing veilside kit bits at the owner.  but don't think this is that xtreeme.

 

it make it look more streamline, may be pain with cleaning. got a set was planing to fit but never did maybe on the 240z.

[WA240Z]

I have the covers on my car, so I am biased, but I think they finish the look of the car off very nicely.

 

By the way, where do source the SS or chrome frame type from? I have always wanted to swap to these.

[Zedman240®]

+3 go with the fitment...I chased my set from SA! Paid $400 for them too.. PO was worried about drilling holes in the buckets but to me, as they are a OEM part, had no problems doing that. I think it will help with aerodynamics...anything that removes a vertical flat surface from the airstream must be good.

[luvemfast]

It's a yes from me.

I have the rubber edged ones, which are fine on a black car.

[MaygZ]

 

As far as aerodynamics, I don't have any hard data on a Zed's exposed HL buckets but what I can tell you is this as a comparison.

 

The "Z" HL buckets would have a significantly higher effect considering they act like parachutes to an oncoming air stream.

 

I found this on HybridZ.  I don't know the rules of info sharing between the sites, so if I have done the wrong thing please delete this post.

 

http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/56520-understanding-the-numbers-on-the-data-sheets/

 

They spent some time (and I'm sure a bucket of $$) putting lots of different combinations of Zeds through a wind tunnel.  I have attached their results - the thread explains all the meanings - sometimes very technically   

 

EDIT:  No I haven't as the file is too large at 380kB - but it's in the thread that I have linked.

 

They have a whole thread subject file devoted to aerodynamics with some very interesting posts.  Worth a read if you have a spare day.  Some very interesting info regarding spoilers and air required by radiators.  A great read.

 

Here are some links to articles on the subject:

 

http://zccw.org/Tech/Body/early_aero.asp

 

http://zhome.com/ZAerodynamics/AeroMillspaughPart1.htm

 

MaygZ

[peter mc]

they do work at p i down the stright they are worth 7km i loged it the last time i was there in noles car .

[Lynton]

Positive: look good, supposedly better airo-dynamics, saves cleaning bugs out of the headlights, they mount flush with body panels.

 

Negative: water gets in and you need to remove covers to clean the headlight buckets and the perspex can crack easily when screwing back on so use tiny rubber washers between perspex, screw and bracket.

Screw holes hold moisture so rust can occur around hole drilled. They can fog up inside. If you sit or lean heavily on them they crack.

Rubber gasket flimsy and can break.

 

Chrome Japanese headlight covers have thicker perspex and a under frame foam rubber gasket seal and mount over the top of the buckets just like a lid on top.

 

I have headlight covers but I wouldn't have them again by personal choice.

Lynton

[acf321]

WOW ...

 

Thanks everyone, what a great response. From that I can can say that 7km down the straight at Philip Island is really material, so they DO work from an aero perspective. I did tell Nat that I had bought a set and he just said: "ahh yes, the 250GTO look, go for it". For those that have asked, I have bought the genuine item that is pictured on my 'brown hornet' thread, from a fellow forum friend of mine who had them stored and did not intend to use them.

 

As for drilling the holes, I recognise that's not going to make me feel too special, but knowing they are a factory fit, they is OK with me. I guess we'll have to be sure we seal the metal to ensure no rust finds its way in.

 

Really appreciate all your feedback fella's.

 

Cheers

 

Adam.

[gav240z]

....he just said: "ahh yes, the 250GTO look, go for it"....

 

I was gonna say the same thing, to me it reminds me a lot of the 250 GTO look and that's probably why I like it. I also think the old rally cars looked great with them on.

 

I only like the OEM covers though, I don't like the cheap copies that motorsport auto and others sell.

 

I had a set of tinted ones (non-OEM) on my first Z and they were a major hassle with water and dirt getting under the covers and then there was the fogging up with moisture. My step dad lent on 1 when I was working on the car and cracked 1 of them. I just remember them being a pain.

 

If I had a set of OEM covers I'd definitely put them on my Z. The Chrome trim is what does it. The non OEM never again, they just looked cheap.