djc2004

Probably something that is a bit left field for most here, but I'll ask anyway. the V8Z has a GM TH 350 3 speed auto box mated to the chev, and as it's not an overdrive box (and it's automatic), i want to change it but I'm having problems finding a suitable 5 speed that will take the hp. So far HybridZ say most septics use a 6 speed (from a holden) but it's not a box I'm in love with having driven a manual Monaro. Also they're expensive here. The Supra box is a better price and is a common fit but the longest life I know of was 5,000k behind a similar motor to mine. If I could find a turbo supra box - that would be strong enough but they're pretty rare. A 5 speed Ford box (T5) is another contender but again the strength of the box is questionable - a mate of a mate is building an S30/351/T5 for hillclimbing and feels it's the weakest link for him. (i'm not hillclimbing though...) I see there's a VL Commodore Turbo 5 Speed box currently on ebay which is factory fit for the RB30 Turbo engine, but again is it strong enough? Stewart wilkins said 300Z TT box would be strong enough but no one's mated it to a SBC chev yet. Castlemaine rod shop was going to try one but no news about that is available. they say do the supra box and treat it gently but whats the point? should I go with the T5? are there any other suggestions???

Hi Guys finally got the V8Z running well enough to go for a bit of a cruise last weekend and after about 2 hours driving, found that for winter I won't need a heater - amazing heat soak from the engine bay..... Wanted to ask opinions about insulation, what works what doesn't, is it better in the engine bay/firewall or better in the cabin? what about ceramic coated headers? louvers? any other ideas how to reduce the underbonnet temps? i read that there's a low pressure area at near the front of the bonnet and it's better to fit scoops/louvers there than at the rear as the section near the base of the windscreen is a high pressure area..... Cheers David

Hi guys, Very impressed with the photography. will have to get with the program and add mine to the group. Must say that the 350 looks very dumpy along side the S30. Mother in law - exactly ... why didn't Nissan do a 'GT40 style' replica of the S30. Much better looking IMHO. Loved the yellow Z, who'd a thought it'd look so good in yellow? Brave move that really paid off, Nigel.

going back to Sulio's comment about tyre pressures, I ran my totally stock 260 coupe's tyres at around 40psi with some benefit but the biggest revelation was fitting new tyres - it made a huge difference to the steering effort. the comment about tread depth you made Rod, makes me think that the biggest change you could make is to increase the pressures in some new tyres.... David

Nate, My 350 260Z will be in Melb next week (i'm told) so if you want to see what's involved in a 350 swap I'll be happy to show you. what's the gearbox thats part of it? will it fit? I'm contemplating a manual to replace the TH350, so I'll be keen to see what fits. David PS I'm no engineer..............