Rhino73z

Don’t know how you make the relationship between the increase in demand for ethanol has influenced the price of oil? It certainly has influenced the price of grain and domino into livestock prices. Watching the economic news, the increase in oil prices have been due to; supply not increasing, demand increasing (in particular from China and India and this doesn’t look to be curtailed in the near future), threats to the oil supply and speculators in the market predicting the demand will outstrip supply. If you where a cynic you might start to believe that Peak Oil predictions have come true. I think you will find it is why governments like US and Australia are subsiding ethanol to lower demand on oil and hopefully bring prices down….which is unlikely. Either way you cut it, prices ain’t going to be cheaper, but not having an alternative will make it even more expensive.

It amazes me to read the heated topics about running alternative fuels…..it will destroy engines….it will send prices sky rocketing. Why is there such as resistance to change? Personally I think we have a very exciting future in front of us, after all, think of the possibilities we currently have now….ethanol/methanol fuel, hybrids, electric, hydrogen, solar, etc. I think ethanol blend fuels will be the future in the short term, until the viability of hydrogen or electric. And before I hear any moans about it destroying engines, here is an example of what we can achieve now… Quote from Holden chief, Denny Mooney (http://www.abc.net.au/insidebusiness/content/2006/s1737335.htm) ‘Ethanol, as an example. I mean, we can run on E10 today but we have vehicles around the world that run on E85, 85 per cent ethanol. In fact, we ship Commodores to Brazil that run on 24 per cent ethanol’ If ethanol is such a bad thing, then how is Holden achieving this! But the bigger question is why don’t we have this alternative here in Australia? And for the second part of the argument that we can’t grow enough crops maybe this could be an alternative? http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/05/microfueler_home_ethanol_pump_unveiled_ready_for_preorders-2.html Obviously we have a few hurdles to cross as we develop new technology and we have to also accept new technologies will present new problems. But who of you out there really would prefer be riding horses than driving cars…..similar arguments where used when they where introduced! Food for thought.

Saturday's are cool by me. I'll pencil in the 23rd, 24th. Let me know the finally details, when they are resolved....i.e, Chris has fixed his water pump leak. Chris....you are on your own....I have enough Zed work to do in the coming weeks (Scott....I'll fill you in on the details when we catch up)!! B) Simon

Hi Scott, Sorry for the late reply....didn't pick up that you switched threads. Can't make Feb the 3rd....have my three year olds birthday to attend. Sunday the 10th I can make, but the following Sunday 17th is also off the list.....up to Wakefield for a trackday. Happy to meet at the cotter on the 10th. We can do the tinbinbilla loop if you like via Corin if you want a longer windy drive? Simon

Sounds like a plan……how about a meet down at the Cotter and have a BBQ? I’m happy to make it a family event if they want to tag along.

Hi, My name is Simon Reinecker and I own a 1973 240z, here in Canberra. I know there are more ACT Z addicts out there, as one of my mates Chris (who has recently purchased a silver 240z, with my help) has been knagging me to join in on the fun on the VicZCar so here some details of my ride... I purchase my Zed back in November 2002 from a gentleman in Adelaide. It was worth the trip and turned out to be one of those lucky stories you hear. The car was modified from original, L28 engine from 280zx turbo, Haltech fuel management system, Crane iginiton, 280zx gearbox built by Lindsay Drife, R200 limited slip diff, rear disk brake conversion, original interior and painted in Monza red (pics attached). But it got better....it also came with the original engine (matching numbers), a ute full of parts, new windscreen....the original owner even gave me several manual and tools! I started feeling guilty that I haggled the price down before I headed of to SA. Since then the car has been pampered and only driven on Sundays (at Wakefield Park). There has been a little re-building, things like the rear wheel bearings after one track session and the latest has been custom made front strut braces (made by myself). A lot of detailing and I hope I will end up with a Zed as spectacular as posted on this site. As they say, once the bug has bitten there's always seems to be reason for another improvement (just keep it quite from the missus)! B)