Shan

Like I indicated in the other post - really do not have the working space to be leaving my car in bits for long periods. I know otomoto have that service (hopefully still do), but I can't have my car sitting on blocks for more than a weekend (and even then I might get "spoken to"). Dimitri pretty much confirmed what I was already thinking re. coil overs. I think the cost will be worth it - if only for the flexibity it offers with wheels/sizes and personally - I think the right wheels can really make a car - so having options is important in that area. Getting my hands on some other struts and sending them off is not a bad idea at all Dimitri. Just wondering how much that will set me back? Depending on how cheap I can get struts for - could be the best idea so far for my situation. Hmmmm....maybe a nice melbourne member can LOAN me some struts??? : ) I will happily replace them with my own struts and some cash or a nice bottle of grog as a "thankyou". Would allow me to send off to Ben and get this done with as little fuss to the body corporate as possible. Anyone got spare 260z 2+2 struts available? Mine is a '76 (not sure if there are differences in those prior). Cheers for the help so far guys. Shan.

Hmmmm..... Only catch is I have nowhere to work on my car ATM. Living with my girlfriend - inner city townhouse. We have 2 car parks, but Body Corp. says we are not supposed to work on cars there. I already push it a little as it is when I've got seats and stuff pulled out of the car for interior restoration I have almost finished. Having the car up on blocks for more than a day would get me into the sh*t for sure... So.... 1. I buy the coil over sleeve kit from Ben (planning on buying some other Zbits from him anyway). 2. Then I take it to a suitable place for them section the strut and fit for me with appropriate shocks. You think I can find a place that will fit Ben's coilover kit for me? Any suggestions? I know some places get "funny" and are not interested about fitting kits/parts you provide to them.... Thanks for the input so far.

Hi guys, Before anyone flames me - I have read through previous posts on the topic. I wanted to open more recent, melbourne based discussion about options and places where they can be purchased. First off - my dilemma is regarding what to do. Coilover or upgraded standard setup? Let me say I will not be racing the car, however I do plan to increase engine power. Nothing too radical though. Will be more show than go. "Show" being the point where WHEEL/RIM choices come into it. I have been doing my head in thinking about all this. Looking at the stance of various Z's - the wheel types and sizes used. With and without ZG's. Stretched, not stretched. Wheel sizes. 16" with limited tyre choices or 17's and more options, but rubbing issues. Various offsets...aaaarggh! Seriously - really been struggling with direction. I know I can re-oil the wetlegs, put lowering springs on and get adequate performance on the cheap. I know I can upgrade the standard suspension for a "better matched" spring and shock, perhaps allowing me to lower a little further again for that low, agressive "look". I know I can rip all of this out and put in coilovers. Perhaps overkill, but flexibility in many areas (and performance) making up for the cost. I know various wheels are available Rota's, CCW, Arrow, BOZE, WAts, superlites etc, etc which the 19/13 offsets allowing for nice wide and deep dish wheels on std setup (if I want to chop the guards). So there are options there - I understand that (need $$$ but options are there). However - as I understand it, going coilovers will open up a LOT more options to me in relation to Rims, offset and tyre size. Particularly if I change my mind and want to change wheels later. I am leaning more towards coilover, but I understand it is not a simple upgrade and requires a bit of work (not to mention cost). I would like some direction on "current costs" for coilover? Also be nice to know where I can get some effective pricing in MELBOURNE? Apparently the zshop do conversions, but hear varied reports about the workshop, so any other options would be appreciated. To wrap up: Want low and aggressive stance (mostly for show to be honest). Will want to fit deep dish 16" or 17". Leaning towards ZG flares (Jays 2+2 in the UK being a bit of inspiration look-wise). Experienced opinions on this suspension/wheel dilemma appreciated. Cheers. Shan

Pic of engine....

Just realised I have no idea what an excellent condition L26 is worth! Would appreciate if some of the forum members could point me in the right direction here? Has round top carbs BTW. All appears to be in perfect working order. Do not expect top dollar - just a "fair/honest" price that would make both parties happy. Can send pics if required - were to big to post up on forum though. Cheers.

Hi Guys, Over the next 4-6 weeks or so, I hope to be changing out the engine on my 2+2. It currently has a very clean, standard L26, with twin carbs. Runs perfectly. I was told the engine had at some point been rebuilt - although I cannot verify it. Compression test came up trumps when I had the car looked at though and as I said - was very clean car, been in a family for 20yrs, with obvious money spent on other components (gearbox rebuilt etc) - so have no reason to doubt the authenticity of the comment. I will be upgrading to an L28 fuel injected engine to cater for my future turbo plans, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with this L26 motor. I sometimes wonder why the hell I am changing it, but I've got the bug to modify for some reason (too many pics on this site of tough looking Z's encouraging me...). Anyway... It's still in the car now, but when it comes out - will need a new home. Can still obviously be heard running and all that if anyone wants to check it out. Not sure what a decent L26 goes for, probably not much - but happy for peeps to PM their interest. I am in northcote if any one wants a look at engine. Will be removed in Laverton though - so collection would need to happen there. Cheers. Shan

Sent a PM re. wheel but no response yet. Get back to me with a price mate - might be interested....

Hi mossy. PM'd you for price and realised pricing was staring me in the face! Sorry. I will take the spoiler off your hands. Call me as per PM to arrange. Cheers.

Owner asked me to post that this engine is sold pending confirmation of a couple of things.... Will update if sale falls through.

PM'd....might be a good temporary solution for me.....also make a good spare.

Interested in the R200 diff as well. You say "R200 open"? I am assuming you mean it is in bits?

Thanks for the advice guys. L28 is most likely the way I will go. Just got to find someone decent to build one for me. Suggestions?

Does not look like you have much left there Garvice! Shame. Soooo....anyone interested in putting down a general kit list for those wanting to upgrade L28ET from L26? It would appear what you gain from simplicity of install is taken away by the treasure hunt required to put it all together! I have looked into the L28ET and I am reading the engine was only released in the USA??? Will the be parts easy to find here?? Obviously if I could buy it all in a kit - I would. Not gonna be that easy obviously - so - assistance here would be appreciated. So what I understand so far, L28ET "swap out kit" would need... - New clutch to handle the additional HP - Fuel pump - Surge tank - L28 engine (obviously) - P90 head? N42?? - Intake manifold form 280Zx turbo to suit... - Injectors - fuel rail - T3 Turbo - Computer (haltek or wolf were mentioned). Megasquirt? - Throttlebody from 240SX - Intercooler - New downpipe - someone smarter than me to build this and put it together! - $$$$ Tell me what I am missing. Getting this kit could be a bit of a mission?? Maybe the RB25DET is the one to consider.....

Yeah - saw that guy in the states as well. Fair point about the balancing.... After a lot more thought and based on the comments I have read - will skip going down the stroker path. Might be more trouble than it is worth. I start another post regarding the RB30 engines and already people have thrown me further options to consider. Think I am narrowing it down though.... RB30, RB25DET or maybe the simplest option - L28ET. See other post to continue discussion... Cheers for the advice guys. Shan

Thanks for your input Dim. RB25DET you reckon. I believe the rodshop mounts require mod for this one though don't they? I was not necessarily thinking turbo upfront, but you make a fair point about later modifications. Worth consdering. L28ET? Had not really though of that either. Certainly makes lot of sense re. simplicity of install. Aftermarket CPU? What would that set me back I wonder? Thinking about it more, that L28et is seeming to make a pretty good case. Herrods - points you make are quite valid re. simplicity and minimal customisation. Hmmm.... Any other viewpoints on this subject?

Hi guys, Searched for RB30 threads - not a lot there (unless I am missing something). Want to upgrade my engine for more power and and smoother driving. After much deliberation, decided to keep it all relatively mild (no V8 for me). I am 35, so nothing too wild. I got the bank to do this (as long as costs don't go too crazy) and I am not tyre kicking. Want it done. Car is in very good condition and can certainly handle the upgrade. I have purchased RB31 brakes for rear and hilux/280zx for front. So have that ready to go. Thinking an injected RB30 would be nice. Very reliable, easy to mod, smooth driving, calais turbo car nuts selling parts cheap everywhere - all that stuff. I have done some reading, but need viczcar knowledge to fill in the gaps. Castlemaine Rod shop make engine and tranny mounts - got that covered and to be honest - that's about the extent of my firm knowledge on this. So assistance please? Transmission. - I want manual. What is the rodshop mount designed for? Does it work with RB30 skyline transmission or something different? What's the best option? Driveshaft mod required? Engine. - RB30 is single cam. I think a read something about RB26 Twin Cam head can be added to RB30 block? Is that right? Is it an expensive mod? Worth it? Sump - Oil pan and sump. I have NO idea bout this stuff. What do I need to do?? Can the standard one stay on? Diff - I am assuming the R180 diff can stay. Read that they can handle a bit of power? Computer. - I am assuming the RB30 skyline ECU is fine to use? As long as I find a quality auto electrician to install? Hmmm.... Is this RB30 a relatively easy swap out? Anything major I am missing? So - Rodshop mounts, RB30 engine and manual transmission, RB30 ECU, brake upgrade. Pull out L26, drop in RB30 (with mods if any) and get appropriate mechanic and auto electrician to install. Then call engineer for certification. Nothing is that easy. So tell me the real story. Will it be too much $$$. Estimates? Advice appreciated. Cheers. Shan

Hi guys, Just doing some research. So going to straight to the source. Wanting to know what I should expect to pay for an L28 Stroker? I have read other posts and I am aware of the pro's and con's. Also appreciate that there is the V8, RB30, RB25 route than can also be taken. So the stroker...I can get my hands on one - no intake or clutch though - for a touch under 5K. Brand new - fresh build. N42 head, performance cam etc. Would need to add another $350 for a decent clutch. Price is getting up there a little... Then there is the intake.....a little undecided on that right now though. I see some Zeders go for injection....dunno. Triples...also worth considering. I know the stroker v's other discussion has been had. This is more a "cost" related investigation. Cheers.

What are the reg's here in melbourne? Same as QLD for V8? I am still interested in doing the V8 conversion and getting a "bolt-in" setup certainly has it's appeal. Happy to go through the process necessary with an engineer (already found the right guy in melbourne for this sort of thing), but wondering "how hard" it's going to be to get this LS1 through? Engineer mentioned there were some limitations. I thought 5L was the max. also. Hmmm....

Rear seats? You still got em?

I have a kyosho Double Dare monster truck. Even got some spare bits around for it. Not sure if that is what you are after?

I hear what you are saying guys.....appreciate there are other alternatives. That being said - nothing any of you have mentioned is a "bolt-in". In regards to "feel" this thing comes with a speed sensor. Sensor attaches to the transmision (inline w/ the speedo cable ) - its that simple. The only wiring is 12V ON, Ground, Speed sensor, and 12V battery. That is it. No mess, no fuss, no denting sub frame, no cutting new brackets, no new pipes, no fluid, no pumps, no welding - NADA. Am only the only one who sees the simplicity of this as being attractive??? I seem to be on my own a little here. Honestly - if I could get this cheap enough - would buy it in a heartbeat. Look - the Mazda unit also looks the goods, but has anyone actually fitted one??? I am still keen on going down the electric path. I own a mazda 3 MPS and steering on it is great - no complaints.

Right.... Pretty sure they guy I am going through is being a little liberal with the margin he is adding. Kit is a TRUE bolt-in kit now. No mods (or little) required to fit. Message from supplier as per below: "Ok... I'm told they are working on a few kits right now. Completion is roughly next month. No they are pretty much completing the shaft system so its more of a "BOLT-IN" app. I have attached photo's of the setup. If your interested, I can try to get one purchased for you. Price w/ shipping+insurance: $2300" Best RegardZ, Brian Z Car Custom's-JDM Specializing in JDM Performance Products! www.zccjdm.com P.O. Box #213 Terrebonne, OR. 97760 541-913-6530 www.azcarbum@msn.com So yeah...dunno about $2300.00. Price is getting somewhat steeper than I anticipated. That being said - has to be a way to find out who is building these things. Does anyone on the forum speak/read the lingo over in Japan? Would that person be keen on doing some research? I am pretty sure that someone will be able to locate the manufacturer - just need to be able to look in more detail than english-web translation will allow. Anyone??

Would help, but I do not think they are currently on yahoo.jp The broker I mentioned must be going through someone else. Had a look on monsterimport (good link that - thnx), no luck though. Will keep looking and keep everyone in the loop though.....

Ouch. Apparently these kits used to be around $1000.00. According to the supplier I have spoken to, price keeps going up everytime the manufactuer gets new stock in. Hmmmmm.... He indicated the kits become a more complete/tidier package with each price increase though - so at least that is a positive thing. No stock at the moment as they are waiting for 2nd hand steering columns to come in. Suspected price will be $1800.00!!!! Might be a little steep for my tastes unfortunately. Contact details for the supplier/broker that is helping me: Brian Z Car Custom's-JDM Specializing in JDM Performance Products! www.zccjdm.com P.O. Box #213 Terrebonne, OR. 97760 541-913-6530 www.azcarbum@msn.com