Hello,
My name is Gary and I am a Z addict.
I am new to using forums but thought this would be a good place to start.
My first Z was a Burgundy 280ZX. I've owned my current ride, the 260GT (a 260Z 2+2) since 1993. So far I've only done a couple of thousand k's in it - here's why.
I acquired the car in 1995. At the time it had a well detailed L26 and a great set of Simmons 16 inch wheels. A bit of effort went into cleaning it up and I showed it for a short time, taking the 2nd Most Desirable Z trophy at Macleans Bridge in 1996.
In late 96 the car was involved in a small head-to-tail on the way back from the Noosa Car Classic - nothing too bad, was able to drive back to Bris from Coolumn. The depression didn't last long. A plan was hatched on the way home for a quick rebuild of the L26, installation of a set of triple dellortos, a respray, and to replace some of the old trim. Well, we know now these things start! That was 15 whole years ago. I just got the 260GT enginerred, registered and back on the road on 30 September 2011. In all I guess it didn't really take 15 years - during those years I discovered the wonders of travel, living in the jungle with elephants, and was also severely sidetracked helping others along the way crewing for Landspeed racing and Top Fuel drag teams. My Brother and I also spent a bit of time on our other love, restoring our late grandfathers fully stock LH Torana. But still, at some stages it felt like my own project would never be finished.
Anyway that 'quick' 15 year rebuild included:
Full strip down of the mechanicals and bodywork, every nut, bold and rubber - OUT.
Onto the rotisserie for a full underbody strip, repair of all rust (including replacing chassis rails) and paint.
Full suspension strip down and powdercoat and rebuild.
Rebuilt Koni's all round.
Installation of coilovers.
Strut bars.
Ventilated rotors and 4 spot calipers on front.
A repaint, new spinnings and a rebuild for the Simmons, then shod with new Kuhmo Ecsta V70A's (Front 205/50/16 F, Rear 245/45/16)
Chev 350 V8.
Turbo 350 with B&M Pro Stick & 2000 stall (yes I'm a dragger, not into the roundy roundy's anymore)
Full custom cooling system.
100 litre drop tank.
Full ceramic coated twin 2 inch exhaust.
Customised ZG nose.
Fluted front fenders (GTR torana flutes)
Removal and replacement of front fender indicator lamps.
Removal and relocation of fuel filler to behind number plate.
Full hand crafted rear with Skyline GTR HR32 tail lights.
Hand rolled flared & reinforced wheel arches front and rear.
Monza M Spec Racing seats.
Battery relocated to rear.
There's heaps more but I just realised the list was getting a bit long and boring.
My concept was to retain the classic lines of the Z but to also modernise the look where possible. I wanted it to look as if it came out of a factory. There's still a couple of small things left to tidy up on the bodywork. Performance was also an issue. At the moment the engine only weighs about 15kg more than the L26. With alloy heads it will weigh almost the same. As you can see, the engine is set-back a long way - the harmonic balancer sits over the top of the front x-member. This gives it a great front-to-rear weight bias. There is actually enough room to safely stand between the radiator and the engine, while the engine is running (not that I've tried it).
Although it's now registered I still have plans for the future including:
Quaife diff centre (it's already got an R200), 13 inch ventilated brakes (F&R), Arizona Z Car rear end, Modern Motorsport hubs, Alum heads and a bit of time on the dyno.
I have enjoyed looking at some of the great builds and restos on this site and look forward to being involved in the forums. I'm sure I'll need to pick your brains at some stage.
Kind Regards
Gary
LambertBrosRacing