Datsun 280ZX IMSA GTU race car build...

Restores, Revamps and Repairs
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Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Re: Datsun 280ZX IMSA GTU replica race car build...

Post by Grunzter » Sat Apr 24, 2021 3:41 pm

Thanks for the kind words, its getting there!

Last week...
A few bits back from the machinist.
A shortened OEM alternator mount (& tapped deeper hole) for the new 100Amp alternator, as it was not quite a simple fit.
(I did end up machining to much off, so had to make a spacer... :()
I machined a step into the Kameari aluminium alternator pulley so the nut locks all the way down on the threads.
And the new GT101 sensor mount for my crank angle sensor. I made it in two pieces in case my measurements suck and it needs modifying, then only one part needs altering/replacing.

Today...
Mounted the crank angle sensor, and it fits! (Though it did need some surgery due to a measurement error by me)
Also made a timing mark from alloy sheet, which I was also amazed at it fitting first time, though I did forget to take and fit the timing mark sticker.
The new 90A alternator is now mounted with a Kameari pulley fitted, alignment seems to be ok. I used a Futofab adjustable bracket for future belt tensioning.
Still need to fit the power steering pump. No water pump, as I am using a remote electric unit.
My son Ethan helped out today, so that was good.

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1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

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bernjean
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Posts: 1709

Post by bernjean » Tue Apr 27, 2021 4:42 pm

Gosh, you won't want to drive it and get it dirty once it's finished. keep up the good work. Thanks for posting.
Bernie Kant
Club President

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Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Wed May 19, 2021 6:43 pm

Ok, we changed the Nissan Motorsports alluminium spring retainers to Kameari Chromoly ones, as received some 'online' feedback that their lifespan was a bit of an unknown. So to play it safe just decided to change. I used +1.0mm items, but should have used +2.0mm or bigger.
Springs are not binding on the current cam, so fingers crossed its ok.
Thanks Reg! 🙂

Gearbox to bellhousing adaptor all done, and assembled.
Bellhousing will get a media blast after the fit up is all checked,
It will also get a hole for the hydraulic line to the release bearing.

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1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Sun Jun 20, 2021 7:14 pm

Been quiet for a while, but very pleased to say the engine will be going in this week. 🙂 (Thanks Reg!)
This is so the headers can be built, along with completing the plumbing and wiring.
Once the car is basically done, then the engine will come out and go on the engine dyno...
A few bits still to be added, changed or removed... The BSR rocker cover will come off and only go on at the end, just so it doesn't get damaged.

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1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Thu Jun 24, 2021 7:22 pm

New Oil-In adaptor made, and it actually fits first time.
I had a test fit on a spare motor, and bolted straight up to the new motor. It slides over the factory oil inlet bush that is used with the 280ZX angled filter mount.
It has a -12AN inlet fitting, with a spare 1/8"NPT fitting that can be used for a temperature or pressure sensor, as well as a supply for an external camshaft spray bar like that was offered by Nissan Motorsports.
In my case I will be mounting my temp/pressure sensor remotely.
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1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

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stevenewenham
Z Club Member
Posts: 148
Location: Auckland

Post by stevenewenham » Fri Jun 25, 2021 12:52 pm

Wow everything looks so clean and new!- not to mention upgraded.

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Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Sat Jun 26, 2021 7:23 pm

Lets hope it works! :P
1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Wed Nov 03, 2021 2:42 pm

Finally an update. Things were a bit slow due to the lockdown, but at least something to report back on.
- New engine mounts done.
- Gearbox installed and fitted to engine, along with hydraulic release bearing etc.
- Coils mounted.
- Remote reservoir now mounted in engine bay, much easier to get to.
- Remote oil filter mounted.
- Power steering pump is getting a new mounting bracket, and belt looks like it wont need an additional tensioner.
- Pedal box floor welded in place.
- All suspension changes done front & rear.
- Inlet manifold modified so air box fits (more or less)... more to come.
- Sway bars & exhaust in progress so more on those later...

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1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Fri Nov 12, 2021 7:53 pm

Headers all ready for purge welding :)

Image
1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

mikec(nz)
Z Club Member
Posts: 189
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand

Post by mikec(nz) » Mon Nov 15, 2021 11:30 pm

Very nice. Love this build, glad to see still progressing.

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bernjean
Z Club Member
Posts: 1709

Post by bernjean » Tue Nov 16, 2021 12:08 pm

love those headers, they will look great once finished. Thanks for posting.
Bernie Kant
Club President

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Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Thu Nov 18, 2021 7:47 pm

Hi all, thanks for the kind words.
A few more pictures of the exhaust...
Just considering what finish now, HPC extreme black coating, or HPC Polished heat finish....
I know the black extreme finish would be the best, but it wont look so cool.

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1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

mikec(nz)
Z Club Member
Posts: 189
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand

Post by mikec(nz) » Fri Nov 19, 2021 10:19 pm

Last time I was at HPC they had heaps of colours and types of coatings. Shiny silver would be my choice.

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Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Sat Nov 20, 2021 8:38 pm

mikec(nz) wrote: Fri Nov 19, 2021 10:19 pm Last time I was at HPC they had heaps of colours and types of coatings. Shiny silver would be my choice.
Yeh, agree. Will aim for something that looks silver/chrome...
1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Thu Dec 09, 2021 7:54 pm

More exhaust photo's, along with new six point harness crouch mounts, and front sway bar cross tube.
The cross tube was going to be cut away so only the chassis sections remain, however I thought it would be good to keep the whole tube, as it helps hold the front together.
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1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

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