Z Club of NZ Forum

Hi All,
After looking at Martin's 240z build you cannot help but get interested back into your own builds...
So below are a few pictures of my engine mockup.
The real engine is still being worked on in the engine room, all parts are there just into final head work...

The engine is a 3.1L L28, dry sumped, fuel injected...

Next step is to mount the dry break valve & fuel pump, finish the plumbing which should be over the next week or so.
Then its time to complete the roll cage and get the lower arms sorted.

All the other parts are on the shelf waiting there turn at pre assembly, on completion the car will be fully stripped for painting.

Enjoy regards Grant.

A few more pictures...

Looking great - love the induction - its going to be worth the wait - keep the updates coming.

Great to see some builds that all about living life large!

Good one! Surely to be a racecar of some discription. Love the workshop you've got.

Induction system is from speedtech in Australia, it is 50mm EFI throttle bodies mated to a MoTec M800 ECU.
The inlet manifold is custom made to get the big bore and straight path to the valve, not available with any off the shelf item from Japan...
Engine has been repositioned more to the right to get it all to fit.

Wish the workshop was mine, but it is in fact 'Cook Motor Racing' workshop.

Car is to be a replica of the 'Bob Sharp Racing' IMSA GTU 280zx, body work included.
Main difference is bigger things like bigger wheels, brakes, engine capacity, but in keeping with the original theme...

Cheers Grant

Another small update.
Seats are in, as is steering column.
Need to find some different remote reservoirs for the brakes & clutch as the Wilwood units are to tall.

Fuel Cell plumbing pretty much done, as with fuel lines...

Test fitment of wheels all ok, with some 'Trademe' tyres.

Suspension modifications nearly complete for test fit and upcoming wheel alignment!
Same with rear brakes, not far away from being installed.

Next is rear body work to go on to confirm setup heights etc.

more photo's

Good one Grant looks great, good to see project cars contributing to the world wide credit crunch

Hi Andy,
Thanks for the good words.
They same consumer spending is good for the economy, so I am trying to give NZ a hand...

It will be going for its first wheel alignment next week to conclude the suspension geometry.
Then over the next few weeks works will be:
- finishing suspension
- mounting rear brakes
- making & installing dash & instruments
- finishing roll cage
making it not to far from seeing a panelbeater...

Grant

Its finally on its wheels!
Final resting height should be ~25mm lower, but at this stage lots more bits to go in to weigh it down...
Rear shock adjustment is at its lowest, so may need to machine another circlip groove to re-center threaded section.
Front to be lowered down the same, maybe even ~30mm, but plenty of adjustment still.

Hopefully dash should be all complete by early next week.
Remote reserviors are being installed today.
Carbon bonnet is on!

Roll cage gets finished next week.

Then it would be time soon for the new roof & fibreglass experts... not to mention the wiring experts...

Still lots to go, but first time it actually looks like a car!

...no this is not the steering wheel, its the flywheel!
(Clutch is Tilton 5.5" triple plate race)

A bit of a competition here, between the two project cars. Very exciting! Oh, by the way is that the famous bonnet that ended up a couple of paddocks away in the big winds last year?

Hi Bronzee,
No that was the original steel bonnet!
This is a full carbon one from Japan, I would have shed a few tears if it was this one.
First time I had seen it out of the plastic bag today, seems a pity to paint it as it is so shiny and the carbon look is cool!
Grant

You could always leave it CF, but probably wouldn't work with the look you're trying to achieve??

Yeh, look is to be the same as the works car, all advertising decals included!