Datsun 280ZX IMSA GTU race car build...

Restores, Revamps and Repairs
Post Reply
User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

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

Post by Grunzter » Thu Dec 09, 2021 7:55 pm

more pics from above post.
Image

Image

Image Image

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

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Tue Jan 18, 2022 12:03 pm

Dry sump tank moved so exhaust muffler could fit somewhere.
Gearbox mounts done besides some paint.
Pedal box just needs plumbing and a cover made.
Old dry sump tank hole patched.
Crotch seat belt anchorage added both sides.
Front sway bar installed besides drop links. The torsion bar passes through the chassis rail.
Additional ties braces added to roll cage to tie it together a little better.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

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

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Tue Jan 25, 2022 2:55 pm

Wheel alignment done to check all the work done, and it came up perfect!
:)
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

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Fri Jan 28, 2022 5:23 pm

Today done a final check on driving position with everything in place such as steering wheel, shift cut gear knob, digital dash, shift lights, keypad, pedal box & cover etc... and helmet on.

Decided to move drivers seat inboard about 25~50mm (1~2"), basically as far as we can move it. The steering column will also follow.

The reason for this is to provide more clearance between the roll cage and helmet, it will also align the pedal box a tiny bit better, and ensure the steering wheel is central to driver location.
Its easier to do this now than later.
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 Feb 23, 2022 4:16 pm

New drive shaft all ready to go in.
Can handle significantly more torque and hp than this engine will ever throw at it, just like the gearbox...
The large U-Joint is the gearbox end, the slip joint is the diff end.
The Diff end U-Joint is also a special that suits the Datsun M10 bolt flange, though excepts the larger 1310 U joint, so a big step up from the standard Datsun part.

Image

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

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Thu Mar 17, 2022 3:52 pm

Car has relocated to 'Bicknell Autosport's' new workshop.
It was the first to touch the shiny new floor.
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

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Wed May 11, 2022 6:47 pm

A few weeks ago now,
Lots of wires!...
Using Motec harness.
Tunnel after some minor surgery to move the drivers seat closer to the center of the car.
New cap for radiator fitted to thermostat housing.
Motec ECU/PDM etc on a temporary mount on tunnel.
Battery to be fitted in drivers footwell.
Wiring will only be 'made neat' after engine has been on the dyno.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

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

User avatar
bernjean
Z Club Member
Posts: 1709

Post by bernjean » Fri May 13, 2022 12:30 pm

Looking so good. Its just keeps getting better and better. Well done
Bernie Kant
Club President

User avatar
Andy
Site Admin
Posts: 2020
Location: Auckland

Post by Andy » Tue Jun 07, 2022 5:50 pm

Thanks Grant! Good work, great you have recommitted to your project. Looking forward to the unveiling!

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:47 pm

Thanks Andy,
It's getting there, after the wiring is complete, the gearbox will be removed for touch up painting, and then it will go back together for the last time.
Still the aim is to have it on the track this year!
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 Nov 10, 2022 8:06 pm

Ok, an update for this forum...
All welding is now complete.
Had to weld up the sills and added air-jack tubes front & rear.
The roll cage was also amended to give more head room and add a new cross brace for the new steering column.
Exhaust headers were ceramic coated by Pro-Coat in East Tamaki.
Bottom of the car has been repainted.
Next is either front guard repair or engine bay/interior re-painting in the next few weeks.
Image

Image

Image
Image

Image

Image

Image

Image
Image

Image

Image

Image
Image

Image

Image

Image
Image

Image
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

User avatar
bernjean
Z Club Member
Posts: 1709

Post by bernjean » Fri Nov 11, 2022 1:45 pm

looking really good, love the headers, and the ceramic coating looks great. keen to see it all finished. Thanks for posting.
Bernie Kant
Club President

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Tue Dec 20, 2022 6:55 pm

Well, I won't bore you with lots of FRP fix photos, just the end result,
A number are posted on my FB build page.

This is the first time it actually looks complete in nearly 20 years!
Interior/engine bay and exterior touch up painting has been delayed until late January, with decals to follow.
Just helps the pocket recover a little, and everything was getting a bit hectic to finish before Christmas.

Image

Image

Image 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

User avatar
bernjean
Z Club Member
Posts: 1709

Post by bernjean » Wed Dec 21, 2022 9:42 am

Looking good Grant, you are close to the final assembly, very exciting. Thanks for posting.
Bernie Kant
Club President

User avatar
stevenewenham
Z Club Member
Posts: 148
Location: Auckland

Post by stevenewenham » Wed Dec 21, 2022 10:56 am

Light at the end of the tunnel!
You must be able to taste it now!

Post Reply