HybridZ

I know exactly what you mean Sean, the Rover looks too tiny for the engine bay, mind you, saying that, there is a lot of space around the straight six too - the bay is actually quite big.

One of the issues with a physically bigger V8 than the Rover (ie SBC) is cooling, needs a bit of sorting but easily done with a big Aluminium radiator like Laurence puts on the rally cars with one or two electric fans and shrouds.

Whilst the Rover does not look as if it was designed to be in there, I have to say the SBC looks as though it was supposed to be in there from the start. It fits so well and so easily I almost wonder if Datsun or Nissan had the thought of a V engine in mind when they designed the S30, particularly when you consider that one of their chosen markets, the biggest one, was a land full of gas guzzling V8s. It probably would not have suited the Japanese home market but as an export variant to the US could well have been successful.

Pure conjecture of course.
 
Originally posted by ZHead
.......... People will change brakes and suspension (were Wilwood four pot calipers and vented discs and Tokico coil overs period ?),........
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Yes, they were available in Japan from Nissan's 'Sports Option' lists almost from the beginning of public sales of the cars.

Four pot calipers ( not Wilwood - but Sumitomo MK63, in both ventilated and solid disc versions ) were available as a *true* bolt-on conversion ( no spacer / adapter nonsense ) and were both JAF and FIA homologated.

"Coil Over" adjustable-platform gas suspension legs ( made by Tokico, Atsugi, Kayaba and Ampco ) were also 'Sports Option' parts.

There was a quite amazing amount of stuff homologated for these cars, which was available over the counter in Japan. Some of this was available outside Japan, but most of it was not. Most people outside Japan have very little knowledge of this stuff.

Personally speaking, I have set myself a 'theme' with my cars. I try to keep them within period as far as is practically possible, and try to incorporate parts that are within the *spirit* of a certain time frame and were available in Japan during that time.

I see the term 'Purist' get bandied about a fair bit when people talk of so-called 'standard' cars. Of course, one man's Purist is another man's Philistine! You have to take these things on a case-by-case basis.

Owning and running an old car is getting harder and harder. In actual fact, I think these days we all need to be Pragmatists rather than Purists. :)
 
Indeed :D

There seems to have been much more advanced stuff available at the time of launch of the S30 than I expected, a history lesson in precis format would be extremely interesting.

I am genuinely amazed at all of the variants and options that were available.

You are right about the word purist, was thrown in as a hook. Far be it from me to EVER be contentious :D :D

Andy F
 
ZHead,
I don't want to see you getting all defensive about your project. You're not are you?

I think the only person you have to justify it to is yourself, and as long as you build what you wanted ( or what you thought you wanted ) then you will have achieved your aim.

Don't be paranoid about "Purists" ( either real or imagined ones ) and do what the hell you want.
 
yep - I for one can't wait to see the progress, it's going to be one incredible car ZHead.. you will be very much envied!
 
Not getting defensive really Albrecht, just grinning and maybe baiting a little :D

As you know, you pays your money and you makes your choice.... I have made mine and am convinced it will deliver copious quantities of grin factor. Sure it will be different from the "original" spirit of the car but as the holder of the purse strings on this project that is my total and utter prerogative.

PMAC said in another thread that people have talked about this type of conversion on and off for years but never done it, his term was "armchair experts". I guess I just drew the short straw (voluntarily I might add) to do a modern version of a 1980s SBC conversion. Technology has changed, experience has grown by 20 years so it will be interesting to see how it pans out.

Love it or hate it it will be something different, something that crosses the divide between the Japanese lineage and what the Americans thought it should be.... and it should go like stink to boot.

The L Series engine with triple carbs sounds gorgeous on cam, being driven hard..... but then again, so does a V8, different strokes for different folks. Floats my boat anyway. :D
 
So was the S30 ever invisaged as carrying a V8 in either the states or perhaps Holden country down under ?

Hats off to any well-engineered non L series engined Zs !
 
Z Head , if you need a hand let me know! I have vacation time coming up after Nov . would love to lend a hand if needed. (wish i could find a drooling smilie) :D :D
 
I would love any help I can get, thanks, however, I am as inept at doing mechanics as Arnold Schwarzenegger is at ballet,so Laurence Evans is building the car for me. The support is seriously gratefully recieved though, I know a few words of encouragement will go a long way in the year and a half to come.

Many Thanks
 
Originally posted by completewally
Z Head , if you need a hand let me know! I have vacation time coming up after Nov . would love to lend a hand if needed. (wish i could find a drooling smilie) :D :D
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off topic and risking yellow card but you could use some spare time on logo or banner as i remember you saying you had used programme needed (burnsie being pushy again)
 
When go you hear Corvette owners saying "shit, I'm fed up with this car, I'm gonna change the engine for something more peaky and make sure it goes around corners especially in the wet" ?
Never, so why go out and radically change a Z ?
 
I agree entirely with Sean. Why change what was so good from the factory. Improve a little along the general lines of Nismo offered but nothing more.

Symon
 
I wear my Z b+++ocks on the outside of MY trousers - I'm so proud !

NISMO parts not bad, I've the damper, the exhaust manifold and not forgetting the little window sticker !
 
Originally posted by SeanDezart
NISMO parts not bad...........
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That's the 'Dezart Seal Of Approval' then is it? :p

Who makes parts better than "not bad" then, Sean?
 
You sell 'em my Count - if you've access to better ones, bring 'em over and I'll have 'em fitted to my car !
 
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