280ZX Turbo CV Shafts

[Nigel Brook]

Just had a thought. Modern motorsport make an adaptor for use with CV's on a 240z. This is basically a modified companion flange (as most of you probable know). I know this is the correct length so all I need to do is find someone with these adaptors and get them to take some measurements. Then I just have to make my adaptors the same length.

So who can measure one for me?

That's what I meant when I mentioned the "MSA" system ( brain fade ! )

 

[Nigel Brook]

Nigel. I remember reading about modifying the 280zx companion to use on a 240. From what I recall it was just a case of altering the dust shield. I'll have to have another look for the article. I'm not sure if the spline count is 25 or 27 though. 240 is 25 but I want to use 260 axle which is 27 so this may not be an option.

280zx wont work in its standard form. I know some US owners have fitted them but the shaft travel is on its limits. Splines are the same as the 240. I'll post up some pictures when I dig the shafts and flanges out.

 

[SKiddell]

Standard untis have be used (all be it with decent UJ upgrades) on seriously powerfull cars, a couple of years ago there was an Aussie who built a soft top S30 and used a 571HP VG30DET, he still had standard drive shafts, we discussed it on here (Oh ye with short memories)

http://zclub.net/forum/general-discussion/8976-aussie-z-convertable.html

More info here
CONVERTABLE V6 TURBO 260Z (VG30DET) Datsun - Classic Zcar Club

 

[Nigel Brook]

Pics as promised.

 

[GTR-240Z]

Just had a thought. Modern motorsport make an adaptor for use with CV's on a 240z. This is basically a modified companion flange (as most of you probable know). I know this is the correct length so all I need to do is find someone with these adaptors and get them to take some measurements. Then I just have to make my adaptors the same length.

So who can measure one for me?

What measurements do you need John, if you dont mind waiting till the weekend I can take some from mine.

 

[johnymd]

Interesting info Steve. I hadn't seen that thread.

Thanks for the pics Nigel.

The measurement I need is the total length of the comanion flange. When on the car you could measure from the mounting face of the outer part of the companion flange. Thanks Darren and I can wait as he can't start the machining untill late next week.

 

[johnymd]

Been taking some measurement tonight.

280zx companion flange = 80mm
240z companion flange = 51mm
280zx driveshaft compressed = 355mm
240z driveshaft compressed = 390mm

280zx total = 435mm
240z total = 441mm

So I think you would need to reduce the10 to 15mm to be on the safe side. I thought you could lose a bit when you cut n shut the 2 companion flanges but after taking some measurement I don't think you can. The hybrid flange will need to be the same length as the 280zx original. There is a mod to reduce the axle length by reversing one of the CV's but I can't find how much you gain from this.

 

[GTR-240Z]

I had a look through my old rebuild pictures looking for a picture of the modern motorsports stub axle companion flange and this is the only one I have, may not be of use but you never know.

 

[johnymd]

Just found the info and the 280zx shaft is reduced by 12mm when you reverse the outer CV cage. All the info says you only need to shorten the drivers side(RHD) but when I measured the shafts on the car, with the wheels hanging, they both measure the same! Does anyone think it would be ok to shorten both axles?

 

[johnymd]

Thanks Darren. That does look about the length of a standard 280zx companion, which is what I was hoping as it confirms what I believe. I'm happy now to go ahead and get the new flanges made 80mm total length and I'll reverse the cages to give me the clearance.

 

[Nigel Brook]

So what effect does reversing the CV cage have on the overall up and down movement of the shaft?

 

[johnymd]

Not actually sure Nigel. I know when you reverse the cage it moves the CV mounting face by 12mm. The shaft will still be the same length though so I'm not sure how that effects the top hat.

 

[GTR-240Z]

I measured my companion flange length and its 60mm

 

[SeanDezart]

I'd like to convert my 240Z halfshafts to 280ZX Turbo CV halfshafts on my 240Z which already has an R200 installed.

Can someone confirm if they will be a straight bolt in to 240Z stub axles?

I've also heard of some people sourcing 260Z or 280Z stub axles and having the Modern Motorsports adaptor welded to them, which I believe is supposed to make it all stronger?

If I could just use my 240Z stub axles it would simplify things and make the conversion cheaper.

Has anyone gone down any of these routes? Any tips or photos of the conversion would be great.

Thanks!

I'm in the process of having some custom made - nearly ready to test and make several sets to sell on.

 

[Mr.G]

Originally I was going to upgrade and having heard both sides of the fence from people who have had the stock ones fail and others who haven't and had more power then I will ever need go though them, i've decided to leave as be for the time being.

I have 280ZX turbo CV shafts I imported from US a while ago when I was thinking of upgrading, if of help to anyone, I can measure them or take close up pics. It'll have to wait a while as I wont be going to the place I store my bits for a couple of weeks.

 

[Nigel Brook]

As I understand it the US turbo shafts and the late UK zx shafts are one and the same.

 

[johnymd]

I measured my companion flange length and its 60mm

Is that the total length, with it removed from the car? or the length of the part you can see when its installed?

 

[GTR-240Z]

The length is from the flange that mates to the back of the hub/strut housing to the otherside where cv attaches. It was done while on the car so granted I dont have very good access to measure accurate.
The car is going to be round Mikes in a fortnights time having new rear dampers fitted so I could get better measurements while its off the car or you could pop round when I collect on the Saturday and have a look yourself.

 

[johnymd]

That's fine. I just neaded to know how to compare that measurement with my flanges.

Thanks Darren

 

[johnymd]

Well I've had my custom flanges made 15mm shorter than standard 280zx. The total length is 65mm. I will therefore need to reduce the top hat on the dust cover by 15mm. I'm guessing I'll also need to shorten the spring? Does anyone know what the purpose of the spring is? and what would happen if I removed it?