Another 240z RHD conversion project

[Alphabettispaghetti]

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/215-55-15/18-60-15-michelin-tb5r.html

Loads of wide options there

 

[atomman]

I know what you mean John, i used 225 50 15 R888 on my last Z bit to much for road use though , i have now gone with T1's but will have to see what they are like , i was also looking at 215 55 15's but still not much choice for road track tyres,

If you go 205 50 15 there are loads of choices like Ad08's etc but to me they just look to small

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

I know what you mean John, i used 225 50 15 R888 on my last Z bit to much for road use though , i have now gone with T1's but will have to see what they are like , i was also looking at 215 55 15's but still not much choice for road track tyres,

If you go 205 50 15 there are loads of choices like Ad08's etc but to me they just look to small

I agree, just need a little more profile.

it could be worth getting a set of wheels just for track use with a cheap rubber size?

 

[johnymd]

I have quite a few sets of wheel with various tyres on them. Your absolutely right Jason about just having a set of wheels for track use. That way the tyres get worn out before they start going off. As I already have 2 sets of 16” wheels with R888r/NS2r tyres I guess I should trash they before thinking of others. So I guess I need a cheap set of road tyres to go with these wheels. Or I could just use any of the numerous wheel tyre set I have. This car did come with a new set of RKR’s in 15x8&9’s with new NS2 tyres. I guess it makes sense to try them on.

 

[johnymd]

Test fitted the tow hitches and pretty happy with the clearance to the bumper. Front is spot on. Rear is a bit close but still good.

 

[Woody928]

The AD08r would be a great compromise between road and track but are not available in 225/50r15. The other option is a cheapish road tyre like the T1r which is available in this size.

Don't get the T1R's, the sidewalls are made of Jelly! AD08R's all day over them, a far superior tyre....

 

[johnymd]

I’m running t1r’s on the ratty car. Ok for slow driving but not even close to trackday tyres. The AD08r is just about the best trackday/road crossover but not available in 225/50r15. Hence my post. If I was to choose a track tyre then it would be the AR1 which is available in 225/50r15 but it would be not be the perfect choice for a mainly road tyre.

 

[toopy]

Test fitted the tow hitches and pretty happy with the clearance to the bumper. Front is spot on. Rear is a bit close but still good.

I wouldn't want one in that position permanently, but having one in the car that can be bolted in place if required would be good.

 

[johnymd]

Car is nearly finished now. I've had the paint tidied up a bit and tried to keep some of the original parts like roof, rear quarters and doors. The rest has been matched and blended in. Kept the old side strips and had some made for the front wings. I am really happy with the car all round. It's a real fun car to thrash around or just cruise and handles great. I like the old school look and the slightly tatty appearance. Looks like another keeper..........well at least for a while.

 

[Woody928]

Awesome job dude, this one looks pukka! Looking forward to seeing what you bring next weekend

 

[johnymd]

Thanks. I'll be bringing this one then changing the tyres for the trip to Spa. Can't wait to thrash it round a track.

 

[johnymd]

Here's a quick vid of the tablet. Still need to evolve it but it's basically working.

 

[johnymd]

Finally got the front brakes to fit last night after a bit of tweaking. You can see in the second picture just how close the disk is to the calliper and that's with it centred.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Finally got the front brakes to fit last night after a bit of tweaking. You can see in the second picture just how close the disk is to the calliper and that's with it centred.

John, when I had my first brake mod (Pug discs) everything worked fine but not much clearance.

However on track the heated discs (vented too) rubbed due to expansion!

 

[atomman]

Finally got the front brakes to fit last night after a bit of tweaking. You can see in the second picture just how close the disk is to the calliper and that's with it centred.

Some of the calipers have more clearance than others, depends how much they were machined when new due to tolerance

If you find they need more clearance send them up to me and I will modify them for you,

 

[LiamR]

Just joined.. omfg this is incredible.

Exactly what I want to do to my 280z but I want to upgrade the heater system.

How easy would you say the conversion is? I'm guessing the hardest part would be sourcing a RHD rack and a dashboard.

Incredible work. Sub'd.

 

[johnymd]

The basic conversion is pretty easy if your not trying to make the car look like it left the factory as RHD. Rack, dash and pedal box are the main parts you require. 260 dash is a little easier to find. Hardest part is making room for the pedal box to fit high enough.

 

[LiamR]

Thanks for the reply!

Ok cool, I might have to give you a buzz when it comes to finding out the finer details. Just had a look at the cars you have done and it seems you know exactly what your doing. I don't want a factory looking finish, just one that looks neat and tidy.

Thanks again!

 

[Nik]

Hi John,
I'm planning to do the RHD conversion soon. Was wondering how you did the holes in bulk head, are the measurements of the holes the same as the LHD side? (with the spacer you mentioned before) I'm thinking about buying this panel from Auto Panel Solutions, to get the measurements just right. Do you think I could just cut out the shape of this panel and weld it in as it is? or should I repair the firewall first then weld this on top? I've got a load of 1mm steel I'm planning to use.

 

[johnymd]

I would repair the area using flat metal first then install the panel. You will want to get the panel as low as possible but with the for the column coming out in the mirror image of the other side. Line the top of the new panel parallel with the rib in the bulk head. I try and get this panel a bit lower than factory so you don't need to modify the scuttle as much to fit the pedal box in. Once the panel is puddle welding in then just drill through all the holes. Missed a step, When you have got the position right you can drill all the bolt holes then bolt the panel on before puddle welding it. Then drill the large holes.

Hope this makes sense.