race prepped 240z-collecting dust...

[zbane]

This little sweetheart has had an interesting life, as far as I can tell.
The first incarnation as race car involved the addition of a baby hemi, full cage, and custom bodywork. Oddly enough, the car has its original drum brakes...
The hood was custom crafted, and the tail was cut and spliced from a different make, though I don't know what.
This car was a trophy winner (don't remember where-can find out easily enough, I've seen the trophy and the show photos-very nice)
The builder sold the car to someone who insisted on removal of the roll cage, hemi, custom aluminum dash, and fuel cell. The hood and tail will be coming off, at some time. Apparently, the new owner wants a more streetable, original z, and feels it best to un-raceprep this z...
I've told the builder to contact me about the hood and tailsection whenever they come off.
The L28 from 200207 has found its way into the 240, as has the dash.
http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s...ne/240z_Racer/
The builder, Gary, doesn't usually work on Datsuns; rather MG's mini's, and Triumphs get the treatment.
http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s...tish_oddities/

[Arne]

Why the Opel GT rear clip? I don't get it.

[zbane]

My guess would be along the lines of "Why not?" I must say that the photos don't do the work justice-the Opel rear end looks great in person.

[zzzzed]

i was wondering if the twin down draft webbers produce any more power than the su's ?

[gnosez]

The stock brakes are fine for racing (go over to the Hybridz FAQ thread on brakes) but I wonder what type this car did. I'm guessing 1/4m with the auto tranny and stock suspension set-up. The weight of the car would be nice to know given all the rear end body mods. Unusual is right.

[preith]

I remember that car was for sale in the old Zcar magazine for quite a while back in the mid 90's. Interesting they removed the Hemi.

The stock brakes are fine for racing (go over to the Hybridz FAQ thread on brakes) but I wonder what type this car did. I'm guessing 1/4m with the auto tranny and stock suspension set-up. The weight of the car would be nice to know given all the rear end body mods. Unusual is right.

The FAQ at HybridZ specifically states: The stock Z brakes are adequate for street driving, autox, and drag racing, which I agree with, but when road racing, that's debatable.

[gnosez]

This was the next post in that thread -

"Great post. I especially agree with your first paragraph. Stock high quality components with the right linings and fluid is adaquate for most all applications. I used stock based components for years for hard core autocross and open track events. I've found the only negative is they require regular "attention" to keep them fresh. It's those fat sticky tires that make you stop, and I mean eyes popping out kind of stop.

I now run the Arizona Wilwood kit on a GT prepared race car. They are almost overkill for a 140 mph track car. They last a long time. The stock setup could still get the job done, but I would need to freshen after 2-3 sessions and be generous with air ducting."

One of the FTD cars at NHIS has been a 240 w/stock brakes. The driver not the brakes set the time.

[zbane]

Before and after engine bay shots
Carl, I found the Hemi shot over at zhome, hope you don't mind-but I figured they should be together.

[Ricklandia]

I remember that car was for sale in the old Zcar magazine for quite a while back in the mid 90's. Interesting they removed the Hemi...

Given how much those Hemi's are worth these days, it doesn't suprise me at all, especially if it's an older Hemi block.

[zbane]

the Hemi was removed because the current owner wants a more "original" car, and he intends on street driving.
The hemi is sitting in the shop's office, collecting dust as well.

[WingZr0]

Old to the party but this was a nice car, too bad.
What ever happend to it?

~Z~

[ajmcforester]

Another car someone didn't understand that it is hard to go back to a regular street car after it was a racer. I like the car, I hope someone converts it back to a racer. I also like the jet fuel only sticker.

[FrankenZ]

I'm not sure if you got my private message, but I bought this car about 6 months ago in Brevard, NC. I haven't done anything with it, so I placed it on Craigslist a couple weeks ago. A guy came out and offered to buy, but the sale is pending a smooth title transition (find out at dmv tomorrow). Anyway, I went down to the garage this morning and just sat and looked at it, noticing how much work/how many hours it took to get it to this point and I started getting nostalgic about it! Came in and somehow, miraculously, found your thread. Now I'm having second thoughts about selling it!

[71Nissan240Z]

that car has some identity issues. sorry

[Blue]

Cool car. Please post more shots. I would like to see more of the Opel GT graft!

[conedodger]

i was wondering if the twin down draft webbers produce any more power than the su's ?

I doubt it. I think this was a 'solution' to the flat-top '73 carbs. And not a very good solution...

[zbane]

Glad someone finally got it. FrankenZ, if you end up keeping the car, what are your thoughts/plans for it?

[FrankenZ]

Hey, thanks for getting back to me David. Well, I obviously love the idea of the hemi but as suggested above I think it would cost way too much and kind of be a waste of a hemi! Currently it has a weak small block chevy 350 in it (my Tundra could probably 1/4 mile as fast as this car). I have a 383 stroker sitting around that needs rebuilt. I am also leaning towards a T56 six-speed. I took it off the market, and may or may not sell it to one guy that appreciates it as much as I do. Anyway, thanks for all the info you sent me and any suggestions at this point would be awesome, as I'm really open minded about how it should be done!