Dream Subframe Build

[hellaflush]

ok guys im on the hunt atm for a bare rear subframe with no arms or anything...

Goals:
Replace subframe bushings with NDS solid mounts with rubber inserts to eleviate vibrations (its a DD and australia has douche like roads)
Replace diff bushings with Nismo items (had to compromise somewhere to give some slack - cant have it all solid in my eyes)
Box and add some additional bracing to the subframe
Sandblast and powdercoat subframe, arms and uprights
ES full arm/upright bushing kit pressed in
Z32/R33 rear drum brake setup conversion
Install fully adjustable rear arms (RUCA,TC,TOE)

Parts:
NDS solid mounts + rubber inserts
Nismo diff bushings
Spare metal for bracing
ES full bush kit
Z32/R33 rear drum setup
URAS handbrake shoe pads
R33 GTST Calipers and RDA Slotted R33 rotors
R33 handbrake cables
Adjustable arm set

Questions:
How can i go about the Z32/R33 drum handbrake conversion considering the Z32 uprights will require me to use Z32 coilovers - or atleast Z32 bottoms on my coilovers?
Does anyone have any additional suggestions of things to do whilst this subframe is being built?
I am correct in understanding that R33 handbrake cables are a direct fit for this conversion in an S14?
I will also be installing aftermarket swaybar at the same time most probably but thats easy job

Any feedback/suggestions/ideas/pics would be greatly appreciated guys :naughtyd:

[a_ahmed]

I thought you were talking about actual subframe not rear suspension and brakes.

To me dream subframe would be rustless solid aluminum subframe for an s13... but whos gona make that, i cant. Hah its been done for old datsun Zs, etc... but not our cars :(

I need a non hicas subframe actually... i have a hicas stopper but i just wana get rid of it all together and have a rustless/powdercoated non hicas s13 subframe... i dont want to just install the spl solid subframe bushings onto the crap i have already... i want to have a totally solid rear end... and i dont want to redo things over and over again.. pay once and shutup... or pay once cheaply and pay too many times after.

[hellaflush]

failing to see how your post relates to mine?

[a_ahmed]

"Dream Subframe build" maybe you should change the name to "My rear dream build which has little to do with a subframe only"

My dream rear build is 335/30/18 (for my dream 600whp) with 4piston brakes and all spl arms/link, z32 spindle, fully tight/solid with a non hicas aluminum solid subframe and koni 28 series dampers 10+kg/mm but realistically i will get koni 8611s and 295/30/18 and more like 400whp~ and all that will take me time :( lol... But seriously I need a non hicas subframe powdercoated, its pissing me off... as well as z32 spindle... these are the two things im missing in my build (collecting parts before rebuild begins... after car is taken out of winter hybernation...()

[tacotacotaco]

Inject it with Foam!

[MELLO*SOS]

I just dropped your dream subframe into my s13 this past weekend :)

One thing to consider is using a s14 or s15 (or r32) subframe in your s13. You should check out SPL subframe tilt spacers. In retrospect I should have went straight to hydro ebrake instead of screwing around with the z32 cables. Also you didn't mention it, but if you're still 4 lug, now is the time to drop in 5 lug hubs. I wanted to go with the z32 uprights but didn't want to have to source new coilover bottoms. You may want to go with adjustable LCAs as well -- if not, at least press in new balljoints to your s13 lca's.

GL & check out the "bushings" thread here it has some good info on rear subframe bushing installs.

edit: ok I see youre s14, most of that is still true. The S15 subframe should be a direct swap for you, it's a stronger piece if you can source one.

[hellaflush]

cheers MELLO

yeah S15 subframe has been an idea - people just want a fair amount for them here still

and mine is already 5 lug - we dont have 4 lug s14s in australia - no non turbo models either - all sr20det blacktop vct

just looking for answer for my above 3 questions in the first post

i want to keep my s14 bottoms - just wondering how to get the z32/r33 handbrake convo done without using z32 uprights

anyone know if s14 uprights are the same as s14? and LCA's for that matter? i could just buy complete assembley with brakes/LCA's/Uprights off an R33 GTST and put them on the s14/s15 subframe

[Sir]

i want to keep my s14 bottoms - just wondering how to get the z32/r33 handbrake convo done without using z32 uprights
use S14 uprights.


anyone know if s14 uprights are the same as s14? and LCA's for that matter? S14 same as S14 - yes. But you probably mis typed there somewhere.

[RAR]

I had mine powder coated before I put it back in the car (s13):

http://www.350z.ws/gallery/d/16184-2/DSCF0023.JPG

Cost was worth it, so much easier working with clean parts.

I replaced everything w/ new adjustable arms with the exception of the lower arms which I replaced bushings and the ball joints and had powder coated.

I only went for spacers however...

Andrew

[a_ahmed]

^NICE!

Who can get S15 subframes and how much do they run? Are they HICAS or non-hicas? Plus can one use SPL's s13 aluminum solid subframe bushings with that I already bought them...

[Dousan_PG]

no u cant use s13 bushings on an s15 subframe
u wont be able to put on car

search theres info on it
i posted most o fit because i had on a few years back

[Sir]

tougefactory has the s15-s13 offset bushings available.
They came out with them not too long ago IIRC

[a_ahmed]

shit that sucks, well either way id be unable to get the s15 subframe... i wonder where one could though?

[MELLO*SOS]

shit that sucks, well either way id be unable to get the s15 subframe... i wonder where one could though?

Any business that imports clips can get you a rear cut and/or a subframe...

[hellaflush]

use S14 uprights.


S14 same as S14 - yes. But you probably mis typed there somewhere.

yeah what i meant was s14 and r33... are they the same?

i was thinking of possibly using r33 LCA/upright assembley

i know S14 and R33 front balljoints are identical

RAR - did you have the cradle sandblasted or did you just high pressure clean it?

[gsracer]

I did that a while ago, im still missing the rear lower control arms and traction rods but i had lots of fun doing it, i boxed in a couple points and such heres some pics





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3825.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3830.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3836.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3835.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3833.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3834.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3838.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3845.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3856.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3857.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3861.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/subframe/IMG_3863.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/new%20hotness/IMG_5469.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/gsracer/new%20hotness/IMG_5469.jpg

[RAR]

RAR - did you have the cradle sandblasted or did you just high pressure clean it?

Sandblasted.

Andrew

[a_ahmed]

I tried to google as well as search on zilvia about s15 subframe more but... most of the threads are people asking and people telling them to search... can u show me the direct link...

also where could one buy one? s15 subframe that is... how much aprox? etc... what parts are interchangable/etc... i want to use z32 spindles will that work/etc...

[sideview_180sx]

i think it was yashio or jun that makes an s13 rear subframe. since you are an aussie. just see about getting r33 complete rear subframe. oye oye oye

any chance of the colonel helping you out or laurence??

[ManoNegra]

I tried to google as well as search on zilvia about s15 subframe more but... most of the threads are people asking and people telling them to search... can u show me the direct link...

also where could one buy one? s15 subframe that is... how much aprox? etc... what parts are interchangable/etc... i want to use z32 spindles will that work/etc...

If I were looking for one I'd hit up places like Phase2, SR20store, JSpec, etc.. but your in Canada so I'm at a loss.
From what I remember years ago when the topic came up, the benefits of an S15 subframe in an S13 were a better overall rear suspension geometry but the benefits didn't warrant the cost and work involved. Adjustable arms, upgraded bushings and better diff and done. Remember that Option 2 Vol. 32 vid is pretty old...

[HyperTek]

as for Z32 rear end brake swap.. Swap the hubs, ebrake assembly/lines/backplate etc. i hear you can route the Z32 ebrake line in a way to reach the ebrake handle with no problem, otherwise you can do this ghetto method that i did..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/streetphase/100_0580.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/streetphase/100_0574.jpg

Not sure how it would hold up for drifting/extreme yanking , i never really did it.

[projectRDM]

To answer some of your questions:

The R33 ebrake cables are a direct fit replacement for an S14 chassis when using Z32 ebrakes. You can also use R32/R33/R34 ebrake assemblies, they're all the same.

The upright can be used from any of the above as well, but the aluminum versions found on the Z32, Q45, and a few others require a fork style mount for the rear shock, so you'll need to cut/weld your current shock or get a lower mount for your specific coilover to fit. Afterwards you'll need the conical spacer for the ball joint to seat into the new upright.

And I second the foam injection idea, the right foam (not the construction use crap) is stiff, lightweight, and displaces moisture. You'll reduce deflection in the subframe while keeping it light and prevent rust and corrosion inside the structure from forming after it's painted or coated. Even the very best powdercoat won't fill all the inner crevices.

[hellaflush]

well ive located ebrake cables and r33 rear drum handbrake assembley

found an s15 bare subframe also with bracing intact - however its in another state so it will be a little exxy to ship... trying to find one locally - one should popup in a month or 2

im hoping the ebrake assembley from the r33 will mount straight to s14 upright - nissan stuff is generally generic and i wouldnt be surprised if all upright on S and R chassis are the same

[timlush]

Afterwards you'll need the conical spacer for the ball joint to seat into the new upright.


This is for Z32 spindles? Link to spacer?

[Gumballf355]

It's more like a conical seat...
http://www.thehoneymustardbandits.org/clawhammer/reddragon/uprightpics/100_2164.JPG

[timlush]

Awesome, where can I pick up this piece?

[projectRDM]

From the dealer, or off any Z32 parts car.

[timlush]

Ah, I thought this was a non-OEM piece. I had a 300ZX parts car I just got rid of, wonder if I still have this piece laying around....

Thanks

[HyperTek]

so you guys actually want to use those uprights? i ddoubt think the wieght savings will justify modding your rear coilover mount for it.

[Dousan_PG]

modding?
you mean cut and welding
that shit takes like 30 mins

[projectRDM]

Or $30 for new mounts. True, it's not like you're dropping 300lbs, but every bit helps, and they do look amazing once you sandblast and clearcoat them. Plus the biggest gain I've found is the bushings press out a lot easier since the steel sleeve doesn't seize into the upright.