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-   -   Project: SteeZee - 1973 Datsun 240Z LQ9 V8 Build (#/f/showthread.php?t=439652)

Aaj2k5 03-05-2012 06:51 PM

Project: SteeZee - 1973 Datsun 240Z LQ9 V8 Build
 
My entire direction for this build changed within 3 days. Friday night was spent researching the S30 chassis. Saturday night I went and took a look at a disassembled car and put the deposit down. Sunday night I picked up this 1973 240Z - Project "Steezee" and brought the rust bucket back to the shop.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...un20Mar018.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...un20Mar017.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...un20Mar016.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...lin2004184.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...lin2004185.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...un5mars024.jpg

Looks half decent with some Blitz Type 03's..

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/Aaj2k5/057.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/Aaj2k5/058.jpg

This is what I was building before this past weekend;

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...702-1940-1.jpg

Left my shop in Tavistock (~2000 sqft) and crammed everything into my garage (~200 sq ft) FML. I'll miss the shop mascot though.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/Aaj2k5/066.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0257.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0250.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/Aaj2k5/073.jpg

Figured it was time for a legit rotisserie -

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...00802-0007.jpg

Stripped all paint off the car, as well as up to 3/8" thick of bondo off the roof and rear quarters even though the metal on the roof was perfect, and it looked as though they tried to reshape the contours of the rear for no particular reason. Used stripper, sandblaster as well as blowtorch and scraper. Primered it, and will get little spot touch ups when time comes for paint.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...00912-2150.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...01027-2025.jpg

I'm set for fuel and efan.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0249.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0239.jpg

5 bolt had to be removed from the aluminum R34 knuckle so I can use the Z32 big spline 5 lug.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/Aaj2k5/087.jpg

Z32 Big Spline 5 Lug, S14 Front spindles, FLCA.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0284.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0238.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0236.jpg

Pic shows one coat of paint stripper left on for 10 minutes which was wiped off and then a coat of easy off to degrease. Works wonders.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0277.jpg

Started to measure & design my build in Solidworks. Have the 5 lug, Q45 output shafts, Brake rotors, as well as starting on engine.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0159.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0160.jpg

Picked up a new cowl piece - thx JP.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0262.jpg

Cleaned up and painted the Z32 5 lug and R34 knuckles.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...2k5/photo4.jpg

Sample of the undercoat vs rust vs cleaned up:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0461.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0451.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0457.jpg

A buddy hooked me up with a E36 M3 Dash, centre console, glovebox, trim etc.. Will need a tiny bit of trimming obviously, but is almost the same curve and width as S30. E46 M3 Cluster looks alot nicer, so i'll probably end up going for it.

Started hacking the E36 dash with a dremel + sawblade.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0464.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0472.jpg

Soo the only reason I was using the M3 E36 dash was because a stock one cost a fortune in good shape. Until I met a guy who lives a few streets over from me and he hooked me up.

'72 240Z Dash - professionally restored
Heater center vent
Centre Console
BNIB dash side vents
Glove box
Dash to windshield trim
Tail light finisher pieces

Enough speak, more pics.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0512.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0520.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0521.jpg

Also started fitting the S14 suspension to S30 subframe.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0526.jpg

And fabbed up some arms to hold the front on rotisserie.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0524.jpg

Picked up a new hood instead of trying to save the bondo bucket that came with it.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0531.jpg

Front half of the rotisserie done.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0536.jpg

Aaj2k5 03-05-2012 06:51 PM

PIG ROAST!!
Finally got off my ass and finished the rotisserie.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0588.jpg

Primered er up.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0590.jpg

It's all garbage..

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0596.jpg

Drilled a crapload of holes..don't know why I didn't zipcut this...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0597.jpg

Cleaned up a bit more.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0609.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0613.jpg

Also, bought a JDM S14 swaybar 27mm w/ JDM S14 TC brackets. Also doubles as a rad mount.

Started on the floors.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0627.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_0629.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...2k5/photo6.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...1024-00110.jpg

Cleaned up drivers side front well.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...2k5/photo7.jpg

Car is going to Adam's place Thursday night to start work on the frame rails, R34 subframe mount, camber plates and possibly a cage. Floors are only tacked in as they are coming back out to weld in the rear subframe mounts.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...1027-00113.jpg

Been super excited to get the Z back from Adam so I thought I'd try my hand at Photochop.

Never used any sort of image editing software and this was done on free Paint.net program so it's by no means good but it's a decent idea what I'm going for..

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...16106-Copy.jpg

Food for thought..

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...1210-00270.jpg

Thanks to my buddy Matt for laser-cutting these at work :D

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...1214-00275.jpg

Build drastically changed direction HERE. I have been planning a KA24DET swap for couple years now and my buddy Matt drops a bomb on me and gives me a LM7 (5.3L GM V8). Start getting ideas about building a boosted 5.3, got in a horny and bought a LQ9 from a local guy.

Went for the iron block LQ9 instead of LSx for future boosting options, upfront cost and only weighs 76 lbs more.

Aaj2k5 03-05-2012 06:52 PM

Reserved for more stuff.

Aaj2k5 03-05-2012 06:52 PM

And again.

Aaj2k5 03-05-2012 06:53 PM

This should be good.

UNITEDMASTER 03-05-2012 07:34 PM

How much cuting did it take for the E36 dash to fit?? I actually really like it gives it that modern look.

Props on the build/ restoration!!

IM subscribed !!!

Aaj2k5 03-05-2012 08:54 PM

Thanks man!

The M3 dash needs ends cut off both sides right alone the a-pillar lines, and the pic I have of cutting the curve, it follows same curve but a couple more inches offset, as the e36 dash is a fair bit deeper.

It fits super nicely tho, gives a fairly modern look - I just <3 the Z dash more..

Kingbaby 03-06-2012 07:33 AM

awesome man...shared

Aaj2k5 11-10-2012 08:37 PM

My Datsun has been at the fabricators since Oct 27th, 2011. Now being Nov 10th, 2012, I've gotten mildly bored. Graduated Robotics and Automation in August and have been working full time since, so have some extra budget for the car :D

This was my garage at old home (just got a new house last week), tight quarters is understatement of the week. 10'x20'x82"...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...60CD916789.jpg

Got in on a shop here in Kitchener - 3200 sq ft for a hell of a deal

From the front:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...60881F4572.jpg

From the back: note the 10 ton gantry crane that runs the length of the shop.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...609ACF023A.jpg

We're set for air, have piping to all corners of the shop buried in the concrete. 100 amp 600 3 phase as well, with transformed down to 220/110.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...60A6E4BF74.jpg

Set up my stuff in the back right.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...6052428E84.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...6060FD284A.jpg

Picked up a Meba horizontal bandsaw 600v, 12" round cut cap.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...60597AAA5D.jpg

Netted a (free) Tos Kurim Finesa FNK25 6-axis turret mill with Heidenham XY NC readout from work.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...606CD4A3BD.jpg

Also have a shop trailer now - 6'x12' 14,000lb Hydraulic Drop deck (sits flat on the ground when lowered)
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...60FCED4468.jpg

I'll have some updates with parts I've collected soon!

future 11-10-2012 08:44 PM

Oh shit, damn. That's a garage

Kingbaby 11-10-2012 08:50 PM

glad to hear things still pushing...

b14 se-rious 11-11-2012 02:47 AM

Nice build, I have a sr20vet s30 myself, almost finished.

Dont give up on the build and white is the way to go!

WHat a sick mill to get for free, sell it!

soundahfekz 11-14-2012 08:14 PM

Awesome build man, you have a lot of dedication!

Aaj2k5 11-24-2012 06:21 PM

Shop is slowly coming together..

Addition of the day:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...F43AE23D00.jpg

I was told my Datsun would be coming home tomorrow. But have no confirmation in last month so we'll see how it goes..

TheZ31Guy 11-25-2012 10:15 PM

That is fuckin winning!

Aaj2k5 12-17-2012 03:52 PM

Sorry for a disappointing update but:

shop organization is taking shape :D this is stage 1 of racking. Had to take down about 60' of heavy ass 4" sched 80 in order to get the rack into a decent place.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B316EAF8D4.jpg

not much happening to the shop or Datsun other than Brendan's VH45 S14, so here's one of the new shop mascot, Diesel.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...515CF77F13.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5153C9ED12.jpg

Found yet another use for the 10 ton gantry crane :D

JorgeZ33 12-22-2012 08:52 PM

Looking good, I cant wait to see more!

06_footy 12-31-2012 07:21 PM

Suscribed :cool:

Aaj2k5 01-11-2013 08:48 AM

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...82943AC9C0.jpg

442 days since my car has left me, but it's home now..

Cage is not done, main hoop, diagonal and A-pillars are cut but not welded.

I'm not worried, I actually have the shop and capabilities to do everything myself now so it's all good. Just happy to have my car back..

Aaj2k5 03-03-2013 06:23 PM

Had a couple hrs today to put towards the Z..

This is the cage that was done by the fabricator. I am scrapping every part of it that was done - about 40' of DOM scrapped unless I can salvage some short pieces out of them.

Main hoop has ~3" between it and the roofline. Note the gnarly plasma cut strut tower holes.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B6686FF119.jpg

The door bar stuck below the roofline.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B66231FB48.jpg

The A-Pillar was fairly tight...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B65BB666EC.jpg

Took the S30 front subframe and nipped off the factory motor mounts..

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B67E796ED0.jpg

Picked up a R33 GTR RHD steering rack. RHD because when you flip the rack over, I need it to work in that direction with the S14 knuckles flipped right to left (steering rack in front of subframe instead of factory).

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B6895AB41A.jpg

Then I took the R34 GTR rear subframe and burnt out the factory bushings, sawz-all to the top flange and air hammer to push the sleeves out.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B9882A3224.jpg

SPL V1 Solid Subframe Bushing in the bore.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B695575E38.jpg

Tomorrow night's plan is to brace the subframe, ditch the diff bushings, find a bushing for the R33 steering rack and send out subframe(s) to JP @ Strip tech for powdercoating.

dudermagee 03-03-2013 07:51 PM

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/w...psd5e8a170.gif
good stuff man

Aaj2k5 03-10-2013 04:37 PM

Got a couple more hrs in today. This is yet another time-saving gift I was given when the car came back:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B8B11A3F89.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B8B8A324E5.jpg

All four corners were the same shape. Pretty good gap for welding...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B8BE92C0BF.jpg

Cleaned up the surfaces.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B8C371CC0F.jpg

Spray painted from inside the tower and trimmed the outline.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B8CE27FB3C.jpg

Welded top and underside, root pass ground down and another cap for cosmetics.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B584859BE2.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B8A27E63C8.jpg

Aaj2k5 03-11-2013 08:49 PM

R33 GTR rack fits nicely on S30 subframe:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B5966595C8.jpg

Cleaned up cowl area down to bare metal and sprayed it with temporary paint.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...B5A1694436.jpg

Got drivers side rear camber plate 90% done, it and the passenger will be done this week sometime :D

turbo2nr 03-12-2013 10:51 AM

awesome resto! keep it up cant wait to see the finish results!!

Aaj2k5 04-14-2013 06:14 PM

Finally found some time to work on Z (truck needed yet another motor :().

Got all 4 corners done for camber plates.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...3446F41C8B.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...3453C0C927.jpg

Started on the boxes for the main hoop:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...3469DE631A.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...3471865FA6.jpg

Not nearly finished as the R34 subframe has to mount to these somehow.

Spent a bit of today time on this:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...33BDE41C29.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...33B5FDD838.jpg

FWIW, little while ago I received a hydraulic power pack, a hydraulic ram (6" bore, 2" rod, 4" stroke), 8' of 1.25" stainless rod, 8' of 1" threaded rod, 1/4" wall 6x6x10, 40 feet of 1/4"x2x6, 8 feet of 6" c channel and some other bits.... FREE! :D so I am turning them all into a hydraulic shop press. I haven't done the math on it yet but I estimate the ram to be roughly 50 ton. I'm making attachments so I can use it as a brake, shear, mounting a JD Squared model 3 vertically on the back (baller tube bender), hydraulic hose crimper (ends came on the ram for this), as well as a general shop press (bearings, bushings, dimple die's etc..)..

Pretty stoked to get going on the car and press now that the truck is all wrapped up.

Got some work done on the press today. Would've been a lot farther if metal supply stores were fricken open on Sundays..

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...51C3830031.jpg

1.5HP motor to the hydraulic pump, should put out more than enough. Motor is held to the press via a plate with 4 holes with bolts welded and their heads cut off flush, then the plate welded to frame.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...51D28C2DA2.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...51B9B6143A.jpg

The gauge was fubar'd so I picked up a digital readout gauge that has a programmable pressure setpoint. This means I can hold the handle full tilt and it will automatically shut off the pump (or divert) back to tank if I set it up as a pressure relief.

240boi115 04-14-2013 07:03 PM

subbed!!!!!!!! cuz im working on a 280z and this is helping out a lot! hahaha good build! keep it up

Aaj2k5 05-20-2013 05:09 PM

Picked up some S14 coil overs from Brendan - the fronts fit well even though my camber plate template is for a HSD/Stance rather than JIC.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...DC6DF23298.jpg

And some more CAD for whoever is into that kind if thing, this is the basic layout of the underside of the Z. Motor is to size, and T56 is to size

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...DC7B900F90.jpg

Aaj2k5 05-26-2013 04:32 PM

Old crapiness:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...8A8F1C961B.jpg

Side by side (LQ9 pan vs LS1/LS6 Z06 "Batwing" pan):
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...8AA223DE8C.jpg

New hotness:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...8AAB0DBD51.jpg

Holds same capacity (6.5 qts) but much better baffling design and the obvious 4" of extra clearance doesn't hurt either haha and this one was a "new take-off" and is mint shape :D

Aaj2k5 07-14-2013 06:18 PM

Soo, I took a month of weekends off to try and have a life outside of work.. But I'm back at it again - had full day on er today.

Took the LQ9 Truck manifold and tossed in storage:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5AFCC7E978.jpg

Took the NTO LS2 manifold and tossed in on the motor:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5B0B731377.jpg

If you squint from 30 feet it resembles a car:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5AE0A5911C.jpg

How both sides looked after all the cancer was cut out:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5B1C481997.jpg

Cut off the traction arm mount, the gusseting to the footwell. This leaves a gap along the length of the from rail. Also note the new panels in footwell, formed to the curve in the new floors and all panel intersections fairly nice. (I now have newfound respect for tin-whackers haha)

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5B2985CBE5.jpg

Test fit my new rails - bent up 14ga CRS into (Inside Dimensions) 2.25" along top, 2.5" along side and 3" along bottom, 42" long. These are oversized length ways so I can trim down to fit minty.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5B47BEFC89.jpg

Welded in patch panel out of 18 ga CRS - 2.5" wide roughly 15" long with an extra 1" angled as flange support up the footwell.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5B5CC4B82F.jpg

Boxing patch fits fairly flush.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5B62DE3121.jpg

Frame rail fits even flusher.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5B768D7F13.jpg

First pass of welding it in.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5B841544D2.jpg

Cleaned up the wheel well and painted everything to keep the bare metal from rusting up.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5B921DC942.jpg

Nice, flat and straight. And I feel 10,000,001 times better about bolting 450 horse to this frame rail as opposed to the stock.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5BD2D4A3CF.jpg

That's all for today peeps, I'll hopefully have the passenger side matching this next weekend now that I've figured out how its done haha. This is actually a much bigger step in the build than it may seem. After this is done, I can tie in mid frame rails front to rear, cage mounts, motor mounts, tranny mounts etc etc.

Coolwhip 07-17-2013 03:23 PM

Looks awesome, keep up the good work.

S14kouki_10 07-25-2013 08:59 PM

Curious to see how you fixed the rust by the hood hinges

Aaj2k5 08-07-2013 07:24 PM

Thanks coolwhip! And as far as hood hinges go I haven't gotten to doing that section yet - ill post up when I do though.

This ladies and gents is a TR6060 6 speed from a ~2012 Chevy Camaro. Thanks to a man named Joe, it now resides in my shop staring the LQ9 down. Also joining it is a bnib GM TR6060 concentric slave cylinder and a Camaro driveshaft, flex couplings and the shifter. TR6060 is fairly factory with exception of carbon synchro's.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...23C4777ED4.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...23CCA51CDC.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...23D740ECE5.jpg

Aaj2k5 08-11-2013 08:16 PM

So probably one of my more productive days woohoo!

Did the passenger engine bay same as the drivers so no real process pics required:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...232B3989EF.jpg

Then I did a 1x3x.120 up the footwell at a 60* angle and all the way along the floor. The floor was bowed from welding the whole panel in but with a bit of planning and a bit of weight on it - it squared up to 0.1 degree side to side and 0.2 end to end relative to pinch weld and 0.6 degree relative to the engine bay rail - not too bad. I capped the top of the 60* piece so it's nice and flush but I might add a small drain hole for condensate inside the rails.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...23231AB9F7.jpg

Nice and square :D
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...231AD76B32.jpg

Ill match the other side up next weekend hopefully. Then tie both into rear subframe, add the 20* pieces connecting the engine frame rail with the floor rail and get some wheels bolted up and set on em!

S14kouki_10 08-16-2013 10:42 PM

looking good

Aaj2k5 10-06-2013 08:08 PM

Had some time today to get some done on the Z :D

Matched the passenger footwell, floor rail and footwell rail to the drivers.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps78e2c289.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psd6bea0b0.jpg

I have to find out if the subframe fastener can stick through the mount plate for my cage main hoop. If it can't, I have to inset a nut inside of the 1x3. Anyone know if I can?

Aaj2k5 01-13-2014 07:03 PM

Same old game - days off getting farther apart and I'm going to McMaster part time to finish my B.Tech.

Updated the Solidworks model with cage:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psbb475e22.jpg

Plated the rear strut tower tops and fitted the rear tower member of the cage. Also cut out the rear floor to the frame rails so I can start on fuel cell frame.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps398fd77e.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps9a4c5ac3.jpg

Hit up BendTech for the main hoop - thanks Joe!

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps3943073a.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...pse900502d.jpg

Cut the main hoop base at ~9 degree angle towards the rear so it sits flush at base when hoop was in place. This is a temporary fastener for subframe btw - inverted socket head shoulder bolt will be the final.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psc73e88f3.jpg

Didn't wanna waste $100 on a lift plate - cut piece of scrap 1/4"x6"x18.5" plate, drilled 10 holes, zipped two 1" pieces of scrap pipe, ground flats on each of them to sit square and just need to weld er up. $2 lift plate (cost of fasteners haha) :D

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psd12b5fde.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps29b7b09e.jpg

Coolwhip 01-14-2014 10:50 AM

Nice update!

Keep em coming

Therealdapnyc 01-16-2014 09:29 PM

Nice I have one as well


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Aaj2k5 01-19-2014 06:08 PM

Hit up the shop today - got the main diagonal in. Before someone mentions it, I plan on taking the tacks off and cleaning up the weld joints next weekend before continuing the rest of the cage - I just didn't have any emery cloth today.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psea5e9d9b.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps78f75a22.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psfaa65ca4.jpg

Also finished up that lift plate. Buying some engine goodies this week hopefully come in for the weekend.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psac741eb6.jpg

Aaj2k5 02-09-2014 06:32 PM

Obviously not the wheels I will be running, however these 205/60/R16 have the exact same OD as the 275/40/R17 I have at the shop. Someday will be 315/35/R17, but I'll run the Yokohama 275's I already have first.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psf95f410f.jpg

The forward rear control arm mount is at 0 degrees centre of mount pivot to the centre of the balljoint at the ride height shown. This leaves 3.5 inches of wheel travel upwards from ride height once I cut out the wheel well and run extra wide ZG flares

The rearward rear control arm mount is at ~5 degrees from centre of mount pivot to centre of balljoint at the ride height shown.

Suspension experts: Is 3.5" enough wheel travel or am I leaving too much or too little of a gap before hitting tire into wheel well? The optimum parallel RLCA - is this to the front mount or the rear mount of the RLCA?

All arms will be adjustable, but if I have to move my subframe mount up - now would be the time to do it.

Also, made these braces up - will make the same for the other side of the engine mount bracket all the way to the firewall.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps3392a0e1.jpg

Factory 2012 Camaro driveshaft with the isolator placed where my transmission flange will be:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps3b295edd.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psd2081a4c.jpg

This means I can cut the second half of the camaro driveshaft off at roughly that weld line and weld a Q45 flange onto it for mating to my diff. I'll have a U-Joint, Slip yoke as well as the rubber isolator at the transmission output shaft.

Picked up GM LS7 Lifters

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...BNJegnb_12.jpg

As well as GM LS2 Lifter Trays

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/Aaj2k5/_57.jpg

Everything in blue is done.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps78ebe263.jpg

I put the Z back on rotisserie today so if this week I can come to a conclusion about the subframe height I can continue on with the cage.

future 02-09-2014 07:02 PM

Looking good man

edsonflores 02-10-2014 11:18 PM

looks good

Aaj2k5 02-16-2014 08:29 PM

Edit: old setup

Aaj2k5 03-02-2014 07:09 PM

Removed the old 2.5"x2.5" Crossmember.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psd375d7fa.jpg

New 1.5"x3"x.120 cross member - just roughed for now since I didn't get the M20 Socket head shoulder bolts in time.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps0a9aed20.jpg

Clearance to bulkhead. I added 3/4" angle to the bulkhead for strength in that corner, notched the bulkhead and the angle for the 1x3 horizontal piece. Brought a tube from the frame rail down to this at what worked out to exactly 45 degrees :D Also added 2" angle 6" long to brace the factory crossmember where this 1x3 meets it.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psa7e49373.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps7be39c1e.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psd5372dc8.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps8b356409.jpg

Also picked up one of these for dirt cheap since the powdercoat was dinged on the front face as shown. 50% off for a pure aesthetic? Sold!

04-07 Cadillac CTS-V Brembo Front Caliper
# Pistons: 4 x 40/44mm
Total piston area: 8.61 sq. in. 5554 sq. mm
Rotor Thickness: 1.26 in. (32 mm)
Part #: (L) 89047727

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps7d74ef44.jpg

Aaj2k5 03-30-2014 08:00 PM

I've been called in to work every weekend so this has not progressed all month :(

Matched the DS fenderwell to the PS

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps16231724.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psab91a820.jpg

Turned these up on the lathe since I don't like paying $$$ for $3 in 6061 T6. Solid diff bushings - new to make a few more for the front of my Q45 diff.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps67fc32e4.jpg

Started sketching my front knuckle to design CTS-V Brembo caliper adapter.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps8f7faf70.jpg

Old setup:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps66c23e1e.jpg

New setup - not shown but welded pipe nipples into the holes like the old setup to sleeve bolts/help crush.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps361e4ad0.jpg

Tacked in place after measuring from a number of reference points.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...pse2094dc0.jpg

I'll have new front subframe mounts done next weekend and continue on with cage A-pillars!

S14kouki_10 03-31-2014 09:50 PM

What did you paint the fenderwell with?

Aaj2k5 04-01-2014 10:26 AM

Tremclad - the whole car will be covered with this and when all of my metal work is done, I am media blasting the whole car.

Aaj2k5 04-28-2014 07:17 PM

Soo this happened a few weeks ago

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps7aa381fe.jpg

So I was out of the game for a bit, but starting back into er now.

Took this setup

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...pse6db9ddd.jpg

And stuffed it in here

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psb1d12b06.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psd117aa34.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps179bf3a0.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps85a66410.jpg

Had to chop the factory transmission mounts off the car to get the TR6060 to clear but there is plenty of room in there otherwise. The shift is about 2" too far back but that is no sweat since it has a 6" long bracket connected to a rod which can both be shortened.

The steering rack is going to be an issue but ill deal with that after I make my mounts.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...pse91f8962.jpg

Also, this is waiting for a rainy day.

edsonflores 04-30-2014 07:29 PM

looks awesome keep it up

Aaj2k5 07-01-2014 11:35 AM

Thanks edson,

While I've been down with the ACL tear I had some powdercoating done by JP @ Strip Tech. My Cusco RUCA's as well as the LQ9 valve covers in wrinkle red.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psc1e0772d.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_2155.jpg

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps89db8ff7.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_2153.jpg

And to start rebuilding the RUCA's since it seems like the PO didn't know they were left hand thread.. QA1 XMR12 chromoly rod ends - I just need to turn up the 3/4 to M26x1.5LH adapter this week.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_2176.jpg

Picked up a set of JDMFlares Wide ZG fender flares - 3.75" in the rear, 3.25" in the front. I'm not a fan of doing the usual sheet metal screw so I grabbed M8 nutserts and the tool to install them.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psea3eaa2b.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_2170.jpg

The interior was pretty haggard from welding the rails and sitting forever. All seam sealer is gone, penetrating welds smoothed and all the remnants of sound deadening gone as well.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps051658d4.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps5131505a.jpg

Made these up for the front cage mounts

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps95488c9a.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_2158.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_2159.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_2162.jpg

Now that the front mounts are done, need to clearance the cowl a bit to allow a nice tight fit of cage to A-pillar.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...5/IMG_2173.jpg

Also need to cut some tube with an ID larger than the OD of your cage, in an odd shape similar to the pic.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...psc0886144.jpg

I still have to finish up the cowl clearancing but that's it for today!

lgsr20swap 09-05-2014 08:27 AM

Eagerly waiting for a update lol.

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Frank_Jaeger 09-09-2014 10:51 AM

I love this build.

240sxowner 10-14-2014 09:30 PM

Awesome work man, keep it up! Def an inspiration for my current s30 build. Looking forward to an update.

Toykoz32 11-07-2014 12:52 PM

WOW . . . . Im loving everything about this build. Just started mine about a month ago, planning on a z32 diff tho.

sleeperd 12-31-2014 09:26 AM

awesome build

Aaj2k5 02-01-2015 06:27 PM

Hey guys, been a while since I've been able to get to shop.

Picked up Contano S14 5 lug hubs
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...116_200549.jpg

Borrowed a buddies tube bender and bought a Princess Auto tube notcher. This is the biggest POS I've seen but it was cheap and I needed something asap. The blue bushing housing had a ton of play to the shaft and the hole saw adapter had huge runout so I made a new shaft assembly out of some spare bearings and milled a plate with a step to align them. Popped a 3/8" hex socket into the end and pinned it so it will never spin so I can adapt to any drill and the wobble of the drill will be taken up by this adapter.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...116_182431.jpg

Bent up some scrap pieces of tube to get angles right without using the good DOM

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...131_164710.jpg

Bent up full A-pillar bars

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...201_190504.jpg

Halo bar notched nicely.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...201_190531.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...201_190355.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...201_190322.jpg

Front view of today's work
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/f...201_190554.jpg

Next will be dash bar and halo to main hoop. Should I go straight back or X for the roof bars?

soundboy 10-14-2015 03:53 PM

I like everything besides the front suspension and the drifeshaft. I believe a aluminum unit would be great for this build rather than retrofitting spots for the carrier bearing. It would work tho.

lgsr20swap 10-20-2015 08:49 AM

What's up with a update!!!!! I sent u a pm on that notcher. I want u to make me one. I will prebuy it

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brianglawson 01-14-2016 03:37 PM

Subbed, Nice Sir!! how are Z33 transmissions holding up to V8 torque?! (always heard about synchro problems in earlier years)

jr_ 09-01-2018 11:10 AM

It's been a while. Any updates OP?

Aaj2k5 09-03-2018 01:51 PM

Hey guys, sorry its been a minute. Life got in the way of the Z haha. Got hitched, bought a place, night school to get degree, new job and had a kid.

New place has a 600 sq ft shop with same size basement under it. Got some other tools and storage things, as well as a (free) mill table to turn into a weld table someday.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ds...=w2041-h594-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Od...w=w768-h930-no

New daily.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YG...A=w720-h538-no

Not much has changed on it to be honest, but getting the itch to get back into it.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cZ...=w1263-h947-no

Some guys asked why the cage roof bar was angled slightly down back to the main hoop. This gap should explain that, I hope.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zv...A=w711-h947-no

Dash bar through the steering column mount. Stock heater core fits.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Nw...=w1263-h947-no

S14 subframe, S13 HICAS rack, S14 JDM sway bar & mounts, SPL tension rods, S14 knuckles, S14 coilovers.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Wo...=w1263-h947-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/61...=w1263-h947-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iZ...=w1263-h947-no

Rear subframe and mount waiting for the new solid bushings.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tv...w=w711-h947-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PR...=w1263-h947-no

Z32 NA finned diff cover w/ SPL solid diff bushings.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0m...A=w711-h947-no

StopTech Z33 Track Pack 324mm rotors and pads for the CTS-V Brembos.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/31...w=w711-h947-no

Kirkey 47500 Seat - cover will stay in the bag until the car is ready since its the same price as the seat haha but sample S2K pic with cover shown.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3j...g=w711-h947-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u...g=w600-h389-no

supersayianjim 09-11-2018 09:06 PM

good shit, keep up the progress

jr_ 10-04-2018 12:57 AM

This thread makes me realise how lazy I am. F*ck man this is going to be awesome.

Aaj2k5 11-11-2018 08:13 AM

Turned up 6061 subframe bushings to fit the new mounts perfectly.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/GZ...8=w706-h939-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yQ...o=w750-h491-no

Almost have the furnace hooked up - I ran gas out to shop, just need some ducts and to close it all in. Actually want to work on the Z this winter.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tS...1=w722-h939-no


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