Project: SR-71 (Datsun 240Z/S13)

[boost_dependent]

Why not make a Datsun 240Z (S30) drift like a Nissan 240SX (S13)?


I started this project almost 2 years ago. Prior to this I have had no welding or fabrication experience at all. I suppose, for what I had in mind, I didn't realize what I was getting myself into. I wanted to do this build in my own way and make as much of the parts as I could as well as do all of the welding and fab myself. Plus, this is all being done in a 1-car garage in my spare time on a super low budget. Most of the steel I have used has been scrap metal or things I traded for etc. I've even been using a harbor freight flux core welder that I got at a flea market. I wanted to use all of the S13 suspension components that I could, and I have used them all! I have fabbed in an S13 rear subframe and complete IRS setup in the datsun in my own way all with floor jacks and jack stands. No rotisserie here. I have also fabbed in the S13 crossmember so I can just bolt on all the S13 suspension components, rack, etc. Also, I'm using the redtop SR motor. In order to achieve all of this, I had to relocate the suspension mounts/strut towers 7.5" forward effectively extending the wheelbase to 98.2". I have created my own strut towers for this as well. Here in the last week or so I have been working out a deal to get a used Lincoln mig welder.

You can follow this build on its own facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSR71




Just a few latest photos:

http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-Zr3Sr5m/0/XL/i-Zr3Sr5m-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-t6D8MsL/0/XL/i-t6D8MsL-XL.jpg


http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-F2mm5FD/0/XL/i-F2mm5FD-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-m2fRg9x/0/XL/i-m2fRg9x-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-p4Rr4Zq/0/XL/i-p4Rr4Zq-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-wsH843R/0/XL/i-wsH843R-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-BSTcFZ9/0/XL/i-BSTcFZ9-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-qQKJqXC/0/XL/i-qQKJqXC-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-tkTtmtN/0/XL/i-tkTtmtN-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-4KWHRVx/0/XL/i-4KWHRVx-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-T94nf6Z/0/XL/i-T94nf6Z-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-MpFxcc7/0/XL/i-MpFxcc7-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-RSPfnQT/0/XL/i-RSPfnQT-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-cQhPZ3t/0/XL/i-cQhPZ3t-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-r3G3GvR/0/XL/i-r3G3GvR-XL.jpg



http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/photos/i-tcWZrFk/0/XL/i-tcWZrFk-XL.jpg

[nextproject]

Props to you for undertaking such a dramatic transformation. It'll be interesting to see the outcome, although im sure the finished product will be a long ways off. This sucker will be noticeably longer than any other z, i would recommend some flares of some sort, with a wider track to offset the increase in wheelbase. This is what home-built hotrods are all about!

[boost_dependent]

Thanks! And of course this thing will have flares. I haven't even touched the body work on this thing. The fenders still need to get extended as well.

[boost_dependent]

If you want detailed photo documentation on the build, I have hundreds of photos on the facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSR71

You can also view all of these photos on my site here:
(warning, there are hundreds and they are in chronological order)
SR-71 - Nostalgic Imaging -- Photography by Kenny Alexander (http://www.nostalgicimaging.com/Cars/SR-71/27396666_wvrPPv#!p=1&n=10)

[boost_dependent]

SR-71 Time-Lapse Test - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsYKEYRaQSc)

[boost_dependent]

SR-71 Time-Lapse Test - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsYKEYRaQSc)

[jr_ss]

Interesting build, wrong place for it to be though. We have a builds section strictly for this type of thing. Ask the mods to move it otherwise it may be locked up.

[boost_dependent]

Yeah, and I tried posting it twice to the Builds section and after 72 hours with it still not showing up...I found the Z section and posted it right up. If a mod wants to move this post to the Builds section that would be great!

[future]

Wish you posted the full build on here. Shit looks intense