As some of you may know I've been back at home for a few weeks to get some work done on the 300. I thought I would share some pics and info on my progress

Can't see them mate unless it's my phone playing up :hammer:

First up, this is the collection of new parts I have been building up over the last few months

 

 

The biggest job was to sort out what I suspected to be a smokey turbo, soon confirmed with the downpipe removed.

 

First things first, pull the engine, which I didn't find too bad with all the simplifications I have done.

 

 

 

Turbos stripped off

 

 

New manifolds ready to go on

 

 

And a comparison between the stock auto turbo and a brand new gt2560 (czp gt600)

 

I then ran into a problem as I had not ordered a set of new studs and the old ones would not come out without breaking. Nissan use high temp studs (inconel I think) and using standard grade fasteners is a sure way of having to take the engine back out again to replace blown gaskets.

 

In the mean time I got on with a gearbox external overhaul.

 

New switches

 

 

 

Later spec 350z clutch arm and pivot ball along with a new clutch release bearing and carrier.

 

 

I also fabricated a new gear leaver support that directly mounts to the box (similar to the bde item). I didn't get any photos of this though.

I also added some phosphor bronze sifter bearings, however I was a little surprised to see that the pivot on the bolt which is very bad practice. I managed to bore them out on the lathe to use the original sleeve. I also rebuilt the shifter pivot ball with a czp kit and adjusted the pivot point to give a slightly reduced travel while still retaining the stock shifter.

 

 

 

 

New selector arm

 

 

Also managed to update my recircs with some bde goose honk killers

 

Edited July 31, 20178 yr by dougal200

Also managed to take a day off and get down to the British GP. Not been in years but it was a great day out for me and the old man, even managed to get on TV

 

 

 

 

Awesome work as usual Pete, would love my both the LWB and shortie to be at your stage :bow::thumbup:

With literally 10 mins to spare I managed to set off on the nervous drive up to see Greg at protuner in Coventry. Fortunately all was well and the car had no problems.

 

 

I don't seem to be able to add any videos here unless linked to YouTube. I'll try to upload one.

 

It was a great experience to meet Greg and I was very reassured by his knowledge and thorough preparation. Lucky really as even though I had replaced the fuel pump and have a high capacity FPR, the fuel pump controller was only giving the first stage voltage meaning as soon as fuel requirements increased, the pressure was dropping. Basically a ticking time bomb which could have easily destroyed the engine. Luckily this was noticed in the mapping process so a quick bypass was all that was needed.

 

I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave (redwine 300) who managed to pop over and keep me entertained chatting away about zeds, was great to meet you.

 

End results were 460 at 19psi and very drivable low end. The results of which are truly grin worthy acceleration in all gears with near stock levels of lag.

 

The turbos have plenty more to give but Greg was worried about knock so we left it there. A full 3" exhaust and 2.5" intercoolers/pipes will be on the cards at a later date to get the most of what I have. For the moment it really doesn't need anymore anyway.

Edited July 31, 20178 yr by dougal200

Loving the updates mate. :thumbup1:

I love this machine:punk: Congrats on the 460:thumbup1: Is that at the wheels or fly mate??

I love this machine:punk: Congrats on the 460:thumbup1: Is that at the wheels or fly mate??

 

I assume it's wheels but I could be wrong. Not so worried about the actual numbers, fast and reliable are the main objectives.

I was thinking that myself:thumbup:

After all the heavy mechanical work I gave myself a bit of a break and did some work on the interior.

 

My control pods were a little cracked on the bosses etc and were very shiny with years of interior shine. New ones are still available and not too expensive for rhd. They make a nice difference

 

 

 

Then went on the new targa seals, not cheap at all but stocks are almost out now so there will never be an opera unity to buy new again. Making sure the black sealing gunge doesn't go everywhere is the biggest problem.

 

 

Next up is the clutch servo rebuild. I used the guide from the Australian forum using the pathfinder rebuild kit.

 

I also took the time to correctly increase the pedal travel which is advised for upgraded clutches.

 

 

Having never used the booster before I have to say it really transforms the driving experience, combined with all the gearbox work I did the difference is night and day, smooth crisp changes with a light but accurate clutch. The car has gone from being a bit awkward to drive at lower/town speeds to a relaxing gt car that still feels precise. As a bonus, even after a few days of no use, the booster still retains its vacuum, which surprised me.

Final challenges for last week were to retrim my old interior to match the darker alcantara of my seats and to replace a few of the non perfect trim panels.

 

I bought 2 linear meters of genuine charcoal alcantara. I made sure that I used the unbacked "panel" version which has a bit more give.

 

New instrument cover

 

 

I managed to buy some "as new" series 4 rear trim when I was last in Japan, the carpeted section was perfect. Th upper sections I separated and recovered.

 

 

 

Now for the scary part, take two brand new door cards and rip off the centre fabric and try to recover in one piece. The passenger side which I did first could be better ( a few wrinkles on the return edge that may be noticeable with the door open) the drivers side I nailed and I'm very happy with it.

 

 

 

I also did the same for the other panels which are much easier.

Here are some pics of it all fitted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also managed to pop up to see slick Pete and get the swb carpet he had for sale. It really was in perfect condition and really didn't take too long to fit as I was changing the interior over.

 

 

Whilst at it I also fitted my new set of a pillar trims

 

Final little project was to see if I could find a steering wheel I liked.

 

I have been running an old nardi wheel which I have owned for ages, it was ok but a little scruffy and the grey didn't match.

 

I managed to pick up a used but good condition momo Nero wheel for reasonable money.

 

I generally like this wheel as it's a pleasant shape, has a couple of silver accents that help to link a few other bits of silver in the interior and it isn't crazy modern. A few things that I don't like are the centre boss cover and that the suede is black.

 

The suede inserts were changed over to charcoal alcantara, a simple black centre ring was added and the horn button replaced for a more subtle on with no yellow.

 

I'd be interested in people's opinions on this as I'm still considering going back to stock.

 

 

I have a Momo wheel also but I am now considering going back to stock.

I'd be interested in people's opinions on this as I'm still considering going back to stock.

 

Stock every time with a red Z badge of course!

 

You've got a winner there Pete...

I have no words [emoji15] Has to be my favourite car in the club, for me this is the most desirable Z32 in the UK (at least), great work as always Pete.

 

And yes, stock wheel with a BLACK and silver Z badge, none of that pink business that those guys have!

 

Not this again guys. Everyone knows you need a textured OEM badge. None of this goofy ebay badge nonsense with an oversized logo.

Not this again guys. Everyone knows you need a textured OEM badge. None of this goofy ebay badge nonsense with an oversized logo.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]107823[/ATTACH]

 

Oooooh, where has this old girl been hiding? Looks like a nicer colour version of the original...

 

[emoji848][emoji57]

With literally 10 mins to spare I managed to set off on the nervous drive up to see Greg at protuner in Coventry. Fortunately all was well and the car had no problems.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]107799[/ATTACH]

 

I don't seem to be able to add any videos here unless linked to YouTube. I'll try to upload one.

 

It was a great experience to meet Greg and I was very reassured by his knowledge and thorough preparation. Lucky really as even though I had replaced the fuel pump and have a high capacity FPR, the fuel pump controller was only giving the first stage voltage meaning as soon as fuel requirements increased, the pressure was dropping. Basically a ticking time bomb which could have easily destroyed the engine. Luckily this was noticed in the mapping process so a quick bypass was all that was needed.

 

I also had the pleasure of meeting Dave (redwine 300) who managed to pop over and keep me entertained chatting away about zeds, was great to meet you.

 

End results were 460 at 19psi and very drivable low end. The results of which are truly grin worthy acceleration in all gears with near stock levels of lag.

 

The turbos have plenty more to give but Greg was worried about knock so we left it there. A full 3" exhaust and 2.5" intercoolers/pipes will be on the cards at a later date to get the most of what I have. For the moment it really doesn't need anymore anyway.

 

So glad I managed to get the time off to meet up with you Pete, it was a real pleasure.

I had not been to a dyno setup before, found it fascinating watching Greg take a 300zx to a fearsome level of power, breathtaking.

He certainly knows his stuff, great chap.

Hopefully meet up with you again Pete, hope you had a safe journey Sunday.

Edited August 1, 20178 yr by redwine300

I have no words [emoji15] Has to be my favourite car in the club, for me this is the most desirable Z32 in the UK (at least), great work as always Pete.

 

And yes, stock wheel with a BLACK and silver Z badge, none of that pink business that those guys have!

 

 

Very high praise indeed sir, thankyou very much. I have to say that I don't think the paintwork will be up to the same standards as your's or funky Si's ( and quite a few more perhaps) that will all be sorted in time though.

 

I was gutted not to make it to simply Japanese to see all the great cars in the club, I'll be sure to make it next year though.

I managed to upload the final pull video, the sound doesn't really do it justice compared to standing along side at 7k

 

[video=youtube_share;8aFPC7dg0ck]

Love that engine bay:punk: