This goes well with the picture of the Z cars on the docks. So, brand spankin’ new 240z or new 510… which would you prefer?

She’s currently sitting two inches lower via drop blocks and AGX adjustable Camaro shocks in the rear, and 280zx struts/brakes and Techno Toy Tuning coilovers, camber plates, RCA’s, and tension control rods in the front. I also threw on a set of 15×7 +11 SSR Longchamps that I had in storage with almost new Nexen (cheap-o) tires.

I’m still waiting to install or receive: T3 control arms, T3 tie rods, T3 strut tower bar, Energy Suspension poly sway bar bushings, a new idler arm, 280zx rear disc brakes (with handbrake), an extra leaf to flip and stiffen up the rear, poly and brass leaf pucks (bushings), Goodridge braided brake lines,

I basically bought T3′s entire front end to create the most rugged street wagon possible. My thoughts on T3′s parts: Super beefy and over-engineered for a street car… I will likely never need the strength and adjustability that they offer, but I love knowing that it’s there. The downsides is that the spring is too short for my taste (seven inch spring) so the adjuster is maxed out on the top of the coilover sleeve, but I’m going to get a nine inch spring to offer even greater adjustability. Also, the T3 website doesn’t mention that the strut tower bar interferes with the stock hood prop, but the parts to convert to hood struts should be arriving at my door step any day now.

Just for giggles, I picked up a set of headlight trim, or “visors”, because I saw them on my friend Justin’s old Corolla wagon and loved the look. The chrome is super shiny and makes my trim and grill look like crap though.

I’ve got a bunch more parts coming that will add to the style and functionality of the goon, but alas, she will soon be too well built for that asthmatic L16. Soon enough, the engine build parts hoarding can begin!

Oh, and big thanks to the world famous BKH808, Justin, Jordan for helping out with the installs.  Couldn’t have done it without them.

That is all.

I have a ton of parts that need to go on, but I AM IN DIRE NEED OF 280ZX FRONT HUBS! There are zero choices at the junk yards here, and everybody I contact who’s parting one out either flakes on me or wants something crazy ($100+ shipping). If anybody can help me out with some cheap hubs, you will be rewarded with awesome satisfaction and pictures!

This picture is so sick! I’ve always loved the SSR MK3/MK2 staggered look.

By the way, have you guys checked out High Top Fade? It’s a pretty amazing blog.

Check out the vintage Dunlop slicks! I just got my hands on something spectacular, and let me say this… as far as wide tires go in 14 inch selection, there is not much. I would think more manufacturers would put product out for the old school muscle cars, but I guess not.

AWESOME!

Added bonus, in the Z car HyperRev, a page is signed by Steve Millen!

Carlos Ghosn announced the return of the almighty Datsun nameplate! Unfortunately for the majority of us, it will only be available in emerging markets. They should really consider bringing it over to the states and have a serious Scion fighter. The Cube and Versa, for example, could easily be rebadged and sold under Datsun since they are already affordable entry level cars. Their halo car(s) though… I’m thinking a 2500lb car with sporty suspension, decent looks, and the 1.6 liter direct injected turbo engine lifted from the Nissan Juke. Sell it for around $20,000 in either coupe, sedan, or wagon form, and call it… the 510! Hell, even resurrecting the 240sx/Silvia nameplate would be ok. Another great car to have would be a svelte coupe, under 3000lbs, use the retired 3.5 liter V6 from the 350Z, and sell for mid to high $20k to hark the 240Z. Sell it with basic amenities so it won’t cut into the 370Z’s sales and it’s a done deal.

With the hype that the FT86/BRZ is garnering, I’m really surprised more automakers aren’t jumping on it. The people are shouting that we want our fun cars, and those that I build in my head would not only satisfy the young enthusiasts looking for a fun and cheap car, but it would also gain sales from the older generation who USED to have a 510 or Z car, and want to reminisce about their old ride.

Datsun, to thank me for my wonderful ideas, I’ll take one of each in orange.

What I just noticed is the vented carbon fiber fender goodness. Mmmmmmm…

Pics courtesy Ken&Mary Owners Club