300ZX - Suckerpunch

[FordGuy1984]

Started this build on another site and thought I would share with you guys too.

Basic concept is to cram a huge motor in a fairly small and lightweight car. The motor I had that fit the best without being too big was a supercharged 5.4L out of an 08/09 Shelby GT500KR.

The wheels are from a Skyline R34 kit I had.

First order of business was to make some space for the tranny. Then I went on to taking the motor apart, stripping the paint and giving it a fresher, more custom built look. Then I went on the building the roll cage.

Now the plan is to finish building the chassis and interior and then getting the body put on and making a small cowl hood so the motor will fit under it. I wont be doing any mods to the body other than the hood. I'm thinking I will paint the body satin black and do the wheels in a bronze(ish) color. After all, I want it to look like a slightly hopped up tuner car but to pack a heavy punch!

That's a scratch built cage from junk I had in the parts box. I was going to do a full 8 point cage but as you can see, there isn't much room between the seat and the door panel so I may just leave it how it is or I may do some tinkering with it.

[diymirage]

nice start

you know what I think would rock?

(and don't get offended if you don't like this) but what about slapping some 15 by 8 inch rear rims on there?

with some nice wide slicks to get the power to the ground

[FordGuy1984]

I agree! I don't have any wheels/tires to do that with though. I have a fair amount of spare parts and cars laying around but almost no wheels and tires. Not sure how that happens. Those R34 wheels were the best thing I had cause the stock wheels just weren't going to cut it, they are pretty ugly!

[diymirage]

tell me what you like and ill see what I can dig up for you

if you want to measure how tall the front tires are I can probably find some about just as tall

you may need to move the rear frame rails in a bit to clear them, so be sure to measure how wide you can go there

I bet I can find some centerlines if you like those (I hate hate HATE them)

but im sure I got some nicer ones too

[rsxse240]

The z32 came stock with 16" wheels to clear the HUGE (for stock) 11.5" rotors and 4 piston front/dual opposing piston rear caliper brakes so 15" rims won't work...at least on real cars.

[diymirage]

The z32 came stock with 16" wheels to clear the HUGE (for stock) 11.5" rotors and 4 piston front/dual opposing piston rear caliper brakes so 15" rims won't work...at least on real cars.

we'll just get rid of them discs and run drums all the way around...if its good enough for my 71 duster im sure it will be good enough for an import

[rsxse240]

Easy now, you're talking to a die hard Nissan fan. Lol

If a Ford V8 is going under the hood, then the next abomination should be a 9" live axle rear end with a 4-link setup.

By the way, I've been a ford guy my whole life.

[Zarana-X]

You're doing good work, but I don't see the point in the engine swap unless you're building a drag car. And even then

[FordGuy1984]

My first car was an '84 300ZX 5 speed, non turbo. That car was an absolute tank. I have a very healthy respect for Nissan, as far as imports go they are my favorite.

As far as me being a Ford fan, yes I love Ford, hell my boat has a 302 in it. Although the new F150 and Mustangs are a bit on the ugly side. Oddly, my daily driver is an '07 Tahoe... Mainly because the Expedition has always been a bit lacking in almost every way in my opinion. The only thing it has over the Tahoe is independent rear suspension.

And yes, there may be no point in putting a big HP V8 in a 300ZX because I'm sure you could get the same 540 HP out of that twin turbo 3 liter... But the twin turbo 3 liter just doesn't have the cool factor that a supercharged V8 has.

[slusher]

Very cool project, Ford V8 makes it even cooler...

[FordGuy1984]

I decided the other day that I had a few too many project started and needed to get some of them wrapped up, starting with this one. 

Finished up the interior and got it put together.

 

Painted the wheels.

 

And shot the body with a base coat of silver, top coat will be a red. Just wanted to see what it would look like with a silver base coat.

 

[RickRollerLT1]

Love where this one's going. I've seen LS1 swapped 300zx's on the road and they're sick SOBs lemme tell ya. Superb work and I sooo dig the street/semi-motorcross theme you have. I know everyone's telling you to do the old fashioned drag theme with the big slicks and all, even though you got a modern V8 which is more for street usage than drag standards. It's your project and you decide what YOU want.

[da_ashman]

Looking Good!!

[426 pack]

This is a cool project. I love it when a V8 is put in a import.  

[Dann Tier]

I really like these cars!....looking great so far!!

[Funkychiken]

Great idea with that bigass engine in the zx...

Looks great too

[66belair]

Interesting build.