Project 280Z-06
Codename: Quicksilver
What started off as just a dream some years ago, a program aimed at spending time at the hospital with kids with cancer and taking them to the track, car shows & other events, is a reality. It was only with the help of all the sponsors & contributors, we've been able to buy a car and acquire nearly all the parts needed to get the car ready as part of an effort to impact and empower children with cancer and to give them positive reinforcement that they can beat their illness!!
History: After owning two different Datsun 510s, I decided to create something that combined "Import Tuner" with "American Muscle". Now that it's about 95% complete, I hope to have it done very soon. The shell was in two different body shops over a 2 year period, so I got it back and have done everything on the car by myself in my garage. There have been many V8 Z cars over the decades starting with the original Scarab Zs built in the '70s. With today's technology, I figured I could get good power (400 HP & TQ at the wheels), smooth idle and great mileage (30 mpg hwy) with the Gen III SBC, so I went with an LS6 with 4L60E. To tie in with the Z06 theme, I'm also using the Z06 seats and gauge cluster, while sporting the Z06 fender badges from the '02 Corvette Z06.
I wanted to make a great "all around" car, so this one includes power windows & locks, A/C, etc. I'm down to installing the windshield and then the custom dash, wiring and exhaust are the last things that need to be done. I figured I'd go over the parts (and companies) that are on the 280Z-06, which made this car very much a purpose built "bolt on" deal. Of course, there are many custom things done that are unique. I spent time looking at many other cars and how they were done and was wanting to do most things in a way to make it different.
Drivetrain: 2002 Chevy LS6 w/ 4L60E transmission with performance tune. LSX install kit from John's Cars in Texas, headers from JTR (Jags that Run), R200 Limited Slip differential (from '89 Nissan 300ZX turbo) with upgraded 6 clutch discs, 3.70 gears and CV axle conversion. (CV adapters from Modern Motorsports)
Brakes & suspension: Four wheel independent suspension with sport springs from Arizona Z Car, Tokico 5-way adjustable shocks, sway bars from Motorsport Auto, custom built adjustable front control arms & T/C rods with heim joints, custom rear suspension cross brace (shown above) for clearance of finned aluminum diff cover. Wilwood Superlite 4 piston calipers (front & rear) with 12.2" x 1.25" GT slotted, directional vaned rotors (front) and 12.2" x .81" GT slotted, directional vaned rotors (rear).
Interior: Carpet kit & headliner from Motorsport Auto, all interior panels were with SEM paint in Landeau black, new seal kit from Z Therapy. Corvette Z06 seats and gauge cluster (custom dash being made) All glass was tinted before being installed and all stainless trim was cleaned & polished.
Custom Mods: C5 Corvette shifter and sheet metal integrated into stock tunnel. Custom made throttle cable bracket that bolts into stock linkage location to use Lockar LS1 stainless throttle cable.
Wheels: Konig Holes, 16x7 with 225/50-16 Kuhmo Ecsta MX tires
