What are the best modifications you've done to your car?

[spriso]

Not sure if you have ever picked up a Toyota 4-piston caliper, but they are HEAVY! Yes, they are cheap, and easy to find, but think about all the unsprung weight that you are adding... (Same thing for the Volvo calipers!)

We use the aluminum 300ZX twin-turbo calipers with our setup. A similar design to the Toyota caliper, just quite a bit lighter....

Something to think about...

Michael

[spl310]

Why not use an aftermarket unit like a wilwood?

[ppeters914]

Why not use an aftermarket unit like a Wilwood?

Price?

[spriso]

Sid Wrote:

Why not use an aftermarket unit like a wilwood?

You can. We don't use them as many of their versions lack outer weather seals for the pistons and if you drive in any weather where they get wet, they can compromise the seals. The Nissan calipers are cheap, not that difficult to find, and say "Nissan" on them too! (if that stuff matters to you!)

Wilwood calipers are great for a racer, but will require more maintenance than OEM calipers such as the Nissan units. No big deal for a racer who will have their car apart several times a year, but how many roadster owners are going to be willing to do such maintenance?

Michael

[ppeters914]

I just wish the 300ZX units would fit under 14-inch wheels.

[Gregs672000]

I would listen to Michael! He truly knows what he is doing. I mean, come on, look at his work!!! He is also right that the Toyota caliper is a lot heavier than the 300zx. What it came down to at the time was I didn't know that mod was available. I have to admit, what inspired me to do the brake thing was a picture on Dean's website showing their custom made brakes, and I simply looked around in books n stuff until I found the caliper... Toyota -4runner. Then I looked up the specs for that caliper's disc, and a Maxima thickness was within spec. I did have to have it turned down on the outside edge as described, but I could work with it. Then it was a matter of getting out an old set of Roadster brake caliper mounts and modifying them in my friend's shop to get the thickness right and to weld on and tap the mounting ears. Lots of trial and error but that was why I was doing it... fun! (That and I needed better brakes!). That is why I love this car. I get to make things and modify it. I don't do this for a living (I'm a Social worker in an ER) and have no training or family that was into this kind of thing... just me and my curiosity.

Someone asked why I ditched the MSD. Well the Jacobs was simply better in my opinoin. I could notice it when it was on in how the car ran, vs no noticeable change with the MSD. I once had a cheap Champion spark plug blow up on the way to Shasta so bad that there was no electrod for the spark to arch to... the gap was enormous. Yet, the Jacobs kept firing that plug strong enough to have it be unnoticeable below 70mph. After that the car would start to miss, but not before. I still have that plug somewhere. That impressed me.

And thanks Pete for the kind words. That was a fun run. We'll have to do it again only on the other side of the Mountain... much more fun!

Also, I hope that my "listing" of all the mods etc was not perceived as a "brag" or anything. My car is far from perfect, far from the fastest, and not everyone's cup of tea. What it is for me is a fun companion that I get to mess with to see what I can do. Sure I'm happy when my mods work well and the car is fast, etc. but I would never disparage some other car that could blast past me and leave her in the turns, or that isn't as fast and needs help but is still kickin around... it would only inspire me to say, hey what can I do next?! Fun fun fun!

[gboone]

Another vote for the Boone/Brisco EI dizzy!

Brisco Dizzy

Same list for me, except the distributor, it's all just marketing hype, I still have points!

Hey Dave, you need me to make you a dizzy?

[itsa68]

Marchal H4 headlights
Superlite wheels (ya I know they're not Panasports) & Falkins
Boone Dizzy

Ray B.

[gboone]

Here are 2 of my best mods. (keep in mind my roadster is purpose built for SCCA Solo 2 Prepared Category)
1. Fender flares (so I can get some serious rubber on the road)
2. Conversion from carbs to EFI (had to do this to my U20 because Solo 2 Prepared rules do not allow engine swaps)

[Primm69]

One word response:
Wife

Further one word response:

Wuss.

Mine? Solexes, without a doubt. Yes, I know, I know. She was going to be matching numbers, totally original, all that. What can I say, I wised up! Volvo springs next, I think...

[fixitman04]

put out the fire after pulling it from the barn? does that count?

[dbrick]

Further one word response:
Wuss.

Wow, I think it's even harsher to be called a wuss by a female! Do I get any non-wuss credit for fishing every day of our honeymoon?

Here's the Saab mirror and Volvo armrest. I have to dye the leather black, but fits nicely. I can retract the cupholders if I don't want to look like a wuss. The Saab mirror is great, and I almost forgot, the steering wheel is a Volvo R-Sport wheel from a 242. The Swedish thing is puzzling.