Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Rare enough to see even one old Datsun around here, but at Sunday’s autocross there were 3 old Datsun’s, well actually 2 Datsun’s and a Nissan. A 72 240Z, my 69 2000, and a 90 Nissan 300ZX. The 300ZX had us by about 2 seconds, but 240Z and I were about half a second apart with him getting the better of me. I think I would have narrowed the gap, but on my final and best run a guy who probably weighed about 200 lbs. asked if he could ride along. Didn’t really want the extra weight, but bringing new blood into the sport is more important than winning a local autocross to me at this point.
If you haven’t tried autocrossing I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s much easier on your car than I thought it would be, usually just get it into second gear and leave it there. Can be a little hard on tires if you overdrive the car as I did last year, but learning patience is number one on my list this year!

I have been thinking about it with either the roadster or our 350Z. Have you done anything special to your roadster to make it more autocrossable?

That’s a respectable showing Mike!

Coolest car there Mike!

Agree! Mike, what diff gears are you running?

Thanks guys, this was my 7th or 8 th autocross, and at 70 years old my biggest obstacle is a slowing reaction time. I have to concentrate much more on staying on course (which I usually don’t!) than improving my speed. I think that the car has a lot more in it than I’m able to get at this time.
As for car preparation, it’s a stock Solex U20 except for a header. It does have Deans front springs, Apex Engineered quick steering arms, a mildly aggressive alignment, 200 tread ware tires, and a 4:62 LSD

Mike, I have not heard about these quick steering arms. What's your assessment, pros and cons? Would you run them on a street car?

I'm curious...thanks for your input.

Mike,

Looking at the 240Z, looks like you are using the SCCA HCS guide line for the level of car preparation. Do you also class the car? Your 2000 would be in ES, my 1600 would be in HS. How did they classify the 240Z?

I also am running the Apex steering arms. I had no seat time in my car before their installation, but they do require some effort at low speed, parking and such. At speed they are very effective at sharpening the steering response of the car. I would say they work well with a freshened front end and they would high light one that needs attention. Anything that is worn out would make driving the car very nervous and darty.

David

I Mikeb, I would have no qualms about running the quick steering arms on the street, but I don’t think there is any need to do so. On a tight autocross track it helps keep you from having to cross your arms so much. David, I didn’t build my car for autocross, I just looked at what I had done to my car and where it would fit. Heritage Classic Street seemed to fit the bill, as it allows many common upgrades that someone would do to a street car back in the day. It’s not eligible for any of the Nationals, but that’s not my goal. I just want to play with my toy

Mike and David,
Thanks for your thoughtful input on the Apex steering arms. It's much appreciated!