Hey! I have been on here for a little now, checking up on your guys and gathering information.

Finally picked up an FC and decided to throw up a build thread for some input/ideas.

A little about me

Ive owned several nissans and datsuns in my past. My last ('90 sil-coupe, built sr20, origin kit, lots of toys) was quite the build, and alot of fun to beat up on the track/street.
It was quite extreme, made some good power, and had me written all over it. Unfortunately i have car-commitment problems so i got rid of it while i could still break even.






Also have had a couple 70s datsun 510s for a few years. The one 4 door (Lil Yellow) my brother daily drives. It is all original and very functional.
My other 4 door is fully caged, and is undergoing an sr20 swap this winter.




Since i picked up and played with a '64 belair, built a 78 honda cb550 over the winter, found an addiction for old trucks, and then decided to cross finally building a v8 FC off my list.





So i picked up an '89 vert about 2 months ago. It is extremely clean and original.
Has had a '95 gm LT1 5.7 swapped in it with the appropriate Granny Speed Shop Kit.
I also got it for an amazing price, from a REALLY cool guy who gave me a bunch of extras and knowledge with it.





The shop that did the swap did a really good job. Have only had issues with some of the wiring and plumbing since, but it has all been small stuff.

The LT1 needed a couple things to get running again. Swapped water pump, distributor, did a quick tune up, threw an exhaust on it, and it was up and running.
Bought Stance coilovers, brakes, did an LED tail swap, a T2 clutch type LSD swap, bunch of stuff.
All in hopes to get out to the track once before winter rolled in.




I made it out to the track for a grip/drift day with a bunch of people i havnt seen in forever!

It was my first time actually driving the car, so i took it easy as i had no idea if the motor/drivetrain/anything was any good.
I made it 10 laps in, feeling confident i decided to put my foot into it............ and tore the diff mounts right out of the diff.

The diff smashed the ground, mangled my axles, wrote the day off. Was good to get ANY feel for the car though before putting it away and deciding on a plan of attack.

Will post more updates soon, as i am just putting on paper what i want/need out of the build.

 

Some additional pics

 

Love the 510's you guys got there. Clean vert though. Btw, which hawk pads did you pick up?

 

Hawk hp+ fronts. Only got 10 laps out of the car though.
I have used them on several cars in the past and they are great!
Aslong as you break them in properly, they will out perform many brands.

And thanks! I looked at 3 verts before this one.
Finding a clean, unmolested fc for 3k is hard enough.
Nevermind a spotless, 5.7 swapped vert! I couldnt pass it up.

Its the same with datsuns around here, slim pickings!
Ive bought all 4 datsuns ive seen in the last 2 years.
Rust is the death of these little guys.

 

Wow... you have so many toys, lovin the 510's. Great to see another rx7 owner in the gta, keep at it!

 

Figured i would post an update as i havent been on here in a while.

This winter has been brutal, so i haven't had much chance to play with the FC. However, ive been ordering parts for spring and putting in lots of research.
I ordered everything i need to get the LT1 running right. Also have diff bushings on the way.


I have been wrenching on the datsun quite a bit though. I rent a small shop that i heat with a forced air propane heater. It does the job and i have put alot of time in over the last 2 months. Hoping to have this car done by mid summer.

I thought this 360* pic of my garage was pretty cool.


Restoring/freshening/painting all suspension and drivetrain


Rear coilovers are '90 Camaro shocks (chosen for length and valving) with #250 slip on coilovers.


Fronts are '92 MR2 rear shock cartridges (chosen for length and dampening) with same #250 slip on coilovers and T3 camber plates on 280zx struts.


Everything laid out with fresh front end, rebuilt axles, slotted rear crossmember, and poly bushings here and there.


Stitched entire front end and fixed a bunch of damage and terribly done patches. 40 year old seam sealer is the devil.


Finishing up the cage, decided to redo the A and B pillar gussets properly.


Picked up a dimple die set and got to work


Thats all for now.. hoping to finish the gusseting this weekend, paint full interior, and bolt in all the suspension. Next step is getting the motor in it.