While waiting for the guys at Defined to do their thing, Im trying to get my transmission and some other things buttoned up. As I mentioned before, I will be using a Gforce modified T5. T5s from a mustang are practically a dime a doezen, but one issue is length. An FD trans, from bellhousing to center of the shifter is approximately 32 3/4". The usual Mustang T5 is approximately 26 5/8". So as you can see, with the engine mounted at factory location, the T5 shifter would sit about 6" too far forward. This issue can be "fixed" with things like shifter re-locators, but I sort of wanted a more elegant solution. So, after a bit of searching, I discovered that Nissan used a T5 in the 82-83 280ZX Turbos, and in that application they used a different tailhousing with the shifter about 4" further rearward. There is a small issue with these though, as they use a smaller diameter output shaft, and a Gforce gearset will not work. So, I need to yank the tailhousing and send it out to get machined to accept the larger output shaft and seal. So, thats what I did today, removed tailhousing and sent it out for machinework.

 

So, long time no update. We've had a bit of a hang up on the rotors. Having issues getting them back from the shop doing the balancing. Hopefully we can either get them back very soon, or have to send out another set for balancing, and if thats the case they wont be rx8 rotors, Ill have to use the tried and true 9.7:1s. In the meantime, thought I would at least update with some pictures of parts. I also decided to ditch my ABS and booster setup, and go with a dual master manual brake setup.

 

Wow, I can't wait to see this come together!

 

Thanks Gordon, like I mentioned before it was hard to let someone else take the car and do work on it, especially as intensive as this, but I trust Logan wont do me wrong.

 

Wow I had no idea the old Z cars used a T5. Great idea and I hope it works out.

Awesome build my man. Not that it matters, but my name is Lenny too. We are a rare-*** breed.

 

Haha, yea havent met too many others. And Im actually not using this particular T5. I would have worked, but after talking with the guy a Gforce he recommended against it, being it is an older unit and all bearings,etc are usually NLA and it would just be not as strong. Turns out a T5 from a late 90s/early 00s V6 F-body has almost the exact same shifter placement, so thats what they used as my core.

 

Looks like its gonna be sick man ive sat shotgun in a couple of na 20b's, drives i will never forget either.

 

I never knew a car like this existed in Western, PA. Let alone in Burrell hahaha (I work in Tarentum).

Great build, let me know how things are at Defined. I'm thinking of taking my FC there for a TII swap in the future.

 

^ We'll have to meet up sometime once my cars back on the road. Most likely wont be until next spring at this point. And if you ever want to sell your '88 to maybe just fund a TII purchase, I may be interested.

 

I don't know when I'll be back, graduating college next year. But you may have seen it around. I work at the car wash under the New Ken. bridge. And I don't think it will ever be for sale lol.

 

Unfortunately I dont have any new progress to report. I know Logan and the guys at defined have had one or two other large projects to complete, and on top of that there has been more issues with rotors. Those should be sorted now, we've purchased a set of S5 N/A 9.7:1 rotors, and those are currently being scalloped and balanced, and should have them back at any time. Once those are in, Logan said there should be alot of progress very quickly. Lets hope
In the meantime, just wanted to post my latest addition...

 

Amazing job you are doing here. Great build, I cant wait to see it running!
I sent you a message with a couple of questions that maybe you can answer relating to your build.
take care...
Leo

 

^ Thanks! I hope to have some progress to report very soon. I have replied to your question via PM.

 

That plate is awesome.

 

Haha, thanks. I wanted "3-Rotor", but I think some old geezer with another black N/A FD already took it...

 

LOVE the pedal box man

 

Look forward to seeing things progress. Much luck to ya.

 

Am I the only NA 20b that didn't choose Defined to build their car? Do you have their number BTW, seems their website is down and I want to order a few parts...

Thanks!

 

Yes you are the only one That is a joke, but maybe not too far off lol. Our website is back up though, send me a PM if you ever need anything and cant see the site for some reason.

 

Looks like a fantastic build! A few questions:

1. What 7.25" flywheel are you using?

2. Why did you decide on Quartermaster?

I have been looking at a triple organic plate clutch from PPT with a Mazdatrix flywheel and am wondering if I am making the right decision. I am also interested to hear about the drivability of the clutch.

Thanks for sharing the build!

-Andrew

 

Perhaps Logan can chime in when he gets a chance and answer these questions a bit more specifically. With using the T5 transmission, I personally was a bit unsure of what combinations of clutch/flywheel would work well with my setup. Being that Logan had also had a T5 trans in his own 20B FD, I pretty much just told him what I was looking for in a clutch, and left the choice in his hands.

 

The flywheel is a Taylor engineering unit. I've used both Taylor and mazdatrix, but mazdatrix is better suited for race only. Taylor uses a steel starter ring gear so it will last longer on repeated startup. Quartermaster is a well known and durable brand. Will take a beating and replacement parts are easy to get. Drivability isn't much different than a non-sprung ACT cerametallic clutch.

I know I already sent you a PM but figured a public answer is good for everyone else too

 

Thanks for posting the reply here, this is where a lot of my research starts. Hearing what other people are using and why always helps me out. Nice work man!

 

jeez dude, very tasteful build

 

Is that an old nascar radiator? I just got a $1,500 quote for a radiator and air to air cooler. Not sure if its worth it.