Project: SR-71 (Datsun 240Z/S13)

[boost_dependent]

I tried posting this 3 days ago, but it doesn't seem to have ever posted.


I have been building this for almost 2 years now in my spare time on a very limited budget in a 1 car garage. I have fabbed in an S13 rear subframe and complete IRS setup. Also, I fabbed in the S13 crossmember to utilize all of the S13 suspension compenets and rack etc. I'm using the SR engine from my wrecked S13 that I almost died in. In order to make all this work, I ended up making my own strut towers and extending the wheelbase forward 7.5" This also made the wheelbase just about equal to the S13. The Datsun now has a wheelbase of 98.2" This is far from finished as I still have tons to do before it's finished. I try to do a little every weekend if I can.


Please check out my facebook page for this build at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSR71



or my website at:
SR-71 - Nostalgic Imaging -- Photography by Kenny Alexander

Warning there are hundreds of pics because I try to document as much as I can. It's sad that I'm a photographer and end up taking the photos of this build with my cell phone lol But, I find it difficult to do all the work and be the photographer. I'll break out my D-SLR and take some photos later down the road.

[boost_dependent]

Hmmm, must be lots of haters out there. I would think this build would get lots of attention due to its complexity and the undertaking is by one person (me) with minimal tools. Hell, I have extended the wheelbase by 7.5" up to 98.2" and created my own front strut towers. Fabbed in an S13 subframe and complete S13 IRS setup as well as the S13 front crossmember to utilize all of the S13 suspension components.

[boost_dependent]

[greenwood]

this looks nice. Keep up the good work.

[blockedwizard]

Ya looking good, haven't seen much of lengthening the wheel base before, sub'd for updates!!

[boost_dependent]

Thanks!
The reason for lengthening the wheelbase came about because using the S13 crossmember with the SR would not work with the stock strut mounting locations. The datsun has a front steer setup whereas the S13 has a rear steer. Nothing would work. The only option was to move the mounting location for the struts forward and out of the way. This ended up being about 7.5" forward and me making my own strut towers and solid motor mounts. The engine is sitting well behind the front axle line, so this should make for something interesting to slide.

Please Like my build page on facebook for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSR71

[blockedwizard]

Ya that's some awesome fab work you've done

[jdizzy204]

Interested to see how this turns out. Looks like a lot of hard work has gone into it.

What are your plans for the front end panels? Looks like you just moved everything forward but I assume it wont stay like that.

[boost_dependent]

The fenders are pretty much where they need to be. I plan on cutting off the already formed and shaped back end of the fender, moving that piece back to match the contour of the door and whatnot. Then there will be a gap and I plan on just welding in a strip of sheet metal and shape it to fit. Once all the paint & body work is finished, it should look like one piece.

[boost_dependent]

Here is a photo of the motor mounts I made a while back.

[boost_dependent]

Another one:




and how the subframe is mounted.

[boost_dependent]

Rustolium Hammered Copper.

[blockedwizard]

That color suits the subframe really well

[boost_dependent]

Thanks! I thought so as well.

I'm trying to get as many Likes as I can on my build page, so please go Like it :-)

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSR71

[louie661]

nice work!!!!!..im also stuck doin the same thing...here is mine taking a break.mine also has an s13 rear subframe.its just mocked up for now..

[boost_dependent]

I mostly throw updates on my facebook build page at:
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSR71


Here are the copy/paste from there:


Over the weekend...
- Welded some things on the subframe
- Wire wheeled the subframe
- Sanded the subframe
- Painted the subframe
- Repaired some more areas under the rear of the Datsun
- Seam sealed the majority of the front end of the Datsun
- Used some rustolium to paint areas on the front end to prevent rust from forming while it sits for a while longer.


Last night I finally cut out all (or as much as I could) the rust on both rocker panels. That rust location is typical of these Datsun's anyway. Next I'll try and spray some rust prevention on both areas and then weld in some sheet metal. Hopefully it doesn't rain...



Grinding away rust on the cut fenders and the rocker panel...I tried to start tac welding the fender skin together when I noticed this rubber crap melting and contaminating the welds. I tried wire wheeling the stuff out, but that proved ineffective. So, I see my butane torch sitting there and decided I'd try melting it all out. It seemed like it was working and then I noticed a lot more smoke...hmmmm, yeah I started a fire haha. There was an old wire harness (that I don't even need anyway) that had caught on fire. Had to run inside and get a glass of water to put it out--all is well!



I melted as much of that rubber crap that was in between the fender skin as I could. Put a few tac welds all along the seam, then began to hammer it up into a lip all the way around. Once I got the lip where I wanted it, I took an angle grinder and shaped it. Then took some seam sealer and went all the way around it. It's not that important as it will have fender flares, but I wanted it to have a lip just in case.

Now hopefully tomorrow I will get the rocker panel patched up. Though all this work with the fender was only the right side...still have the left side to do too.

[Purestock240]

how are the widths of a stock s13 rear setup compared to the factory s30 rear end?

[boost_dependent]

If you are talking hub to hub, it's been a while since I've even thought of this, but I think the S13 was about 2.5" wider.

[boost_dependent]

[Rich260z]

I think I saw this on hybridz. You were in a coma after the accident right? This is a freakin amazing build

[boost_dependent]

Yep, I sure was. I stopped updating the progress on hybrid Z because it didn't seem like anyone gave a shit about it. If anyone is interested in my wreck in 2007:

I was doing an estimated 40MPH when a truck turned right into me. Apparently the truck got rear ended? Unfortunately I can't remember a damn thing.

- 3 broke ribs
- both lungs collapsed
- Bruised heart
- Compound fracture of the right wrist
- Crushed left foot (clutch foot)
- Lacerated organs
- Ruptured spleen (removed)
- Fractured bones in my face
- After about a week I developed ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and had to be placed in an induced coma and paralyzed state. This lasted about 2 and a half months. After which I had to undergo months of physical therapy just to walk. I made a full recovery, aside from my foot still being jacked up because they never fixed it.

If anyone wants to see scene photos, you can check them out on my Flickr page here:
The day I almost died. - a set on Flickr


A little video I put together quite a while ago about the wreck and my recovery. The music is important in this video, so I'm not sure if it will play on mobile devices...so a computer is most likely a must.
Down, but not Out - YouTube

[boost_dependent]

Please go Like my build page for this as I'm trying to get as many Likes as I can :-)

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSR71

[Oakville]

Thats quite the story man. Glad to see youre still fighting with us. Make this car your bitch

[boost_dependent]

Originally Posted by Oakville

Thats quite the story man. Glad to see youre still fighting with us. Make this car your bitch

Thanks! Trust me I will...and at least someone thinks it's quite a story lol

I figured this build would go viral because of it's uniqueness and the fact that it's all being built by me in my spare time with limited fab knowledge, no lift, nothing special. I suppose most people won't take notice until it actually runs and drives....smh.

[Oakville]

Originally Posted by boost_dependent

Thanks! Trust me I will...and at least someone thinks it's quite a story lol

I figured this build would go viral because of it's uniqueness and the fact that it's all being built by me in my spare time with limited fab knowledge, no lift, nothing special. I suppose most people won't take notice until it actually runs and drives....smh.

Yeah I think this will start to garner more attention once its closer to completion. Then again most of the guys here are 240 guys, where as Im a big fan of S30s.

[bc.]

Very cool to see an extended wheelbase, that is rare.

[S13Missle]

Get em Kenny! Shits gonna be madness/

[uraznfriend]

what did you do to those RUCAs? looks like you added bracing to an S14 RUCA

[I<3-SR20DET]

It might just be me but is there no caster built in to the front suspension?
The coilover looks to be straight up and down.

[boost_dependent]

Made a transmission mount. Used the stock Datsun S30 transmission crossmember and modified it with some 1/4" steel.


















You can always see the latest updates on the build page:
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSR71