Oil Caps, Connectors and Lug Nuts

Working on cars teaches you things, and recently the Z has handed down several important lessons for me. Luckily, none of them caused a critical failure or accident, but all of them could have, or at a minimum cost me time or money (or both). 

At the end of August, I invited my friend Juan to work on his Z (350Z) in my drive way while I worked on mine. I jacked it up and took off front rims to clean them up well after my track day. I was helping Juan with his install, and working on mine and got a little distracted. I didn't torque down my lug nuts. When did I find out? LUCKILY... I did a quick trip to Target, and one the way back my steering wheel was shaking bad... and it got worse as I got close to home. I decided to pull over instead of finish the drive and... WHOA. Driver side wheel was nearly off, it was missing TWO lugs (out of four) and the passenger side was missing one. I was close enough I jogged home, grabbed my tools and jack and D dropped me off at the car. Luckily I had found my extra set of lugs (Blog on my lugs issue before: Garage Lessons). I am so lucky one of the wheels didn't fly off... could of caused major damage. 

In September I had another track night up at Gingerman Raceway. It was my birthday week, and with lots of work and personal things going on I was so excited to get away for a night and race. I had a killer night, felt some decent laps, and pushed it hard at the end and actually went so fast I missed corner #11 and ended up off course in the sand. I was able to get back on track, and finish one more lap. As I left though... I slammed my car door and shattered my drive window... and then it got worse, after getting gas I went to turn on the lights and nada... I made a risky decision and I drove from South Haven, MI to South Bend without headlights. Story on fixing the headlights below. 

At the end of September, I had my final track night of the year. Made it a family trip, wanted to have the kids watch me race. Unfortunately I still had a busted window and rain was in the forecast, and a cold front moved in that was going to kill the fun level for my spectators. I was enjoying show kids around the track, and show Heather where to watch from, and show Cruz how I check fluids, tire pressure, etc... My group ran last, kids went to watch, and I started my car, and it died. Weird, started her up and she seemed fine so I drove off. In paddock lined up to go on course... she died again. Never happens. I started her again and she was fine so I hit the track... and it was 20 minutes of fun, lap after lap, couple cars I kept up with, some Corvettes kept lapping me, but man I had fun... when they called us in to pit... she stalled again. I coasted and started her back up... drove a bit, and then she stalled. All of my stuff was packed in our van, and she kept wanting to stall, so I pulled up and told Heather let's go. I didn't want her to stall again and maybe die there and I would have to worry about towing her from the track. So we went to our hotel, I was able to keep her running. I popped the hood... oil EVERYWHERE. I forgot to out the oil cap back on. Interestingly my oil pressure was fine the whole time, so I would not of guess oil issue. Well unfortunately we left the track so I gave up my second drive time, but rain moved in so maybe I saved myself. 

I finally for around to working on my headlight fix. At home I checked fuses, googled stuff, and it looked like I needed a $200 combo switch. Well since I started this Ivy Tech Class (College Drop Out) I figured lets diagnose the problem in class. We got to work, checked fuses again, took apart the combo switch, tested wires at the headlight, took apart the headlights (not easy)... and couldn't figure it out. Instructor asked, did you check grounds at the headlights, yes, the switch, er no those grounds would be fine... So we chased the ground wires back, which was through a connector of which all other items worked... so I didn't check those... pushes that in, and BAM, headlights. We spent a couple hours, I busted a few knuckles, and took apart literally everything, but that connector. 

So what is this blog about? 

Details... small details, small distractions, small connectors... they all make a difference. Following the right steps, not skipping a step, not assuming, not over thinking... I am for sure enjoying my auto tech class, reminding me the importance of process, of logical thinking, of deductive reasoning... also reminding me how much more I have to learn in life. 

Racing Solo

Maybe the activity I was most looking forward to when the Z got fixed was... getting out at the Tire Rack and running an autocross, AKA a Solo Event. If you are wondering what I mean with an autocross or solo, I think no better explaination has been written in the country, but by a local club members here in South Bend Lloyd. Read it here: A Guided Tour Through The World of Solo

In short I describe a solo as a miniature race track, made out of cones, that you race through and focus more on skill than just car speed. One car at a time, you against the clock, and then cars are classed together by type and preparation. I first started doing events like that in 2003 with the Furrin Group when I lived in Holland/Grand Rapids. I wrote a blog about my very first event: The Fast and Exhaustless 

So far for the year I got two events in, both at the Tire Rack Test Track, our local home track. My first event was with the Michiana Corvette Club and man it was a blast! Never ran with them, for sure will be back, for sure made some new car friends and saw how much I missed solo. It was a fun laid back group, some of them serious racers, but lots of folks just there to have fun pushing their car. They had a class for Corvettes, and one for "metal cars" or everything but a Corvette. 

When I left off in autocross on my old car I was running a well prepped car on race tires... so going to a bone stock, 45 year old car, on basic all season street tires... very different. Still very fun, look good doing it, but for sure not as fast. Ha. Speaking of fun, I started a Youtube Channel and here is my favorite lap from that event:

My second event was with my club, the South Bend Region of the Sports Car Club of America. It was serious competition and reminded me just how much work I, and the Datsun, need to become more competitive. I finished in the bottom 1/3 of the cars, but maybe towards the top of the list on the fundar. Ha. It was a blast, unlike the previous autocross I kept her facing the right direction the whole time (well most of the time, but never went off course) and nothing broke. 

We are continuing to enjoy Cars and Coffee event (one next weekend) and this past week I also hit the track at Gingerman again. It was a fun little pre-birthday trip on my own. I kinda like the alone time, just Me and My Z, the open road and burning some rubber. The downside on that trip was that as I had packed up to go, I slammed door shut... and CRASH... the glass shattered. Luckily the window was down so all the glass went in the door... then as I drove home and it got dark... my headlights would not go on... so all in all a struggle getting home, and I have glass to clean up... (and have to source a new window) but man it was another fun time with my ride. 

I think I forgot just how much of a car guy I am... I put it out of my mind for so long with my car broken, work taking up all my spare time, and raising some crazy kids. I am enjoying reading about new cars coming out, getting old magazine articles out, helping other people with their cars... I need more of that in my life and I love it. 

Z and Coffee

Well she has been in two Cars and Coffee events and I thought I should write a little about the fun, and work, that goes into taking her to an event. The first event a few weeks ago at Car Guys was just a few days after I got her back from the shop, so I had some quick fixed and things to get done (mounting bumpers, painting hatch, cleaning the inside good, etc.). For the second one at the Studebaker National Museum I wanted to get my street wheels back on and had to wash her she was all dirty still from the track. 

I have always enjoyed car shows and car related events. Maybe something I got from my grandpa Harold who owned a garage and knew a lot about cars, or something I remember from going to the Detroit Auto Show with my dad growing up. Whenever there was a local show I loved going, always dreamed that I could own something cool enough to have in a show... 

Now that I own something cool enough I am glad that I can take it to events. I love answering questions, what year is, do I race it, did I paint it, what motor is in it, or my favorite is when a younger guy asks... SO how much horse power it? Usually they are expecting (or hoping) to hear something outlandish... but my reply it, "Well stock horsepower was 149, and I bet she is pulling a solid 135 HP now." Their jaw usually drops, naw, really? Yeah, I mean she is 45 years old and bone stock. I am fairly sure she isn't pulling what she did on day 1, but I can you tell you she is probably just as fun. 

Today a base Mustang or Camaro is pulling mid 300s HP and weighs close to 4,000 pounds. My little baby had 149 HP and weighs about 2,400 pounds (she dropped some weight with bumpers and other items I took off). Cars just have a lot more horse power these days, lots of technology plus more money... stock Corvettes today at 500 HP... in 1975 it was 165. I mean in 1975 a Porsche was the king of the road and they pulled 175 HP... so my little Z was not far behind, and in all honesty back then my Z could hang with Porsches and Corvettes. 

So anyhow I digress... well I love my Z, I love coffee, Cruz loves donuts, and I like talking cars with people. So these Cars and Coffee events are just my style. At my first cars and coffee event I got parked between a Ferrari and a Nissan GT-R. Whew... the competition for looks was fierce, but we got our attention and everyone was friendly and fun. 

The Studebaker event was also great and the hosts for this event was the Avanti Drivers Club... if you don't know what an Avanti is... well now you do. It was always one of my favorite Studebakers, even more than the iconic bulletnose. For sure a cool place for a Cars and Coffee event, I have judged real concourse shows there, I have toured the exhibits and now I have displayed my car there... pretty cool. 

Unfortunately the morning of the show a little rain came into the forecast, I think it kept some people away but many of us braved the elements. It was dry maybe 75% of the time, not bad and we all had to get out towels out and wipe down the rides. Still had fun, still had some friends stop in, and still enjoyed chatting up people about my car. The Lotus and I were the only non-USA built cars there which was interesting. (Click photos to enlarge)

Tracking The Z

Well we finally got to do it... when I bought the car she needed work, I did what I could so she could run a few autocross events. Even managed to win the STR Solo Class for the year in 2010 for the SB Region of the SCCA (Event Pics). I always wanted to get her on a track and today was the day... 

It's been about a month since I got her back and finally running. We did a Cars and Coffee event (car show) and then I registered for the Festival of Speed open track time at Gingerman Raceway. I had to do a lot to prepare for the event. I decided to pull the Shelby Cal500 wheels that were on her when I got her (14x6) out of storage. Cleaned them up a little, and made the decision to just throw some cheap used rubber on them as I knew I just need to learn the car and get used to driving her. 

I had to get all my race stuff back together. Luckily my SA2005 helmet is still good, my air tank and compressor got to work, and I pulled together my race day tool bag and found most of the things that went in it. I had the anxiety of prepping for the race all week and of course didn't sleep the night before. I got up early, packed food, packed the car, and rolled out... 

I had a beautiful sunrise drive on the way to South Haven. I rolled up into the track, signed my waiver, found a parking spot and headed to registration and tech. It eerily felt like old times, but also so new or like I have never done it before. I signed up for the open track event portion. We got three heats of 20 minutes each on course. No timing, passing only in the straight aways, but still workers on corners, and about 20 cars at the same time. 

I was probably the car with the least horse power... much less than half (more like 1/4 or less) of the HP in the Hellcat, McLaren, Porsche, and the monster prepped Bells Brewery Camaros that all passed me like I was standing still on the back straight... I will say though, I think I was the best looking though... 

The first trip out I really took it easy... I have never been on a track on regular street tires, and I was on some used all season radials and I kinda regretted right away not spending a little more on tires. I soon got over that as I was just having fun driving, taking corners, trying to stay on line, listening to the tires, enjoying the track, and watching for the McLaren creeping up quick to pass me. 

The break between the 1st and 2nd time on track was short, I got another coffee quick and walked a bit and chatted with other drivers. The 2nd run I pushed it more. I tried thinking more about shift points and planned ahead where to shift and watched the braking markers better. My other times on the track I was in cars much more prepped for the track, so it was different for me learning what she could, or more importantly, would do for me. Also realized she is capable of much more so I felt like I was letting her down. 

The final set we got, I really pushed it more. I got the rear end loose a couple times, and was honestly then glad I got the cheap rubber. I feel like I got to feel the car kinda raw, how she came from the factory (she is really bone stock) and then I can build up from there. One car broke down on course so that sucked a little of our track time while they cleared the car, but I felt like my laps were getting better, I was learning how she liked to turn and how to keep traction on the rear tires so we could pull stronger through the turns.

Once we finished... I didn't stay long (it was a whole weekend event), I mingled with a few friends, and then I rolled home... unlike many of the fancy cars there the Z arrived on her own power, and then got us home. No trailer here. 

So what was my favorite part of it all... well it was time with the kids on it. The night before, N asked to go for a sunset cruise to take pictures with her new camera. We did (first picture) and had a nice chat as we drove from spot to spot for pictures. It was really fun working with Cruz to get her ready, especially with all the trouble getting the race wheels on her (Blog: Garage Lessons). He helped get the wheels on, new bumper, and learned tools and applications and why I put more air in the tires. Mari well, when I told her I was going to race against a McLaren, she replied, "I rather just see a monster truck". 

I posted videos on my youtube channel... ha... here is my arrival, search the page for more from that trip and others: 

Back to Black

Well it wasn't black before, but it is now, and so are the bumpers (well bumper for now). I will say it has been maybe one of the most refreshing things to happen during quarnatine is that I got my Z back. 

After years of lying to myself that I would get the Z fixed myself, and then time to save up some money... I sent her off (Blog: There Goes My Z) and most recently got her back (Blog: Here Comes My Z). 

The first project, which was the project I started just before sending her off, was new bumpers and new hatch (well new to me). I came across a deal to trade my rear hatch for what is called a "Pantera Hatch" for my Z. It is a custom fiberglass insert that replaces the rear glass. It is very rare, and while it was in terrible shape, I figured I could get her under control. 

Well the hatch is kinda under control... she came with mismatched paint, tons of cracks, paint chips all over... and I made the decision to not spend money to have it professionally painted, and that I wasn't going to spend a ton of time on body work for her. What I did was remove her, clean her up well, sand her down and prep her for just a simple matte black paint. It will buy me time, and save me money, but make the hatch less obnoxious for now while I focus on other projects. 

I have a 280Z that came with heavy bumpers. With changing crash test requirements, the later model Z cars had gas shocks (heavy) installed behind humungous chrome bumpers (mega heavy). Just the bumpers weighed 76 pounds combined, and the 240z bumpers I got combined weigh under 16 pounds! I removed the bumpers right away when I got her. So my car lost I would guess 60 pounds including the shocks. She was kinda naked looking, some people like them without bumpers, but I really could not wait to her these on the Z. 

The front fit, but not perfect. Cruz helped me hammer, tighten, bend them in as best we could but I might have to mod those brackets as well. Unfortunately the rear brackets I purchased don't fit at all, I am deciding if I return them or if I try to mod them myself. The joys of working on a car that is older than you are... she is 45 now and while she looks better than ever in my opinion... she needs work. Also the work is more fun with my son, as we learn together, as I teach him, and we get some fun joy rides when we complete something (Blog: Garage Lessons)

Not only has she lost weight during quarantine, but she looks better, and is running! 

Here Comes My Z

This afternoon I drove my 1975 Datsun 280z. I got to shift gears, got to roll the windows down, got to take Cruz for a drive along the St. Joseph River. I got to remember what it felt like to just drive for the fun of it, for pure enjoyment, to smile ear to ear while smelling exhaust and cruising past corn fields. 

I had not driven her since 2013. When I started working at La Casa the combination of my pay cut and crazy schedule meant no time to race, no time to work on the car and no money to spend on her either. 

My last post on this blog, "There Goes My Z" was posted on May 3, 2018. For a few years I would push her out of the garage, washed her, and put her back (Winter Nap). It was a sad ritual. After years of collecting dust, I finally got her towed away. 

My friend Jim over at EurAsia Import Specialists offered to take her and start slow to figure out all that was wrong, and make a plan to get her done. I owned her since 2010 (first post) and she never ran great. I did a lot of little mechanical things to keep her moving, but I mostly did a lot of cosmetic stuff. She wasn't a super looker but I got her looking good, but she wasn't running as well as she looked. I kept chasing fuel pressure issues, injection issues, electrical bugs... so I needed an expert. 

In just over a year we did a lot to her... Jim lead the charge, I tracked down 40+ year old parts, some modern updates, but mostly keeping it originalish, if thats a word. We did:

new injectors

new fuel pump

new battery

new fuel lines

new fuel sender

nearly all new sensors

new cold start valve

new front bearings

new sway bars (front and rear)

new alternator

new battery

new plugs

new front brakes

rebuilt fuel tank

rewired fusible links

So much I can't even remember... 

I want to thank Jim and EurAsia for their time and flexibility. Jim's knowledge of the car, and the attention to detail was second to none. From the tire shine when I picked up her up, to the detailed and cleaned up engine bay, to the help putting the grill back together and pulling the old 280z bumper shocks, and even tips on where to get the best gas. 

It was fun to drive today, looking forward to enjoying her this summer and here is to whatever the future brings for her... paint job, motor rebuild, race track visit... who knows. Either way, here comes my Z...