Project IX - Z32 LS1/2

[speedminded]

Every week or so I come up with a new project car: going through the steps of creating a build list for each with parts needed & desired, fabrication process, etc. This week is back to the car i've loved since November 1989, the Z32 300zx. Owned one for 4 years but despised the VG30DE/TT engine. Sooo....SR20? RB? 2JZ? or how about straight up American muscle and go with an LS1 or LS2 (aiming for an LS6 now)

No power steering, no A/C, no nothing. Relocate the battery to the rear and I want nothing under the hood but the the engine with attached components and brake & clutch master cylinders


Donor
• 1990-1993 N/A - preferably a slicktop

Power & Drivetrain
• LS1/2/6
• T56 Borg Warner 6 speed transmission
• Lightweight flywheel [16lbs or less, stock is 24]
• Multi-puck clutch, CenterForce Carbon Composite 10 puck or better

More specifics to come, here's an example of how the LS1 fits in the Z32...



I want all the paint under the hood to be high gloss matching the exterior with a custom intake and carbon fiber engine covers.




Suspension & Brakes
• Cusco Zero 2 coilover dampener [Front 12k & Rear 10k] or equivalent.
• Custom fabricated caliper conversion brackets and rotor hats.
• Porsche Big Reds [Brembo monoblocks from 996TT] with carbon rotors

Interior
• Original dash minus ALL electronics and gauges
• Everything with carpet on it stripped and replaced with aluminum (final product being similar to the Elise)
• Would love an electronic cluster but at $1,600 each doubting that will happen [sponsors? ]
• Comfortable seats, possibly stock but really want to save weight.
• No harness' unless cage is installed.

Here's an example of a great start but I want to continue further and make it all flow together with inspirations from the CLK GTR & IMSA GTO 300zx: