LS Datsun

[josag]

I am swapping a lq4 into my 240z and am currently mulling over some ideas for suspension. I want the car to be one of a kind and perform well. I had originally wanted to 3-link a 9-inch, but am way too inexperienced to firgure out the geometry. I am currently looking at a chevelle-style 4-link that seems to work pretty well with my car. is there anything i should be mindful of with this setup? I know the chevelle is a much larger car but both the upper and lower control arms fit well, and I think with some modification I could make it work.

[andrewb70]

I am swapping a lq4 into my 240z and am currently mulling over some ideas for suspension. I want the car to be one of a kind and perform well. I had originally wanted to 3-link a 9-inch, but am way too inexperienced to firgure out the geometry. I am currently looking at a chevelle-style 4-link that seems to work pretty well with my car. is there anything i should be mindful of with this setup? I know the chevelle is a much larger car but both the upper and lower control arms fit well, and I think with some modification I could make it work.

Why not stick with the IRS?

Andrew

[josag]

Why not stick with the IRS?

Andrew

After modifying the rear diff, I am afraid of what the cost of custom cv joints and half shafts will be. Any insight into an IRS setup would be appreciated.

[josag]

Also, I was interested in the 9-inch for durability. Some other members suggested firebird 8.8 pumpkin with IRS setup. Whatever I do go with, it has to be posi. This car weighs next to nothing and I'll need whatever traction help I can get.

[andrewb70]

Also, I was interested in the 9-inch for durability. Some other members suggested firebird 8.8 pumpkin with IRS setup. Whatever I do go with, it has to be posi. This car weighs next to nothing and I'll need whatever traction help I can get.

I think you mean Mustang Cobra 8.8 IRS diff...

There are various options that you can implement, some that use OEM Nissan parts and some that will adapt other IRS diffs to your chassis. Have you looked at the various LSx Z-car build threads? There are a lot on LS1tech and also on hybridZ. Also keep in mind that the chassis was never designed for a live axle. There probably isn't enough room above the center of the diff to allow for up and down movement. In other words, you will have to hack up the body to install a solid axle.

Andrew

[josag]

I think you mean Mustang Cobra 8.8 IRS diff...

There are various options that you can implement, some that use OEM Nissan parts and some that will adapt other IRS diffs to your chassis. Have you looked at the various LSx Z-car build threads? There are a lot on LS1tech and also on hybridZ. Also keep in mind that the chassis was never designed for a live axle. There probably isn't enough room above the center of the diff to allow for up and down movement. In other words, you will have to hack up the body to install a solid axle.

Andrew

Sorry thunderbird is what I meant. The existing rails leave a lot to be desired anyway so I don't have a problem modifying them. Thanks for the advice I'll be sure to check them out.

[josag]

[QUOTE=josag;1080302]

I think you mean Mustang Cobra 8.8 IRS diff...

There are various options that you can implement, some that use OEM Nissan parts and some that will adapt other IRS diffs to your chassis. Have you looked at the various LSx Z-car build threads? There are a lot on LS1tech and also on hybridZ. Also keep in mind that the chassis was never designed for a live axle. There probably isn't enough room above the center of the diff to allow for up and down movement. In other words, you will have to hack up the body to install a solid axle.

Andrew

Andrew
Perhaps you could offer some insight into the front end as well. I found a killer deal on a c5 front end and was thinking I could go that direction in the front. I have been reading other member's threads about this swap and it seems to be a great mod. Obviously I would require a lot of modification, but I was thinking I could pick up the front frame rails and graft them onto the car and just bolt the cradle on. I know I would have other fab work to do, control arm mounts etc. I've read the track width is about 64" and obviously flares would ensue, but I think they would be the least of my worries. Any advice would be helpful.
Jon

[andrewb70]

Jon,

I have nothing to contribute for the front end. What you describe sounds great, but it sounds like a great deal of custom work. That's not my forte...Anything can be done with a welder and metal, so please, go forth and forge new territory...

I do however have experience with installing a different diff into an IRS car. I actually designed a mount to go into a second gen RX7 that uses a 8.8 Ford diff...

It isn't easy or cheap, but it can be done. The Drive Shaft Shop is a great resource for axles, but the mounts are all up to you. Again, look at the various Z car builds. I know that there are various OEM solutions that will handle the power of a LS engine.

Andrew


[QUOTE=josag;1080316]

Andrew
Perhaps you could offer some insight into the front end as well. I found a killer deal on a c5 front end and was thinking I could go that direction in the front. I have been reading other member's threads about this swap and it seems to be a great mod. Obviously I would require a lot of modification, but I was thinking I could pick up the front frame rails and graft them onto the car and just bolt the cradle on. I know I would have other fab work to do, control arm mounts etc. I've read the track width is about 64" and obviously flares would ensue, but I think they would be the least of my worries. Any advice would be helpful.
Jon