Magazines: AutoSpeed  |  V8X  |  Silicon Chip  Shopping: Property  |  Cars  |  Fishing  |  Musical Instruments
This Issue Archived Articles Free Articles Take a Tour Contact Us
Email Address: Password: Register Now
SEARCH


Vee Six Zed

Forget the relatively easy task of dropping a RB-series six into a classic Zed - try the quad-cam VG30DET for a challenge!

Words by Michael Knowling, Pix by Julian Edgar

 Advertisement
Advertisement 

At a glance...

  • VG30DET engine conversion
  • Autronic management
  • Upgrade suspension, brakes and steering
  • Immaculately presented body and interior
Email a friend     Print article

If someone told you this relatively stock looking 260Z packs a transplant engine it’s likely you’ll think it runs a RB-series straight-six – a single turbo RB20DET, RB25DET or maybe a twin-turbo RB26DETT. Well, that’s what we thought too – and we got a shock when we first popped the bonnet! Forget the ‘easy’ RB conversion, this Zed runs a turbocharged quad-cam VG30 V6 (VG30DET)! And, yes, it is a very tight squeeze into the designed-for-an-inline-six engine bay.

Vehicle owner, Brendan Kelly, gets a buzz out of showing people something different when he lifts the lid, but credit for the concept and execution goes to the previous owner and Brisbane’s Z Car Workshop. Allan Stean for Z Car Workshop says he was initially a bit reluctant to undertake such a project but, with plenty of time and effort invested, the car now comes together beautifully. But it’s been a long road since the (incomplete) import engine arrived at his door...

The quad-cam VG series V6 is a very wide beast and there’s barely enough clearance in the Zed engine bay – there’s ample space in front of the engine but side clearances are nightmare-ishly tight. The engine was fitted and removed several times before Allan was happy with the location. Fitment involved fabricating custom engine and gearbox mounts and countless other hurdles with wiring and plumbing. The coolant radiator was upgraded to cope with the high-output turbo engine and Allan took the time to install fully functional air conditioning and power assisted steering (the latter was never available as a factory fitment). The steering system comprises a Subaru rack with modified inner tie rod ends to accept the Zed outer ends, modified crossmember and a new steering shaft.

Copyright © 1996-2007 Web Publications Pty Limited. All Rights ReservedPrivacy policy|Advertise