# Z32POWER drag car - The red RB26 powered convertible Z **URL:** \ **Category:** Builds\ **Created:** [February 3, 2006, 4:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983 "2006-02-03T04:37:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![z32power.com](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z32power.com/32/3348_2.png) [@z32power.com](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/z32power.com)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 4:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/1 "2006-02-03T04:37:13Z")
I am making this thread to post progress on my red convertible 300zx. The car started (about 5-6 years ago) as a project just 2 weeks after I bought it, first becoming a twinturbo motor swap (vert’s were never a twinturbo car from the factory) and all the goodies, but 400whp just wasn’t enough. The car then was turned into a more serious project, which was to be truely unique and set apart from every other 300zx. I made the car into a single turbo which turned out to be more of a pain than anything. The car ran great and made 620whp without any tuning or any head/cam work. The car had some heating issues, but I still drove it around and even made some 8 hour round trip drives to Z meets. I began to lose interest when I really wanted to start drag racing the car. If I had it all to do over again, I would have picked up a hardtop car and built it. But this car has a lot of sentimental value, and has been through a lot with me. The car’s motor/chassis is being built by [www.xtremeracecars.com](http://www.xtremeracecars.com) (check out the gallery and the 350z motor pics! INSANE!) So without further rambling, I present some progress on my car. I will start with it at a single turbo stage and work to where I am now, a full drag setup. I will keep this thread updated as Carl and I make progress. You can keep up to date in the project pictures section on my site. All the project pics can be found here: [Project 12,000 RPM](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=52916&691094428141735Nav=%7C69%7C&NodeID=69) ---
**Author:** ![z32power.com](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z32power.com/32/3348_2.png) [@z32power.com](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/z32power.com)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 4:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/2 "2006-02-03T04:37:36Z")
Here is how it used to look (with the single turbo setup on the VG30dett): ![http://z32power.schoolwires.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/[z32power.com]exterior_4_fullsize.jpg](http://z32power.schoolwires.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/%5Bz32power.com%5Dexterior_4_fullsize.jpg) ![http://z32power.schoolwires.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/[z32power.com]exterior_2_fullsize.jpg](http://z32power.schoolwires.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/%5Bz32power.com%5Dexterior_2_fullsize.jpg) ![http://z32power.schoolwires.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/[z32power.com]motor_2_fullsize.jpg](http://z32power.schoolwires.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/%5Bz32power.com%5Dmotor_2_fullsize.jpg) the turbo sat right where the A/C compressor would be located, right below the logo above. videos of the OLD SETUP are here: [http://www.z32power.com/69109721152313/site/default.asp](http://www.z32power.com/69109721152313/site/default.asp) ---
**Author:** ![z32power.com](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z32power.com/32/3348_2.png) [@z32power.com](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/z32power.com)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 4:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/3 "2006-02-03T04:40:37Z")
here is where it was at in the fall of 2005, with a cage, RB26, TH400. I originally had plans to make a extremely powerful VG30 setup. I abandoned the VG30 in favor of the RB26 with a GT47-80mm as shown below. ![http://z32power.schoolwires.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels300ZX001.jpg](http://z32power.schoolwires.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels300ZX001.jpg) ![http://z32power.schoolwires.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels300ZX002.jpg](http://z32power.schoolwires.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels300ZX002.jpg) ![http://z32power.schoolwires.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels300ZX003.jpg](http://z32power.schoolwires.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels300ZX003.jpg) ![http://z32power.schoolwires.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels300ZX004.jpg](http://z32power.schoolwires.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels300ZX004.jpg) here are more pics of Xtreme Motorwerks custom cage, etc: ![http://www.z32power.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/IMG_0087_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/IMG_0087_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/IMG_0098_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/IMG_0098_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/IMG_0112_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/69109221175932/lib/69109221175932/IMG_0112_(Custom).jpg) ---
**Author:** ![z32power.com](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z32power.com/32/3348_2.png) [@z32power.com](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/z32power.com)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 4:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/4 "2006-02-03T04:43:19Z")
pics of backhalving/ford 9" ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels001-Custom.jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels001-Custom.jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels002-Custom.jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels002-Custom.jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels003-Custom.jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels003-Custom.jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels004-Custom.jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels004-Custom.jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels005-Custom.jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels005-Custom.jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels006-Custom.jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels006-Custom.jpg) some new pics, backhalving is near complete: ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_Hot_Rod_002_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_Hot_Rod_002_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_Hot_Rod_001_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_Hot_Rod_001_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_300ZX_001_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_300ZX_001_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_300ZX_003_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_300ZX_003_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_300ZX_004_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_300ZX_004_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_300ZX_005_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Joels_300ZX_005_(Custom).jpg) ---
**Author:** ![z32power.com](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z32power.com/32/3348_2.png) [@z32power.com](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/z32power.com)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 4:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/5 "2006-02-03T04:53:59Z")
so here is the car as it sits now: Everything above was still planned around having the car streetable enough to take out for short drives. Not anymore. The car has been put on a path of FULL-RACE, no more streetability whatsoever. I decided to get something out of all the money I spent, so I will be competing at a few NOPI events this summer. I ditched the TH400 in favor of a G-Force sequential race trans. I also ditched the GT47-80 turbo in favor of either 52mm or 58mm twins. I am making the car to fit the rules of NOPI outlaw class. Here is the 25.1E NHRA chassis. More pics soon… ![http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_005_(Custom).jpg](http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_005_(Custom).jpg) ![http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_004_(Custom).jpg](http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_004_(Custom).jpg) ![http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_001_(Custom).jpg](http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_001_(Custom).jpg) ![http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_007_(Custom).jpg](http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_007_(Custom).jpg) ![http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_008_(Custom).jpg](http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_008_(Custom).jpg) ![http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_25.1e_006_(Custom).jpg](http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_25.1e_006_(Custom).jpg) ![http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_25.1e_003_(Custom).jpg](http://z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_25.1e_003_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_011_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_011_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_010_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/300zx_010_(Custom).jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Pewter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pewter/32/5936_2.png) [@Pewter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Pewter)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 5:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/6 "2006-02-03T05:52:33Z")
very nice work! ---
**Author:** ![munster\_ek](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/munster_ek/32/5977_2.png) [@munster\_ek](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/munster_ek)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 6:23am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/7 "2006-02-03T06:23:16Z")
That’s awesome. ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Morris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9a28c/32.png) [@Mark\_Morris](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mark_Morris)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 7:13am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/8 "2006-02-03T07:13:26Z")
Very nice-- I’ll keep an eye out for it at NOPI races. ---
**Author:** ![bgblockelcamino](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bgblockelcamino/32/5997_2.png) [@bgblockelcamino](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bgblockelcamino)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 9:42am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/9 "2006-02-03T09:42:46Z")
:drool: sweet car ---
**Author:** ![BlkP42E](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/blkp42e/32/5938_2.png) [@BlkP42E](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BlkP42E)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 9:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/10 "2006-02-03T09:47:49Z")
> [@bgblockelcamino](#): > > :drool: sweet car understatement ---
**Author:** ![burnyd](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/burnyd/32/6020_2.png) [@burnyd](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/burnyd)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 10:25am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/11 "2006-02-03T10:25:24Z")
thats awesome. ---
**Author:** ![traydogg6969](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/traydogg6969/32/5999_2.png) [@traydogg6969](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/traydogg6969)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 3:32pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/12 "2006-02-03T15:32:13Z")
lookin good ---
**Author:** ![Turbo\_Silverado](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbo_silverado/32/5990_2.png) [@Turbo\_Silverado](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Turbo_Silverado)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2006, 3:41pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/13 "2006-02-03T15:41:42Z")
thats totally awsome!! ---
**Author:** ![z32power.com](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z32power.com/32/3348_2.png) [@z32power.com](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/z32power.com)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2006, 7:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/14 "2006-02-06T07:16:32Z")
thanks everyone, I’ll keep this thread updated - can’t wait to bring it out to PRP ---
**Author:** ![z32power.com](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/z32power.com/32/3348_2.png) [@z32power.com](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/z32power.com)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2006, 4:57am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/15 "2006-10-09T04:57:38Z")
been a while since I had an update… Everything financially for this car is through me, no sponsorships =( so the progress has been slow. I did however pick up the trans, clutch, and bellhousing for the car. Here are pictures of the Liberty Equalizer 5-speed. It’s a sequential trans that most of the domestic cars, pro-RWD cars and outlaw guys run. Magnesium case, straight gears. This hobby is way too expensive! ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Picture_013_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Picture_013_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Picture_014_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Picture_014_(Custom).jpg) ![http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Picture_015_(Custom).jpg](http://www.z32power.com/691094428141735/lib/691094428141735/Picture_015_(Custom).jpg) Next updates will be: 1. Complete chassis/driveline pictures 2. Engine in place with turbo setup pictures (gonna be twins, not sure how big yet, probably 58 or 61mm’s) ---
**Author:** ![Turbo\_Silverado](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbo_silverado/32/5990_2.png) [@Turbo\_Silverado](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Turbo_Silverado)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2006, 5:02am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/16 "2006-10-09T05:02:54Z")
wow, sick very sick!! keep us updated! ---
**Author:** ![slowcamaro](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/slowcamaro/32/5975_2.png) [@slowcamaro](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/slowcamaro)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2006, 5:23am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/17 "2006-10-09T05:23:02Z")
awesome car. nice work only thing is there a reason you picked a vert over a hard top :dunno: ---
**Author:** ![Pewter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pewter/32/5936_2.png) [@Pewter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Pewter)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2006, 5:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/18 "2006-10-09T05:40:30Z")
awesome ---
**Author:** ![bgblockelcamino](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bgblockelcamino/32/5997_2.png) [@bgblockelcamino](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bgblockelcamino)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2006, 7:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/19 "2006-10-09T07:28:38Z")
liberty trans are badass, good choice. good luck with car. ---
**Author:** ![jinxxycat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/71c47a/32.png) [@jinxxycat](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jinxxycat)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2006, 7:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983/20 "2006-10-09T07:37:47Z")
:bowdown: :bowdown: Nice work! [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/z32power-drag-car-the-red-rb26-powered-convertible-z/179983.md?page=2)