SPL Rear Subframe Mounts and Subframe Install

Updates have been slow as I've been in the process of moving into a new house.  But, I'm all situated now, and ready to get down to business.

Rear subframe was removed, painted flat black and re-installed with SPL aluminum "bushings" (more like mounts now).  Will tighten up the rear end tremendously.  (Guess who gave me a hand???)

Stance Al+Pro's are installed and give the 240 a much more confident stance.  I left the front ride height about 40mm high to compensate for the current lack of engine weight.

I'm ordering Origin 20mm front and 50mm rear overfenders to allow for more rubber fitment.  I should be able to just fit 18x9.5 +12 fronts and 18x10.5 +15 rears with these fenders.  Which wheels did I decide on?  I'll leave you wondering for now...

Once I have the fenders, and new rear bumper, it will be off to the paint booth.

Rear Subframe Removal

During the week I was able to remove the rear subframe so today I removed the differential, driveshaft, and suspension from the frame.  Before I can install the SPL aluminum mounts, I'll need to press out the worn rubber bushings.  I'd also like to powdercoat the subframe to ensure that it's protected from rust also.  I need to get the subframe re-installed to have a rolling chassis again.

Body Weight Removal / Stance Coilovers / Evo Brembo Front Calipers

Over the past couple of months, finding time to devote to the garage has been tough.  However, I did clean up the interior some which included removing the tar-like sound-deadening material.  It weighed about 50lbs in total, a substantial weight reduction.  Plus, who likes quiet cars?  

Although the Tokico dampers and Tein springs were a major upgrade from the worn-out OEM parts, they weren't up to the job of major track-duty.  I opted to replace them with Stance Al+Pro coilovers.  (For details see Stance's site)  They're height and damping adjustable, spring rates are changeable, and the forged aluminum damper bodies will resist even the worst rust Ohio has to offer.  This weekend I focused on installing the front coilovers.

Finally, I found a deal locally that I couldn't pass up.  Front Brembo brake calipers from a Mitsubishi Evo IX.  They're simply massive, and only need a simple bracket in order to bolt on.  Now I'm looking for matching rears.

Nardi Steering Wheel / NRG Hub / Quick-Release Install

It was really starting to become a pain to put on and take off the steering wheel each time the car needed to be moved.  Solution?  Quick release.  I installed the NRG hub, quick release and a fresh Nardi 350mm wheel.  It feels fast already...

KA24DE Engine Removal

With the help of Jamie and Wilson, the KA24 was finally removed from the chassis.  The one-car garage isn’t an optimal workplace, but we made do.  I had already lined-up a buyer for this motor, who came the next morning to pick it up.  He told me that he was tossing it into an old 240Z, which sounded like fun too.  Well, I better start looking for a donor 350Z for my VQ35 engine.