Datsun used several different sized differentials in their independent-rear-suspensioned sports cars. The 510 sedans used the R160, the early Z’s used the R180, and the later Z’s used the R200. There are also several other variations out there (R190, R230, LSDs, Ks, clip-ins, bolt-ins, etc). The diff name refers to the size of the ring gear [...]

Check out this article from Laughing Squid dot com. Taking on the pros with a $500 car, this guy really knows how to race on the cheap… http://laughingsquid.com/diy-racer-bill-caswell-enters-a-500-craigslist-car-in-a-world-championship-rally/

For the past six months I have been in car guy’s heaven. I have been able to use my good friend Paul Moore’s fabrication shop to work on my Datsun Wagon race car project. I have had access to his lift, his welders, his tools, but most importantly, access to his talent and his tutelage. For this I am forever thankful. [...]

I needed a new SA2005 certified helmet for the 2010 season, and wanted to stay on my budget. A buddy and I bought these GForce Pro Eliminators, and are very pleased with them, especially for the money. It’s easy to spend $500 on a helmet, so it was nice to get a comfortable helmet with [...]

Seam welding is a common technique used to increase the structural integity of production race cars. The idea is to provide extra rigidity to the body structure by adding extra welds where the sheet metal body panels come together. The factory uses just enough spot welds, seam welds, and bonding epoxy to hold the car together [...]

Correct tire pressure settings are the final step of adjustment to getting your race car to handle properly. It is the fine tuning done after you have already sorted out your spring rates, ride heights, shock valving, anti-roll bar adjustments, and alignment settings. For purposes of this discussion we will assume you are in the right ballpark with all of [...]

In club racing we are not doing this for a living, we are amateurs. However this doesn’t mean that we don’t take our sport very seriously. Every racer in the pits has their own reason for being there, and it’s fun being an amateur philosopher trying to figure out what makes your competitors tick. Some [...]

At the top of my need-to-do list for quite a while has been to learn how to weld. A good racing friend with excellent fabrication skills decided to make today the day. I have been lucky to have friends willing to do most of my welding projects over the years, so there has never been the neccesity [...]