New Zealand Datsun Club

Anyone attempted this, replacing the rear axle setup in a 120Y with a complete subframe and r200 lsd setup from silvias/skylines?

Sounds like a lot of work but anything is possible with $$$$. 120Y's aren't independent in the rear are they? And the Skyline/Silvia subframe is probably a lot wider?

Well I would've though the width might be an issue, but I've taken a subframe out of a silvia before and it only has four mounting points onto the underneath of the car, so theoretically if one had to strengthen the body by welding some plates under and inside, get the frame mounted, one can then tackle the width issue. Can cut a couple inches out of the subframe either side of the diff mounts and shorten the axels, presto!!!!

People have done it to 240Z's, 280ZX's, Z31's and I think I may have seen a 1600 somewhere? Anything is possible but you have to weigh up whether it's worth it or not and I'd definitely talk to a certifier before doing anything.

Also an R200 is a pretty heavy diff, even a shortnose one, it's just extra weight unless you have more power than the smaller diffs can take, and some of them can take quite a bit.

Those are all independent rear end cars though. The thought is for better handling/brakes and 20det up front.

Interesting idea, but as DJZ says, it would be a huge amount of work. What would be the motivation? Strength? an H19 would be much easier and almost as srtrong I would think. IRS? Independent would be cool, but there may be easier ways. Different, that it would be, but I would fear if I was to start a project like this I would end up with one less Datsun in the fleet.
This is the effort put into a 240z to put a Skyline subframe in, and they were IRS to start with. This thing has been years in the build, quite and interesting thread.

Yeah, I'm not trying to be negative about the idea but it's an awful lot of work. Is there enough room under there for the subframe?

You could buy an S13, cut the body off and drop a Y body on top?

I like the S13 idea seen it done on the net somewhere with a morry body i think.

If you want to do the subframe why not fit a R180 subframe instead. Lighter diff same over all issues and still plenty strong. Especially with an LSD head.

There is a couple guys that have shortened them on oldschool. I reckon if you have the coin and keen to go thru with it to completion it would be a great idea. Mount diff and run the front suspension set up from an R32 in the rear some how

crustywhip wrote:There is a couple guys that have shortened them on oldschool. I reckon if you have the coin and keen to go thru with it to completion it would be a great idea. Mount diff and run the front suspension set up from an R32 in the rear some how

Now that is real 160z wannabe, right there, Chapman strut IRS with R series centre, just like a 260Z