No more aluminum drums for 240/260/280z cars

[Tom Donnelly]

If there is no replacement part for the 240z drum, is a viable alternative a drum that fits from another manufacturer? One that has approximately the same dimensions and is not a performance enhancement?

I have quite a bit invested in my 240 over the years, and I have several sets of the aluminum rear drums. But they won't last forever. And 5 pounds of unsprung weight is a difference. And if the steel ones go away too, I'd like to be able to stay in IT, not go play in vintage (expensive) or in EP (expensive).

I could be wrong, but I remember hearing that the older Toyota finned drums, like on a 4wd are close. That may not be true, I'm just using that as an example.

What are the options one should address to the CRB?

Tom

[JeffYoung]

It'd technically be illegal. I'd never protest you though.

[Knestis]

Frankly, the best bet would be for some enterprising individual to send one of the few remaining new examples to a manufacturer offshore, and find out what it would cost to cast 1000 of them. You might be surprised...

K

[Knestis]

...What are the options one should address to the CRB?

Tom

You can ask for anything you want but I'll warn you so you won't be too disappointed: The ITAC is "disinclined" to recommend specific make/model allowances of this type. Your best bet is to find a new source for parts that are true equivalents (dimensions, material, etc.).

K

[betamotorsports]

Another option, resurface old drums via hardfacing or replacing the inner.

[x-ring]

Another option, resurface old drums via hardfacing or replacing the inner.

I'd wondered the same thing, what about flame spray or some other method to build up the existing inner liner? Build it up until it is too small, then turn to proper diameter.

I don't think I'd be up for replacing the liner. I can just imagine the liner spinning in the drum when it got hot. :eek:

[Tom Donnelly]

Wasn't there some special consideration for the Olds Acheiva at one point? Different hubs or something? Or some kind of cam for the VW's? How does one get things like that through?

And what offshore manufactures would you suggest? I would have no idea where to look. I have an untouched set of aluminum drums still in the box that could be used as a template or something. Where do you get started and would anyone else want in on this?

Maybe I could get my E88 and E31 heads replicated too?

[Knestis]

Under current protocols, I *think* that the ITAC is very unlikely to recommend anything like those examples. In fact, we've talked about taking those "line item" exceptions out of the books for the very reason that they might be perceived as setting precedents that we aren't able to follow at this point but it's challenging to take back something that's made it into the rules.

(Remember that any opinions expressed on stuff like this are mine alone. The only official ITAC position is that represented by recommendations to the BoD.)

In terms of solutions to the manufacturing question, I'd start with a local machine shop. Or look in your nearest actual city for someone that does "metal casting," and work from there. If you're talking about non-ferrous parts (AL alloy drums rather than cast FE), there are some new technologies emerging that speed the design-to-production cycle.

http://www.zcorp.com/Solutions/Casti...lds/spage.aspx

This might be a good project for a consortium of Z-car enthusiasts to pursue. Certainly, the street car market can't be too far behind you guys, in terms of needing parts. It's possible to build a 1969 Camaro out of new parts nowadays, so if the volume is there to support it, there are probably answers.

Remember that, as harsh as it sounds, the Club has no obligation to make it cheap to race whatever each of us might choose to drive. Your solution might be spendy but it's out there.

K

[Tom Donnelly]

Thanks for the leads. I appreciate the disclaimer too. Otherwise I'd blame you Kirk!
(Just kidding).

The street market would probably lean towards disc replacement rather that aluminum drums, more bang for your buck I'd think.

I think I'll swap to the discs in the rear and put a cardboard replica of an aluminum drum over the rotors to hide the swap. Yeah, that's the ticket.