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

[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.

[mom'sZ]

Kirk, like tom said, the zcar market is full of rear disc upgrade options. Oddly most zcar street guys feel compelled to replace there drums almost immediatly. I think they are percieved as being really weak. I think there is even a really cheap (junk yard parts) easy (bolts right up) upgrade from a 240sx or something. Plus it is really popular to put V8s in them and then they really do need so more whoo power.
Tom, I would be interested in buying a bunch or participating in trying to have a batch cast.

[pballance]

FWIW, my sources have indicated that Brembo is actively seeking a new vendor to build the drums. At least one firm is actively pursuing offshore production of Z drums in aluminum but it may be a few months before production can begin. They are talking multi-thousand needed to reach the break even point.

If anyone is completely out, I found a vendor with New Old Stock and bought 2 drums. IF they are in fact Brembo when they arrive and are aluminum as promised, I will post up the vendor link here. BTW, I did not pay the $170+ that we are seeing on Ebay.