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NICOclub's 240sx Convertible Project Car: "The Droptop From Hell"... At last update, Project Vert was done and rolling, and looking clean. Reliable power, good handling, and head-turning looks are a great basis for any project car, and the Convertible has them in spades. However, too much is never enough, and I wasn't satisfied with the NICOclub Project 240sx Convertible being just "one of the best" in the nation. No, this car deserves better - It needed to be "over the top" - Outlandish, outrageous, something that would just dominate any discussion of the "best-built S-chassis" chats that go on at meets, on forums, and wherever 240sx owners congregate. Something that would drop panties, cause accidents, and strike fear in the hearts of so-called "tuners" on the streets of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The VQ35-powered S13 droptop built by Mickey (110octane) from Team Falken was the final straw, and was the catalyst for the decision to go even more radical with Project Vert. So without further ado, welcome to Part IX of NICOclub's 240sx Convertible Project Car: "The Droptop From Hell"... Rolling stock is probably the most important and obvious component of any tuner car build, and Project Vert was already well-situated with some old-school, super-rare, 1988 Work wheels. With the trend towards bigger, wider wheels, and the ever-increasing influence of Japanese VIP and EXE styles finding their way into the 240sx realm, it was an obvious choice to go with something flashy, outlandish, and eye-catching, while retaining the old-school flavor that Project 240sx is known for. Several choices made their way onto the drawing board, and my intention was to lean towards something that would necessitate some body modifications, and something that would give people cause to say, "Oh my God, WTF is THAT?!?!" After careful evaluation of sizing and styles, and much consultation and input from NICOclub's resident "baller wheel" gurus, a suitable set of wheels was located in Japan.
No turning back now, time to break out the plasma cutter and start sacrificing her virgin bodywork to the God of Fitment. An afternoon of test-fitting, marking, taping, prepping, and raising and lowering the car with the wheels installed was time well-spent. I could see how the wheels would fit throughout the range of suspension travel, and could set the flares properly to allow just enough clearance for hard driving, while keeping all of the tire inside the bodylines.
Once everything was bolted up, camber settings were adjusted. 2 degrees negative camber on all four corners seems to be optimal, and the newly-shaped fenders allowed another .5" of drop all the way around. Ground clearance is ridiculously minimal, especially with the engine dropped nearly an inch lower in the cradle. Driving impressions are mixed. The 17" fitment certainly handled better, partly due to the larger sidewall and less unsprung weight. However, the slight negative impact on handling is negated by the car's impressive new look. Aftermarket tie rods will help, and have been ordered at this time. In addition, she'll be getting a set of SPL Parts rear upper control arms for increased accuracy in adjusting rear camber. View other segments: |
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