jayoop Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 Hello Ratsun, seeing as though this is my first thread on the forum I would like to introduce myself before asking for help... My name is Jonathan, 20Y/O full-time student and proud owner of a Datsun 510 which is in desperate need of TLC(I mean floor up). Pops used to have a couple DIMEs back in the day and I'm stoked to be able to restore one (even though I'll be even more broke). A friend of mine was at the junkyard today and shot these pictures of struts which are either from an Altima or Maxima. I am looking to do the big brake conversion and have heard (from pops) that Maxima struts work. Can someone ID these struts and let me know if I'm headed in the right direction? I'm working on a budget as I have to redo the pans as well and would like to get suspension work underway. I plan on using the struts with the stock 510 spring perch resting on a 2" ID collar. Do these look right? Any help is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance! http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o561/Jonathan_Wigodsky/IMG_0716_zpsoz2zbea6.jpg Edit: Still learning how to embed pictures on this forum, sorry! Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 You want struts from a Datsun Maxima; not a Nissan. You can also search for 280zx struts. Quote Link to comment
bananahamuck Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 Needs to be rear wheel drive car. Quote Link to comment
TENDRIL Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 im not sure that will fit the 510 as they have to work with all the steering and other bits of suspension Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 Being in LA, there is a very good chance that anything you're wanting from the yards has already been picked. Move North. Move East. Hell, moving West is even better than staying in LA. Quote Link to comment
TENDRIL Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 what "big brake" swap are you thinking? if its anything like mine you will be well into 600-800$ but if on a budget and want upgraded brakes, that will be just fine for anything under a V8 motor wise... go with the zx struts and brakes tons of info and easy to do Quote Link to comment
jayoop Posted June 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 I thought so, but wasn't sure! Thanks guys! Looking to go with the poor man's 280zx big brake upgrade. Quote Link to comment
TENDRIL Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 i thought you were talking about these 1 Quote Link to comment
jayoop Posted June 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 Far too expensive for a college student haha. They sure are beautiful though! Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 Look for '79-'83 280zx struts, failing that, '81-'84 Maxima struts will work. (I have '84 Maxima goon struts on my 710) The Maxima rotors are just a couple of mm's smaller diameter than the zx ones and the caliper, thought different looking than the zx, is essentially the same and quite large. When you find these struts be sure to get the 15/16" master cylinder that is matched to the caliper size. If the zx master only get if '79-'81) Better to have it and not need it later than not have it. The 510 uses a 3/4" master and usually no power assist. A small master will need to move more fluid to work the larger calipers and will travel a lot farther and 'feel' mushy. A 15/16" master will move more fluid but require more effort and feel like stepping on a brick. A B-210 brake booster can be fitted to the 510 and allow the 15/16" master to 'feel' about right. If you have no plans to add a booster, then go up one size or so in master cylinder (maybe 13/16 or 7/8") if you find the 3/4" too soft. 1 Quote Link to comment
TENDRIL Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 Far too expensive for a college student haha. They sure are beautiful though! its better to have you priority's in line.... :rofl: Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 The whole point of a Datsun is you can have good handling, power, and brakes without spending an arm and a leg. I got my Maxima struts for free by waiting for them, rebuilt the 15/16" master for $20, used new rotors (I forget the price maybe $40 a side?) trimmed the stock spring and used the 710 lower perch and supported them with split collars for $25, replaced the damper oil with 20W motorcycle fork oil for $17. What's that add up to?.. under $150? Lower ride height (also adjustable) firmer renewed damper action, larger vented rotors and monster calipers. Sure I could have spent $600-$700 but I didn't and I can say great cars are built not bought. Quote Link to comment
q-tip Posted June 19, 2015 Report Share Posted June 19, 2015 i thought you were talking about these :lol: I like how you have the wheel turned like you're showing someone a secret....or selling them drugs... 1 Quote Link to comment
jayoop Posted June 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2015 I really appreciate the input! I should be picking everything up this weekend and found it all for around $150 or so Quote Link to comment
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