Bob_260's 1974 260Z Build: Phase 1 - Suspension & Brakes
260Z Build: Phase 1 - Suspension & brakes (HybridZ)
Read the full write-up at 260Z Build: Phase 1 - Suspension & brakes (HybridZ) ↗
Photo: 260Z Build: Phase 1 - Suspension & brakes (HybridZ)Phase 1 of a 1974 260Z rebuild: suspension and brakes
Bob_260 documents the first of a four-phase restoration of a long-dormant 1974 260Z, focusing on rebuilding the front and rear suspension and installing a big brake kit. The thread is notable for its documented parts-fitment mistakes (280Z swaybar and coilovers that did not fit a 260Z) and practical fixes along the way.
Specs
As stated in the original write-up.
- Front/rear suspension
- Ground Control coilover conversion with new spring perches welded to strut towers
- Brakes
- Silvermine Motors Stage IV big brake kit
- Rear swaybar
- 22mm rear swaybar (upgraded from factory 20mm)
- Wheels
- Rota RB 17x8.5 +4mm offset
- Tyres
- Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Spec 234/45/17
- Steering wheel
- MSA Competition Steering Wheel, 13.5 inch diameter
Parts used
Parts named as used in the original write-up, grouped the way the Parts page groups them. Where one of the shops we index lists the same thing for this car, it is shown underneath with a link to the shop.
Suspension & Steering 2
- Ground Control coilovers
Installed with new welded spring perches on strut towers for adjustable ride height
- 22mm rear swaybar
Replaced factory 20mm swaybar, bushing enlarged to fit
Brakes 1
- Silvermine Motors Stage IV big brake kitSilvermine Motors
Big brake kit adapters installed as part of suspension upgrade
In the shops
Stage 1 Performance Brake Kit (ND Brembo) ↗
Flyin' Miata· $399.00 USD
Rear Brackets for ND Little Big Brake Kit ↗Flyin' Miata· $109.00 USD
Rear Brackets for NC Little Big Brake Kit ↗Flyin' Miata· $129.00 USD
Wheels & Tyres 2
- Rota RB 17x8.5 +4mm wheelsRota
Chosen for clearance with big brake kit and wider tyres
- Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Spec 234/45/17 tyresDunlop
Paired with Rota wheels for maximum fitment without flares
In the shops
Dunlop Forest Tyre 185/70 R13 SP61 ↗
C Bradley Motorsport· £0.00 GBPDunlop Forest Tyre 185/70 R13 SP85 G6 ↗C Bradley Motorsport· £0.00 GBP
Tyre-4.50" x 19" Dunlop ↗MGbits4U· £275.99 GBP
Interior 1
- MSA Competition Steering WheelMSA
Replaced original 15 inch wheel with smaller 13.5 inch wheel for improved feel and cockpit clearance
Tools & Workshop 1
- Eastwood fender rolling toolEastwood
Used to roll fender lips for wheel clearance
Photos
24 pictures collected from the write-up, in the order they were posted, shown from 260Z Build: Phase 1 - Suspension & brakes (HybridZ). A picture opens larger here, with the way through to the page it is on.
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How it was done
Starting condition
Bob purchased a 1974 260Z with 56,000 miles that had sat under a carport for nearly 30 years. He planned a four-phase project, starting with suspension and brakes to make sure the car stopped and handled properly before other work.
Parts fitment lessons
Checking the front hubs suggested the car used 280Z-style parts, so Bob ordered 280Z suspension components. These did not fit: the 280Z swaybar shape differed and the coilovers had a larger strut tube diameter than his car's 51mm tubes, requiring correct 260Z-specific parts instead.
Rear suspension rebuild
The rear suspension was removed, spindle pins drilled out at a machine shop, and components powder coated. New spring perches were welded on for Ground Control coilovers, Silvermine Stage IV brake adapters installed, and a 22mm rear swaybar fitted by enlarging the bushing. While the suspension was apart, he also replaced the fuel tank sending unit.
Wheel clearance and tyres
To fit wider rubber without flares, Bob chose Rota RB 17x8.5 wheels with Dunlop Direzza tyres, sized to clear the Stage IV brakes. He used an Eastwood fender roller to gain clearance, and completed the coilover conversion to adjust ride height. The rear suspension was finished, tested, and driven without issue.
Front suspension and interior update
With the rear done, Bob moved to disassembling the front suspension for powder coating. He also fitted an MSA Competition Steering Wheel, smaller and thicker than the original, improving grip and cockpit legroom for his 6'4" frame.
A summary in our own words. The full account, with all its detail, is in the original write-up: read it at 260Z Build: Phase 1 - Suspension & brakes (HybridZ) ↗
Worth knowing
- Verify actual hub and swaybar shape rather than assuming parts match the build date, since this car had later 280Z-style hardware
- 280Z swaybars and coilovers do not fit a 260Z's narrower strut tubes without modification
- Cleaning rust from spindle pin bores with a wire brush in a drill helps new pins slide in smoothly
- Applying anti-seize to spindle pins and steering wheel splines eases future removal