Ted's wheels are 3-piece semi-custom made "Corsairs"
by CCW in Florida
and are 18" diameter x12" wide. They have a 25" x 11.5"
Goodyear racing slicks. They are about $600 each, or if you want a less
expensive alternative, consider my Z Hub Extenders (see
the FAQs under the "Wheels and Tires" section).
The 280YZ was designed primarily as a racing fender package
for the SCCA GT2 racing class. It is designed to be attached to the unibody
tub and/or tubular subframes using Dzus 1/4-turn fastners for quick removal
and service. However, many customers have installed this body package for
street use by bolting and/or bonding on the components. Several customers
have also used the really wide YZ rear quarters with the slightly more narrow
Subtle Z front fenders for a very nice look. Dan Juday's car (below) is an
excellent example.
The kit is 3 inches wider than stock all around, allowing
for use of up to 12 inch wide wheels and up to 335-width tires. Exact clearance
is determined by the type of suspension (racing coilover vs. stock vs. live
axle, etc.). The parts are less than half the weight of the steel parts they
replace.
I also have a fiberglass replacement hatch that can be used
with this kit.
The quarter panels do not include an opening for the fuel
filler door. However, I offer a option to upgrade the quarter panel to include
a Le Mans style fuel filler pocket for $95. I also have just finished a mold
that will allow me to integrate stock-appearing wheel well lips on both the
quarters for $95 for the pair. Here's
a photo of Dan Juday's car that has both modifications, and there
are more photos below.
What about headlights on the YZ? There are several options:
1. Some customers leave the stock front fenders in place
and use only the rear quarter panels. This is obviously the easiest, and provides
a more conventional look, i.e., stock front, wide flares in rear.
2. The Subtle Z front fenders can be used with the YZ rears.
This allows for slightly wider front wheels, a more balanced look between
front and rear, and the Subtle Z fenders utilize the stock headlight extensions.
3. It is possible to graft the stock fiberglass buckets/extensions
onto the YZ fenders. This takes a fair amount of work over and above the fender
install. I also sell fiberglass replacement headlight buckets for $149 each.
However, I now offer an upgraded version of the YZ fender with integrated
headlight buckets for only an additional $255/pair! See
a photo here.
4. If you look further down the main page under “Archived
photos of customer cars,” Ted Fisher installed some off-the-rack lights
from PIAA into the radiator opening. I REALLY like this look, and it’s
the easiest way to get lights into the YZ. Here’s a direct link to that
page:
5. Another possibility for headlights is mounting projector
beam lights in the front of the YZ fenders. All that's required is a hole
saw and some creative bracketry. Here's an example of what I'm describing.
The headlight cover shape that this builder used is exactly like the shape
of the front end of the YZ fenders. This photo was shot at the MSA Show in
2003 (I think). If this is your car, I'm sorry I didn't get your name to give
you proper credit. Please contact me and I will do so!
6. "Are these lighting arrangements street legal?"
“Street legal” with regard to lighting is pretty wide open. Federal
standards apply to auto manufacturers, but once the car is in your hands the
feds could care less.
If you don’t have some sort of front lights, state
LEOs will refuse to register the car (if you haven’t already done so).
However, in my experience, most of those guys don’t know a watt from
a what. So, if you have lights and they appear to work, no one is going to
measure the candlepower output.
It is possible to get pulled over by the local LEOs if the
lights are dim. However, you get into an area here where common sense should
prevail. As a relatively savvy automotive guy, you will know whether your
lights are adequate. Most guys I know err in the other direction. Of course,
you can be pulled over for having the lights too bright or adjusted to high,
as well!
27 October 2009: I simply MUST be more proactive about updating my website.
Jay Hitchcock sent me links to YouTube video of his car MONTHS ago and I just
now saw them in my inbox. Here you go:
This GT2 racecar belongs to Bob Glass, an SCCA racer from
the west coast. (Click on an image to see a larger photo. Use your browser's
"Back" button to return to this page.)
(Bob, I've lost your contact info and I need to get tech
info on your car. Please contact me: john@reactionresearch.com)
Paul Henk and David Dutko got their body
parts before I bought the molds from Roger Edsinger and began selling
them as the 280YZ kit. However, this car is a good example of the
appearance of the kit...and of the great lines of the GT Z-Cars in
general. More information on Paul and the car can be found at
Reg Sumaru in Edmonton, Alberta Canada also got his body
parts before my time. Ditto the comments above, though...great looking car
and fine example of the breed. Find more photos and info at
