Expert: Dan Liddy - 3/26/2007

Question
I have a 1984 Nissan 200sx I race on a small dirt track
fist problem its hard to find any parts that aside how do you remove the intake hose and filter and run an after market system like k&n and still have a 15 lb vacuum at 1000rpm 15 lb rule like to get a little more  power. # 2
the 200sx has a 4 link is there adjustment for this and are there any books on this. also the springs are 2inch in diameter i would like new rear spring and cant find any what can I do.  I am pitting new bearings and ring
in the car and is possible new cam I don't have scales is there any way of cheaply  checking weight.that the reason I named the team SEAT OF  THE PAINTS RACING.        
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
John Reynolds
Cpolumbus Ohio  

Answer
First answer - - -re the K&N intake system.  The purpose of the K&N is to reduce intake restriction which will reduce your vacuum reading. no way around that. Plus when you change to a high performance cam you might also lose vacuum. nature of the beast.

Parts are where you find them, junk yards are where you should be EVERY Saturday until you have enough.  In my case I have been racing 510s long enough that when a car comes available or parts. many times, people call me. Watch E-Bay too, and there are other used parts sites for Nissan stuff.  Also a lot of it can be used from other similar models.  I use a few truck parts here n' there.

Your four link is probably OK as it is for now. 2" springs, never heard of such a thing.  Most racers use 2 1/2 " coil overs on the front, in your case I'd use 275 Lb. or maybe a   300 LF and a 275 RF.  Look on the web for Performance  Bodies, Summit Racing and Jeg's .  There  are others but those are sources that wull get you started.

There is a thing called a wheel weight checker that you will have to look for, they cost about $150 and give you an approximate weight for each wheel.  It's better than guessing and doesn't cost $1200.00

Good luck in your quest for excellence

Dan Liddy
Sarasota Florida