i ran across a free program called google sketch-up.
its a pretty easy 3d rendering program. i'm still learning how to use it, but it looks like a couple of z-car guys have already discovered it. There are already 3d models of 240z cars in the public files.

Anyone here on z-driver play with 3d rendering programs?

 

I messed with TruSpace and Bryce3D years ago... Made about 50 pictures and said "meh..."

 

i've been looking for different rendering programs for toying with parts ideas and just general engineering for different chassi configs. some way to put ideas in a 3d format that doesnt require a welding machine and lots of metal and man hours wasted on a prototype that may turn into a total waste because of an overlooked measurement or the like.

 

I played with AutoCAD and made some cars before but never with enough detail to be worth anything. Sketch-up is a fun one. However, I only ever used these 3D modeling programs for school work - mostly architectural drawings and the such.

If you happen to be a student, you can download a free copy of it at students.autodesk.com

along with plenty of other technical programs such as revit

 

^^^ Indeed... AutoCAD is the ballz.

Have you seen this HBZ thread? Quite mind numbing.

http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread...ghlight=intake

 

yeah, i've actually been following the casting thread for that manifold, but i hadn't looked at the previous threads leading up to it. That manifold is awsome. Absolutely love the way it sounds.

alas, i am not yet a student. but i've heard good reviews on autoCAD, so i'm going to look into it a bit more. worst case i pay out of pocket for it.

 

http://store.autodesk.com/DRHM/servl...ctID=119641700

holy crap.

 

torrent...