All Activity
- Past hour
-
Let's show vintage racing pictures. I'll start.
-
1972 240z tachometer not reading nor working with MSD blast 2 coil. Any solutions?
Ill try it! See what happens. Right now we have the pertronix 1.5 coil installed with 1.5 ballast
- Today
-
getting 1977 280z started
I can't give up... So troubleshooting I eliminated the air idle valve for a moment because it felt like it was choking the engine too much and it not idles but rough. I also think the connection is bad with the TPS. In the attached video I am trying to make the connection solid and it starts to idle down. PXL_20250916_015703945.mp4
-
1972 240z tachometer not reading nor working with MSD blast 2 coil. Any solutions?
@cgsheen1 made a suggestion, Are you not willing to try it? Takes 2 minutes.
-
getting 1977 280z started
First: The ECU DOES NOT get the "tach signal" - that circuit if for the GAUGE ONLY. It is pointless to look for it. Actually the tachometer and the ECU use the same circuit for the coil discharge signal, from the coil negative terminal. It's branched. One end goes to the ignition module for spark creation, one to the tachometer for the RPM measurement, and one to the ECU pin #1 for injector timing. Every third spark the ECU squirts half the fuel "calculated" to be necessary.
-
1972 240z tachometer not reading nor working with MSD blast 2 coil. Any solutions?
The thing is my mechanic solved the rough idle and misfire after take off from long traffic by installing an msd blaster 2 coil replacing the pertronix 1.5 coil and 1.5 ballast resistor. The problem is the stock tach does not work with the msd coil which i believe is 0.7 ohms. Going back to the pertronix, the tach worls but the car runs bad.
-
getting 1977 280z started
Don't throw the parts away. They have value to somebody.
- Yesterday
-
Pat Carr started following Different OEM exhaust manifold versions
-
Different OEM exhaust manifold versions
Photos are of the original N33 exhaust manifold I removed from my 73. Replaced it with an earlier one when I went to round top carbs. I confirm you need a different downpipe. I was able to swap my 73 downpipe for an earlier one.
-
getting 1977 280z started
I think im chasing my tail on this one.... This morning i repalced a few fuel lines as 5-6 started to leak and crack from the fuel pressure. I also used some electrical cleaner to clean all the electral connectors. I started to engine and it can now run past 10 seconds without fail. not sure why. but great! the issue now is its running very poor. Rich and extremely low idle. I tried adjusting the AFM and idle adjustor but nothing is effecting it. I double checked the ECU connections and now im not seeing any ohm readings on the appropiate pins for the AFM and the TPS. I checked the TPS internals and connectivity is all there. it must be the wiring somewhere. In the end i wanted to get the engine running and it is! so thats fantastic. I think im done troubleshooting this thing and im just going to leave it as is for the moment. I plan on replacing this entire ECU/AFM & fuel system anyways with megasquirt or similar system. No need to fix this system if im going to be getting rid of it. Now its time to tear things thing down to the frame.
-
1972 240z tachometer not reading nor working with MSD blast 2 coil. Any solutions?
Easy test, take the ballast RESISTOR out of the equation: Take the G/W wire OFF the ballast, hook it up to the B/W that's connected to the other end of the ballast. Run the engine. Is it better? Is it worse? Don't notice a change at all? (Better: leave the ballast out - figure a good way to connect the G/W and B/W permanently cuz VOLTAGE. Worse: hook it back up the way it was. No diff: Hook it back up the way it was - if you're sure there was no change.) (I haven't said yet what I'd really recommend which is: replace all your harness wiring, especially the engine bay harness which suffers the most degradation over 50+ years of living on this Earth... Few people listen - even me - I'm just barely doing that in my own car (and it turned 50 last year).)
-
KW Suspension for Matthew’s 1973 Datsun 240Z
http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/July-2023-First-Drive-on-KWs-e1757565270666.jpg This is Matthew’s 1973 Datsun 240Z featuring our Z Car Garage KW Suspension. He has kept the car mostly original aside from chassis and drivetrain upgrades including a triple-carb’d L-Series, Watanabe wheels and Recaro seats. Let’s take a look at how Matthew got into Z cars… http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/July-2024-Paint-Correction-2-e1757565546687.jpg Matt is from Calgary, AB and we know him through his father, Rob from many years ago. Our good friend Herbert was selling his original paint, 87k-mile 240Z and Rob noticed it on zcarblog.com leading to his acquisition. MATT: My Z car story is a family affair that began at a young age. Growing up, my parents both owned Z32 300ZX convertibles — which, incidentally, is how our connection with Z Car Garage began in 2004 when Rob and the team at Z Car Garage did a pre-purchase inspection on one of the Z32 Convertibles before being imported to Canada. We were active in a local Z car club in Calgary, Alberta, attending events with the 300ZX. At the time, the 350Z was new and exciting, and I even had a poster of one on my bedroom wall. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/phan-112117-018-e1485412969426-1024x631.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PXL_20201221_020624527-e1611120295487.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/October-2020-Driving.jpg But to truly understand our story, it’s important to go back even further. When my dad was a teenager working at a local gas station, he fell in love with an orange 240Z with a white interior that often came through. He was 18 at the time and never forgot that car. Fast forward to 2009, when Rob from Z Car Garage called and told my dad he had to buy a 1973 240Z that had just been featured on ZcarBlog. My Dad flew down to Seattle, WA to pick up the car and drove it back to Calgary, AB. I was 15 then, and I vividly remember working on the car with my dad. We replaced the dash with an original, uncracked one, fixed a minor oil pack leak, and made lasting memories at local car shows and events. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/August-2011-18th-Birthday.jpg When I turned 18, my dad gifted me half-ownership of the Z. Unexpected circumstances forced us to sell the car in early 2012. By then, though, I had fully caught the Z car bug. I spent the next year or so searching high and low across classified ads in the U.S. and Canada, but nothing quite compared to our Z. On a whim, I posted a “wanted” ad on our local classifieds, using the most recent photo I had of the car. Then, in March 2014, I received a message that simply said: “Hello, I own your old car,”…followed by a phone number. We exchanged a few emails and calls, and they even sent me a photo of the car’s current condition (below, March 2014). http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/240Z-March-2014.jpg On April 5, 2014, I picked up the car and drove it straight to my dad’s house. He didn’t know I had bought it back. I drove past the house, and he spotted it from inside. I don’t think I had even parked before he was out the door, beaming with excitement. Not only had I gotten back into a 240Z — I had brought home our 240Z, the same one we had built memories with years earlier. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/June-2014-After-Purchasing-Back.jpg From 2014 onward, the car remained largely untouched. Matt was finishing university and starting his career, and while he drove it when weather permitted, the Z mostly stayed as it was. Behind the scenes, he was always dreaming of how he’d eventually build it — period-correct modifications, all reversible, in case they ever wanted to return the car to stock. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/August-2020-NissanDatsun.jpg In 2021, he began collecting parts for the build. He started with a second set of suspension components, which allowed him to send the spindles and hubs out for the KW coilover conversion and have other parts powder-coated or zinc-plated. KW x Z Car Garage Coil-over Suspension http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/477795897_1011115091063663_8033328159812275787_n.jpg Our Z Car Garage KW Suspension is available in limited quantities. These coil-overs offer game-changing performance suitable for street, track and daily-driving for your S30 Datsun Z car. View the suspension installed on Sung Kang’s RB26DETT-powered Datsun 240Z, Larry Chen’s SR20DET-Powered Datsun 240Z, James’ turbocharged L-series powered Datsun 240Z, Mrs. Butters, our Series 1 shop 240z and more client cars HERE. For more information on ordering and pricing please contact RobATzcargarage.com. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_6502.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/481184467_1024485623059943_4520335096885803442_n.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/480235492_1011115124396993_2250652587135409969_n.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_8079.jpg MATT: I first came across KW’s Classic segment on their Instagram page in 2021, which featured the 240Z platform. A few years later, I reached out to KW and learned that Z Car Garage would be the exclusive dealer for the kit. Given my family’s long-standing history with Z Car Garage, it was an easy decision to contact Rob and place an order. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/July-2024-KW-Endless.jpg The installation was straightforward, though slightly more involved than on a modern car due to the need to install bearings into the hubs. I also opted for the KW adjustable top hats, as I planned to run 16×8 +0 Watanabe wheels and wanted to avoid rolling the fenders in order to preserve the car’s originality. The first drive revealed a night-and-day difference compared to the stock suspension—firm, yet compliant enough to maintain comfort for street driving. Although Z Car Garage ships the KWs with a recommended out-of-the-box setup, we ended up softening the settings slightly to better suit the rougher roads in Calgary, Alberta, which are no match for the smoother roads in California. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/KW-First-Install.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Rear-Underside-1.jpg In the corners, the car feels extremely planted, with excellent turn-in and feedback. With my current setup, the grip provided by the suspension and tires far exceeds the car’s power output, making it an absolute joy to drive and toss around in corners. Before installing the KWs, I drove more conservatively, hesitant to push the car too hard. Now, with the upgraded suspension, my confidence—especially in corners and at higher speeds—has grown significantly, allowing me to truly enjoy the full potential of my Z car. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/240Z-May-2025-1.jpg It took a couple of years to gather everything, but with the help of a good friend — who also happens to own the local performance shop, VEX Performance in Calgary — the build finally started coming together in July 2023. We removed the old suspension and replaced it with freshly powder-coated components and, of course, the KW suspension. The engine bay was cleaned and prepped for the new Fujitsubo exhaust and triple Weber setup. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_6118.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_6101.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/240Z-R34-GTR-e1757565636237.jpg But the moment it all came together was when the car was lowered onto the ground, sitting on its new Watanabe wheels. That’s when it hit me — a rush of emotion. The same Z my dad bought in 2009, the one I brought home in 2014, had finally become the car I’d dreamed of for years. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/240Z-May-2025-2-e1757565521969.jpg Thanks for your support Matt! We love that you are building and enjoying your dream Z car! What’s next? MATT: As of 2025, the Z is exactly how I envisioned it. I take it to local Cars and Coffee events, car shows, and the occasional late-night meet. As for future plans — they’re still up in the air. I’ve considered going EFI, or maybe even an OS Giken TC24 build someday. But for now, I plan to Enjoy the Ride. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/August-2023-Passenger-Priness.jpg Build Sheet: Engine/Drivetrain Triple Weber DCOE40 Kameari Exhaust Sheild ITG Air Filter w/ Carbon Backing Plate Fujitsubo Super Ex Header Fujitsubo Legalis R Exhaust Koyo Radiator Malpassi FP Regulator Nismo Fuel Pump STI R180 3.54 LSD http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/August-2023-Car-Show-Debut.jpg Suspension KW V3 Coilovers w/ Camber Plates Endless Front BBK T3 Rear Control Arms T3 Front Tension Rods ST F/R Swaybars 280ZX Rear Disc Brake Conversion SuperPro Bushing Kit Wheels/Tires Watanabe R Type 16×8 ET 0 Watanabe Electron Lock Nuts Continental ExtremeContact 225/50R16 Interior Recaro Classic LX http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Septemeber-2023-Local-Zs--e1757565477500.jpg View the full article
-
Diseazd started following Valve Stem Heights
-
Valve Stem Heights
Hi Site Been a while….not sure, but whatever adds .080 inches….if they are .040 inches, 2 would do. Don’t hesitate to call Eiji….tell him you’re my cousin and if wants to keep eating steak at our house, he needs to be nice! 🤪 He’ll sell you the right stuff.
-
getting 1977 280z started
O.P., you should probably pull a spark plug or six and see if (how much) they are sooted up. The Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR) on an EFI engine is "vacuum referenced" or Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) referenced. Meaning it has a hose connection to the intake manifold. The FPR is supposed to maintain a fairly constant fuel pressure differential with the manifold pressure. Nissan uses 2.5 BAR or 36.3 PSI as the required differential. That means WITH the engine NOT RUNNING and fuel pump RUNNING the pressure to the fuel rail and injectors should ~36.3 PSI. When the engine IS running, the FPR will SUBTRACT the manifold pressure while under VACUUM or ADD the manifold pressure if under boost (positive manifold pressure). You don't need to consider boost. But, say you have 10 PSI of VACUUM while the engine is running at idle, your pressure at the fuel rail and injectors should be ~26.3 PSI (36.3 - 10 PSI). First: The ECU DOES NOT get the "tach signal" - that circuit if for the GAUGE ONLY. It is pointless to look for it. The Electronic Ignition Module figures out when to send a signal for the coil to fire - it gets the information from the distributor electronics (pretty sure - I haven't handled the original Bosch L-Jetronic for a blue moon...) Second: Have you tried operating the engine WITHOUT the cold start valve? Disconnected from wiring and/or fuel? (IS your engine only running on the cold start fuel??)
-
Brandon999 joined the community
-
Different OEM exhaust manifold versions
Thanks - another (perhaps market specific ?) - the U98. Do you know which year (s) please ?
-
26th-Z started following Different OEM exhaust manifold versions
-
Different OEM exhaust manifold versions
I'm using a U-98 manifold which I bought in Australia. It has no emissions ports in the casting.
-
Sean Dezart started following Different OEM exhaust manifold versions
-
Different OEM exhaust manifold versions
The S30 parts constantly evolved over the years and not at set periods - Nissan introduced changes (sometimes improvements) asap in mid-year/production model runs. This also applies to the cast-iron exhaust manifolds and so far for the 240Z alone, I've noted the following cast numbers (visible under the ports 5 + 6 : U87 N42 N47 N33 E30 - this I know is the European version. Generally, I believe, the different parts denote different methods by which Nissan passed their cars through certain anti-pollution controls (?) however all appear to be of the same dimensions......except the 1973 (last) version before the introduction of the 260Z.. This manifold is longer towards the flange which is itself at a slightly different angle. This means that the 1973 downpipes were shorter than the previous AND post versions and I'm trying to foind one please. In the absence of the real part, I'd would like to at least know the casting code, please, on the 1973 OEM exhaust manifold ? Can you list here any other manifold casting numbers with their car model and year please ? Many thanks in advance.
-
maxwedge joined the community
-
1973 Exhaust Downpipes?
Ok thanks but would you know the casting number on the OEM exhaust manifold please ?
-
4space joined the community
-
1973 Exhaust Downpipes?
Sorry...Downpipe sold.
-
Z Story Contact
Yes, he did and on the same day you apologised - thankyou. The beauty of forums such as this compared to the social media is that information remains visible, unswamped by daily 'chaff' to refer to by new members. But that is a double-edged sword and without having the courtesy and rerspect to edit or delete your unfounded comments, they remain there in perpetuity and rare is it that anyone will scroll further down once having seen your post ! "If you haven't got money in deal I'd seriously think about MSA ceramic coated headers. I've got 6to1s on both my cars and very pleased after 10 years of running them with MSAs 2.5" aluminum, I think, to the back bumper. They have other configurations but I like the sound and backpressure of the the 6to1. It's loud but only if you chose. Stay out of it until you get away from neighbors and then who gives a flip. If the guy won't talk to you, it's not going to have a wonderful ending no matter what you pay him. Get out while you can." You suggested the cheapest mild-steel headers available on the market and have you really inspected the welding quality and the flange in particular ? A 6-1 header is not even conceived for the street but track and drag runs in order to dump as much exhaust gas as quickly as posisble.....even then Nissans' own race headers were always 2-1 and their S20 exhaust line a full twin-pipe system to the rear to improve torque for the 'little' 2.0ltr. And MSA's exhaust line in not made of aluminum lol but the same mild steel and heaven knows why they haven't proposed a resonator (not just for the noise and it IS loud) but for the engines' performance (google exhaust scavenging). You 'like' the backpressure ! Your exhaust system is totally de-restricted meaning you have an absolute minimum of restrictions to the exhaust gases with a paradoxal low exhaust-gas velocity, especially during street driving. This is losing you power, most likely between 10 and 20% - call it 15. On a stock L24 making 130 hp DIN max, adding your exhaust is in fact reducing your net power down to perhaps 110hp....it sound loud, it sounds fast but stick it on a dyno and weep ! You'd be much better off fitting MSAs 6-2 (Pacesetter), same exhaust line but having your exhaust shop fit a resonator just behind the transmission....costs a bit more but the benefits are real. That's where MSAs' technology stops and I was fitting them and also the twice-pipes kit back in the early '90s because it was all I could find...back in the day of catalogues and sending faxs to order ! :-) I chose to produce more expensive, I'll admit, but still more affordable than the parts available in Japan and still the only single stainless-steel pipe system that doesn't have an over-sized diameter (3" for a n/a engine - get outa here ! ) which are efficient for road and track use for different size engines and also with different characteristics (compression ratios, camshafts etc.....) and also different driving styles 'cos I don't believe one size fits all. https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/a14530205/what-is-exhaust-backpressure-and-why-is-it-bad-for-horsepower/ I'm not sure that you're best placed to advise anyone on exhaust choice. You told texasz to get out while you can cos it's not going to end well whatever he pays ! Perhaps you should ask him how it ended...........
-
Z Story Contact
Hi - I read this : "Whatever you're writing in your messages must be something he's avoiding." 1) assumption without proof that I'm avoiding him 2) Insinuation that there is a sinister reason I'm avoiding him "must be'' Any reason he would be avoiding you? 3) Insinuation that there is a sinister reason I'm avoiding him reinforced Not a good look for him if there's no good reason. 4) Negative prediction and quite frankly pointless statement - I don't ignore anybody, who would ? Help, where ? Tagging me here wouldn't if I was avoiding him here.....which I wasn't ! Why DM a guy who doesn't respond to a customer's messages? I implied DM the enquirer, in this case texasz, with your opinions w/out facts rather than imply publicly what you did - that's not helping my business nor the potentiel customers' confidence - please think. Have a great day now - it's past ! :-)
- Z Story Contact
-
getting 1977 280z started
If you do get the engine running well, replace all of the old fuel lines on the rail and the injectors before too much driving. I smelled gasoline on mine one day while driving and when I opened the hood a tiny stream of gasoline shot by me on to the sidewalk. They dry out and crack lengthwise. The small stuff will eat up a lot of your time but it's worth it once you're done.
-
getting 1977 280z started
Here is a way to test the function of the injectors separately from the ECU. With the ECU connector removed from the ECU, turn the key on. Then short the pins in the ECU connector from the injectors to ground with a quick tap. Each tap should produce a click frm the relevant injector. You'll need a quiet garage or a friend in the engine bay to hear them. Or a long wire.
-
Yarb started following 1977 280z ignition/fuel system "neutronics"
-
1977 280z ignition/fuel system "neutronics"
I believe he mentioned 10 plus years.
-
getting 1977 280z started
That makes sense, I already testedt all the ECU pins and were reading correctly... The only thing left is the AFM which would also make sense why the injectors wouldnt firing. I tested each injector and they are functioning. I have stopped testing for the night because i broke a fuel line that was very old. will need to replace that before messing with the AFM. but i dont think im getting good signal from the AFM to the ecu. thank you for your help everyone.