I am a neophyte regarding Z engines. Do most Z engines use solid or hydraulic valve lifters? I have driven 3 Z cars in my search for a good Z car and all have had a lot of valve tappet noise. Is this normal or do the valves need to be adjusted (if they are solid lifters)?? Would they need adjustment if they were hydraulic lifters?

Thanks

Widget777@centurytel.net

All Z heads except one have no lifters, the rocker arm drives directly against the camshaft. The one head that has hydralic lifters is the P-90A and I believe would only be found in a 280ZX unless an earlier car was retrofitted with one.

Valve adjustment is a normal maintance item on a Z engine and so the noise you are hearing can be considered normal and that the cars just need an overall tune up more than likely.

Lance is correct . The P-90a is a head on a turbo engine . the P-90 is also on a turbo but it isn't hydraulic

Thanks for your input. I guess that is why there is OHC cast into the valve cover???? I should have thought about this before I asked. thanks for your patience.

Thanks for your input. I guess that is why there is OHC cast into the valve cover???? I should have thought about this before I asked. thanks for your patience.

__________________

As the government man would say, "we're here to help."

Widget777, I see you are in Gig Harbor. If you have any tech or mechanic needs, see Doug @ Fairlady Motors in Tacoma. www.fairladymotors.com Tell him Russell from the Army sent you. BTW he may be able to help you find a good Z. Shoot, he may have one to sell you....dont really know what he is up to these days, have not seen him in about a year.

OHC = Over Head Cam, which is different than your typical 1970 car which had pushrods instead, just clarifying.