Thanks all...Carl, the grease smear on the block, once hot tanked, the L26 was a dead give away...anyway I went ahead with the build, the motor was in great shape, cylinder walls etc. If I can recall it has a ground crank, e31 head ported and polished, 280 valves, new rings, Stahl header matched to the head, mild to mid Shadbolt cam grind, new bearings, timing set, turbo oil pump, all emissions are gone, the carbs are new old stock, cost a small fortune, but are simply beautiful (thanks Norm). I have about 20 minutes run time on it now, and it is smooth, and will be fully tuned this weekend, my timing light broke and I am pretty useless at tuning SU's to date...it has been 28 years since my last Z.

Its was well worth the 17months you put into it. The Z looks Great.

Gratz.

Chas

If anyone in the area (Vancouver, BC) is looking at body work, I would be more than happy to connect them with the guy who did the work, he is on Vancouver Island and has done a 68 Charger, and numerous 442's for a friend. He can only do things one way though, so he is not for everyone.

ollie, its a beautiful Z! I found myself just staring at it for several minutes. Wish my 77 could look as good. Well it could but.....

Beautiful, ollie. A car to be very proud of.

I second that, very beautiful !

Nice work! May I ask where you got all of your plated hose clamps?

Very nice, indeed! I'm glad to see it with the original wheel covers. So few of us roll that way.

Bonzi Lon

Wow, absolutely gorgeous. Fantastic work! We need a video of that thing once you get it tuned up!

My gosh that is just stunning buddy!

GREAT work

Nice work! May I ask where you got all of your plated hose clamps?

Most, if not all, my plating was done locally by Norm Murphy, and it was primarily my original hardware replated. I think I needed a few other small fuel line clamps but 2 of which are not yet plated, I will have those done just becasue I can't stop myself.

Thanks to all, I appreceiate it.

This only a few of the in process pics, obviously I have literally 100's more.

Please share if you'd like

Seems that even the most mint Z you can find has some hidden rust on the inside...

Outstanding job - your baby looks great. What finish did you use on the valve cover? If painted, what paint?

Thanks

Hank