Just graduated from high school in June. Took my graduation money and some money that i had saved up and found a '72 240z in Modesto. Ran a little rough, made some calls, determined that it was either timing issues or the carburetors. Fixed those issues before, especially with carburetors on motorcycles. Anyways, right when i began to head up the freeway towards my home, it started to constantly overheat. Had it towed. Solved the overheating issue and the timing. Ran a little bit better everyday that i had it this summer. Ended up doing a pressure test on the cylinders, Major power issues with it driving. Cylinders 2-3 had no pressure at all. (0-20) compared to 195-200. Took the head off, my hunch was correct, blown head gasket. The guy before me ran it with a blown head gasket for so long that the piston in cyl. No. 2 has holes in it and the cylinder wall is going to need boring out. Took it to a shop that rebuilds engines. Quoted me $1,600. Another shop quoted me $1,300. Generally for a rebuild, not that much, but i just started college and i got a new job twenty miles away. Should i hold on to my Z and make it into a project while i save up money for another car? or should i get rid of it? It would hurt so much to get rid of her. Overall, the car is still solid, mostly surface rust. Thanks everyone!

For the short term, I would shop for a good running engine.

I agree, a good used engine is not that hard to find, Pull the valve cover, spark plugs and give it a compression test. You might even find a club member that has a spare. Mark

Should I keep it original with the L24? ? Or should I take the time to get an L25 or L28?

Sorry, I'm on my phone. I mean L26 not L25 haha. Thanks for replying guys.

These engines are pretty durable when well-maintained. Here's one in your area. Wouldn't be surprised if it was fine inside if it was stored correctly. Some oil, a battery and a starter might tell something.

Datsun 240Z Engine Complete

An L28 would accept the L24 parts but you'd probably have to retune the carbs. 17% more displacement will add some power though. The EFI system is pretty easy to swap over also if you wanted make the switch.

DATSUN STRONG RUNNING COMPLETE L28 MOTOR

I'd go with an L24. Bolt it up & drive it. No screwing around modifying this & that to get it to run. Being in college, you'll need a reliable car that won't take up your time & money. Mark

I agree with Mark, find a good used L24 drop it in and go, then take your old motor and take your time and a little cash at a time and rebuild it into a better motor, just my 2¢.