There we go again with the insults. I've found that people like that aren't very happy people in general - that's always been my frame of mind when trying to understand such behavior.

Agree to Disagree and move on. This is not what I personally need to see.

It's an interesting discussion at its core. HS30-H seems to be implying that the engines were not rebuilt by AER, or maybe not all of them were. But he's not offering an alternative, unless he's saying that Nissan engineers worked alongside AER employees or received unassembled parts from AER or somewhere else. Rebuilding requires a machine shop. In 1996 I don't believe that Nissan had any manufacturing facilities in the States. They started assembling cars here in 1993. So, if it wasn't AER who was it? Where were those pictures taken? Seems unlikely that "Nissan engineers" were examining parts in the States. If they were, where did the parts come from?

Also interested in where those metal fragments were seen in the AER engines. Under the valve cover? In the oil pan? Why were they seen if the engines arrived complete? Was AER just supplying short blocks and separate heads? The checklist implies that "The Shop" was to assemble the engines (pasted image below). Also implying that multiples machine shops might have been involved, each receiving instructions. Can't tell.

These questions can be answered if we avoid the sidetracks.

Interesting how Nissan is still using the 240Z in their marketing. First thing you see on their Heritage page.

Nissan USA

Nissan History: The Path from Datsun's Inception to Today

Uncover the story of Nissan's heritage, including where Nissan started, when Datsun became Nissan, and the key dates that mark Nissan's evolution.

Can we keep this thread on subject?

I posted my response above in 26th-Z's Restoration thread. That's a better place for the discussion. Let's see what happens.

Click here folks if you want to continue the discussion.

9 hours ago, Zed Head said:

It's an interesting discussion at its core. HS30-H seems to be implying that the engines were not rebuilt by AER, or maybe not all of them were. But he's not offering an alternative, unless he's saying that Nissan engineers worked alongside AER employees or received unassembled parts from AER or somewhere else. Rebuilding requires a machine shop. In 1996 I don't believe that Nissan had any manufacturing facilities in the States. They started assembling cars here in 1993. So, if it wasn't AER who was it? Where were those pictures taken? Seems unlikely that "Nissan engineers" were examining parts in the States. If they were, where did the parts come from?

No. Quite simply, I'm pointing out that "the engines were built by AER" is not the whole story. As was shown in the Pierre's shop photos - and has been related anecdotally - some engines were also rebuilt on-site (with machining likely done by contractors), so it's the usual case of story being more complex than bald statements - and VZ Program PR blurbs - can convey.

This VZ Program engine build digression started because a VZ car owner asked about valve seats. It was you who made the suggestion - bizarrely, in my opinion - that the engines may not have been fully rebuilt, or even not rebuilt at all! I posted contemporary photos from Pierre's workshop which I hoped would help to contradict that and I think it's clear that the VZ cars would indeed have had proper engine rebuilds - one way or another - and yet, having made the suggestion of a lesser scenario (your 'alternator rebuild' simile), you don't own it. Where's your retraction?

Now you've got another Straw Man scenario going where I'm somehow suggesting that "...Nissan engineers worked alongside AER employees or..." or, or, or. Where does this come from!? Where does that "Nissan engineers" quote come from? I haven't seen anybody make that suggestion.

I and I'm sure many others appreciate your valued input on this forum - especially on technical matters, in which you use your expertise to help a lot of people solve issues they would otherwise be lost with - but you have a habit of complicating discussions on matters historical with alternate, hypothetical, if not totally imaginary scenarios. It doesn't make for good detective work.

I was never in the corporate world, but my wife is, and I think this is when she would ask the people in the meeting to take it off line.

Edited 2 hours ago2 hr by DC871F

Back to normal programming. This 240Z auction is ending today but it's already up to $23,000. Kind of surprising considering its unusual appearance. It does look clean though.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-datsun-240z-293/