psdenno

What's the build month on the new '71 project? The picture of the interior shows a later style center console than my April '71 Z. Dennis

Gaskets don't cost too much, invest in a new one and take the earlier advice about cleaning the housing surfaces. Should not have to use RTV. Dennis

It's been so many years since I last changed my thermostat, I have no idea what the temperature rating is. What temp range thermostat was installed in the factory? Were there alternates depending on what part of world the Z would be shipped to? Since the purpose of the thermostat is to make the engine run most efficiently and reduce wear on parts, is it bad to use a different temperature rating than what the engineers felt was best? Enough questions for one day, but I look forward to any answers. Dennis

The RTV may have been used if the metal surfaces of the thermostat housing were corroded and the paper gasket didn't make a good seal. Check for smooth clean surfaces when you put it all back together. Dennis

Thanks for sharing. However, I was interested in learning about the OP's thought process with this issue as he seems to be very indecisive and often overwhelmed by ongoing maintenance issues experienced with his Z for the last three years. FWIW, my experience with aftermarket thermostats is the opposite of what you've noted. I've always had good service with aftermarket brands in the domestic and imported cars I've owned. Go figure Dennis

Written description says flares are just taped on....$150 additional if desired. Dennis

Good question. Let me add a couple questions to that. Why would the filler neck need an overflow tube when the upper opening serves the purpose by spilling gas down the side of the car and onto the ground? Could #18 be a vapor recovery hose for the fumes in the filler neck? So many hoses, so many questions to ponder as we head into the New Year. Dennis

Why? Just curious about your thought process on this project. Believe it, or not, the coolant in your radiator won't know the difference between a Nissan OEM made in Japan and a Stant made in the USA. Dennis

Yes, my original tank is still in place. All the hoses have been replaced, however. As Grannyknot mentioned, the tank holds vapor, not liquid, so fixing a crack will keep fuel fumes contained. Fix it and forget about it for the next 30 or 40 years Dennis

Just unbolt the cover and lift out the thermostat. You'll probably want to replace the thermostat gasket when you put it back together. Be careful not to snap a mouthing bolt. The current thermostat will be marked with the temp rating. You can order a 160 degree thermostat from RockAuto for prices ranging from less than $3 to $6. Now, a question for you. Why don't you EVER do a Google search for the items you're looking for? I'm looking forward to your answer. Dennis

How badly damaged is the original plastic tank? Can it be repaired with a fiberglass cloth patch job? Dennis

Actually, what you need to buy is a Recharge Kit. It contains a cleaning fluid that removes the old oil from the cotton filter material and also contains a spray can of new oil to apply to the filter after cleaning and before reinstalling on the car. Kits are inexpensive and last a long time. Available from K&N or any vendor that sells the filters. Dennis

Perfect advice. Whether it's a car's air filter or oil filter, or the filter in your home HVAC, as soon as they start to do their job their efficiency begins to decline until, ultimately, they are no longer effective. Timely filter changes is the way to go no matter what kind you use. Dennis

Yes, it would. If it didn't cost mega-thousand dollars to pull a six cylinder Porsche engine apart and put it back together, I'd give it a look. Air filters comprise an interesting topic that generates lots of opinions full of accurate and inaccurate information. I run the K&Ns because that's what came on the car when I bought it. My other cars all have paper filters, usually whatever's on sale at the parts store. I recently replaced the filters on my Infiniti G37. The dealership service manager said to only use "real" Infiniti (Nissan) filters which are lightly oiled paper elements. Consensus on the Infiniti forum was to buy whatever replacement brand you want at the local parts store. A few owners suggested K&N. Some said stick with Nissan branded filters. Some say the oil on K&Ns fouls sensors. K&N says it doesn't void a new car warranty. K&N does make filters for off-road applications. Ford Motorcraft filters are made by Wix and Purolator to Ford specs, but are those specs significantly different than Wix and Purolator filter specs? Questions, questions, questions and no definitive absolute answers. Kind of a pay your money and take your chances. The topic does make for good discussion over a couple beers. But, like politics and religion, minds probably won't be changed as a result. I will now step off my soap box and slide it back under my desk until next time Dennis

I've had K&N air filters on my Porsche for 25 years and live in a desert. Hopefully, the cylinders aren't half full of fine sand Dennis

Kids....so fickle. Maybe he'll come back when he learns a little more about his Z and gets that V6 sorted out. Hopefully, with less attitude, a better idea of what he wants to do to upgrade the car, and more willing to listen to advice. Dennis

Nope, no need to hide it. On you, it looks good and seems to work quite nicely. Best wishes for a Merry Alabama Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year from the SoCal desert. Keep your comments coming - looking forward to some more good ones in 2017. Dennis

Yup. Some of us are better than others at hiding our immaturity. Dennis

Slaterboner is in high school, so his time, funds, Z knowledge, and mechanical skills may have limits. Perhaps the best advice, at this point, would be to just enjoy the car as it is for a while and get to know the joy of owning a Z before planning a makeover. He may find that the car is perfect as it is. Dennis

My pleasure. Silver Sharpie - works good, lasts a long time. Dennis

Tire Fix In A Can, the aerosol type, also doesn't last long here in the desert. I learned that the hard way when a can blew up in my hot car on a typical 120º summer day - goo everywhere! Our Infiniti G37 didn't come with a spare tire, just a jug of shoe goo type leak stop, and I ordered a spare tire & wheel. Still, nothing beats a AAA card - light weight and packs easy on a trip. Dennis

My bad. Change that to read "auxiliary power receptacle". Dennis

Thank you for your generous and hospitable offer. Are you near Colon or on the Pacific side? Dennis