d240zx2

Sounds like the plastic housing has been broken where the nuts are fitted. If you haven't removed your tail light cover/valance/surround, you'll need to do that (it's the 3 black or gray pieces that surround your taillights and license plate on the outside).

Some nuts require open/box end, others you can get with a ratchet...

zcarsource.com or zbarn.com

Soak all studs and nuts with PB Blaster for a day. That'll save you a ton o'grief if they're frozen....

Looks like you're on your way!

I had a '73 Mazda RX-3 station wagon, of all things. That motor was stronger than Granny's breath, I'll tell ya.

I have need for a pair, maybe two pair. Both of my nylon clips broke years ago. I'd certainly be a customer!

I heartily and highly recommend Doug! He knows Zs inside and out, even races one. Sorry, I don't know a "Spot" and there are a couple of "Davids" in the Club. Maybe they've left for some reason, or I just don't recognize the name with the cars. BTW, if you can get yours running, Baker Tuning is having their Grand Opening on 10 July and are sponsoring an all Nissan car show at their north location (Baker Nissan). They're a big sponsor of the Club and the more Zs, the better! Hope to see you there!

Have you been by to visit Doug Bakke at Awesome Z yet, Mike? He may have a points dizzy you could use or give you some advice on where to go from where you are.

You may have some "burping" going on in the strut, too. If they're leaking as badly as you describe, air has supplanted the oil and you may be hearing air getting by the seal. Just a thought...

Old fuses can look good, but be bad. Physically test the fuses with an Ohm-meter. That'd be your first diagnostic test.

Take a look at this video. An old, clapped-out 72 Z with a tired L28 chases down a Cayenne.....

The sexy look of your Z DEMANDS triple carbs!

I guess I'm one that didn't have tach issues after converting to Pertronix. I do have a tach that seems to be about 500 rpm optimistic, though. 'Course it was that way before the changeover.

Dittos on the Pertronix. Plug and play. No issues at all.

Are you looking for an eyes-on appraisal or one from the boys and girls here?

The most effective way would be to drop the tank and send it out for cleaning. You can continue to "dilute" the crud, but that will take a lot of time and a lot of gas and a lot of fuel filters.

That's an excellent motivator. A friend of mine did a similar project with his son on a '73Z. It turned out to be a spectacular success. Father and son are closer than ever and the end result was a pretty nice Z car that would win trophies if ever showed. Good luck, Sir.

The reason I asked, Wing, is that the turbo uses the engine oil for lube. Isn't that correct? So if the turbo is whining and oil pressure is all over the map, isn't it possible that a low oil level could produce exactly what you're describing?

Congratulations! If my personal history means anything, the "mature" Z will soon become your mistress.

Got oil?

Shouldn't mess with the timing unless you have to remove the front cover to extract the broken bolt :-(. Just be sure to plug the hole with a rag to keep any metal shavings out of the engine.

New belts will stretch just a bit after initial tightening. Sounds like you're well past that phase, though. MLC240Z suggested getting a "fatter" belt, but if you do, consider the other pulleys it has to fit as well. You may wish to try some "belt ease" or some other type of belt conditioning spray.

Zedy, if you know where to get ethanol-free gas, let me know, will ya?

2 year-olds are a ton o' fun. Spoil 'em like crazy, then send 'em home.