Mike

Here's a link to a picture of that leather-covered dash I was talking about: http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2630&papass=&sort=1&thecat=998

Where did everyone get the number $14k? I don't see that in the auction. Last time I looked they were asking for a starting bid of $5k, but, that did not meet the reserve.

Anyone know what the reserve is on this car? Good find 2mZ's on that bungee cord..

I'm not certain, but, the rear tail-light area resembles a 280z model with the separate reverse lights. I was under the impression that the 260z was identical to the 240z except for a few interior changes and a bigger engine. Could this be a 280z with smaller bumpers and 260z badging?

No worries... we've all had our little fumbles with terminology. We'll just make fun of you because you're an Aussie instead.

Take a look at this thread (link below). We had a huge discussion about this last week and a fellow Aussie member went down and took a few pictures.... Very useful info there. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7215 [mikey] PS: You can buy new dashes from Nissan (getting to be VERY rare these days) for about $800 smackers...

Nigel, you have to feed the little wombat in the engine compartment. Otherwise, he'll stop running on his wheel. [m]

I wonder if those are a straight bolt-in installation or if there are modifications required to get them working correctly. MSA sometimes says that devices like this can be installed, but, they fail to mention that you need to make changes to the system so they'll work correctly. Anyway, I'm simply ASKING if this is the case with the MSA guages listed on that catalog page. Anyone know?

Excellent job Mike!! Glad to know that we were an inspiration to get your car back on the road. We'd all love to see picts. [m]

Just wondering if anyone has input on this. As I sit and ponder the fact of a 'cross-flow' engine system, I really start to wonder why this design wasn't used as a standard on the L-series engines. FYI, cross-flow means that the exhaust and intake manifolds are on opposite sides of the engine. To me, this seems like a more logical design for an engine. Any input?

Biker, did they happen to mention other materials available for this dash covering? I think it would be fun to do something out of carbon-fibre or a plastic/rubber material found on newer cars. I've also seen a dash covered in leather. It looked excellent with the stitching... gave it a totally custom look. I think there's a picture of it in our gallery somewhere (along with a carbon fibre dash as well). [m]

You're right there. I just shelled out $825 for a brand new Nissan dash for my '71. I wasn't able to get an original '71 (no longer available), so, I settled for a '72 dash. Minor difference is visible by a larger cigarette lighter indentation directly next to the hazard switch indentation. I use that term because they aren't exactly HOLES until you cut through to install the devices. My choices were: 1) Wait for my dash to be re-covered in 6-8 weeks (and wait to work on it at all). 2) Buy a new '72 dash and just swap the components over using my old dash as a reference. I opted for #2 because I knew I'd be sitting and staring at it every time I drive the car. Not to mention that it's a complete bitch to remove and re-install a dash after everything else in the car is put together. I don't recommend that everyone follows this theory. I think a dash re-cover would be just fine. I just managed to find a dash that was available. Not many of them left. -- Mike

That's what I was thinking. But, to go FI, I'll need to use a different gas-tank, electrical harness, and fuel piping. That, alone, might make me stick with a stock system or Mikuni's. I want to finish this project someday!! No sense in starting another whole project. Hmmm... ok, thanks. You have me thinking now. And, I probably don't need to change out my fuel tank and piping!!

Oops, I should have mentioned that I'm going to use the L28 from the 280z as well. But, I don't want the most horsepower... just a good reliable system.

I'm not sure about nicely, but, they do run. I guess it depends on their condition. I'm sure a rebuilt set will run great. I already have the Mikuni's. My main goal isn't power... it's simply reliability. I want to run out, start the car, and go for a fun (smooth) ride.

Ah, ok. I see your point there. I didn't realize that rates were that much higher where you are! A friend of mine purchased a V-spec in Australia for around $50k. That would have been approximately $25-$30k US. If you were to do the whole project right (see Cuong's), I'm sure it would cost that much. But, that's a whole different beast. Picking a system from the three I have available is another story.

You're right, the grain will be different.

Trex, those are some pretty insane comparisons. I'd tend to think that putting a Skyline engine into a 240z might be more expensive than just purchasing a Skyline. A hell of a lot more work, too. This is just the induction system. I already have three choices at my disposal. The least amount of work is staying with my SU's. But, the triple Miku's seems to be the most popular. I like the idea of playing with an EFI system since I'm a huge geek.

Just wondering how practical it would be to go EFI on my 240z. I currently have all the parts to go with any of these: A) Stock Dual SU's Triple Mikuni's C) Electronic Fuel Injection I was strongly leaning toward B, but, I managed to get my other 280z running. The EFI is soo smooth and seems to be reliable. It might be worth the conversion just for the reliability. I've seen people run the triples. However, they are always in need of adjustment. But, they just look soo damn cool! Anyway, what do you think?

Excellent! Thanks for the pictures and sharing your trip with us! On a side note, I wonder if they'd make some kind of wood-trim package for the 240z. Might be kind of fun.

I bought mine from Les Cannaday at Classic Datsun. He's been great because the first dash I got was cut (and repaired) before it was sent to me. He's working with me to get another one. BTW: How much is MSA asking?