Mike

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?

Well, I finally sucked it in and purchased a brand new dash for my '71 240z. It arrived last week!! I was only able to obtain a '72 dash due to the scarce population of new dashboards. I also purchased a few replacement guages and things from Ebay. After a quick review of my electrical harnesses (and possible replacement), I'll be installing the interior components very soon!! Next on the adjenda is to purchase sound-deadening material so I can bolt-in the dash. Engine systems will come after that. I should get started on a replacement engine very soon because I just know I'll have to wait WEEKS before that is done. [m]

I asked the guys from the mailing list to review your manifold picture in the gallery. I'm sure you'll receive a few comments.

All fixed up, Alan. In fact, you should also notice that I've removed the new thread icon from the options (while reading a thread). Too many people have done this, so, I removed the confusing part...

Hahaha. How about Bob? The new Nissan Bob.

Unless you sell it to ME! Awesome, I'd love to see the picts. About the Z content... no big deal because Skyline's and Z's seem to go together for some reason.

I agree with Steve. Nissan was trying to get back to their ROOTS with a new Z. I guess the 350 comes from the fact that it's a 3.5 litre engine. -- M

Thanks for checking in Alan!! I am envious of you at this point... driving around Japan in a Z. Look forward to the G-nose stuff when you get back. - Mike

Cuong, just promise me that you'll finish the yellow beast. Promise.