Gary in NJ

I've been using Star-Tron to fight the effects of ethanol in my 240Z, my motorcycles and even my tractor. You can find it at Walmart this time of year.

Z Train, I like your car just the way it is. The stripes work well with the coke-bottle shape of your car.

That's a damn good looking car.

The Marshall Tucker Band, Ramblin' On My Mind

With new components, a little drag is normal. As long as you don't have to fight with the wheel to turn it, it should wear in well. Hopefully it will wear in before it wears out.

That really looks great.

Segdoh, Like I said above; 1. Inspect the condition of the spark plugs (post a picture) 2. Check your timing 3. Check your float height (I know you have rebuilt carbs, but the floats can change in shipping) 4. Confirm that the nozzles reseat in the full up position. 5. Reset the mixture screws 6. Check the valve lash Inspecting old plugs for mixture problems can be difficult. He's a good way to check the plugs: Put 6 fresh plugs in the car. Start the engine and take it out for a ride. Take a spark plug wrench with you. When the engine begins to run poorly, pull into a parking lot and remove the plugs for inspection. You might even consider checking them when the engine is running well so you have a reference point for comparison.

Is the number 1 spark plug fuel fouled or oil fouled? If it's neither, you're not getting fuel which could be the result of a tight valve. Time for a compression check and a look at the valve lash.

Nice clean car. Some interior photos would be nice too.

Are we talking carbs or fuel injection here? Like Mitch stated above, the spark plugs are your window to the air:fuel mixture. Start with simple things, like a clean airfilter (yes a dirty airfilter causes the mixture to go rich) and fresh plugs. Make sure that your timing is correct. If you have carbs make sure your floats are at the proper height. Also make sure that your nozzles are returning to their full up position with the choke disengaged. When was the last time you checked the valve lash?

I can't see how the electrical power distribution system (fuseable links) is in any way related to a backfiring problem.

Great tire at a great price Mitch. That's the same size I'm running. How many miles did you get out of yours before needing replacement? Oh, just to keep this post on topic... I will only purchase tires from a local dealer. The support from a tire shop far outweighs the price difference.

Great Dave, I look forward to seeing it. Have a great time at your 20th. You'll find that: The chicks that were hot, aren't The athletes, aren't The nerds still are nerds, and get paid well for it The people that you'd wish you'd never see again for 20 years...well, you'll just make that wish again.

For general replacement parts, MSA (www.zcarparts.com) is a great site. For carbs, ZTherapy (www.ztherapy.com) is THE site. There are many others. If you have a specific need, chances are there are sites dedicated to those parts.

Yes, don't bother. The engine system works fine when kept in working order.

What type of parts?

+1 on the fan clutch. You could also make sure that the fan belt is tight and not slipping.

If you used assembly lube on the build I wouldn't be too concerned about a dry start. I would remove the spark plugs and fuel line to the pump and let it crank for about 30 seconds. This will pressurize the oil system.

Great looking car. Do you gave any before pictures?

One word comes to mind "POTENTIAL". I see a good looking Z in your future.

Yesterday, it was Pink Floyd's Great Gig In The Sky from Darkside of the Moon. Tomorrow it will be something else. Maybe Kid Rock. I do like the sound system in my 240Z. (Alpine CDE-103BT, Alpine SPS-500 speakers and a Bazooka sub). It wasn't expensive, but it is well integrated and it cranks.

Pictures man, we need pictures. Good luck with the project.

I don't hate the skunk stripes. I don't think they work well on the Z, but I i like 'em on some other cars. Blue with white stripes on a 69 SS Camaro, nice!

Ah, you are correct. I never bothered to look at the right side of the chart and assumed the scales were equal.

While traveling last Thursday I spotted the September issue of R&T on the news stand. A great article on the two cars.