MikeW

This may help you: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html The stock tire size is roughly 175/70/14 although the profile wasn't listed in those days and it might have been closer to 175/75/14.

Same here. I know that Alan lives very close to a couple of the locations involved.

I would say that punching it in the highest gear is the best way to make sure it's not pinging.

You're right. I see no reason the cam would have to turn in the same direction as the crank. However, since most cams are chain driven it's only natural for them to turn in the same direction. All the cam is doing is opening the valves. For it to turn in the opposite direction it would have to be ground in the mirror image to keep the valve timing the same. Here's a timing gear kit that replaces the timing chain on a Mini Cooper. Note that it has three gears to keep the rotation direction the same as stock: http://www.slarkraceengineering.co.uk/camshaft_kit.htm

I'd be happy to create the database and add the engine casting number. As far as the ZHome listing goes I submitted my information a couple of times but it never seemed to make the list. I don't know what support there is for something like this in the software that runs this site; that would obviously be the best way to go. Members could simply fill out their information - perhaps in your user profile - and have it immediately available to everyone.

What we need here is a database. I'd be happy to put something together. I suppose no one would have a problem submitting just their member id, build date, and VIN, but it would be cool to also track other things like color (original and current), options, mileage, purchase date, etc.

Mine don't have a microphone jack or voice activation feature if that's what you're referring to.

I bought a really cheap pair of Cobra radios to use on a cruise. They're much smaller than other radios I've used. Since most of these types of radios eat through batteries the models that come with rechargeable are the best to have. Even though mine came with the rechargeable battery packs and a charger you can replace the battery pack with 3AAA batteries in a pinch. I would say don't pay for more unless you really need the extra features of a high-end radio. What I got is similar to this: http://www.sureneeds.com/sureneeds/pr1452vp.html

One option is to install a modern system somewhere hidden (in toolbox or under seat) and leave the stock radio just for looks. You can even get something with a CD changer and a remote control. If your early 260 is anything like my 240 there's only one lousy speaker and the stock radio doesn't have much output. Without new speakers whatever you try isn't going to be very good. I would never advocate cutting holes anywhere for new speakers as some have done but lots of people have added a pair in a custom enclosure back near the taillights.

Did you trailer it home? If so you were probably just a few miles from me on you way back ...

That looks like it may be the car that Will just bought off of eBay mentioned a few posts up.

50-1402 looks the same as my urethane 50-1411. That one comes with holes for the turn signals beneath the bumper. I had to drill holes to get things mounted but nothing as extreme as what you had to do.

2002; it's really more of a special edition that sold for $9.99 on newsstands. I wouldn't have even known about it had I not been in a bookstore and saw someone flipping through one and saw one of the cars. Sports Illustrated Ulimate Swimsuit 1964-2002 Here are a couple on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=280&item=6966052847&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=280&item=6966147221&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW Each color ad is a full two pages: 1970 1972 1983 1986 1990 2002

Yep. Same picture as from the magazine. As I recall from earlier discussions that one was edited to look like a '70 with the inclusion of hatch vents. Of course, there are a lot of other good shots in there as well. For those of you that missed it: it's the anniversary edition of the swimsuit magazine with all of the best photos. It's kind of a chronological review. All of ads in the magazine are from Nissan and go in the same chronological order as the pictures. On the back cover is the 350Z. My wife thinks it's funny that I would buy the magazine just for that ads. I didn't tell her that wasn't the only reason ...

I agree it would be nice, especially with the non-retracting shoulder belt. Sometimes when I put on my seatbelt before closing the door my arm is not long enough to pull the door.

That looks like the same photo that was used a few years ago in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition ad series where all of the Z cars had their own full page ads.

Just ended. Sold for $24,100.00.

Which model number did you order from MSA?

Fair enough. I didn't think of someone starting on a project car and then giving up before finishing. I suppose it's possible to find just about anything for sale for one reason or another. As far as cost goes I would think that a non-rolling shell would be more difficult to move/ship than something that at least has wheels and can be rolled onto a truck/trailer.

I've followed this thread without replying but I can't help myself. I honestly think you'd be better off looking for a whole car and not a mythical shell. Since the unibody of these cars is the most difficult part to "fix" it's highly unlikely that you're going to find just the "shell" in great shape. If the shell was in great shape why would someone bother to remove all of the usable parts? A more likely scenario is that the body has problems and the parts were moved to another car - just like you're trying to do. I think you'll have better luck finding a car that's even drivable and bringing that home with you. You can then pick and choose which parts should be transferred.

I like the idea of custom brackets better than destroying the original gauge housing with a hole saw.

Yes, I meant to say 60 degrees (360 degrees divided by 6 cylinders). Sorry for the confusion. How's it running now? Does the screw fit in the slot?

Unless you're about to sell the car it really doesn't matter. If you do plan on selling anyone interested in buying should be smart enough to look at the VIN and build date and know exactly what they're getting.

This has nothing to do with the three positions on the cam gear. Those are there to compensate for stretch in the timing chain. As Stephen said the problem is with the distributor shaft alignment. A common gear turns the shaft that runs both the distributor and the the oil pump. If this gear is off by one or more teeth you'll have the problem you described. To fix it you have to lower the oil pump, move the gear to the correct position, and reassemble. The other possibility is that your plug wires are off by a position but that would effectively change the timing by 30 degrees.

According to the information posted here, the earliest recorded VIN titled as a '71 is HLS30-06072. I would say that yours was titled in error, but that apparently is done on a state by state basic here in the US. I'd be curious to know why the title wasn't done until '71. That implies that it either sat on a dealer lot for a long time - which is improbable - or that it didn't get imported for a long time. We've heard stories of cars with factory defects taking longer to come off the line but that certainly seems excessive.