Mark Maras

Cool much like respect has to be earned.

I'm old enough to remember back into the fifties when almost all things (especially toys) that came from Japan were crap. It didn't take but a decade or two for them to change that. South Korea, Viet Nam, etc are other examples. China has had a couple of decades to make a noticeable improvement. Unfortunately, I don't see much improvement.

Does it turn as the window goes up and down?

Welcome Trevor and your new best friend too.

I don't think there's anything to worry about. Valve seals in the future would be a good idea. So would checking RB's oil level a bit more frequently. Maybe the other red Z's owner is a Datsun mechanic. And as long as we're hoping maybe he likes to do valve seals.

When Chas says "coast down the hill" he means, in gear using the engine to slow you down.

@RedwingMy description of a stumble is a MOMENTARY loss of power. Normally caused by one or more cylinders BRIEFLY misfiring. You can feel it as well as hear it. If it's severe enough under heavy acceleration you'll feel yourself pitch slightly forward and then back. An exhaust backfire has no feel to it. It's just noise.Have you noticed RedBird running worse, my suspicion is the backfire is just that, backfire. The new muffler may take some getting used to. As for the smoke, it probably needs valve guide seals. It's possible the smoke has been there all along and gradually getting worse (normal) but you noticed it when the backfire started. What do you think?

Sounds like RedBird has a doppelganger. Clarify one thing for me. Jai, Is there an engine stumble along with a small backfire or is it a backfire only? Jalex in Panama brought up a similar issue when he changed his exhaust. I'm wondering if the small backfire was always there, just not noticeable because of the previous quiet exhaust.

RIP Dan Gurney. The Eagle has landed.

I dislike idiot lights because they replaced analog gauges. However, this is a great idea. Have you considered one for the oil pressure too, "while you're in there"?

Don't remember who coined the phrase 401Z retirement account but it's beginning to look like it could be true.

Thanks. My son just ordered these for his 81 RX7.

I vote for black. I like the red bits that you have but too much would make it look like a Circus Wagon.

Thanks Jim. I was remembering the POS dizzy that I had in my 71 pick-up.

Does your 510 have a dual point distributor?

Check out dipyourcar.com.

Let me revise the driving school advise. What would be WAAAAYYYY COOOOOOOL would be son AND father in the same driving school. Comparing notes, comparing track times and sharing the memories. Life couldn't get much better.

@BDJeffDon't limit your search to US mags. I suspect that many wheel companies back then US, American Racing, Fenton, Ansen sprint, Appliance, Cal Chrome, Cragar, ET, etc used a universal plastic cap. Searching while i'm writing. Possible SCORE. akhwheels.com in Ellensburg Wa. has 8 of the US Mag 4 screw centers. Be sure to verify the dimensions. Good Luck.

@BDJeff Be sure to check the lug nuts that came with those wheels. The original lug nuts have a long straight shoulder (no taper except at the tip) that makes them a PITA to remove and replace. (use anti-seize thread lube) Frequently, the originals were replaced with lug nuts that were not designed for those wheels.

@BDJeff Notice that the ones that are available are 5 screw. Your wheels, being 4 bolt, use the 4 screw centers.

I'm looking for the centers on line. The centers that came on my old wheels look identical to US Mags Part # 1002-20. I'll keep looking for a 4 screw model.

The wheels that came on my early 71 were made by US Mags. 3" hole, screw spacing is 3 5/8". Your wheels look the same as mine. US Mags is still around. You might try them for replacement centers. Good luck.

Check the master cylinder too. Pull the rubber boot off the end down by the pedal and see if it's wet inside. IMO, it would be a good idea to replace both cylinders now. In the past, when I've replaced one, the other cylinder went bad within a few months. They're usually the same age.

I agree with Patcon. A 3' piece of elec. wire with alligator clips is useful for adding temporary grounds to circuits. Frequently the problem vanishes with the addition of the temp. ground.

Those are very nice looking welds for a first attempt. Keep up the good work.