Av8ferg

So, I know I need to replace me current engine. I’ve considered rebuilding it but I’m also considering replacing it. I found an engine about 5 months ago at a salvage yard F52/P79 from an 82 ZX. I put $20 down to hold it. Total cost delivered to my house is $480. Wanted to build a mild performance engine...nothing crazy that’s not a turbo. This engine has 165k miles on it and is warranted to run. After pricing out all the parts I’m looking at around $1000 in parts to build back stock. Fast forward, was on CL today and ran across this engine for $2500. Says is a performance L-28 with all the specs. When I look at $1500 total to buy and build a stock engine is it a better deal to just buy one like on the listing. No engine labor and it might be a good buy. I’m not sure because I don’t know what all this crap mean he’s listing in the add it what it means. I’m not building a race car. Goal: Reliable, daily driver with some extra get up and go for fun. What do you guys think? https://charlotte.craigslist.org/pts/d/locust-datsun-l28-race-prepped-engine/6948842508.html

Great job CO, glad she’s back on the road. I know it was a PITA but it’s a labor of love. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Switching to carbs is an interesting proposition that I’ve considered. Good and bad I guess. At least the car will drive post EMP attack of you have carbs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cliff, This is hands down my favorite Z color. I might strip my car down and paint it this color. Mine is currently stock the stock persimmon red 110 and while its not bad, the Orange is just amazing. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree, we’ve already established the PO wasn’t all that good this would be the most plausible reason. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think I’d probably leave them alone. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Again function over form. If they bother you or you any reservations about the integrity the pull them but you could potentially set yourself back with some broken studs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Here you go. https://zcardepot.com/products/fuel-tank-rubber-strap-isolators-240z-260z-280z Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

John Adams quote: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” We are no longer those kind of people. There is a small minority that qualify. Moral people can no longer attain political power. Too many compromises have to make it to these high offices. Our leaders are mostly self serving. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

One of the many great things about this Forum. Most people on here regularly, are on because they love these cars and the camaraderie with the members, not to make a buck or boast and prove their expertise. The pay it forward mentality for the greater good of the members and forum is the prevailing culture. Jonathonrussell just proved that once again![emoji481] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CO, I’m impressed. Nice work. Regarding the ”labor-cost-benefit”, I’d say this is a labor of love. Minds like yours and many on here need these mental and skill challenges. So try and enjoy what it a know afterwards that you’ll sleep well knowing you did it right. The PO didn’t have the luxury. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just a tiny tiny bit, but so do I. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh boy, you are finding all sorts of Easter Eggs in this engine. What’s next...this saga isn’t over I expect. Know when to hold them and when to fold them buddy! Hint hint! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sunlight causes cancer too, is California going to put signs on the backside of doors for every public building. Morons over there. I’m embarrassed to tell people I grew up there. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Holy Smokes...I wonder how many miles it made it with that bastardized repair. So where did all these metal fragments go? I’m assuming they were flushed in the oil system. Do you need a new head? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Crap... now we have two Eagles fans on here. Just kidding, welcome aboard...good folks on this forum...even the Philly guys! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CO, looks like a classic brittle fracture. Mechanism of failure on a brittle fracture is typically a flaw or crack somewhere in the material. Looking at the photo I think I see where the stress riser was located and likely the source of the fracture. I see a small nick in the edge of the cam and then corresponding V shaped initial failure area. Do you think the CAM has been damaged at some point causing the initial stress riser. Great news your valves are good. So now what, have your decided what level of rebuild you’re going to pursue? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We know you don’t have a smart phone so it’s easy to beat you up while you long in to AOL. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Captain Obvious’s bumper prototype. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Your 280 bumpers can’t handle her. Maybe CO’s bumper he’s engineering might hold up. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't think anyone buys a classic Z for the safety. I agree with ZH, they might protect your car from granny in the parking lot from smashing up your rear apron but if you get hit with any real force those bumpers won’t do a darn thing to protect you, Captain Obvious is probably designing a 10 mph bumper that sticks out 24 inches for his restomod. Sorry CO....its 3am, I'm working and between flights...couldn’t help myself ?

Yes, lines are the same. Tail lights and front turn signals are different. Badging is slightly different too. I’m doing the same. I’m going with 240 bumpers and front turn signals with a front xenon air dam. Custom interior inspired by the 240 diamond vinyl pattern. The average person can’t really tell the difference between a 240. and 280z. Bumpers are the big indicator. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just catching up on this thread. I’ll give you my advice having been searching for S30s for about 2 years all over the country and educating myself in the process. Before we talk about the cars we need to talk about the “end state”. What do you want. Weekend driver, long term resto project for a show car, daily driver or something to tinker with. Reading through this sounds like you want a pseudo daily driver. After we establish that the we look at what finances we can commit to this. You said 10k. That’s not a lot to get a nice, rust free, mechanically solid car that’s over 40 yrs old. While parts are available, some are getting expensive, especially in the 240 world. You want a car that has most of its parts. Clean shells are deceiving and can break the wallet buying all the little stuff. Second is rust. Dave WM has already emphasized this and he’s right. Rust will destroy your budget completely unless you know how to weld and fab metal. Finally, mechanical. You can take more risk here. Like already mentioned you can find L-series engines with trannys for $400-$1000 online all day. Another $1000 you can totally rebuild a stock motor. I’d avoid the 260s. It’s not that they’re bad cars, they are just less desired and less parts available. There is nothing special other that they were built for one year (1974). 240s have been a the most desirable S30s and have seen a spike in prices in the past 5 or more years. They have the worst rust problems without question. The lightest chassis, arguably the cleanest lines (bumpers), least bells and whistles. 280s are the most mechanically refined S30. There are more available to buy, prices are still reasonable and there are more parts available. They’re about 500lbs heavier than a 240z. Bigger engine, stock 5 speed, better AC, smoother ride, EFI. Reading your posts, I think you should find a solid 280z. I’d look to spend 7-8k and keep 2k in reserve to make the car what your want and reliable. For 10k you can get a nice 280z if you are patient. Better to wait for the right car then get the car you kinda want today. I have a 280z but really wanted a 240z. If I stumbled on a great 240 deal, I’d buy it in a heartbeat but the good deals and barn finds where grandma doesn’t know whats she has are rare. The 240z is the classic car that everyone wants but you can get the same styling with some refinement in a 280 and save a bunch of money and have as must fun. Hope this helps your quest! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That sucks. Good thing it didn’t happen when you were driving. I guess I won’t get one of those. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had a bad fuel pump when I bought my car. Sat foe 18 yrs. I pulled it out and after tapping on it with 12V power applied it all of a sudden began to run. Never had a problem again with it . I also cleaned the screen in it. I agree with getting an OEM pump. They’re actually extremely durable and I heard the aftermarket ones are hit or miss. You need to confirm your are getting 36 PSI to the injectors if it’s still running bad. Most guys buy a $20 inline pressure gauge and install it in the line exiting the fuel filter. It’s a good diagnostic tool also for future issues. Good luck. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Which header is that? MSA? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk