SteveJ

Go to Zcar.com and search for posts made by Tony D on smog checks. He has studied the rules thoroughly to make sure he passes. Unfortunately, a Google search of Zcar.com leaves a LOT to be desired. Definitely get a pre-test before you hook up for a test that counts. DO NOT get labelled as a gross polluter. I am a little confused, though. Why are you worried about a California smog check when your profile lists a Pennsylvania location? Edit: This link could help.

D'oh! There goes the American in me. The OP could get the same ratio from a 280Z 5 speed.

Doing the math: 2600/3000=.86666 From the link I posted, that would be a 280Z 5 speed.

Here's the link you want... Edit: By the way, in case you didn't figure it out from the chart, the drop is dependent upon the transmission.

I'd have to agree with Dennis (aside from tuning carbs on a FI engine ). Tune the engine properly first. Read the FSM on the proper techniques to tune your engine. Change your driving style to shift sooner. Easy on and easy off the gas & brakes. Those will make much more of a difference to your gas mileage than headlight covers, especially since the headlight covers do nothing to address the fact that the rest of the front of the car isn't very aerodynamic.

My first suggestion is to make sure you have properly bypassed the seatbelt interlock relay. Search on here. I know I've done some posts on that. It can be as simple as putting in jumpers to fool the seatbelt circuit into thinking the seatbelts are buckled. If you are more adventurous, I have attached a drawing from the FSM showing what wires need to be jumpered out to bypass the interlock relays. However, you'll need to match this up to the full wiring diagram to know what wires to jumper. Can you post a picture of the relay that was chattering? I have found that there are variations in component placement in the 260Z that I haven't been able to account for by the early/late designations.

If the door locks automatically when the door closes, the problem is likely that the door mechanism has lost a tension spring. I had a similar problem with my 260Z. I purchased a used door mechanism from Zbarn and noticed the spring that was missing from mine. I was able to fabricate a replacement spring easily. While you have your door apart to remove the mechanism, it's a great opportunity to replace things like the window channel insulation.

Les, I know someone who might be interested in the butterscotch. When do you think you might have pictures available? I'll be sure to steer my friend your way. Edit: Of course, I could have taken a closer look at your website and found it myself.

Adam, here is a good reference for the heads: Datsun Z Garage.

Austin, if you do take him up on the offer for extra parts, I'll pay shipping costs for you to send me the 260Z carbs.

You're not getting political in the sense that some people will get carried away with on discussion boards, and you are correct that it's hopefully good news for owners of older cars. I saw this yesterday, but I'm skeptical that this is the final word on the subject.

As I mentioned before, I have installed aftermarket seatbelts in my Z cars. I bought them from a company called WESCO Performance. The model I used in the 260Z was WELR-N, Roadster seatbelt. The retracting mechanism mounted high, near the hatch, while the bottom was anchored on the floor. I opted to buy the extra hardware. That made mounting the center portion of the belt a breeze. I'll post some pictures later.

Is it a must to have seatbelts from an actual Z car? I've had excellent results with aftermarket seatbelts. I take it that you have a 2+2. The seatbelts are different between the coupe & 2+2.

Closer to you: Mike McGinnis at Banzai Motorworks. The foam is excellent. I just did my seats this week.

I would use both penetrating fluid & heat. Let the fluid soak in some. Heat it with a propane torch, and hit it again with the penetrating fluid (non-flammable). Repeat the cycle a few times. Then attack with vice grips or left-handed drill bit if you have room.

You might want to consider replacing the master cylinder, as well. Make sure the lines are nice and clean, too.

Thank you. I think a big part of it was having good help. That made things a LOT easier.

I did the driver seat in the 260Z today with the help of my next door neighbor, a fellow car nut. My head brushes the headliner with the thick foam in place. Both of my Z cars had worn out seats, and I had no idea what new foam was like (other than in a new car). Even my wife seems more willing to ride in the car.

Were you running an ethylene glycol antifreeze in the cooling system? If so, was the smoke sweet smelling? White smoke is frequently coolant related. A few of the causes include a block that wasn't decked properly, a warped head, an improperly torqued head, or a bad gasket. I'm not really an engine guy, so take it for what it's worth.

The passenger seat is done. I think it looks pretty good for a beginner using parts from different sources. The seat foam came from Banzai Motorworks. The seat covers came from Black Dragon Auto.

Fortunately, it's quite a bit warmer in Georgia, so a simple kerosene heater works for me.

Without kids, Christmas night is pretty quiet, especially since after dinner I was about as stuffed as the turkey when it came out of the oven. Vowing to end this year right as a prelude to next year, I went ahead and ventured into the garage. Several months ago I bought new foam & seat covers for the 260Z. They collected enough dust. I went after the passenger seat first. The PO installed a CD changer under the seat, making it a bear to get to the back bolts until I managed to wrestle the box out. I was amazed at how easy it was to remove the seat. I removed the back from the bottom and had my wife take a video of me removing the back, so that I could have a reference if need be. I just cut & tore off the back cover to reveal the nearly 40 year old foam and jute. I got the rings off the at the headrest and tossed the old cover and seat foam. The new seatback foam is resting on the frame now. Tomorrow, I will attack again in earnest. I hope to have at least one seat done tomorrow after the mandatory after Christmas retail trip. Fortunately, I think there is only one store on the agenda. It felt so good doing something meaningful to the car again. Merry Christmas, all.

Look on the top middle of the wheel cylinder.

Thanks, E.

Well, I can see how someone pretty much hacked away at the fusible links. That'll cause you some issues right there. It might be a good time to source a used engine wiring harness...