Go240Zags

Somehow I can't get the right picture to show up, so I've deleted them from the last post and will try again. Here are the two insulators side by side.

Okay, I braved this unusually cold Sunny Okanogan Valley day to get one of my new N36 manifold insulator/gaskets from NAPA. This one came in from Seattle, the other one won't be in until Tuesday, it's coming from Portland, OR. The NAPA part number for the narrower insulator they used on the 260Z manifold is NGAG30706. It can be found at: http://www.napaonline.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/NAPAonline/search_results_product_detail.d2w/report?prrfnbr=23486591&prmenbr=5806 They also looked up the insulator/gasket number (again) for the regular 240Z insulator/gasket for use with the 240Z manifolds. It is actually for the later 1972-1973 Carbs as it has four holes on the bottom of the insulator instead of just 2, for a total of six, rather than four. It is also pointed on the bottom side, rather than square, the extra holes are for the water cooled carbs (I think). This works fine with the earliest 240Z carbs '70-'71 and for the '72s, because the extra holes will just be covered over where not needed. Here's the listing for this insulator NGAG30694 on NAPA: http://www.napaonline.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/NAPAonline/search_results_product_detail.d2w/report?prrfnbr=23486580&prmenbr=5806 So to review: 260Z (N36) manifold used with early SU carbs: Part # NGAG30706 240Z (E88) manifold used with early SU carbs: Part # NGAG30694 The N36 insulator is alot narrower and should allow me to get the washer/lock washer/nut on without having to trouble of changing the studs to longer ones. I'll post pics of the two different insulators, they come with gaskets on both sides. Unfortunately NAPA site doesn't have pic that shows different thicknesses. When I fetch my UBS cable from work for my digital camera I'll try to post pics of the two types of insulators side by side, as well as before and after pics of them on the carbureators. I know this is a long reply, but I'm trying to get the info right. Now I just want some polished linkage and new nuts and screws on the carbs. Saw some stainless steel replacement screws (with Allen Heads) for the bells/pots (whatever they're called) once on ebay, should have bid. Went to my local Ace Hardware to look, but they're all outside (under big roofed/fenced-in garden center) in the wind chill and after 10 minutes looking thru they're minimal supply of metric stuff I bailed and bought some ear-muffs and mittens inside (they're also a dry goods/dept. store). In small towns most stores don't stay open all day Saturday so my choice was limited. Hopes this helps (At 4 miles from the 49th Parallel) I'll talk to you all later, Gary

Yes, I'd like to see pics of the air dam if you still have it. Thanks, Gary

Thanks for the info Royce, I just got back from NAPA and found out the same info. I ordered a couple of the thinner insulators and bought some gasket making material in case my gaskets look nasty after I undo all the work I did yesterday connecting the carbs to the manifold. However, the stud sizes seem to be the same diameter as far as the nuts go. I don't have the skills and patience of having new studs fitted -- unless I find out that using the narrower insulators will effect the performance of the carbs. The insulators were just about $8 apiece at NAPA. I also checked the cost of a pair of new 240Z insulators and they were about $20. It seems like I saw a pair of new 240Z insulators go for about $28 on ebay the other day. Gary

I have a couple of specific questions regarding N-36 260Z manifolds and connecting the carbs in general. I recently got my hands on a nice set of N-36 Intakes and had them bead blasted. They look pretty nice. I also had a nice balance tube prepped at the same time. I went to connect my early 4 screw roundtops to them and noticed that the studs seem to be shorter. I couldn't get both the lock washer and washer on and barely could thread the nut on with just the washer. Is this normal? Were the insulators narrower on the 260Z's with flat-tops? Secondly, should there be a gasket on both the manifold and the carb sides of the insulator. In other words do I need four gaskets. Probably silly questions. But I'd like to get these set up right before they go on the car. I switched to the N-36 having read they give slight performance boost and looked like something even I could do. http://www.geocities.com/zgarage2001/engine.html Gary

Funny, but when I click the site I posted http://www.alliedracingwheels.com/patternref.html it goes right to the list. Tried it again this afternoon and there it was.:classic: Gary

Hi, this is my first time trying this forum out. Yes, some four lug Fords are the same bolt/lug pattern as the Datsun 240Z - 280ZX, check this site out http://www.alliedracingwheels.com/patternref.html it is one of many such charts I've found by searching google, and shows there are many options, even wheels from old Chevy Corvairs, MGs, SAABs, Triumphs, etc. You've got to scroll down a ways for the big list. My Panasport wheels were on a TR6, but fit my 240Z fine. Still looking for original Panasport Center Caps, 1,2,3 or 4. Hope this helps.