jayhawk

N33 on the '73, N36 on the '74. I'm sure they add at least 20 Hp! Maybe more! 😁 Google only claims up to 5 Hp though... Since this is from an AI, it must be right, right? Google's AI response to the query "Datsun N36 manifold added power" (also has links to old threads on clasiczcars and hybridz...) AI Overview Swapping to a Datsun 260Z N36 intake manifold on an earlier 240Z can yield an estimated 0 to 5 horsepower gain (though internet lore often claims up to 10 hp). The N36 features slightly shorter, revised internal runner designs that can help distribute air/fuel more evenly across all cylinders, but dramatic power increases require additional modifications. [1, 2, 3] Understanding the N36 Manifold The N36 was originally cast for the 1974 Datsun 260Z to work with later SU-type carburetors (often transitioning away from emissions-heavy setups). [1] It features a slightly shorter internal runner layout than early 240Z manifolds (like the E88 or N33). Enthusiasts note that it helps even out fuel distribution, preventing middle cylinders from running overly rich. Actual gains are minor (around 5 hp or better track throttle response) unless paired with other work. [1, 2, 3] How to Maximize Power with an N36 Swap If you want to extract real horsepower gains out of an N36 intake installation, combine it with these complementary tuning steps: Port Matching: Carefully match the N36 runner openings to your cylinder head intake ports using a die grinder to eliminate airflow-restricting steps. Gasket Inspection: Ensure the intake/exhaust gasket doesn't intrude or block any portion of the fuel/air passage. Carburetor Tuning: Pair the manifold with well-synced round-top SU carburetors or larger side-draft setups. Exhaust Upgrade: Add a performance header and free-flowing exhaust system to let the engine breathe out what the intake puts in.

The air cleaner to front carb braided hose on my '73 is starting to fray and I need to replace it for ZCON judging. Nissan P/N is 16089-N3302 for a '73 or P/N 18089-N3302 for a '74 (either should work for me). The Z Store has a listing for it but it is out of stock. (I called them and they indicated they do not expect to see any for a long time). Anyone know of a source (NOS or reproduction) for this hose? Thanks

I'm trying to fix the horns on my 240Z restored by @motorman7 in 2019. I recall that motorman7 found a pair of NIB horns and they certainly look like it. But they quit working some time ago and I'm trying to analyze the problem. Took one apart and it appears to be all OK (photos attached). When testing horn I have opened up, the diaphragm pops in and stays there. Never vibrates. The other horn acts the same way. I did experiment with the tone screw on the assembled and at one extreme the horn diaphragm pops once, and at the other extreme, the horn does nothing. Fiber washer appears correct. So I noticed some corrosion around the wire from the 12v lead in to the coil and wondered if there was a short which would mean when voltage was applied, the coil would always be energized, even if the contact points were open. BUT, since the horn diaphragm does not depress when volts are applied and the tone screw is all the way in (contact points open), it appears there is no short keeping the coil energized. (I wedged some cardboard between the points, just to be sure and tested again. Coil did not energize. Diaphragm did not depress) I've tried measuring the resistance but have a rinky dink multimeter which seems to show the right numbers, but cannot get consistent readings. (have ordered a better one from Amazon). Any thoughts? Regards from the left coast...

Regarding the color of the steering wheel: I've always wondered what the "new" color was and it seems to me that most restorations get it a little too dark. I always compare against the 1972 brochure I've kept, and the photo I took of my 1973 240Z a couple of weeks after I bought it new. Of course, photo colors are not always accurate, and I've never had any judge question my (restored darker than these pictures) steering wheel, so it apparently doesn't matter very much. Cropped 1973 photo of my then new '73 240Z. Originally a kodachrome slide, digitized by Costo's Flordia lab a few years ago.

I can confirm that my 240Z that was restored by Motorman7 did win Best Exterior at the 2023 ZCON in Ontario. I also did have Miguel do single stage paint, as I wanted it restored to the way it was when I drove it off the dealer's lot, which Motorman7's restoration achieved spectacularly. For the 2023 ZCON in Ontario, I did have it professionally polished (regular wax, not ceramic) before the show. The judges also seemed impressed with the condition of the undercarriage, which was Motorman7's work. (photo attached) It was that undercarriage that caused me to start down the rabbit hole of show competitions. Got 1st Place Stock at the 2021 ZCON in Colorado Springs, and 1st in Class at the 2022 Hillsborough Concours d;Elegance, but now the wife is complaining about her cleaning duties at these events... 😁 So it time to turn it back into a daily driver. Maybe turn it into something like the modded Z in the attached photo? 😆

I liked you color change, more consistent and readable. And that is interesting about MS Word's limitations on exporting to a pdf. I've been using Libra Office for several years (never wanted to pay for MS Office) and interesting to find that limitation. I like the spreadsheet in Libra Office (Calc) too. I never used MS Excel, used Lotus 123 until about 5 years ago! (when it was part of Lotus Smartsuite) because I got that for free from when I was gainfully employed by IBM.

Feel free to use it. I created it with Libra Office Write, then exported it as a PDF, and used Office Depot's online poster system to print an 18" x 24" poster. Turnaround time was only 1 day for pickup at a local Office Depot. I've attache the Libra Writer ODT document I created. (Microsoft Word can use this format, if that is what you use). The file size seems smaller than I thought it should be, but that may be because the photos I used were low resolution to begin with. Have fun! 2023 THE LEGENDARY DATSUN 240Z CONCOURS INFO POSTER 18x24.odt

In 2022 drove the Z to the 66th Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance, which is the oldest Continuous Concours in the World, running every year since 1956. (Pebble Beach started a couple of years earlier, but did not hold an event in 1960 due to "scheduling conflicts") Not as big as Pebble Beach, but still lots of incredible ancient motorcars. (and Pebble Beach does not have a Japanese car class, not to mention incredibly expensive entrance fees) Judging of all Concours events in N. California is done by the San Francisco chapter of the SCCA. They do not give out judging sheets, so no one knows why anyone came in first or second etc. It is an old boys club that rationalizes their secrecy because someone might get mad about errors they made... This has caused one beautiful Z Owner (another Motorman restoration) to swear off all judged events. One wonders how many other folks this has discouraged from entering SF SCCA judged events) However, Hillsborough does have a Japanese car class, because the wife of the organizer is Japanese! And we received 1st in Class, thanks to only 2 other cars in the class. One a modified 240Z, beautiful Z, but Concours judging rules are identical to ZCON "Stock" rules, ie. no mods. And the other car was a '93 Acura NSX, where the owner was not present when the judges came to judge. This is a poster I use at events like this to show attendees why the 240Z was such an important vehicle in automotive history.

Took the 240Z to ZCON in Colorado Springs. Won 1st Place, Stock! Yea, Motorman's work comes through again! Judging was done in a dirt lot which did not help with the cleaning. Judges shirts on the back said "We Will Find the Dirt" - and they did. ZUP's silver Z in in the photo next to ours. ZUP drove it from Arkansas, and still got 2nd Place. He was happy for me. (and Motorman, who was not there this time). ZCONs are a lot of fun. Great cars and great people. Trophy backed by a 13 lb (!) hunk of Colorado Fieldstone. Nissan unveiled the new 2023Z at ZCON a couple of days after the press revealing in New York. I love the blue!

In 2021, took it to some local shows. The owner of the black Mercedes McLaren next to me was looking at my window sticker price ($4200 in 1973) and mentioned that his first service on his car was $8,000! Yikes! Found another '73 240Z at the show and he is now a member of ZONC (Z Owners of Northern California, of which I'm now the Membership Representative) An attempt at artsy fartsy car photo... Title: Sunset Over a Datsun

In October 2019, drove it from our home just outside San Francisco to the Neillo Concours d'Elegance in Sacramento. Entered into the 1953 to 1979 Sports Cars Under $5,000 class. Another 2nd place to a Volvo 1800 that has survived the disastrous Paradise, California fire. The owner had lost his home and other cars, but had photos of his Volvo on a trailer driving through orange smoke and flames! This was a great lesson is how you present your car! All in all, great fun.

After returning from ZCON, took the Z to the 2019 JCCS in Long Beach, CA. Huge event with over 500 Japanese autos.

I thought I'd update this thread with info about the Z of the last couple of years. Some of this info has been mentioned in other threads, but just to complete the saga to date about this car, this post is about our adventures at ZCON 2019 in Branson. Took it to ZCON 2019 in Branson immediately after Motorman "finished" the restoration. (is a restoration ever really finished?...) Bought a used Nissan Armada, rented a 24' enclosed trailer, and set off for Branson from San Diego after persuading my brother to help drive, as I'd never towed anything larger than a jet ski before this. Yoshihiko Matsuo (RIP) inspecting Motorman's work. Judges judging. Received 2nd place in Stock, after Zup's beautiful '73 Z. Very happy for Zup, as he had unselfishly helped on this thread. The Branson ZCON trophies are really nice!

Whidbey Island was a great place. The Navy built the NAS there because it was drier than other parts of the Puget Sound, as it was in the "rain shadow" of the Olympic Peninsula. Supposedly had more VFR flying days than NAS Miramar in San Diego because of frequent fog there. Supposedly... Bought my 240Z from the Datsun dealer in Mt. Vernon. The new owner, Jack Gubrud, sponsored fun runs for all local Z owners. Here are pix of the run he sponsored in 1974 over the North Cascade Highway to Winthrop. (I think I've posted some of these before here)