Sailor Bob

On a well paved road it would be ok to have stiffened suspension, otherwise I would be careful - stiff suspension on poor roads is really disappointing. I changed out the bushings, springs and shocks on my 77 and it rides a little rough, but I really enjoy the tight feel her on ramps and lane changing etc... It feels like I would expect a sports car to feel. I believe it made the car into something that I appreciate more, but that is personal taste. My springs are Eibach and shocks Tokico (HP). It is a lowering setup - I think these cars look very good when dropped an inch or so. I am pleased with the setup. Good luck

I already gave it a try with a 5 lb extention magnet - no sweat - it grabs the seal very well. Not sure about the oil plug - the diff drain definately is. It will have to wait a bit now - I am back aboard my ship in another province (Nova Scotia) for a couple of weeks - finishing a refit. Just got aboard.

I might jack the front after a warmup (still got to set the valves) and drain the oil and stick the magnet in through the drain hole - never know migh save me a couple of hours of f--kery. I was thinking it couldn't happen twice - I stuffed the hole after the second event. It's weird, that was the only times I dropped/lost a seal during the entire job. I like the custom cover idea.

Just wondering where it can go - the belt is clear (in both) visually and physically (as I have rolled both by hand several revolutions by hand). I am thinking they are in the bottom of the sump - waiting for an overhaul. No easy options. $^!# Choice words - being a sailor I got to use some old navy lingo - not suitable for family viewing. Gary - I am nothing if not thorough. Merely a comparison of the L24 and L28 - see which chews up rubber with steel rings better.

Took on the valve seals in both cars today - started at 1030 this AM and gave up at 1030 PM - need two more hours to get it done. Bad luck - first cylinder (first valve) of the 240 I dropped a seal into the timing belt cavity (actually slipped out of my well oiled hand when trying to install).:stupid::tapemouth No way to see it or find it - so I carried on and finished the job thinking it must be going to the bottom of the oil pan and no harm done. I tried a long handled magnet - no joy. No luck at all - started the 280 after supper. First valve/first cylinder popped the old seal and the SOB flew into the air two feet and went right down the timing belt cavitiy. What are the odds? (fairly good, I am now thinking). :stupid::stupid::tapemouth:tapemouth If I ever do another L6 I WILL cover the opening.

Welcome - enjoy your Z. It will give you lots of enjoyment and the site will give you lots of information to help make that happen. The search function will usually get you to a large volume of relevant data.

I have a 73 with the sports mirrors both sides. Look like they been there a long time - I thought they were dealer installs - same as the 77.

Any block numbers to watch for in the 81 - 83 series to ID them?

I am thinking there must be confusion between the FSM and the Owners manual. I could put a dozen Owners manuals in my glovebox, but I only keep one in there. My FSM is printed from a disc to 8.5 x 11s and fitted to plastic sleeves in a binder for the shed and an original copy is on my computer desk. The disc travels with me in my suitcase in case I need a mental fix. I think I missed something about the FI - I have a car with FI and another with carbs - the FI is virtually trouble free in comparison.

Should have posted one to start with (as I am one who always asks pics) Thanks for the offer Jim - I am going to have a go at repairing it first, but I may take you up on it if it doesn't go well.

Looking for a time saver. Everything takes two to three weeks to ship here from the SWest.

Removed the valve cover on the 73 to do the valve seals and found that the rear oil rail extention (over the last two lobes) is loose and flopping around. It is loose enough to make contact with the rear side of the rear lobe - spinning it and cutting a lip into the extention. I can't see any other damage. Simple question - Seen this befor? Is it possible to repair without new parts?

Older guys see things a little differently

A crusty old biker out on a long summer ride in the country pulls up to a tavern in the middle of nowhere, parks his bike and walks inside. As he passes through the swinging doors, he sees a sign hanging over the bar: A COLD BEER: $2.00 HAMBURGER: $2.25 CHEESEBURGER: $2.50 CHICKEN SANDWICH: $3.50 HAND JOB: $50..00 Checking his wallet to be sure he has the necessary payment, the old biker walks up to the bar and beckons to the exceptionally attractive female bartender who is serving drinks to a couple of sun-wrinkled farmers. She glides down behind the bar to the old biker. "Yes?" she inquires with a wide, knowing smile, "may I help you?" The old biker leans over the bar. "I was wondering young lady," he whispers, "are you the one who gives the hand-jobs?" She looks into his eyes with that wide smile and purrs, "Why, yes, yes, I sure am". The old biker leans closer and into her left ear whispers softly, "Well, wash your hands real good, 'cos I want a cheeseburger".

Gets pretty cold here sometimes - we would be in trouble if engine oil froze, all of the cars here would have seized engines. I understood the oil was for heat dispersion in struts and I have used it in both cars.

Looks like you got a nice Z. Congrats. We like pics here - can you post some interior and engine shots?

Mine have locking pins as well - can't imagine how they would release if being used properly.

Hi Patrick - I bought a set four years ago and the threaded prtion of the rod is about 15inches. They are simply two threaded rods as you described and work fine - I have used them several times - cost $30 CDN. They are a standard size - actually the only size available here. The spring does not require compression until you are going to disassemble the unit to remove the spring. Take off the strut first - then apply the compressors. It is not a quick process but it is logical. I think there may be instructions at the Atlantic Z web site. Good luck

Most excellent Jared! Weather is coming around out here too - we have sea ice all the way down the coast keeping temperatures down a little when the wind blows that way, but the snow is gone and a solid week of rain has the salt cleared away. I had my 73 out last Thursday (just around the block) - still smokin, but felt great. Started the 280 - first flick of the key she lit up. They will be insured and ready to roll Tuesday I am going to bring the 280 to a local Z meeting tuesday night if the weather permits. Small group, but very enthusiastic - three guys last time.

That is junk - better to look around some more.

Each to his/her own.

Ya Micheal - thats a mean trick. Kinda funny though. Kind of like the "pretend you throw the ball trick" with a dog. As to Zs around here - Seeing one, it's enough to make a guy pull off the road to be sure of what it is. I had a guy follow me one time for several blocks into a Blockbuster video lot to see the car - he was very excited, told me his memories of Zs in his youth and about a ZX he was restoring - gave me his address and phone number on a peice of cardboard along with locations of a couple of parts cars. Was kind of a nice meeting (and mildly frightening). Anyway Very rare here possibly 10 in the province from Z to 300ZX. Only seen two others on the road in four years since I started driving mine - both 280s. *Not including 350s

Not very impressive - a fellow Z er up here has a 280 with a similar set up: 350 with nos (not sure of the shot) - he runs low 12s straight and 10s with NOS. That guy got something wrong.

I like the name. Welcome Rick.

Ron - Might do it this year, looks like the young fella may be taking part in a bball tournament in BC in August. Can't let him go by himself, that would be negligent as a parent Won't bring a car but I might look for one.