Carb-Rookie, Need some advice!

[Datsun-Fever]

Hey guys, im looking for a carb to put on my L28E, but i really have no idea on carburetors. Im just looking for a recommended setup, and some info i can look into. Thanks alot.

[240ZX]

Welcome, you have come to the right place for your Z car questions. Just about any question you can think of has been asked before and has been answered many times. So, for details you should browse the tech articles section on the sight. For a simplified answer.............L28E designates the 2800cc fuel injected motor. So, if you have this engine without any sort of induction system on it and you desire to run carburators, then here is what you will want.............intake manifold set-up from a 240Z as well as the SU carburators that were on these cars. Stay away from the flat top carbs!!! You will want either the 3 or 4 screw round top SU's. These early intakes and carbs will bolt right up to your L28E engine. Fuel pressure requirements for these SU's is 3 to 4 psi. Anyway, this info should get you pointed in the right direction. As I've told many newbies, do some homework and read the tech articles. Once you start looking into the details you will discover all sorts of things you can do to these wonderful old Z cars.

[Datsun-Fever]

Ok thanks alot! one more thing, the Carbs use a super low pressure pump right? so will i need a new one for them? and lastly, what kind of work will be needed on the existing fuel system?

Thanks alot.

[240ZX]

D-F,

You gotta give some details, like........what year Z do you have? That would be good for starters!

[Datsun-Fever]

K, its 1979 2 seat, 5spd. The fuel pump is limbo, i dunno if it pumps fuel so thats one of the reasons i looked at carburetion.

[ChrisA]

Hey Fever, I run a Holley electric pump at the tank to a regulator on the inner fender by the inspection light. I think you can plumb a remote pump into a ZX fairly easily. Get a 260Z intake manifold, it flows a little better. My L28E seems stronger on the low end with carbs versus injection. ztherapy.com has a great web site for pictures of carbs if you're confused about which ones to get. Just remember what the other post said, flat tops carbs blow chunks. They were found on late 73 240Z's and all 260Z's. Much luck to you.

[Datsun-Fever]

Thanks alot!

One more thing, will my stock regulator work if i use a 4psi holley fuel pump and some 240 carbs?

[ChrisA]

Hey Fever, I'm no expert on injected cars but if you switch to carbs you cant use your stock regulator since you will remove it to go to carbs. When you buy the holley pump or whatever kind just get a remote regulator at the same time. The stock regulator works with way more pressure than carbed cars. And I thought the stock regulator is plumbed into the injector rail and it wouldnt be suitable anyway. Keep us informed on your project.

[Datsun-Fever]

Thanks alot, i sure will. Sorry, this is the FINAL question, what kind of HP and TQ changes will i be looking at? and will their be alot of wiring to be done with the computer and the ECU? thanks alot guys!

[240ZX]

Hey Mike, I was just thinking, if you live in the states you should probably put the ZX's induction system back to stock or you will not pass smog testing. If your fuel pump is F'd up........replace it. It will be less expensive than trying to convert the ZX to carbs!!!

Just one man's opinion

[ChrisA]

Hey Mike, Tom is 100% correct. My state doesnt test so I am free to do as I like. But it would be easier to just change the pump on your car. Assuming everything else is o.k.

Nebraska, where the smog drifts into Iowa.

[Datsun-Fever]

I live in Alberta actually, so i think im covered. If i hook the 240 round top carbs onto my l28, what kind of power changes will i be looking at?