What should i replace while the engine is out?

[tttz]

Hi all,

i apologize for not doing much searching before posting, but i'm pretty busy right now and under somewhat of a time constraint. I'm recently engaged and busy doing wedding stuff which leaves little time for surfing the web and working on cars.

My situation is that my L24 engine spun a bearing, and i've picked up a running L28. My desire is to put the carbs from the L24 onto the L28. I've read a few threads about FI vs carbs, and i've decided i like su carbs for sentimental reasons.

Question #1: What should be replaced while the engine is out? I'm thinking that anything made of rubber should be replaced, but that may get expensive and perhaps time consuming. what is your experience/advice on durability of the rubber pieces/hoses? Are there any other parts of the engine that should be new? I also have the tranny out, so what is typically replaced there?

Question #2: is putting su carbs onto an FI L28 a straight forward procedure? what pitfalls should i be aware of?

Thanks,

Ty

[240ZX]

Are you getting married? Forget about the Z!!!!

Just kidding. The L28, generally speaking, is the same as the L24 and will drop right in, just like the L24. Re: SU's....use the intakes and SU's from your L24, it's a common swap. Now as far as what you sould replace while the engine is out..........that depends upon how much you want to do, how much time you have, and how much you want to SPEND!!!! IMHO, considering your situation, stuff the L28 in and get it back on the road. When you have the time and inclination, do research on the subject. With access to the internet, you can get answers to any question about the Z cars you need answered. So, get married and worry about the Z car when the smoke clears. :tapemouth

[ChrisA]

Hey Ty,

The L28 conversion is very easy. If the L28 doesnt have any oil leaks just stab her in there. If it's got a pan gasket leak or front or rear main leak, now's the time to fix it.a You'll want to buy an upper gasket set for switching the fuel systems. You'll have to take everything off the L24 and everything off the L28. When I did mine I bought a Fel-Pro kit. The intake manifold gasket is double drilled for both the injection and carb manifolds. As is the head on the car. What head does your L28 have? You'll have to get an electric fuel pump and pressure regulator, the L28 might not have a hole for the mechanical pump. The biggest issue for me was the exhaust. Drove the car to the exhaust shop with just the iron manifold. LOUD!! But fun! You will have to do some ignition wiring changes at the dizzy, I'm running a HEI module with a wiring diagram I got off of zhome.com. I also switched thermostat housings so I didnt have all the L28's vacumn stuff to worry about.

I dont recall if I had to change the tach wiring at all. I think it worked fine right off the bat with the L28.

Hope some of this helps.

Chris

[240ZX]

Hey Chris, My N42 has a mechanical fuel pump mounting boss. I wasn't aware that some L28's do not accommodate a mechanical fuel pump. Good info!

[ChrisA]

Hey 240ZX, here's some pics of my N47 with the fuel pump hole not drilled out for the pump. Interesting that the holes are drilled and tapped but the pump arm hole isnt.

Chris

[texasz]

Hey 240ZX, here's some pics of my N47 with the fuel pump hole not drilled out for the pump. Interesting that the holes are drilled and tapped but the pump arm hole isnt.

Chris

Just get a Dremel and fix that problem!!

[ChrisA]

Just get a Dremel and fix that problem!!

I actually thought of that but I didnt want to pull the head off to clean out all the alloy bits. Stuff it and run it!!!

Chris

[Bambikiller240]

While the engine bay is empty, take the opportunity to climb in there and CLEAN it thoroughly.

[tttz]

Thanks for the help and the encouragement. and i think 240ZX is probably right in that i should concentrate on getting married first, then worry about making the engine right. however, i would prefer to only have to pull the engine once, so if there are some essential items that can only be done with the engine out, i'd like to do it now. This is the first engine swap i've done, thus, i am very inexperienced with engine work. I've heard that i should replace the engine mount rubber, is this necessary?

ChrisA: I have an N47 head. not sure if it has the fuel pump holes or not.

the oil pan gasket does need to be replaced. where would i get a Fel-Pro kit, and what does it contain? i'm hoping to aviod calling MSA and having them sell me stuff i don't really need. As usual, the budget for this project is small and pretty much exhausted.

Bambikilller, good call on cleaning the engine bay.

Thanks,

Ty

[2ManyZs]

If it hasn't already been done, change the steering rack bushings while the engine is out, you'll be glad you did.....All the other rubber bushings can be changed with the engine in easily except these.

[Bambikiller240]

Your local full service auto parts store should be able to get you all the gaskets you'd need/want. They may have to order them from the warehouse, but it usually only takes a day or two to get them. Fel-Blow (Fel-Pro) is only one brand of gasket kit. Some folks like them, some don't.

Keith is right on the steering rack bushings, it's far easier to replace them with the engine out. Same with the steering coupler disc.

[dhoneycutt]

As Keith/Carl have said do the steering rack and coupler while the engine is out. I did it the hard way...What a PITA :tapemouth :stupid: :tapemouth :stupid: :tapemouth :stupid: :tapemouth