73 240z L28 4spd

[fugetaboti]

Hi there!

I just recently purchased my first Z, a 73 240z. I thought I knew what to look for when I bought it, but I overlooked 1 thing. About a week after a got it, I was degreasing the engine compartment when I realized this thing has an L-28 not a 24. The lady who sold it to me was the first owner and did tell me the original engine was long gone, but this was a correct engine for the year. Needless to say I was alittle upset. The question I have is how much better does the 28 perform compared to the 24? Also the car shakes hard when taking off or shifting gears unless i work the clutch just right. She said that the clutch needs to be matched to the flywheel or something like that. Anyways I'm thinking it's gotta either be the wrong clutch, or not all of the correct components were installed when the engine swap was done, as i belelive it is a correct tranny for a 240. Can anyone guide me in the right direction?

Thanks

-Rick-

[Ed]

Hi Rick, and welcome to the club!

You will probably get different opinions on the engine but I think that most of the people here that needed to swap engines have gone to the L28. The L28 is more powerful. Bigger bore = more horsepower.

Unless the entire car was kept original (including the carbs) the 73 isn't as popular as the early 70. Not to say it's the blacksheep of the 240's, IMO it is the most refined of the bunch.

Not exactly sure what the problem with your car is. Give it a proper tune-up, from changing ALL the fluids to adjusting the valves. Timing, plugs, points, fuel filter and have the carbs adjusted. Once the engine is in tune and you still have the problem you mentioned you can start focusing on other parts that might be the culprit. If you don't have much experience working on Zed's I would suggest to buy yourself a shop manual first, Chiltons or Hayes from your local auto parts supplier. Do a little reading on tune up's then take it to a qualified & experienced mechanic. There are quite a few members in San Diego maybe they can help. If not I would recommend talking to the guys at "ZWhizz" they are in the book and have helped me on more than one occasion.

Even though they say your not supposed to be in the shop area. Once your car goes behind the garage door take a little walk and watch what the mechanic does. You can learn a lot in just a few minutes.

Good luck.

Ed

[fugetaboti]

Ed,

Thanks alot for the input. My girlfriend actually was telling me about zwhizz the other day after she passed by it. I have to agree on the early 70's being more desirable, I bought the 73 because it was the best one I'd seen as far as the body was concerned. About a week after I bought it a guy drove by my car parked in front of the house and asked if I knew anyone looking for a '70. I told him I wanted to look at it so I did and it was beautifull. Original everything. The guy wants 4500 and I couldn't fork out the cash after buying mine. Maybe if he doesnt sell it anytime soon I might pick it up. Anyways Ed thanks again and if you have anymore insight to share feel free to post it.

-Rick-

[e_racer1999]

hey rick, welcome to the club! if you would like to get together sometime shoot me a PM. i'm usually working, but i can always find time to work with zeds.....