I just picked up a 260Z from a coworker. I haven't had a good chance to go through the car yet and see what the trouble spots are. 12 hour shifts at work are killing me. I know that it was run with little to no oil and developed a knock in the motor. I'm hoping a simple rebuild will get that taken care of, but I'm pretty sure I'll end up calling the machine shop for some major work. My engine stand is currently occupied so I won't get any updates on that for a few weeks. I believe the clutch was also slipping when it was parked last year. It has the MSA Aero Kit and it looks like it was being molded into the body, but it's incomplete. There is very little visable rust on the body and the car was being daily driven up until last year. This is my first attempt at a Nissan so I'll be asking lots of questions.

Welcome Justin,

Can you tell us where you're located. Any members here that are close to you would probably help you out if needed.

From your pictures I think the car looks pretty good.

Check the archives here for where to look for rust.

I'd love to have a 260Z. Nice find.

Chris A.

Nice find, Justin. You may want to consider swapping in a 280 motor rather than rebuilding the 260. Depending on the supply of 280ZXs where you live, a good L28 could be lots more affordable than rebuilding.

I really like those six spoke ZX wheels on a car with a body kit. Looks really good. I actually have a set, but I don't think they look as good on a stock 240Z.

Sorry...still updating my profile stuff in between minimizing the window when the boss walks by. I'm in central, NC. The engine is the #1 priority right now. I have a few good salvage yards nearby, but I'm not up to date on what they have. I need to get educated on all the engine codes/interchangability stuff. I'll be on the lookout for a 280 motor. I'm always wary about buying full motors because they seem to always end up needing to be rebuilt anyway. I know a few local guys that race the classic Z's, but convienently enough they are all hiding now that I need them.

Welcome, nice looking 260-Z!

My '71 240-Z has an L28/5 speed/SUs. Runs great...Robert

Sorry...still updating my profile stuff in between minimizing the window when the boss walks by. I'm in central, NC. The engine is the #1 priority right now. I have a few good salvage yards nearby, but I'm not up to date on what they have. I need to get educated on all the engine codes/interchangeability stuff. I'll be on the lookout for a 280 motor. I'm always wary about buying full motors because they seem to always end up needing to be rebuilt anyway. I know a few local guys that race the classic Z's, but conveniently enough they are all hiding now that I need them.

Welcome , this Z is a great find. You will be surprised at the options you have for engines since all the blocks are the same from '70 through '83 . THAT IS ON THE OUTSIDE . Personally I would look for a engine from a 280 ZX , that is from '79-'83 as it is the last evolution of development . If you can be selective you may find one that you just need to clean up detail and drop in . The carbs can be used and will provide good performance . We are hear to be of help , and there is a wealth of knowledge here , you just need to ask . Gary

Hi Justin,

Shoot some pics of the engine for us. We can at least advise you on what fuel system is in it now.

I swapped an L28 (2.8 liter) into an older model and you can just bolt on the carbs and manifolds.

Very high interchangeability with these engines.

Some guys go crazy and swap in a complete turbo motor with injection computer and all the wiring as well. Makes for a quick little beastie.

Don't hesitate to ask questions. Someone will answer.

Chris A.

I'll get engine bay pics up later this weekend and hopefully some interior pics as well. I'm thinking the motor is the stock unit, but I can't be sure. The carpet and seats were recently replaced, but I'll probably take it all back out to make sure the floor isn't about to fall out. Thank god there is a service manual in the car.

Very nice 260z especially from NC hope it treats you well and you it.

Pics of the motor I took tonight while I was at the garage working on the Protege motor. Sorry for the blurriness. My camera is difficult at night. From what I've researched on here it looks like I have the SU carbs.

I also did a more indepth search for rust with a friend of mine who does body work. The battery tray and surrounding sheet metal will need to be replaced. The floorboards right at the firewall will need a littel patching, but not bad. The passenger frame rail will need to be replaced right where it starts to bend up under the battery. Other than that the rest of the car is just minor touch up and cleaning.

You do have SUs and that is good. If you look on the driver's side below he #6 exhaust port you will see some numbers in the casting of the block. L-24 is a 240 L-26 is a 260 and L-28 a 280 . F-54 is from a 280 ZX . Without closer pictures I cannot tell more than that , it does look like a 280 type oil filler cap on the valve cover. Again it is hard to tell. The 260 is a emission tuned engine stock , but it had flat topped carbs that were not meant to be performance. The 260 engine is a 240 with a 280 stroked crank. That insulation that covers the fuel rail can be tossed and that will clean up the look of the engine. All the components on the present engine will fit a 280 and work well. The air cleaner looks like someone drilled a bunch of holes in a line along the top , I don't know what that was for. Does it have a 4 speed of 5 speed ? When you pull the engine it would be a good time to do the rust repair . The Battery area is a cramped space to work in . Is there rust through in this area or just surface rust?

There are a few of us that have repaired the battery area. As Beandip stated it is easier to do with the engine out of the way. Do take pictures of the battery tray area and post them. We can give you a better idea of our experences repairing them.