Shakedown cruise with my 71 Z

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Well,I took my Z out for its first real cruise. What an experience. The sounds, the sights. It was a good shakedown cruise. I checked all my fluids again, pulled the choke, and after 4 days of sitting she fired right up. What a sound. After I let the temp come up I was off. I was smiling more than I ever have after buying a new car. This car felt special, unique, and it was such an involving experience. The mechanical nature of the car talks to the driver. Of course this being my first shakedown cruise of any length, I was hyper sensitive to every sound, smell, vibration, etc. I was pleasantly surprised. 37 years this car has been on the road, and its history talked to me over every bump. What did it say. Well plenty. It was 101 degrees in Houston that day, and its water temp never exceeded 185 Degrees. Thank you new 4 core radiator. Oil pressure at 2200 rpm stayed rock solid once fully warmed up at 46 psi. At idle fully warmed up I am at about 15-20 psi. I know the PO used 10w-30, I may go to 10w-40 here in Houston. So that is a good sign and I was thrilled. At 60, 70, then 80 mph on the freeway, the car tracked straight and was smooth, with no vibrations through the wheel while accelerating, braking, or steady cruising. Hard braking was straight, and did not pull left or right or vibrate. Again, my amazement grew. What a solid car. Throttle response was instant, as was steering input. Body roll control was impressive (Tokikos) and allowed the car to feel as light as it actually is. So was it perfect, nope, but buying a 37 year old with such expectations is asking for disappointment. I was thrilled with what I found.

Issue number one, The car has a slight thump from the rear of the car when blipping the throttle while in gear. I am almost certain its an old bushing issue on the mustache bar, or the differential. I will check all the rubber back there this weekend. Its not annoying, but every now and then, I hear it. So we will call that project 1.

Issue number two, I figured this little sports car should pull to close to 7k. Well I put it in 2nd gear and let her rip, well at about 5500 rpm, she hits a soft wall. The tach bobs and weaves a little and she never really makes it past 5500rpm. I am thinking this has to do with timing, vac advance, maybe even the carbs, fuel delivery. etc. Project #2. This can wait as it drives beautifully below 5500rpm and the tach is dead steady as well. So I think this will not be a big issue. Tuning is something I enjoy.

Issue number 3, at one time, I smelled a strong wiff of gas. But only once, and it never came back. Time to go over all the fuel lines, and perhaps replace them. Project #3.

Overall, I am amazed at how well the car drives. It has the stiff throttle syndrome that some Z's have reported. I will eventually fix that, but at this point, I have already learned to drive it fairly smoothly. So no hurry on that.

As I work through all my issues, I am sure I will be on this board again, but I cant wait to start turning wrenches! I am so impressed with the car, I cannot wait to get my plates on it.

[geezer]

I really enjoyed reading your post. It seems to me you have aproached the evaluation & assessment in a most sensible manner and prioratized the maintainance schedule. The former owner can take comfort in that this beauty is in capable, appreciative hands. Safety and reliability are foremost, everything else just widens the smile on your face. We hear so many horror stories, it is refreshing to hear one with a happy ending once in a while.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Sounds great. But if you have a Points distributor, that would explain your 5500rpm wall. They are most likely floating at that RPM. Easily fixed with an infra red or electronic distributor. Lots of info on those set-ups here at CZCC.

I personally run a Mallory Unilite Dist. with an MSD 6A and Mallory Promaster coil and my plugs are gapped at about 0.070 instead of 0.032. I can easily run her up to 7000RPM and the only kicker is vibration from an old unballanced motor at that high of an RPM. Nothing a good rebuild and ballance won't fix. Also look into More fuel at Hi RPM's.

You're on the right track, just a few things here and there and you're good to go.

Dave.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

I am running the pertronix per the Original owner. I have a bosch coil sitting proudly on my fender...

[d240zx2]

Can't go wrong with Pertronix, Stephen. My Z is good to 6500 and still pulls, but I back off because of the 5-cw crank.

Frank

[Poindexter]

More action pix please? I never get tired looking at that beautiful silver streak.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

As of today, I am LEGAL! So I drove her around a little.

Got my Classic Auto plates coming in with a little personalized touch...

One of my favorite places to shoot pictures. I am still learning the right angles to shoot Z's from. And what lens to use. But it will come with practice.

[Bonzi Lon]

I know exactally how you feel. Mine had been sitting idle (no paint) for 28 years. When it finally got all back together and first fired up, I was shaking like a leaf. I couldn't beleive I did it. It runs like a sewing machine with an attitude. Haven't been over 4500 rpm untill I have a few more miles on it, 850 miles so far and only spirited in town driving. Every time I get in it and go for a ride, you just can't slap the smile off my face. I am so glad I saved it all these years as I had several chances to sell it unpainted. It is an old friend that makes me feel 28 years younger, those wonderful college days.

Bonzi Lon

[deadflo]

Wow what an awesome looking Z.

BTW, I still have points in my 71. Never had any problems getting her to 6000RPM, have no inclination to go any higher though.

[psdenno]

Great looking Z and a story with a happy ending! What could be better? Sounds like all the expensive parts work and now it's on to checking and replacing wear items as needed.

When I awoke my '71 240Z from of its almost 20 year nap last year, I replaced just about everything that was made of rubber or contained fluid. The first "shakedown" drive was an amazing experience just as you noted with your Z. Mine is still a work in progress and I'll be replacing the 36 year old AC system next week with a MSA kit. It's a great car, treat it well.

Dennis

[Zedyone_kenobi]

UPDATE:

I pulled the distributor cap off to have a look at the pertronix and to see how the vacuum advance is working. Well, when you suck on the hose with all you have, the vacuum advance does not move. AT ALL. I can take a screwdriver and force the shaft inside the diff to move inside the diaphragm, but no amount of sucking on that darn hose moved it.

I assume that a pertronics still can use a vacuum advance. So, long story short, that may account for why my car has issues revving. I will replace it and let you fellahs know. Also, the clunk in the back end that is mildly annoying may have been discovered. I posted in engine and drivetrain if your interested.

have a great day!

[sblake01]

If you can move the advance mechanism manually and it moves freely and snaps back when you let it go, then your vacuum pot is toast, most likely has a hole in the diaphragm. The Pertronix can use a vacuum advance. The clunk in the rear end is most likely the front diff mount. That's what solved it on my 78.