Engine Number question on 1971 240z with 260z engine

[RolfSis]

:stupid: So much to learn ... My brother had his 1971 240z engine replaced by the dealer at purchase time in 1971 with a 260z engine. He has lots of maintenance records and paperwork through the years, but not anything about the engine upgrade.

I found this tag on our Z, but it looks like the original manufacturer info in Japan from 1971. How would you know by looking at the engine what it is? Sounds great, turns heads everywhere we roll, but I'm baffled and hopeful you can clue us in. I was thinking that since the original purchase said Datsun on the tags, but one of the components says Nissan, that might be the 260z clue.

Whew, feeling kinda dumb, but wanting to learn. Once I get your input, we'll know where to look and what pictures to take to update things. As you'll note, the pics aren't great, had the camera on the wrong settings and hadn't yet done any dusting/cleaning inside the engine area, but hope it'll suffice for this question.

[Carl Beck]

Look on the passenger side of the block - just below the rear spark plugs..

[RolfSis]

Thanks, Carl. Would this have been updated by the dealer/installer when they made this upgrade happen? Or it could just be that the pictures I've taken are in the wrong spot.

Your info here should help us zero in on the right spot this weekend, unless I can convince my hubby to do it after work tonight (poor hubby). These pics are "before" your info, but don't see anything like what you've said. SO, I'm thinking they're just not the right photos of the right spot.

Again, so much to learn.

[gotswap]

How did you have a 260z motor put in it in 71? They didn't exist.

[MikeW]

How did you have a 260z motor put in it in 71? They didn't exist.

I started to make the same comment but then was able to re-parse the sentence in such a way that "replaced by the dealer at purchase time in 1971" could really mean "replaced by the original dealer three years later".

[RolfSis]

My brother's car, and I thought I knew it all. Aparently more questions to ask him. Will do and get back. Thanks.

[Carl Beck]

Thanks, Carl. Would this have been updated by the dealer/installer when they made this upgrade happen? Or it could just be that the pictures I've taken are in the wrong spot.

Your info here should help us zero in on the right spot this weekend, unless I can convince my hubby to do it after work tonight (poor hubby). These pics are "before" your info, but don't see anything like what you've said. SO, I'm thinking they're just not the right photos of the right spot.

Again, so much to learn.

If you look at the picture I Posted - You will see that the two flat pads cast into the engine block have numbers stamped into them. The first one says L24 and the second has a number stamped into it. All "L" series engines sent to the US have these little flat pads cast into them.

If someone put a 260Z engine in the car - the little flat pads on your engine should have "L26" stamped into the first pad - and it may or may not have a serial number stamped into the second pad. OEM replacement engines ordered though the Nissan Dealers Parts Department may not have had serial numbers stamped into them.

In the picture I posted - you can see the little flat pads - just below and to the left of the #5 spark plug. Just look at your engine...at the rear.. below the #5 and #6 spark plugs... You should see two little flat pads, and they should be stamped with letters/numbers - let us know what they say

Carl

[RolfSis]

Thanks, Carl. Printed the info, and will get back when my hubby and I can inspect further. Much appreciated.

[RolfSis]

:stupid: I sent this off to my brother who set me straight. I sure misunderstood the timing on the engine upgrade.

He said "I don't recall when the 240 was swapped for a 260, but it was long after I bought the car; the engine swap was done by the Z-Doctor and was prompted by the fact the an engine overhaul seemed appropriate and a rebuilt 260 was available and ready to install. "

Hats off to all of you; thanks lots.:classic:

[RolfSis]

WHOOPEE! Found it! It's L28 vs. the original L24 ...

Thanks a trillion times over. Actually photographed all of the research and stuff here:

http://www.dropshots.com/AstaCCS

We thought it was worth the original asking price of $4100, but due to the wiper action dying on us, took it down and now at $2500.

How do you ever know the true worth of a 240z classic that is a California native and is now with an L28 engine (whatever that means)? I thought it would be the 260z engine, but logic tells me that if L24 = 240z original, a 260z engine should be an L26 (or?) Forget logic! It's FAST, sounds GREAT, and turns heads!

You're all TOO MUCH! Brilliant help all the way!

Edited October 26, 2008 by RolfSis

[Mike B]

WHOOPEE! Found it! It's L28 vs. the original L24 ...

...I thought it would be the 260z engine, but logic tells me that if L24 = 240z original, a 260z engine should be an L26 (or?)

It is a L28, so it is from a Datsun 280z, not a 260z. You are correct that a 260Z would have an L26.

-Mike

[RolfSis]

Amazing, logic does work! Thanks, Mike.