Attn Carl, John Coffey, Mike, & Rob

[Phacade]

I know you guys are probably the most experienced Z people on this site, so I turn to you.

I recently rebuilt (using all new parts) a '81 L28. I took off all the fuel injection parts and added dual SU carbs from Z therapy. I used the 280ZX electronic distributor and coil, and added Motorsports 6 into 1 headers going into straight 2" pipe all the way back. The car runs, but not well. It will not rev above 3000 rpm, unless I take off the air filter, then it will go to about 4000 rpm. It has no power (0 to 60mph takes about 2 min). The plugs look very black, and kinda wet, wetter back towards 5 and 6 cyl. It almost looks like oil or gas mixed with oil on the rim where the spark plugs go. I have set my carbs time and time again, set my ignition timing repeatedly; and still the same animal. I have had a few people tell me that this will happen if my cam timing is off. I had a friend help me with this part when we put the engine together, and since it was a new chain, he used timing mark 1 on the cam sprocket, or so he said. Beyond this, I really have no idea what to do. How do I check - fix the cam timing? How is it suppose to be setup? Any thoughts? PLease help me, I am literally at my wits end!!

[Bambikiller240]

Timberwolf:

Hi, I'm not the Carl you wrote to, but I'm wondering if you have reduced the fuel pressure from what was required for the EFI?

The SU's won't like the fuel pressure required for EFI. Just a thought.

Good Luck on a Fix.

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Carl Stahlnecker

72 240Z "Bambikiller"

HLS30-55703 11/71

cstahlnecker@hotmail.com

bambikiller240@altavista.com

[Phacade]

Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. I put in a Purolator 2-4psi electric pump, 30 gallons per hour, right next to the tank. Even put a cut off switch in (he he). I even mounted a Moroso psi gauge right up next to the fuel filter so I could make sure I am getting the correct mixture. I am sure it is not fuel related, although I could use a regulator.

[John Coffey]

Sorry for the late reply. Four possible problems:

A. I suspect you've got the distributor off by 1 tooth or more so you have something like 50 degrees of initial advance and you're actually timing the car to the number 5 cylinder.

B. The advance mechanism in the distributor isn't working.

C. The exhaust system is plugged.

D. Cam timing is off.

But first, always remember, when your at your wits end, always go back to the basics. Get out your shop manual and do each of the steps below according to what the manual says:

1. Do a simple compression check to make sure the rebuild is OK.

2. Check the cam timing as you've said. Try the number 2 hole if everything checks out OK.

3. Adjust the valves (use the cold clearance settings).

4. Check the distributor and make sure its installed correctly.

5. Check all the vacume hoses for leaks.

6. Check the fuel pressure.

7. Adjust the carbs (again).

8. Adjust the timing (12 to 15 degrees initial and 28 to 32 degrees of total advance by 3000 rpms).

Good luck!

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John Coffey

johncof@veriomail.com