Back on the road! Little bits, timing, and tuning, but this weekend paid off nicely. Got about 100 miles on the new motor so far. Sounds strong and pulls strong, at least up to around 3K.

The transmission likes to pop out of 4th gear, will need to diagnose. Having a 5th gear is great though; 70mph and I'm spinning around 2900/3000, as opposed to the nearly 4000 I used to be running in 4th.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51bhS1TJk_U

Pay no attention to that 9-month expired state inspection sticker... whops!

The engine looks and sounds good, must feel great having it back together again.

The engine sounds great and I like the old weathered survivor look of the paint (seriously!). I notice the your engine seems to move with a slight rev in neutral. Curious, did you install new motor mounts?

Not to pick at it, it just seems to move more than mine. Could just be the angle of the video. But under load it probably will move even more. It'd be a shame if you've got a motor mount about to let go.

Thank you both. I figured money spent on the engine would make a more enjoyable driver than money spent on body work. I joke that I can't really see the paint job while I'm driving, so there hasn't been much of a reason to do anything about it.

The transmission, however, needs some work. Besides popping out of 4th, it doesn't go into 2nd easily either. One more problem to dig into.

I believe we did replace the mounts. I'll watch that carefully though.

4th popping out only happens on de-acceleration? The problem with 4th sounds like too much end play between the input and output shafts. Im no specialist on roadster transmissions. Sure to be someone in the forum that knows them.

Chas

That looks and sounds good! You making us envy! Im not sure if you already mentioned but where did you get that strut bar? DIY?

Hi Chas,

It likes to pop out of 4th while cruising, not just deceleration. The 150 or so miles I've put on this car since Saturday are the first this transmission has done since circa 2003. Truthfully, I think it's getting worse still. First is getting harder to find, Second is starting to grind, and now Fourth is starting to grind. I'll check my slave cylinder adjustment tonight, but my money says the transmission is to blame. I knew putting it in the car without more information was a gamble, and it looks like it'll have to come back out. Somewhere on this site I saw someone from the UK mention once "We can't give them away over here. I have 3-4 of the FS5C71A's sitting in my garage." Where is that guy now? I'll gladly pay the freight

Koalia - That strut bar, and it's twin back in the rear, were purchased used from a local Z-Car guy a few years ago who was cleaning out his garage. When I bump into him again I'll see if he remembers where he picked them up.

Edited April 9, 201311 yr by ksbeta

Been waiting a long time to look out my office window and see this.

HI Ksbeta,

Imagine my surprise, to see a car that sat in my barn for several years.

An ebay find for me, that overwhelmed my available resources at the time. I drove up the driveway a few times, but never on the road. Surprise split with the wife in 2007 sent this car north. Don't think it was ever in my name, But I to marveled at the receipts that showed history in Georgia. Having remarried couple years back and preparing to sell old house and barn with 10 years of 240z stuff scattered about, let me know if you need any early z parts....I have most items. Heading to the scrap yard with many parts that may bea hassle to ebay. Seriously. Just give me a shout. Love to put these parts to good use.

David

David - Sent you a note. Looking forward to speaking with you.

On another note: The early-5 speed was fun while it lasted. The car is - frustratingly - once again off the road. The transmission is too far gone to keep driving. Some great contacts led me to LNA Enterprises in NC. Sam there has been rebuilding these for years, I suppose. Trying to decide whether to rebuild this one or do the ZX swap. That 5th gear thing is too good to let go...

Well overdue update:

 

Still running strong. Had a new friend for a short while: A 1978 Land Rover 88 Santana, fresh off the boat from Spain. 

 

 

The highly-and-professionally modified 1975 280z in the photo is for sale.  Jason @ www.JTMmotorworks.com 

Well overdue update:

Still running strong. Had a new friend for a short while: A 1978 Land Rover 88 Santana, fresh off the boat from Spain. 

The highly-and-professionally modified 1975 280z in the photo is for sale.  Jason @ www.JTMmotorworks.com 

 

 

Nice update!  I've always liked those old Land Rovers.  If you are selling the Z, feel free to post a free ad at DatsunClassifieds.com  I'd love to see more photos of your Z's.

 

m