OK. Here's the thing. I'm restoring my 73. Long story. My hesitation is about the drive train. I have a 72' L24 with a dual weber carb set up etc. and a 4 speed manual but it has been parked for 10+ yrs. Ran OK (not great) when I parked it but I lived in Colorado at +9,000 ft. at the time so I blame altitude on a lot of issues I had. Nothing in this car matches as far as serial #'s go. The original owner (i'm #3) drove it off the lot and didn't change the oil, "ever!" and wondered why the engine seized up. (not all women are clueless about cars including my wife ;@). I swapped out the original automatic transmission with a 72 4 speed in 1986 because an automatic in my Z just bugged me. I have heard it may be a wash to buy an RB drive train and turn my Z into a hybrid vs rebuilding what I have. What do you guys (and gals) think?

I know about the hybrid Z web site. Certainly can't afford Jared's build.

That's cause Jarod is Crazy, with a capitol K.

As you'll hear from A LOT of us here, "It all depends on what YOU want"

Are yu looking for a new motor with more power and possible a turbo? if so, Go with the RB. I'll be doing the same once my 260Z project is finished.

If you want simple, classic lines and power and an over abundance of knowledge from this site, then stick with the L6. I've done nothing but Stock L6's in all 5 of my Z's. My current Daily driver, the 70', has the 260Z rebuilt motor in it as the original numbers matching block gave up the ghost. When the 260Z is done, the 2.6 will go back into the 260Z and the fun will begin with the 70'. Gonna go with the RB25DET and 5 speed tranny.

I already have the R200 LSD and CV's. What are your plans if your go RB?

Dave

Since you've done the L thing, since the car is not numbers matching, and since we could all use more power, I say go for the RB. Just make sure to upgrade the brakes to match.

I considered doing an RB swap. It certainly would rate 10 in the cool factor. But what stopped me was the cost. The cost and maybe the work of doing the swap. The cost of rebuilding an RB here in the States.

With the L block, I can go to my local parts store and buy parts. The RB was never imported here and getting parts will be difficult.

Financially, a V8 swap would be more practical. Staying with the L block would be the most practical. I still want to V12 a Z some day. Probably never will, but that won't stop the want.

Like I said, not Jarod type money, but I could have already bought the two cleanest, original Z's I've seen here for what I'm into lately for mine. That's OK. I want THIS Z.

Not both but either one. Maybe both by the time I'm finished.;@) Leaning toward the RB.

Thanks for the input guys.

You might also consider an L28ET. Easy 300whp with a stock block and bottom end. Hybrid Z really is the place to go when you get into the swaps.

Slightly off-topic, but mention of matching numbers is interesting. I know Corvette guys are anal retentive on that, but how important is it in value when talking about 240Zs? I'm doing my restoration as close to dead stock as I can - steel wheels, S.U. carbs, original ride height, etc. I'm also sticking with the L24 motor, but not the original block for this chassis. (I do have a perfectly restorable L26 sitting on the garage floor, but my 240 is getting an L24).

Not that I will be looking to sell once the project is complete, but does anyone have thoughts on the relative values of matching-numbers vs not?

Are we talking about a driver, or a concourse restoration? If the car is old and beat up, I don't think it makes a lot of difference. If it is perfectly restored with the wrong motor on the other hand, I think it makes a very big difference. You're selling to two entirely different audiences so you have to act accordingly.

Forgive my ignorance but what is an "RB" ?

Thanks, Frank.

It's a series of DOHC straight 6 Nissan motors that came in Skylines and other cars outside the US. The later Skylines used the RB25 and RB26 turbo motors.

Forgive my ignorance but what is an "RB" ?

Thanks, Frank.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_RB_engine