I am having trouble finding out which direction I should take. I have a 1973 240z and I also have a complete 76' 280z motor. n42 block with dished pistons and n42 head that I am planning to put in the 240. Question is should i use the n42 head with the su carbs or should I put the e88 head on the n42 block with su carbs. I also have read that maybe I should source an f54 with flat pistons and the n42 head. The plan is low cost and a fun street car maybe a few road track days but mostly a fun street car to drive while I slowly restore the body. With the low money in mind and since I have the 2.8 motor would it be worth settling for the n42 block with either the n42 or e88 head and carbs since I have it already or start looking for a f54 motor. Any input or advise would be great. Every post I read either on here or on hybridz all give great info but they get so side tracked it hard to read through them .

I believe i just answered my own question after months of research it was right there in front of me. look for a f54 with p79 head 81-83 280zx which will have flat top pistons, then put a higher cam in, n42 head on and mate it with a t5 trans. Having a 10:1 na ratio is def. something I could handle for a fun street car. Could go to the turbo model motor but I'm starting to really like the old school L series carb sound,

If you currently own the N42 block why not just re-bore and put in flat tops........put then N42 head on and off you go! While you are in there you can add some other tweeks but since $ is low that would be the easiest and odds are the least expensive...........that way you will know you engine is good to go.

If you currently own the N42 block why not just re-bore and put in flat tops........put then N42 head on and off you go! While you are in there you can add some other tweeks but since $ is low that would be the easiest and odds are the least expensive...........that way you will know you engine is good to go.

I agree with TM.

I was thinking about that also. Been looking around for a rebuild kit and I'll need to hit up my local machine shop and get a quote from them for the re-bore and valve job. With the n42 head will having the FI holes effect anything.