N42 Head

[ksbeta]

While not 100% appropriate, the "Help Me!" section is definitely where this belongs...</SPAN>

I've posted on the Wanted Section, run Craigslist Ads for months, and exhausted my Z-Network here in Northern VA... I can't find an N42 head! Datsun Spirit is building me a motor and I need to supply a core for the build (it's replacing my L24 so that's no good), but hot damn this thing is proving hard to find. I understand some have brass seats and that's not desirable, so I guess I'm looking for the white whale of heads!</SPAN>

I've got about three weeks left until he starts my motor, at which point if I have no head, I'm either going to have to replace my headers or sacrifice smaller intake valves. Anyone know the location of a rebuildable N42 head??!</SPAN>

Thanks for the help!</SPAN>

[Zed Head]

An N47 head will work also, and will definitely have the newer valve seats. Although, I would guess that Datsun Spirit will install new seats when they rebuild it, so that may not matter.

The range, in years, for cars that have that type of head is 1975 280Z to 1979 280ZX. Either N42 or N47. Might help your search.

Also, if you know how much you're willing to pay, it might break a spare head free. I have a spare N42 head sitting in the garage but I'm not really in to the parts selling game. I'm still a collector, but might consider something if it was interesting and easy (shipping and all that).

Good luck.

[ksbeta]

You're absolutely right, I should have clarified. Sorry about that:

The car already has headers and a nice exhaust system. The header has square ports though, so my options are E31/E88/N42 (or those Turbo Heads, which are out). The larger intake valve was the drive towards N42. N47 I believe has the round ports, which would mean either replacing my header or sub-optimally trying to fit the gasket to make round and square work together.

Shipping alone from OR on a head might break the bank! You west coast folks have all the parts. I'll shoot you a PM. Thanks for the tips!

Edited September 24, 2012 by ksbeta

[Diseazd]

Give Doc at the Z Doctor in Roanoke a call......he might have one......... Guy (Doc's number is 540 343 1332)

[ksbeta]

Guy - I can honnestly say I've never heard of him. Thanks for the tip! That's what I was hoping for!

Also I saw Brandon's BMW on BaT today... smart place to sell a car. Wishing him the best of luck.

Edited September 24, 2012 by ksbeta

[Diseazd]

Sold in 6 hours....full price!

[Zed Head]

Looks like you might have found one, although it's not really clear what Diseazd is referring to.

For the record, most people who seem to be in the know say that there's no problem running a round-port head in to square-port headers. The complete opening of the round-port head fits inside the square port,so there's no flow disruption. The problem seems to be when running square-port heads in to round-port exhaust. The round port covers the corners of the square port, hindering flow.

[EuroDat]

A quick background on the differences between the N42 and N47 heads: The N42 head come out on the 1975-76 280Z and had larger steel valves, soft brass seats and square exhaust ports. The head in standard form is only suitable for leaded fuel or additive. Begin 1977 datsun changed over to the N47 head to comply with Californian emmisions. This head was also used on the Fed models. The N47 head used steel seats and a liner in the exhaust port. The exhaust port is also diamond shaped. I think the ports are the same as the P79 but not sure on that?

Edited September 24, 2012 by EuroDat

[ksbeta]

Guy - Thanks again, Doc seems to be my best bet so far. Waiting for him to check his supply and give a call back.

Good to know that push come shove, I can potentially use the N47.

[Diseazd]

I just traded Eiji an N47 for a P79.......he may or may not have it committed.

[ksbeta]

He mentioned the possibility of using an N47, just need to check and make sure my headers will clear. Sounds like they should, but I'd hate to build out the motor and find that they don't. Thanks, Guy, good to know he might have some inventory.

Edited September 25, 2012 by ksbeta

[Zed Head]

Here's another option, but it's in Michigan - http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/109125-79-280zx-drivetrain-part-out-n47-head/page__pid__1021043#entry1021043