Damage tends to lead to more damage. If you don't know how the rod got bent, it wouldn't be surprising to find more problems after spending money on the damaged short block. Could be a money pit. Getting another undamaged L24 and having it refurbished might be a better option in the mid- to long-run than having work done an an unknown short block with a bent rod.

Mike,

I see you have this car listed on Datsun Classifieds (FS:1972 240z, 1972, $ 3,500.00) with the detail "newly rebuilt engine(numbers matching car)". I corresponded with the seller in Tulsa, OK in May 2012 and from the photos he sent the car didn't have the original engine. The engine block number in the car was L24-084536 and the engine tag has L24-060309. Unless the original engine was found, the classified ad doesn't fully disclose the condition of the car.

Robert S.

  CrimsonPhoenix said:

I'm desperately in need of a GOOD, solid mechanical bottom end

Gotcha covered with the L28... $100:

I haven't pulled the bottom end apart, so I can't tell you how the bearings look, but I have no reason to believe there's anything wrong with it. I can I tell that there's no wear ridge at the top of the cylinders and the crank spins smooth and easy. Piston tops also look fine.

You can open it up at my place if you wish, but for the price, you can hardly go wrong! I'm probably between one and two hours from you. PM me for more details?