The one I bought has a black valve cover and since having it I've noticed a lot of the others have them as well. Would that be the original color? Does the black reduce the heat somehow? Thanks for any replies.

Definitely not stock and I don't think affects the heat whatsoever. Personally, I prefer the stock look. Here's another 240Z that someone painted both the valve cover and the air filter housing black:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/open-zcar-discussion/48790-nice-73-240z-original-paint-low-documented-miles-sale.html

Had this argument with my dad years ago - I was wrong. One of the most counter-intuitive concepts in heat transfer science, but one racers have known for many years. How could the color of a finish possibly affect heat transfer? But it does, look it up. I still don't get why it works.

The aluminum shines up nicely with lots of aluminum polish and buffing, but flat black is the "cool" color. The top of the fins and lettering are usually left shiny. The paint needs to be non-insulating (thin) like Eastwood radiator paint. Don't know if a hi-temp ceramic paint would have the non-insulating quality. Racers paint the oil pan too.

On the other hand, where you don't want heat transfer, like headers and exhaust pipes, white or shiny stainless steel or chrome is best.

I have a black plastic valve cover on my 72. Definately not stock, but i like it. I pulled it off a Nissan Laurel at Pick a Part some years ago.

The advantage is that it has a flat 'o' ring type gasket sitting in a groove, so it does not need changing when i pull the cover.

Race teams like BRE and BSR didn't painted their covers black for looks.

Not stock but looks awesome. And I do believe that black will dissipate heat a bit faster. Here's my 1970 #3833.

Absolutely awesome whole engine bay!

Thanks! I've since swapper the MSA strut bar pictured with a Cusco, looks much better.

Yes, beautiful engine bay! zcar70, which Cusco strut bar did you install? Where did you get it? I see many for the 240sx but not for the 240z. Thanks!

Edited March 5, 201312 yr by zcar70

[ATTACH=CONFIG]61660[/ATTACH]It took a long time for me to source the Cusco strut bar. I was able to find a JDM supplier who imported one for me. Here's a couple of more pics with the Cusco installed.[ATTACH=CONFIG]61654[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]61655[/ATTACH]

Drooling over here. I hope my bay looks that clean some day!

I put the same Cusco front strut bar on my 73, and it makes a difference even at moderate speeds. Looks great too and I got mine from Amazon for under $200 with free shipping.

Cusco Strut Bar OS Front S30/31 240Z 260Z 280Z : Amazon.com : Automotive

Peter