ok i just picked upa f54block with p 79 head bore .30over . it all has been to the machine shop but has not been put together. pistons are in valves and guides are in though.

should i stick with the head since it has been fixed and ready to go even though i am looking at 8.3:1 compression. i need a cam since the cam was lost. Any ideas on the cam ?. i have searched around but most are using a n42 or p90 head with this block.

thanks

dan

F54/P79 is a stock 280ZX engine. Any of the 280Z or 280ZX cams would work fine, they're all very similar. You'll need one that's internally oiled since you don't have spray bars.

The N42 head is completely different from the P90. The P90 is very similar to the P79.

Carbs or EFI?

Static compression for an f54 with p90 is about the same with flat-tops. You could use the 1mm gasket but that will only raise it fractionally. Too much cam and you lower it a bit more.

I'm at the other end of this problem. I'd like to use a ported and polished, big valve e31 on the f54 flat-top. I'm in the 10:1 range. Not sure what to do...

Static compression for an f54 with p90 is about the same with flat-tops. You could use the 1mm gasket but that will only raise it fractionally. Too much cam and you lower it a bit more.

I'm at the other end of this problem. I'd like to use a ported and polished, big valve e31 on the f54 flat-top. I'm in the 10:1 range. Not sure what to do...

Ha, I'm in the same dilemma, Rob! I've yet to cc the head though so I don't know the exact CR.

i am going to stick with the su style carbs. keep the 4 speed and rear for now. next will be brakes and suspension . still have a passanger floor pan and body for later. would a n42 head make that much difference? any ideas where my 0-60 or 1/4 mile would be with a mild cam and 079/ f54 combo in an early 240?

thanks

http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/85907-attn-flat-top-28-with-e31n42-head-guys/

That's a good thread madkaw, I've read until my eyes bled but hadn't found that one. I have the F54 block with dished pistons and an E31 head minus the cam. Now I'm feeling a little better about the pistons that came with it.

ok i just picked upa f54block with p 79 head bore .30over . it all has been to the machine shop but has not been put together. pistons are in valves and guides are in though.

should i stick with the head since it has been fixed and ready to go even though i am looking at 8.3:1 compression. i need a cam since the cam was lost. Any ideas on the cam ?. i have searched around but most are using a n42 or p90 head with this block.

thanks

dan

Dan -

You may want to call Dave Rebello at Rebello Racing in Ca. When it comes to our engines he is one of the best in the industry - he'll give you straight talk and advise - give you options and custom options - advise on max horsepower if that is what you are after and assist in building your head or sending you the parts for you head/block. He can take it from Mild to Wild - based on the $ you want to spend. Check out his weblink below..........you may want a diesel crank at this point, not sure of your goals with this engine.

Welcome to Rebello Racing

I went with John Williams in Atlanta a little closer. The problem now is that the pistons stick about .050" out. the block was shaved too much and the head had .006 taken off. I guess it is time to shave the new pistons

So they took .030 off the block???

WOW. Well I would recommend finding a 2mm headgasket and that should put you in a happy spot for squish. Make sure you take the same amount off the timing cover or you will have problems.

I would think a 2mm gasket would be cheaper and better than shaving pistons.

Malibud, could you please give out John Williams info, phone # or website? I'm closer to the Big A myself and have only heard of Eddie Radatz in Kennesaw. Thanks for any info.

Cliff

0.050 from the block is a lot!

I've redone my f54/p79 engine with flat tops last year. It was difficult to find the correct head gasket. It was easier for me to machine pistons to get proper quench distance. 0.050" is a lot of material to be removed though. Make sure you've got enough material on your pistons.

As Madkaw is saying, make sure front cover end up flush with the block milled.