1978 280Z 2+2 Cylinder Head Removal

[siteunseen]

The good thing is the being dis-interested doesn't last long.

[MillerTime802]

@ selling the car: She loves this car, but she's just out of college, has an entry level job with the City, in her first apartment w/o a garage, and reality set in......she can't afford to make repairs and update it to a daily driver with dependability......darn, darn, darn. I love the thing too. I had a 1973 240Z that was the same color as SiteUnseens'. Kept it for years before trading it for a new interior for my Champion bass boat, ha.

Thanks for the comments guys.

[SteveJ]

Buy it from her.

[MillerTime802]

CAM IDENTIFICATION:

Sorry guys, I'm back. I know I'm wearing you out. This "may" be my last question.

1) I'm attempting to identify the cams in both my stock N47 Head that went on the stock N42 Block, and the P79 head that my daughter purchased.

2) We're looking to purchase a code correct (N47) head to replace the cracked (N47) head that was on the car. But, I want to make sure the new head has the correct cam. At the same time, I'd like to identify the cam in the P79 head so I can sell it with accurate information.

3) Stock Head N47; cam identification mark "H", and a number E30. Both cast into the side of the cam, next to each other; at the firewall end of the cam there is a grind mark "A". This mark (is) shown on Xenon's cam spec sheet.

4) Other Head P79; cam identification mark "2", and a number E30. Both cast into the side of the cam, next to each other; at the firewall end of the cam, there is a grind mark "K". This mark (is not) shown on Xenon's cam spec sheet.

It appears Datsun changed cams 8/81 to 9/81, per Xenon.

Does anyone know what the cam spec is for the Head P79, with a cam cast mark and grind mark and noted above?

Thanks, Brad

Edited April 16, 2013 by MillerTime802
Added cam grind mark identification to posting

[Zed Head]

The "K" cam is common. I have one in my 1981 P79 head. The charts that float around the internet are not always 100% accurate and/or may be missing information. Canada specs were introduced in 1981, apparently, by the FSM data. That could be where the other letter comes from. BUT, the Canada specs. match the previous "A" cam specs. So really they introduced a new USA cam and kept the old specs in Canada, and went to internal lubrication.

Each FSM has the specs. charted at the end of the Engine Mechanical chapter.

The N47 heads all seem to come with an "A" cam.

[240260280z]

I read online (not absolute) that the K's came from Maxima I6 N47 heads.

[Zed Head]

Strike two for me for the day. I went out and checked and I have an "F" cam in my P79 head, not a "K".

There are two cam specs. though, still, for the 1981-83 cams - Canada and USA. Maybe "K" is Canada and the Maxima N47.

I've seen at least one post on Hybridz from a guy who had a "K" cam in a head that should have been "F". The"K"'s are out there, but not clear where they belong.

[EuroDat]

I also think the K is from the Maxima N47 L24E but cant be absolutly sure.

Here is a timeline for the 280Z & 280ZX. Its not complete and the information is being improved all the time, but it will give you a guide as to where and approx when things changed. This table is based on USA models.

Chas

[Zed Head]

Just for fun and to get some camera practice, here's my F stamp. I notice that Miller Time said "grind mark" where mine is obviously a stamp. Either made with straight line three stamps or one F stamp.

I'm still thinking that the Canada factor might apply. Nissan would likely put another letter on a cam with different specs.

[MillerTime802]

@ Zed: mines a stamp too. I read on another site it was referred to as a grind mark. Meaning the cam's grind specifications ????

@ all: thanks for your help. We're still looking for a code correct head and cam.

[Zed Head]

"Grind" - I should have put 1 and 1 together. I'm having a slow day.

Keep an eye out for complete engines and complete cars. Sometimes you can get them for the cost of the part you're looking for.

[MillerTime802]

Done for the evening. I have everything ready for re-assembly, except the correct head and cam. Hopefully, I'll find one soon....before I have a "senior moment" and forget where all those darn vacuum and water hoses go, ha.