Goob's 72 Franken-Z

[goob_os101]

Hello,

my name is Goob (my birth name Jeremy) and I snagged this from the Blue Ridge Mountains of VA yesterday.

1972 Datsun 240Z

L28 motor with moderate cam,

Eibach springs

Boge shock

Front and rear sway bars

6-1 headers

4 speed trans

Air dam

Electronic ignition.

It has been sitting for 3 years so I have some work to do. This is my first restoration/project car so I hope to learn alot and get this Z back on the road.

There are a bunch unkowns with this car:

Milage on the motor

What cams

How the electronic ignition was done

Will she start/run

but this is what makes it fun...right?

[240Ziggy]

That's right! Wow! Looks like a nice find to me! I'll be tagging along to see your progress. Good Luck!

[gogriz91]

More pics after you've washed it etc, looks like a diamond in the rough, you're a lucky man.

[Travel'n Man]

Tell us what you are going to do before you turn that start switch!

[goob_os101]

Tell us what you are going to do before you turn that start switch!

Maybe I should ask you guys what I should do before I turn that start switch...

I had the previous owner hand turn the motor and it was free. So I know at least it is not frozen or worse.

I am tempted to just pump the old fuel out of the tank, add a gallon, and see if she turns over. I am also worried about the condition of the motor...the previous owner said it ran great prior to parking it. He said he sat it because he was going to do a Chevy small block swap. So he could be telling the truth or there may be something wrong...who knows.

I may just drop the motor/trans and have the sent off to be refreshed. From what I read the l28 w/cams and SU carbs is a nice setup. I am looking to use this as a fun, maybe daily driven in the summer car. I don't need huge power either.

I can't wait to see what comes of this car!

[goob_os101]

Forgot to mention that Datsun Spirit is only 6 miles right down the road from me.

[Carl Beck]

Hi Goob;

See this:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/open-s30-z-discussions/50750-need-restoration-advice-71-240z-montreal.html#post442929

Great to hear that the engine turns over by hand. Still you want to do a little more "pre-startup" prep. For sure you want to assure that the valve seals are well lubricated - and that you don't have a valve hanging up. Also that the cam lobs and rockers are well lubricated prior to attempting to start the engine... Who knows? Everything might be fine - but on the other hand no sense getting in a hurry and having something costly get damaged - when it could have been avoided.

Work with Datsun Spirit - and you should be in good shape..

Good luck,

Carl B.

[ajmcforester]

I agree with Carl, and Spirit is one of the best when it comes to Zs and will be a big help. Don't forget to check the fuel pump before starting, if you have the mechanical pump it would not be a bad idea to take the top of the pump off and clean out the valves.

Once it starts (it will start its a Datsun I6) try not to drive it until you flush and check the brakes, and make sure the drive-line is moving smoothly and lubricated. Also check the rack before driving see if the boots are cracked and check behind the boot to see if it is clean damaging the rack can be just as expensive as the engine.

[bartsscooterservice]

That might sound pretty good ! I think the power is more then enough like you state, it's just for some fun...

Do a basic check on the engine and service it, new oil, filter, plugs etc, take valve cover off, and check valve clearances first, and lube the top end for the first start like carl suggests.

[goob_os101]

Thanks for all the helpful info it is much appreciated.

After reading about Datsun Spirit I will be calling them soon.

[Sean240Z]

Goob - There's a few of us ClassicZ guys who live inside the beltway (I'm in McLean). There's also the Northern Virginia Z Car Club (check the Facebook site) that you might want to consider joining for club discounts and events (Eiji the owner of Datsun Spirit is an active club member). Also, if you haven't been out to Katie's Cars & Coffee in Great Falls, VA on a Saturday morning, you really should check it out. I'm there pretty much every Saturday from 0630-0900 with my Z, when the weather's good.

Drop me a PM and I can provide more details.

[goob_os101]

Motor:

Interior:

Wheels (no idea what they are, but I have seen them on 280z):

Edited November 4, 2013 by goob_os101