Head bolt "situation"...

[Zed Head]

But what does the tachometer needle do?  Usually there are other things that happen that can give a clue about the main problem.

Here's a link to the HEI module conversion - http://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/turbo-ignitor-swap-upgrade-chevy-hei-27569/

 

[Zed Head]

You might also check the power transistor wires and the ground circuit of the mounting bracket.  It's very exposed and the wires aren't very durable.  Plus I think that the transistor grounds through the bracket, so a dirty or loose bracket can affect its operation.  The whole thing looks cobbled together, like it's from Radio Shack.  Check it, clean it, tighten things up, and use a meter to verify grounds.

[beandip]

I only had a comment  on the issue of the head bolts.  Always use new ones. As was so completely stated they are one use bolts.  I do recommend using copper coat on the head gasket and  IMPORTANTLY  use ARP torquing grease on  the bolts .  It makes a big difference.

[Pilgrim]

Tach needle behaves itself - no dropping to zero or anything like that. 

the head bolt issue was resolved in 2014, but as noted above, I'm still working to get the car right.

[Pilgrim]

Three years later: What I finally did after messing around with this missing and bad running problem for more than a year was to find a Z mechanic in town. I knew an import shop that had some experiences guys, and I called and found out that one of them had been a Z-car mechanic in a Datsun dealership years ago.

I took them the car, explained and demonstrated the rough running problem, and also an oil leak on the timing gear cover which I was forced to remove and re-install after the head was on.

My request to them: make it run right. Keep it as long as you need, I'm in no hurry. I also asked them to replace the steering rack (the seals popped when I took it off the jackstands it had been sitting on for nearly four years)  and install some poly bushings I had.  In other words, I was really tired of messing with it. I've done a steering rack on a ZX and I just didn't feel like repeating that exercise at age 67.  

Got it back four months later, and $5000 later. I wrote that check with a clear conscience, because with it running right I have at least a $9,000 car. Without it, I had a $2000 body with a problem engine. The $5K was worth it! (Especially with a new steering rack and a set of good poly bushings all around.)

The problem was mostly vacuum leaks. The 83 ZX turbo has a nightmare of vacuum lines and they had the equipment to check them all and the experience to see what the problems were.

I'ave had Z-cars since 1974 and this was my 4th one, but this problem was beyond me. 

[EuroDat]

Congrats on getting it running. Hope you are still having pleasure driving it.

[Pilgrim]

It's very nice to drive! The biggest thing I notice is the noise level when I get to highway speeds. I installed a radio with Bluetooth connection, but at 70 MPH there is enough overall wind and mechanical noise that I can't hear callers and I don't believe they can make out my voice above the noise level.  That's with door and window seals that are only about 6 years old. Driving a 30+ year old car is a fast reminder of how mechanical they are and how much difference there is with my 10-year-old BMW 3-series (six speed manual.)

But I didn't buy it to have conversations, I bought it to have fun driving it. So, no problem. In town it's fine.