What should be best?

[shamrockO'Bolger]

Just graduated from high school in June. Took my graduation money and some money that i had saved up and found a '72 240z in Modesto. Ran a little rough, made some calls, determined that it was either timing issues or the carburetors. Fixed those issues before, especially with carburetors on motorcycles. Anyways, right when i began to head up the freeway towards my home, it started to constantly overheat. Had it towed. Solved the overheating issue and the timing. Ran a little bit better everyday that i had it this summer. Ended up doing a pressure test on the cylinders, Major power issues with it driving. Cylinders 2-3 had no pressure at all. (0-20) compared to 195-200. Took the head off, my hunch was correct, blown head gasket. The guy before me ran it with a blown head gasket for so long that the piston in cyl. No. 2 has holes in it and the cylinder wall is going to need boring out. Took it to a shop that rebuilds engines. Quoted me $1,600. Another shop quoted me $1,300. Generally for a rebuild, not that much, but i just started college and i got a new job twenty miles away. Should i hold on to my Z and make it into a project while i save up money for another car? or should i get rid of it? It would hurt so much to get rid of her. Overall, the car is still solid, mostly surface rust. Thanks everyone!

[Z dreams]

For the short term, I would shop for a good running engine.

[Mark Maras]

I agree, a good used engine is not that hard to find, Pull the valve cover, spark plugs and give it a compression test. You might even find a club member that has a spare. Mark

[shamrockO'Bolger]

Should I keep it original with the L24? ? Or should I take the time to get an L25 or L28?

[shamrockO'Bolger]

Sorry, I'm on my phone. I mean L26 not L25 haha. Thanks for replying guys.

[Zed Head]

These engines are pretty durable when well-maintained. Here's one in your area. Wouldn't be surprised if it was fine inside if it was stored correctly. Some oil, a battery and a starter might tell something.

Datsun 240Z Engine Complete

An L28 would accept the L24 parts but you'd probably have to retune the carbs. 17% more displacement will add some power though. The EFI system is pretty easy to swap over also if you wanted make the switch.

DATSUN STRONG RUNNING COMPLETE L28 MOTOR

[Mark Maras]

I'd go with an L24. Bolt it up & drive it. No screwing around modifying this & that to get it to run. Being in college, you'll need a reliable car that won't take up your time & money. Mark

[mjr45]

I agree with Mark, find a good used L24 drop it in and go, then take your old motor and take your time and a little cash at a time and rebuild it into a better motor, just my 2¢.