If you can still get one?  http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PTQ0/2321/02257.oap?year=1978&make=Nissan&model=280Z&vi=1209260&ck=Search_cylinder+head_1209260_1075&keyword=cylinder+head

$414 isn't bad but which head is that?

I have a vague memory of exploring the source of those O'Reilly's heads in the past.  I think that they source them and rebuild them when orders come in.

I just called O"Reillys and asked about one.  They said that they special order it from Power Torque and it should show up in one week.

I got on the Google and found these.  Very recent.  There's always somethin;...  https://power-torque-engines.pissedconsumer.com/ 

http://www.bbb.org/dallas/business-reviews/engines-rebuild-and-exchange/power-torque-engines-in-grand-prairie-tx-90405420/complaints 

Hate to be a downer.  They might do great with high volume stuff like small block chevys.  So many ways to go wrong with the L6 head though.  Cam lobes, valve seats, cracks...

 

 

2 hours ago, Patcon said:

$414 isn't bad but which head is that?

Just by looking at the picture, It's a N47.  But who knows what you would get if you actually ordered one?

It's a N47. Looks like it anyway. The N47 has the "sleeves" in the exhaust ports.

It's getting harder and harder to find anyone with experience on the engines anymore.

Looks like the post triggered quite a few responses.  The rebuild book has been ordered and should have it early next week.  I am very old school when it comes to repair manuals.  Give me a hands on book any day.  I can turn pages more successfully than navigate with a computer.  I am so old school, I still do not have a cell phone.  I prefer having the head work done by a reputable small shop.  Too many of the REMAN parts get less than top quality work at the big mass rebuild-reman facilities.  It is mostly about volume and profit rather than quality craftsmanship.  O'Reillys does seem to have more vintage car parts readily accessible than most of the other big chain auto parts stores.I just may order one of the Sealed Power #MR1895 valve lash pads and compare them to the originals.  I will be keeping the stock cam and the valve seats actually look pretty good so the stock lash pads should be the correct size.  I will definitely have the head tested for cracks and checked for flatness before proceeding further with the machine work.  I still have to remove the freeze plug and the stubborn rear exhaust stud that was snapped off below the head surface when I bought the project.  According to the seller the car was running when parked.  I always have a hard time believing those stories.  Thanks again for all the input.  I will try to keep the project progress updated.  John-Lugoff, SC.