The old engine smoked like a 3 pack/day habit. The new engine is freshly rebuilt, has flat top pistons, and an N47 Maxima head. That's a nice combo. I am going to find out if there is a build sheet on it, too. My friend who led the swap thinks it has an interesting cam, too. As I was putting on the valve cover, I was stunned by the valvetrain. You could eat off it...if you didn't mind synthetic oil in your food.

I've been using Quaker State Defy on my last rebuild. Did a valve adjustment the other day and I would swear it looks better than when I put it together. Very pleased with that oil and it's contents, high zinc level. 

Bought a set of long stalk mirrors to replace my short stalks. Hope it will look good and that they arrive without any damage.

Yesterday actually----

Took advantage of the warmest temperatures for the date in over 100 years to change the rear brake drums on my 73 240Z.

Let me tell you a story----

In the frenzy of activity made in preparation for ZCON 2015 in Memphis my paint shop took it upon themselves to paint my suspension.

While this would normally be a good thing (and it was) there was just one small detail they overlooked in their zeal.

They painted the brake drums black!

NOOOooooooo----say it ain't soooo! With no time remaining to reverse this I went on to the show.

The blackened brake drums had bugged me ever since but--- as is often the case with such things-- they were relegated to a "back burner" status in the scheme of life.

Quite some time back,while musing through the pages of Motorsports (MSA) site, I saw a listing for new aluminum--not steel-- brake drums. Being a stickler for originality, I bookmarked in my mind that someday I should purchase a set of them as they are difficult--- if not near impossible--- to find new.

I mentioned my discovery to my very good friend Jim Smirlies  @S30Driver (or alternatively Jim2). He opined that "Yes", that would be a nice item to squirrel away for "future proofing".

Time passes----

Jim comes to the Zup house frequently and we invited him to share Christmas Day with us for the usual camaraderie of gifting,dinner and football.

Kagy (my significant other) handed me a large beautifully wrapped box with a tag which read "Holiday Cheers" that  when opened read "To: Jim   From: Jim2   "Merry Christmas".

 Needless to say I was completely blown away! 

It was a set of those brake drums from Jim. I was absolutely stunned! Such a thoughtful friend! Too much!

Fast forward to the record breaking warmth of yesterday------------

Jim and I jacked up the rear of my 73 Z  ("Zilver") and removed the offending black drums and installed the pristinely beautiful, raw aluminum silver gift set.

While doing so, we gave a good cleaning to the "McGard" lugnuts that Jim2 had tasked Captain Obvious @Captain Obvious to specially modify to fit my American Racing Libre rims.

I can report that after 2 years of exhaustive, daily commute, high speed road use and exposure to the harshest of Ozark climactic elements, the "McGard" lugnuts are as nice as day one, and that CO still remains as the provider "nonpareil" of lugnuts.

Life is very good at the Zup garage and I am fortunate indeed.

Thank you Jim2 and Captain Obvious! You guys are the best!

The obligatory photos of these extraordinary acts of friendship and kindness follow:

Jim D.

"Zup"

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 13, 20178 yr by Zup

I love seeing photos of your car, Jim @Zup

Short stalk mirrors off and Long stalk mirrors on.

Had to roll her out of the garage to take a look at the new mirrors.

Got the master cylinder swapped over. Now I can move it out for a wash, tomorrow we ride.

Replaced all fuel hose with new and used stainless steel clamps. The diameter of the new hose was too small for the old clamps and all of them had to be replaced. It was also a good time to replace the fuel pressure regulators and filter.


Sent from my iPad using Classic Zcar Club mobile

installed new set of tires! whoo hoo!

Changed the brake shoes and pads. Took it out for a nice drive. 

Took the Z out today for a few miles today. 74 degrees and Sunshine in GA today.  February. go figure.  Right off the bat got challenged by a Honda Civic breadbox (83'-87') with a dangling muffler.   PA LEEZ!  In all fairness, it did have some kind of LED lights zip tied to the grill.