gabe

Thanks Arne and KTM for the input. I truly appreciate it. I purchased an N42 but then showed up and was told the N42 didn't pass the compression test so he was giving me the P90A instead and that it was a better engine. As an idiot I took it without realizing it wasn't as good as the N42 for my purposes. Had already rented an engine hoist so I took it----dumb mistake. Anyway, I appreciate your input and expertise and am better informed for it. I contacted the seller and he agreed to sell me a P79 re-built head for $200 bucks and I install it myself or I can wait for an N42. How hard is it to install a new head on a block? Is it hard or should I wait for an N42?

I'm told the P90A cam is stock and that it has over-sized flat top pistons with a compression of around 9.1/1. Is that good? Will the stock Cam not for for someone who just wants an SU Carb set-up? Am I better off getting an N42 or a P79 and selling the P90A for someone who wants a turbo?

I own a '73 240z and want to swap out the original engine for more power. I recently just bought a P90a F54 rebuilt engine and was wondering if this is a good set-up or not to run SU's on a '73 240z? I initially was going to by just an L28 N42 Long block but was told the P90A F54 was a better engine for the same price. I don't know if I got taken or not. Now that I have it, is it a better set-up than just rebuilding the original engine. I know the P90A F54 is off of an '83ZX and that the P90A had hydraulic lifters (I don't know what that means cause I don't know much about engines---how often do the lifters go bad and how hard are they to replace?) And I know the P90A is set up for a turbo----I don't want a turbo, I want SU's. Do I keep the P90A F54 or do I keep just the F54 Block and change the head---is this hard to do? If I do just need to change the head on the F54---how do you do that and where do you get one? Someone please help!

Thanks Gary----I appreciate the vote of confidence. And the heads up on the linkage and spacers. ---Tom

Thanks guys----L28 it is!! And I think I'll keep the L24 too. I'll make sure to check and see what year the L28 came from and check on the exhaust ports. Thanks you so much for the heads up. You guys help a lot of people and are truely appreciated! Thanks again.

I have a '73 240z with the original engine and just bought a L28 long block to put in it to get more HP. Is there really that much horsepower in an L28 and is it work it to put it in and take out the original. It runs fine except that it has the crappy Hitachi carbs that need to be swapped out for SU's from Z Therapy. Am picking up the engine this weekend but wondering if it's worth it for the extra HP. I'm also planning on switching it to a 280z 5-speed. Any comments?

I am planning on putting on a R200 diff in the rear anyway so would a 280zx tranny be better than a 280z?

I'm currently swapping my '73 240z L24 for a 280z L28 N42 and putting in a new 5-speed tranny. I've been getting great help from you guys and I have another question. Is there any advantage over a 280z 5-speed and a 280zx non-turbo 5-speed Tranny? And if I go with a 280zx tranny, I should get the R200 differential? I don't know much about cars but from what I've read is it has something to do with the gear ratios? Also, I live in Valencia, CA. about 30 miles north of L.A.---do any of you know of any good Z shops and also where I can find parts? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys for all of your help. Your wisdom brings me wisdom. Many thanks.

Thanks Matt and EZZZZZZ----I really appreciate your help. I live in Valencia, Ca. about 30 miles north of L.A. I should probably put in a new clutch at the same time, right? Have any ideas as to which ones are good. Not going to race her but do want a good performing clutch incase I want to open her up. Tom

First of all let me say that I'm new to this club and I think it's great that everyone helps one another with their Z's. After all, we all love our Z's. Anyway, I don't know much about cars but am learning everyday reading these threads. I'm sure this one has been covered before but can't find it right now. I own a '73 240z that I'm fixing up and just recently bought a L28 280z long block for it. As far as I know the 280z engine will fit in the 240 with no problems, right? Also, I want to make it a 5 speed so I've read that you can put in a 280zx tranny into it as well. Is that right? I called a guy who supplies them and he said they may have shorten the Drive Line for it to work---is that true and what is the Drive Line? Is the 280zx tranny better than a regulary 280z tranny? Is there different gear ratios? I ask for all of your input and guidance for a newbie. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I hate to ask these dumb questions but I'm a newbie and don't know alot about car mechanics. I own a '73 240z with the original transmission and want to put in a 5-speed transmission from a 280zx. I've read that these will work in a 240z, correct? I spoke to a guy who supplies them and he said that they will have to probably shorten the drive line to make it fit----is that true and what is the drive line? Is it an easy swap or is this a big problem to do? I beg for your guidance and suggestions. I should also say that I'm putting in a L28 engine from a 280z. I don't know if that makes a difference or not as far as the drive line. As far as I know the L28 will fit in the 240z with no adjustments made.