Oiluj

Try sqiurting a "small" amount of fuel into the intake. You may not be getting any / enough fuel.

I added a rubber strip to the bottom of my spook, mostly for looks, but it does protect the paint on the front lip from scrapes on the curb. (Ask me how I know this).

Drove the Z today to meet a former co-worker for lunch, and while on highway 92 saw a green 510 with a white racing stripe. I speed-up to pull along side and we both gave each other a thumbs-up. Last weekend I saw a early 70's Datsun pick-up at home depot. Driver was retiered and is the original owner, and it's still driven daily. About three weeks ago, I spotted a series one 240Z parked on the street at an apartment complex about 2 blocks from my home. Left a message on his windshield, last week, but so far no word. Nice to see other datsuns on the road!

I have the toyota 4x4 brakes with solid rotors, rear drums and adjustible proportioning valve. It's the best stopping car we own. More than adequate for city driving.

I found I have an exhaust leak, (very minor), at the manifold to block. It's a 4 hour fix, but it's still a good bit of work. Plan to order a new gasket this Friday.

I've had one phone interview and have my first on-site interview this week. It's very competitive out there. Lots of engineers vying to land the same jobs. I'm fully prepared to be unemployed till Spring, but hope to have a new job before New Years. We'll see how it goes... Besides tinkering on the Z and doing work on the homestaed, I'm using the time to improve my CAD skills. I have some skill using Pro Engineer, but less than one year experience using SolidWorks. SolidWorks is now the dominant CAD tool, so I purchased a copy of SoildWorksW 2012 and am spending a couples hours each day getting more familiar with it. For now, I stilll prefer the look & feel of Pro/E, but SW is a very capable package. I figure if I don't find a job, I might be able to do free-lance CAD work on a part-time basis. So far, it's all good!

I woke the beast under the hood of my neighbor's 72 automatic yesterday and installed the seats. Not too much more to do before it's back on the road! Pics later this week.

Wow! An original owner. I know you folks are out there, (like my next door neighbor), but you are few and far between...

How about a polo shirt w/ embroidered logo? That I'd buy!

Sweet! Looks great.

Looks really good, and cheaper than domestic pricing. I'd be in for doing a set of taillight bars.

Sounds like the BRZ might be a good daily driver, with the Z for weekends...

All these cars have classic lines, even the Mopar. I happen to really like the lines of the Mopar. They were unique for the time and still is attractive today. The Z falls into a similar category for it's time and price point relative to the competition. For me, the Muria tops the list. I might dis-agree with a couple of the others though as being in the "top ten". To my eye, the 246 Dino is far prettier than the 275. Regarding "aggressive" looks, pick-ups have followed suit on this theme in the past decade. It's marketing to testosterone, pure and simple. Just my 2 cents...

I'd restore old sports cars and old sailboats...

Bell Bottoms?

Well said...

Too Funny. Wish mine sounded like that!

That's exactly what I did, except I didn't have a lathe.__Chucked the shaft in a drill press and made a holder for a section of hack-saw blade to make the groove, followed by a fine file.__Wasn't nearly as pretty as CO's, but it worked fine...

Chris, Whaddya mean I don't get to use the secret handshake? My Z came from the Datsun dealer in 1972 with the side molding, louvers and 4-slot mags... BTW, I agree with you on the yellow plated hose clamps... Mine has mosty non-stock clamps at this point. I just can't justify the high cost of original style clamps compared to high quality screw clamps. Of course, since my Z isn't really "original", (toyota 4x4 front calipers, Rebello stroker, eibach springs, etc), - guess I can't use the secret handshake anyway!

Wow guys! Thanks for all the advice and support. I really can't relocate, as my wife has a small business here. Moving would mean her starting-over... __ Getting another engineering job in the SF area is going to be a challenge, but there are other options. I've been a project manager several times in my career, (though I'm not certified), I can look for opportunities in that arena. __ I also worked several years as a quality engineer. __ This coming week I plan to update my CV and linked-in page. __ I am a pretty self-motivated guy, so I may even consider changing careers. Need to look at the market and make some decisions. As was pointed-out, there are "interim" job strategies... __ I know one engineer who became a "cash basis" handyman. __ Sailboat repair is another possible interim opportunity. __ I grew-up working in my father's boat shop and have the skills. Though it's been many years, I've been through this before. __ One just has to maintain a positive attitude and be dilligent in the job search. __ Eventually, I'll find a good job. I really appreciate all your comments. __ And I do plan to take advantage of having some free time!

Nice Job! You have to use "proffesional grade" adhesive or it will droop when it gets hot in Summer. (Ask me how I know...)

How do you know the file was a bastard? I agree with John. After scraping, heavy "Scotchbrite" and some solvent has worked for me with no damage to the surface.

After 15 years with the company, I was layed-off yesterday. Cons: 1) At my age, getting another engineering job's going to be difficult. _ Have to see what happens. Who knows, I may have to re-invent myself... Pros: 1) Got some severence, so I have time for a job search / no reason to panic. 2) I'll have some time to complete my Z! (A/C hose, fix minor details, install the 5-speed). 3) I'll be able to finish my neighbor's Z cosmetic refresh. 4) I'll even be able to go sailing every week through Summer!

It's refreshing to read everyone's differing opinions. Shows the range of how people here view their cars. While I may not agree with all viewpoints, I don't question that we all chose our Z's for somewhat similar reasons. I admit to having a certain amount of "emotion" when it comes to S30's, especially 240's. I heartily agree with others regarding the sound of the engine. It's got an underlying, "gritty" mechanical sound, not duplicated in mechanically quiet modern engines. And as stated above, the exhaust music from an inline 6 at higher revs is distinctive. I think the evolution of the L-series engine, (with modification, capable of generating 300+ HP), probably would have exceeded Mr. K's desire for more power... As I indicated above, the feline, exterior lines of the Z are unmistakable. There are add-ons and modifications that can skew the look of the car in both positive and negative ways. I love to see well done changes that highlight the positive aspects of the Z's design. Interior mods, for me, are more of a form-follows-function thing as far as I'm concerned. In terms of performance upgrades, better brakes, engine tuning, suspension mods are all worthwile changes, (especially if reversible. to stock). These can be accomplished without any significant change to the look and feel of the car. Lastly, my view is of the S30 is as a rally, auto-x or road-race car. They were not designed to be dragsters, especially when compared to muscle cars of the era. The Z's at it's best racing through the curves "at-speed".

If you can't find them, try McMaster-Carr. http://www.mcmaster.com