zalex

Thanks guys. I understand how everything works now. I've got the 'lobe' and the pump. Hopefully I'll have it up and running on carbs within a few days.

Confused, I need something in addition to the mechanical fuel pump? I'm getting it for free so might as well put it in.

Found a post. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21574

Okay, my friend is giving me a part that goes bolts onto the head, near the timing chain, on the passenger side (for lack of a better way to express the side). Is that the fuel filter?

I've been searching these forums and google to find a basic efi to carb "how to" type thing, but I must be missing it. I'm a beginner, so a point in the right direction towards a website or a basic checklist would help. My story is my head was warped off my 1978 280z, so I was given a decent head, e88, for a 1972 240z. I have it installed, finding out the fuel injected manifold won't fit, I've decided to use the parts I was also given to convert it to carbed, stock carbs and manifold, airbox. Do I need a new fuel pump or just a regulator? Do I need a different computer, or do carbs not use one? Is there anything else I need?

I am taking much advice into consideration. I called a local machine shop that was referred to me by a Z owner in my town. They said they would repair a warped or cracked head for 300 (depending on the damage maybe less, working with me on the price.) That isn't too expensive for me, knowing it will probably be worth it after when I can get it driving. My mailman has offered to help with his experience after I gave him some 240 wheels I didn't need. Generosity pays off. Honesty I am afraid of what I've gotten myself into. But I've already gotten myself into it, and I don't feel like giving up and selling. Another question: do I drain the oil beforehand or after the work?

Thanks guys! Ill let him know.

To SteveJ: I'm sorry for not including specific details, but my car started fine, meaning I know everything worked fine, new battery, good ignition coil, computer running fine, new connectors all in place... and on. I just know that my car stopped starting once I found the symptoms for the gasket. I'm assuming that would mean it's not starting because of the compression. I guess I should include that next time, I just didn't want to write for days. All I really wanted to know was if a blown head gasket would keep my car from running, and describing briefly the details leading up to this problem.

It's definitely not about finding a mechanic in Orlando, I would just rather not pay for auto shop cost. I am going to try to replace the head gasket tomorrow morning myself. I knew I would have to replace it, but I was just wondering if it would cause my car to not start as it has been.

Well I would just want to fix it temporarily with the additive until I could find someone to help me out. I've never done it, and I don't know a ton about working on cars. But I'm going to have to find out, hah. Not taking it to an auto shop. The engine cranks and sounds like it is going to start, and then doesn't.

I bought a 280z a few weeks ago and it started up and ran fine. There was water visible in the radiator when I got it home, and the oil was clear. Now after replacing the water with antifreeze and water, I have found I have a blown head gasket as shown from no liquid in the radiator and a milky oil color. Now my car won't start. I can't figure out why it won't start aside from the leaky head gasket. I'm going to try and seal it with some gunk you put in the radiator that will hopefully seal the leak from the inside. Any ideas?

Anyone got one? I'm looking for a friend, it's a black car

That would be awesome! I live about 20 minutes from UCF in Winter Park, and go through Oviedo often. I don't know if I am as forward as to ask him for help right now (if he offers and would enjoy it, I will gladly pay him), but it would be great to have a friend with a Z in town for advice and knowledge. I'll give you my email and you can send me his number off forum. Just give him a heads up in advance so it's not so out of the blue that some girl is calling him saying she has a Z. Hehe. alexiam90@hotmail.com Thanks!

I need some rocker panels, and floor pans welded onto my 280z and possibly the fender sections. Let me know if you're close by and how much you would charge, and I'll start ordering my pieces.

This is the right car to start with for the money I have. Out of all the Zs in my range, this is the only one that is worthy of driving. It's not terribly rusted underneath, but it does have rust. Even so if it turns out to be terrible, I can drive it around like you said, and buy a better one once I save some money. This one would be great for parts, the interior on the doors and top seats are almost perfect. It has a running engine, and has a mustang 5 speed tranny, and new ECU.

So I bought this the other day for 600. It definitely looks like $600, but the engine runs pretty well except for a minor miss when it idles. Hopefully soon it will start to look a bit nicer. I've done some under the hood maintenance and replaced some things in there, but mostly it needs a lot of body work, welding bits on and such. The guy I bought it from cut squares of rust out, and did his own DIY welding, as you can see in the pics. It's mostly on the rockers or sideboards. I'm getting some wheels off a 280zx this weekend, "Nazi" wheels, with new tires. It will eventually be the stock maroon color. I love it. A bit about me: I'm an 18 year old female, I go to UCF. I just recently found out how much I love Z cars. I saw one somewhere on craigslist when I was searching for a classic car to work on after my other car's engine broke down for good, and decided to only look for that kind of car to buy, nothing else. I live in Orlando. Any suggestions to body shops, or anyone do their own work here and willing to help?

Thanks guys, will have pics up today!

So I just grabbed a 1978 280z for 600, that runs! Now I'm looking for a Z club or something in my area (Orlando, Fl). Hope to hear from someone.

I dont have the picture of my car available at the moment, but here are the wheels that I am getting: <img src= "http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu85/jeffreysm/280zx1.jpg">

Well the 16s are on my car now with four bolt pattern. I'm not exactly sure if the wheels are 16, I'm just guessing by what I've seen, I never really read on the tire what they are. I've only had the car for a day.

Thanks! I have not done anything to the brakes, and I believe no one else has done anything extreme. I have now some wheels that are probably nissan 16s? (no idea what specs, and don't feel like going outside) and would need spacers to work because they rub on the struts. I guess I'm good to go, just hoping for at least one more reply just for a double check. Buying them for only 150 with tires mint. Yay!

I just bought a '77 280z with with some wheels that don't fit that I plan on taking off, and I'm buying a nazi set. They are off a '82 turbo 280zx. I believe the stock wheels on the z are 14s (no clue what width), these new wheels are 15x7s. Will they fit and not rub? Thanks!