Zed Head

The bolt patterns and centering/locating ring sizes are the same for the 240Z - 280ZX NA cars (non-FS5R90A transmission). Sometimes there is confusion about square versus round flanges but Nissan made both with the same pattern and size for the 280Z's. I have one of each. I also have differentials from 1976 up to 1983. I have a 1983 diff in my 1976 car with 1980 NA transmission right now, with a 1978 propeller shaft.The shape of the flange does NOT indicate the pattern and locating ring size. 300ZX's are different size but came with a square flange also. On the length: the propeller shaft lengths are shown in the PD (Propeller shaft and differential) chapters of the FSM's. I'd use those numbers over anybody's well-intentioned efforts with a tape measure. But for the cost of shortening a 280ZX propeller shaft you could probably find a 280Z shaft somewhere. Maybe even two or three. They last a long time.

Pretty cool. I wonder if the AFM that system used had the idle air bypass port. Goes to show another way for the cat-skinner. Has anybody ever seen a cat skin or a skinned cat? Who started that saying?

Some people are converting more modern systems to their old Z's. Make the car do what you want it to do.

You must be talking about the manual air vents. I've wondered about those. I have the AC system and all of the external air comes though the central heating/cooling system, through the cowl supply, described in the FSM chapter. I've never seen a good description of the vents with the manual pull knobs, which, I assume, only came with AC-delete cars. I have pondered adding them to my car, since the combinations offered with the AC system are kind of strange, with the Bilevel and the Fresh and the Defrost.

Are you using stock suspension bushings or aftermarket urethane? Looks like a fun car but the important details are sparse, re your problem. And springs don't care if they're upside down or downside up, it doesn't matter, unless the perches match the ends (which would be unusual). If you meant front to back backwards, that's a whole different thing, since they're different rates.

The Mallory is a complete distributor designed for the Mallory module. I don't think that points will drop in there. Or a Pertronix unit (now I see what you meant in your first post. I don't think that's an option). I may be wrong. The Pertronix is a points replacement product, used in the stock distributor. Points will drop back in there.

From certain angles a recent Mercedes seems to have some Z car design elements. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercedes-Benz_SLS_AMG_in_New_York_City.jpg And the new designs seem to be following the same path the Z car design did. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/mercedes/amg-gt/

Also note that all of these old hot rod brands are now under the name of Accel Performance Group. They're just names now. Prestolite, Accel, Mallory, etc. Click through from a Mallory page and you'll end up on a variety of different pages with those names. Got carried away and found out the modules are out of stock also. So, basically, any parts you find are just leftover from the last big manufacturing run. If the demand is't high enough "out-of-stock" will change to "discontinued". They won't make any more. http://info.mallory-ignition.com/support/faq.html http://mallory-ignition.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=605+module (out-of-stock) http://mallory-ignition.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=6100m+module (out-of-stock)

You can't go wrong using the coil resistance specified for your 240Z and its ballast resistor. It will be an old "low energy" ignition system though. About the same overall effect as installing a Pertronix unit in the stock distributor. And you'll want to think about your timing advance curves, to get best performance. The Mallory site says MAL-4563901 is out-of-stock also. So if the module does get damaged, you may not be able to get replacement parts. More buzz-kill. It's a dilemma. There aren't many ways to spend your way up to higher quality any more. I get the idea but, from what I see, Mallory seems like a product on its way out. Out-of-stock x 3. If you have one, keep running it until it dies, but if not, another option might be a better starting point. The ZX distributors, or 280Z with a high-energy module (HEI or MSD), seem well-supported, and easy to wire. Not sure where 123 is business-wise, but they've been around with other car brands for many years so odds are they're safe.

If you post the part number of the Mallory unit you're planning to install people can offer more advice. I think that the fragility of the Unilite module was addressed by Mallory quite a while ago. It may not be an issue any more. Maybe that's what the "power filter" is for. Both Unilite and the Datsun-focused Pertronix parts are old technology that has been farmed out to cheap manufacturers and is barely supported anymore by anyone, from what I've seen. That's why parts are "out of stock". The name still holds sway, but the product is not "high-tech" anymore. I could be wrong but that's the impression I get. Low volume product just doesn't get the company support that the money-making stuff does. Not to harsh your mellow but something to think about. http://mallory-ignition.com/mmy/results/index/?top=%E2%A4%B7+Distributors+and+Components&top-val=%E2%A4%B7+Distributors+and+Components&year=1970&year-val=1970&make=NISSAN&make-val=NISSAN&model=240Z+L6+2.4+LITER&model-val=240Z+L6+2.4+LITER&engine=Engine&engine-val=&trans=Transmission&trans-val=&brand=Mallory&brand-val=Mallory&mmy-sku= https://prestoliteperformance.com/media/instructions/mallory/Mallory_Instructions_unilite_distributor_wiring_diagram_test_procedure_1214M_0000.pdf

"Unilite" refers to the triggering mechanism for spark. You shouldn't need any Pertronix parts. Pertronix uses magnets, Unilite uses LED light. It should install just like the 2363901, except that there will be no place to attach a vacuum advance hose.

Another one I came across. Who knows? But they don't have a physical address so still sketchy. I sent an e-mail asking for a quote. http://www.gearheadengines.com/products/showPart?year=1978&make=Nissan&model=280z&part_num=321&id_num=86612&selector=gasEngine

Here's an informative link - http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/classic12c Seems like there's an opportunity here for somebody. If only I had taken a different path when younger...

His price on long blocks really isn't terrible - $2500 + $300 >> $2800. And the P90 head. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Z-240Z-280Z-ZX-Rebuilt-Long-Block-Engine-Motor-TURBO-P90-Head-F54-L28-/151585757437?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item234b3718fd versus Powertorque (OReilly Auto), with the N47 head. $1969 + $260 (core) >> $2229. http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PTQ1/321/02239.oap?year=1982&make=Nissan&model=280ZX&vi=1209350&ck=Search_engine+block-long_1209350_2513&keyword=engine+block-long BUT - it looks like Powertorque is a little shady also - http://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 No dependable mass market rebuilds out there.

Can't help it folks. When I see this guy's stuff I have to say something. Looks like he has reloaded, raised his prices,and is plowing ahead. These are early Mustang mirrors. I have a set on my car, bought from MSA. Probably where he gets them too. Nice mark-up, if you can get it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Nissan-Z-240Z-260Z-280ZX-510-620-521-Truck-Chrome-Door-Mirrors-70-83-/400861532256?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d55359060 http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/50-1164

She would have first said "Gad!" when she saw this on eBay. Notice that it's "Built to order" with "Polished Valve Cover". The guy is amazing, just keeps asking for more and more... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-510-521-610-620-L20B-Rebuilt-Long-Block-Engine-Motor-Head-w-Warranty-/151563859150 **On Sale This Week Only** NOT Actual Engine shown, we build them to order. Get this at a SUPER SALE!Normally $2500! POLISHED VALVE COVER AS SHOWN INCLUDED.

Those look like Hulk hands. Don't get angry! I had a thought on your copper spray question - better check the head for warpage. Copper spray = head gasket or head change = potential overheating = potential warpage. Although, since you're playing with the N47 head on the L24 block, it may not be relevant. Your title is "Rebuild" but it seems like you might be leaning toward "Performance build".

They do look good. Did they send the ZPaste along with the rockers? Wonder if they've always done that or if the recent cam destruction cases have made an impact. Maybe we should thank Leon and madkaw for their sacrifices, along with yours, re DPLLC.

Yep, the toothpaste is out of the tube now... On wiring diagrams - Saridout's wiring diagram links in his past messages don't work anymore so I sent him a message. He's moved them to a new spot. I put the links at the end of his previous messages so that no one has to come here to get them.

New links - http://sridout.com/storage/datsun/70circuit_COLORFINAL.pdf http://sridout.com/storage/datsun/72circuit_COLOR4.pdf

New link - http://sridout.com/storage/datsun/76circuit_COLOR.pdf Thanks to saridout. He's out there somewhere.

The recommendation about the crossmember is good, but the later model Z's used rubber bushings on the member/body mounting points. So it won't be rigid like an early 240Z would be. False sense of security. Still, you could tack in a brace or two, or drill a few holes to mount some strategic braces.

Come Oooonnnnnn! You can't be serious!!!!!! Cars!!!! Let's not discuss this at all.

Nice pictures. I can see the factory hone marks in the cylinders but also the classic rust line of an engine that's been sitting (my old one has that). I see that you have a chain tensioner block installed. Like you haven't decided yet how far to tear it down.

Is it not described in the FSM? Nissan did a good job of showing how to tear down their transmissions. MT chapter, choose something like 1986 300ZX. http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/nissan-300zx-factory-service-manuals.html