rcb280z

Looks like Varsol is a "light" thinner. Probably not hot enough. But beware like everyone is saying, it could do more damage than good. I would still go to the shop that is guilty of this and make them fix it. You spent a good dollar for the paint job, not to mention it's the right thing to do.

Must have sold it, listing was deleted by owner.

I recommend the same thing; a full dash cover. Then again if you want to try a solvent call another auto body shop and ask them what to use. If it doesn't work, cover it.

Yeah you may have better luck locating a complete intake with the egr, tube and the "spacer" that sits below the egr. I did not know that MSA sold the OE style exhaust manifold. If it was me, knowing how CA is, I would start looking for all the OE stuff and get it done. This way you are smog legal. I'll talk with my smog guy and see what he says about the exhaust header. See if he will offer any info. It's unfortunate that the PO removed it. It doesn't affect power. I have ran mine both ways and didn't notice any power difference. I will check my "stock" this weekend to see if I have anything.

Yeah you need to get a muffler shop(?) to install a bung on the header to accept an egr tube. Or replace the header with a stock manifold (if you can find one in descent shape), or a header with an egr bung already welded on. I know MSA sells them. As far as smog goes it must be the county you live in because I have no issues here in Ventura county and I was told that this county is more strict than any others. The other thing is the color (silver) of your header and the fact the heat shield between the intake and the header is missing. That hides most of the header. Maybe if you can find one of those and install it along with the egr and tube and paint the header black it may help your situation. You haven't said whether you failed strictly because of visual or a combo of visual and tail pipe emissions. Need that info as well. I'm assuming at this time its due to visual only. Maybe contact the PO and ask if he still has the old parts.

What did the shop recommend as far as exhaust manifold / header goes? I believe I mentioned in your last thread that I run an exhaust header with the egr and tube and is hooked up and working. No smog issues. I pass with flying colors. I'd be willing to bet you failed due to lack of egr not the header. Need more details. Exactly why you failed. No guessing as to why. Also would recommend going to a shop that knows these cars. I know how to read the smog results so post a pic of that as well.

Black with orange stitching will look sharp. Can't wait to see them when you are done. I'm looking at doing mine soon. This is just added motivation watching you guys do it. Excellent!

I think the same Dennis. Walter Moore, it's a miracle you weren't hurt any worse than you were. Such a bummer about your Z. I'm no body guy but do you think it can be fixed? Hope you feel better soon.

I would like to know where you found that info. It is NOT correct. Download a factory service manual. 02 sensors were not used until later on, like in the 1980's. For the Z car that is.

I've had my 77 smogged 3 different times by 3 different shops over the past 6 years and they looked at it and didn't say anything. They made sure the egr tube was connected to the header though, so..... I don't know if there is a CARB number. Not one that I know of. Maybe most techs realize that the original manifold isn't available any longer?

No 02 sensors needed. Just go to a local "reputable" muffler shop and have them install a cat for your car. I had to do the same thing when I moved back to Ca. It cost me, when I finally got around to taking it in, around $250. Is that all that's not smog legal on your 77? You can run headers if you want. Just make sure it has provisions for the egr tube. MSA sells one. It's what I installed on my 77.

Ditto! I bought them and am happy as well. I believe it was about 3 years that I installed them.

And you have to look hard to see where the 2 ends meet. Nice job!

Nice!! Wish I could have been there.

It would be cool if the person or persons were still alive that are responsible. Could be an interesting little story.

Well, hopefully you can enjoy the Z now.

^^^agreed^^^. A few unanswered questions for sure.

Well that eliminates piston "rocking" so...........??

Was noticing the same thing. I was questioning; how old are those pistons, really?

I dont understand, there is no damage, that I can see, on those skirt pieces. If it made contact with the crank shouldn't there be noticeable damage of some sort?

Hey rossiz, does your neighbor drive a camry?

Zed Head, I couldn't make out what it said (the markings) on those pistons until you posted it. I can see it now that I know what I'm looking at.

Are there marks or damage of some sort on the crankshaft? Hopefully the mechanic in S.D. is checking dimensions between the sets. Can't wait to hear what he says about it.

Beautiful interior! Love what you did with the cup holder. I just have to do the dash and seats and my 5/77 interior is done. I'm saving the hardest for last. Hope I can do it. Oh, great write up! Lots of info.

Yep I'm here to tell ya, it will destroy the rear defrost. I lived in Vegas for 17 years and tinted my windows. The thing is, eventually you'll have to remove it due to blistering and discoloring. There is no way to remove the film from the back glass without damaging the delicate defrost grid. So if you like and or have the louvers I would use them and maybe tint the side windows. It was the most miserable experience I've had yet with my Z, removing the old tint. My back glass had 2 layers. I think that's how they did it 20+ years ago. The darker the tint the more layers you got. Thinking about it, my tint was on for 24 years before I removed it. Had to heat it to remove the tint and most of the adhesive and then wait for the glass to cool so I could scrape the glass free of the residue. Not fun!