Mark Maras

I'm cleaning up two round top carbs that came on a 2.8 engine in a 260 project car. Obviously they are not original to either. One carb has a damaged top, I took an original top and piston from a early 71 carb. Upon comparing the jet needle length I found the early 71 jet was about an eighth of an inch longer than the one that came off the car. Both needles are installed to the proper height. Were there different lenghth needles from the factory or am I dealing with a replacement? If it is a replacement what advantage do the short needles provide? Mark in Portland

Thanks I tried the Z store, so far haven't been able to reach them on website or E-Mail. Will keep trying. Mark

Does anyone out there know where to buy the rear sill replacement panel for a 240-260? Mine is beyond repair and needs to be replaced. Mark in Portland, Or.

That sounds like another excellent place to check. As I'm cleaning it, haven't started yet, I'm going to inspect all surfaces of the water jacket in the head and block. If I should find anything suspect, does anyone out there have any ideas or experience with testing methods to confirm damage or is this going to be obvious?

Thanks Guys I'll check the thermostat housing. I've considered condensation. I don't know much about the history of the engine, When I pulled the pan the oil was an emulsion with some separate water. The engine appears to only have 92,000 miles on it. Not even a ridge in the top of the cylinders. After checking everything I can, I'm going to pull the 75 engine out and reinstall the original 74 engine. I'm open to any and all suggestions on this project. Keep em coming. Thanks Mark

Thanks I'll do that. Any other places to check? Mark

My experience with my 71 was interesting. BP6ES always worked fine over decades. When I changed spark plug wires to copper I had massive radio static which I eliminated with Volkswagen Beetle spark plug boots, They screw into the wire and have a resister in them. This eliminated the static and I never had a problem with them and they didn't effect the performance in any way. Good Luck Mark

Thanks For the info. The 71 Z is complete. What are the advantages in using the head and cam from the 71? The 74 engine does have notched cylinders. Am I to assume the head gasket is the only place that will leak water into the oil with the possible exception of a cracked block? Mark

Water in the oil! I have an engine out of a 74-260 Z that reportedly has a blown head gasket with water in the oil. After pulling the pan and head, the inside looks pristine. The engine has 92,00 original miles on it. The oil doesn't have much water in it. The color is dark grayish brown and very opaque. Evidently the engine was not run very long with the emulsion of oil and water. My question is if the head gasket is not leaking, where did the water come from? The only place in the head gasket that looked bad was up front where it overlaps the front cover. This is the original engine out of the 260 & I'd like to use it. I'd appreciate any and all ideas that you may have. I will be pulling the 75 engine out, that came in the car, and will probably sell it to finance more restoration. I also have a complete 71 Z with a very rusted out body but full of very usable parts if any one is interested. location is Portland, Oregon. Thanks Mark

I have a complete 71 parts car and a 74 260 that I'm currently restoring. at this point in time I don't think I will be using the 260 emblems since the car will be a combination of 71 and 74 parts. I will probably replace the 260 emblems with Fairlady Z emblems that Santa brought for Christmas. I will take a look at the 260 emblems when I get home & let you know the condition of them if you're interested. Thanks Mark mmaras@scsfence.com

Santa brought an engine hoist, engine stand, Fairlady Z emblems. and a new Datsun cap. Now the next labor of love begins. Mark Maras