Reptoid Overlords

I have built an F54/P79 with a shaved head and left the stock cam and stock EFI. It definitely made more power. The problem was even with 92 octane fuel it still had detonation. And that head is designed to combat detonation. Different motor combo but the same effect on compression. You'll have to be aware of detonation. Is California premium fuel 91 octane? I would add octane booster to the fuel and it would stop the detonation, but leave this orange crap all over the combustion chamber. Ended up sending another unmolested F54/P79 to Datsun Spirit in Northern VA. because I can't build a motor like those guys haha. So yes..It makes more power with the stock cam and stock EFI. It will detonate without octane booster.

If you're tearing down the bottom end you could replace your dish top Pistons with ZX flat tops for more compression and leave the stock EFI and stock cam. I believe it is getting difficult to find oversized pistons, but if your bores are within spec, you might still be able to get the stock size flat tops.

You posted files to be downloaded. You might try and post pictures that appear on the post as actual pictures instead of downloadable files. Some folks will be hesitant to download unknown files. Not sure how that happened, but whenever I want to upload pictures to a post I select "choose files" which appears to the right of a paper clip icon at the bottom of the block of text when making a new post. Then find the pictures wherever they are stored on your computer. I'm not accusing you of malicious intent, just want you to be able to sort out your problem.

No apologies necessary. That's great information.

Good stuff. The stock D16 is a great reliable engine, but just lacks the power I believe the car deserves. I got a good deal on a Japanese market B20B with higher compression(non- VTEC). Somewhere around $600 for all the parts to convert it plus timing belt water pump etc. Not trying to divert too far away from Z car subject matter, but what engine did you put in yours?

To put this to bed, I was able to use both left and right rear brake calipers from my parts car. I re-sealed them with the kits from Rockauto and they are doing just fine. Forgot to take pictures. That parts cars has payed off in dividends for sure. I've been diverting funds into the engine swap on my Civic so the free(or $20 in seals)repairs on the Z are most welcome.

It's always smart to use caution when there's a Storm warning for your area.

https://www.picknpull.com/check-inventory/vehicle-details/JN1HZ04SXCX452055 A ZX at Tacoma Pick n Pull. Might have a rear diff still intact.

Better watch out. The new ones listen to your conversations and start slinging ads for whatever you've been talking about haha. I used to worry that the government was listening until I realized that I really don't matter to them. Google on the other hand, really cares about making sure I get the best deal on a refrigerator or heat pump.

Not willing to re plant the seeds of rust on the Z, So I dug out the Honda Trail.

I rebuilt an L28 some time ago that is not currently installed in my car. I used a Fel-Pro head gasket and used no spray. It has slightly over 2k miles on it with no issues. I also recently used a Fel-Pro head gasket on my 1991 Mazda B2200 pickup with no spray. It is holding up fine after several hundred miles of daily lovely Seattle driving.

Maybe they are going for a 2CV type top?

$5k '78. Claimed as a runner with some rust. Sweet Betty Boop floor mats. https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/7568792845.html

I do have a Raybestos seal kit from Rockauto I was planning on installing today and having the car on the road. But the corrosion put a stop to that. I believe it's probably worth trying to either have re worked by a reputable shop or replacing. Good to know about Apex. I won't be doing anything crazy like that for some time. I recently re acquired my 1991 civic Si I sold many years ago and have a B20B from a Japanese CRV/Integra 5 speed to swap into it. I've run out of room in the garage so I was forced to replace that transmission's input shaft bearing in the kitchen. The Mrs. Is thrilled haha.

Yeah that's the later ZX rear caliper. I'm not above using that setup. I've wanted this rear suspension from Apex Engineered ever since I found out about it. it requires the later ZX rear calipers. Maybe I can convince my boss that a bigger bonus this year means I'll put more money into the economy and he'll be making America stronger. https://www.apexengineered.com/store/p79/Rear_Suspension_Kit.html

I'm not at all worried about keeping the OEM setup. I will likely research potential replacements from other cars that might have more availability once I have some time and a nice dark beer in my hand this evening . If such a thing even exists(The brake replacement that is). Thanks for the tip, and I'll keep that in mind as I explore options. Looks like these guys might be worth talking to out near Port Orchard/Bremerton. Other side of the Sound for me but possibly worth a ferry trip. https://www.goldlinebrakes.com/

After my last drive my friend noticed a little bit of brake fluid under the left rear wheel after getting it tucked back into the garage. With brake fluid being pretty much being made of Xenomorph blood I decided to tear into it sooner rather than later. It was soon obvious that the leak was coming from a failed caliper seal. No huge surprise as the rear calipers are the only things on the brake system that I have not gone through and replaced/reconditioned. Sadly, upon disassembly I discovered quite a bit of rot on the inner facing piston. Probably not a good idea to re use it. Banking on the right side being in close to the same condition. Luckily I have that parts car. Unluckily it's buried in snow with wet yard underneath it. I wouldn't be surprised if the parts car's rear calipers aren't too far off from that same condition. It's not going to be an easy fight if my parts car ones are toast. Looks like a lot of the replacements available are for '82-'83 and I have a 1980.

Oops. I missed the part where the OP said he has an L24. And when I saw turbo my mind wrongfully went straight to L28. I always forget about those earlier blow-through turbos. This is why I don't help my kid with school things like reading comprehension and math haha.

Those pistons have valve reliefs in them. The Nissan factory flat tops for the higher compression F54 engines don't have valve reliefs. I may be wrong, but aftermarket pistons with valve reliefs are normally used when shaving a good bit of materiel off of the bottom of the head to get higher compression. As mentioned, this is counter intuitive to building a turbo motor(at least an L series turbo). I think I would measure the head to see if any material has been taken off by a machine shop and see if that cam is stock or not. After sorting the above mentioned issues of course. I have DSI pistons and my head is shaved .080" for higher than stock compression.

Yeah the blue turd is mine. My friend's dad has been an arborist/lumberjack since the 1970's(and he raced Camaros). I'll be letting him handle it. The Mrs. and kid and I are thinking of making a yard chair out of the stump.

We got lucky and never lost power. Lost a tree though. Guess I don't have to worry about all those pine needles getting all over the yard and into the ventilation system of the car/truck.

I'm thinking maybe oil pan gasket holes for the cap on the rear where the rear main seal sits? But that one has a single threaded hole as well if I remember correctly. Luckily the OP has been set on the right course. Curious to find out what the debris might be..

Jeez, I can't imagine what I used that puller for then. Maybe the nursing home is closer than I think haha.

I made a cap puller out of a Harbor Freight slide puller and the end of a half shaft. The bolt pattern matches up perfectly.

these guys make custom fab parts for S30 and S130. Spendy but good. You have a Z, so you will get used to buying expensive parts haha. I have their rear diffuser on my ZX with stock bumpers. https://skillard.com/product/datsun-280zx-front-bumper/?doing_wp_cron=1666443077.2546410560607910156250 https://skillard.com/product/datsun-280zx-aluminum-rear-bumper/?doing_wp_cron=1666443542.6582000255584716796875