gtom

What's up Leon! I'm kind of going at a leisurely pace, but yeah, the z needs to get back on the road in a hurry. How's the twice pipes working out for you?

Got my flywheel bolts off using the engine hoist bracket to lock the flywheel in place. I guess installation will be the reversal on the other side.

Thanks for all the suggestions! Broke the transmission free today by jabbing the top corner of the bellhousing with the end of a 2x4. (about 3' long) Works like a charm...

Hello Z community, So I'm working on replacing my clutch and I've disconnected everything from the transmission. The motor and the transmission are on separate jacks. I've tried lowering and raising both jacks, shaking and pulling and tapping with a hammer and block of wood, but the transmission won't budge. Any tips on how I can break this transmission free from the motor? Thanks, gtom

Thanks for your help with the removal process, I too look forward getting this car back on the road in better form than I found it!

Thankful for having some help last week from another Classic Zcar Club member to remove the exhaust, exhaust manifold, carburetors and intake manifold. Removing the exhaust was very simple and it came out in one piece. It's not shown in the pictures below because its gone to another home and hopefully put to good use. The rest was a bit of a challenge because we initially tried to remove the carbs and the intake in one piece, but it proved to be futile. First the balance tube needs to come off, then the carbs themselves, the heat shield, allowing access to the head stud bolts. That's it for now. be back to work on the Z next march!

Cool, thanks for the picture. Sounds like a great idea to shed weight and get a cleaner look to boot. After stripping all this down, are the '73 chrome bumpers themselves identical to the earlier bumpers or are they a different design and require modification to use with the earlier type brackets? Thanks, gtom

Thanks for the tip! I'll be sure to look into this modification. After stripping down the '73 front bumper (removing trims and such) will they bolt up directly to the earlier brackets without modification?

Yep, it's not the valves or timing. Car sounds like 'chitty chitty without the bang bang'. As for the emissions parts, I'm sure that's part of the problem.

Decided on a new MSA set up consisting of the coated 6 into 1 headers and premium exhaust. Just arrived. Got the new intake and exhaust stud kit too. Might have a resonator installed at the transmission section later. Hope this system works correctly in the end...

My '73 does have a return spring and I've adjusted so that the master cylinder rod is fully extended in the pedal return position. There is a bit of free play caused by the wear of the clevis at the clevis pin connection.

Yes, the rod on the master is fully extended on the return position with the clutch pedal at the highest possible point. My '73 does have a return spring on the clutch pedal.

Replaced the clutch master and slave with SACHS replacement parts. The old flexible line was in bad shape. Engagement feels much better, but now I can detect clutch slippage. Oh well, I think its time to replace the clutch. Quick question, will the new master and slave cylinders work with the '81-3 280ZX 5-speed?

When can you come by? I'll be taking the exhaust off in the next couple of days before I'm out of the country till next March. I'm in SF, 94118.

Bumper overriders were put to good use, I traded them for another part.

Yeah, from what you just said, I've got a feeling that someday, I'll be getting around to the brakes eventually. I think that's a good thing.

But you're right, that compressor is a significant piece of mass that the car has shed. With it gone, that side of the engine compartment is so spacious and the crank pulley is freed up too. I like that very much!

Brakes redone by previous owner. Work as they should. But yeah, maybe an upgrade later if the hp jumps significantly. Any suggestions?

Oh yeah, the air pump. Still have it. The thing has a belt twisted between the body and the pulley and I couldn't get it loose. Kinda knarly looking. So not sure if the bearings are good. But yeah the AC (evaporator assembly?) looks ok. I'll try to have a yard sale soon. All or in part.

Thanks for the compliment! The previous owner pulled the compressor, so all I did was finish the job. I think he sold it.

Thanks Marty. Plans? At this time I'm just focused on making the car as clean and simple as possible with no smog and other add-ons to take to the streets. So for starters, new carburetors and exhaust then suspension and wheels/tires. After that, I haven't thought about it yet. So the z is a work in progress. The '73 112 as of today -

Yes, there are a few places that need treatment and sealing, but the majority of the factory undercoating is still intact and in good shape. Although the car is garaged, these spots need to be taken care of, hopefully sooner than later.

Hey cool, uh I mean sorry to hear. Just kidding. If you need another set, I've got 'em.

Yes, I get your point. For me, I think it kinda depends on your regional climate too. My car was from SoCal, so I can see how a working AC system can add value down there. But up in here in NorCal (SF) I don't really use AC much if at all. On my modern cars I only run the AC once a month, if that, for about half an hour to keep the seals from drying out. (I think I'm supposed to do this once a week. not sure) Anyway, now it seems as I've gained more legroom on the passenger side, the crank pulley is freed up, and I love how uncluttered the engine compartment is starting to look. As far as weight goes, its probably not that significant, but a little here and a little there can add up. This is funny because people were saying on MSN that if you took your golf clubs out of your trunk, you would save gas! More power? Probably, but that's a different thread. Cheers!

Hey thanks! I bought this car sight unseen and it has turned out to be a real low rust gem so far. I especially like how original the undercarriage is...factory undercoating and paint as far as I can tell.