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I used both the Kuhmo Victoracer and the Toyo RA1 Proxes when I ran Spec Miata in Texas. Both tires seemed to perform well but there were definite trade-offs between the two. Kuhmos had a slight advantage in producing lower (better) track times probably because they heated up more quicly. The Toyo was less costly and lasted much much longer. On my 240Z ITS I run the Toyos because of price and durability and the hit to the wallet is far less when you need to buy only 2 sets of tires for a season versus 4 sets. The slight performance advantage of the Kuhmo won't be realized with my skill level for another season or two anyhow. Can't speak to the strengths/weaknessness of the Hoosiers. Mike

Chuck, would you also have the part number(s) for the E88 head gasket? Or the part number for a gasket to fit on a 260? Thanks. Mike

Good question regarding bore size. I don't know much about part transfer between models but wonder if the E88 head was also used on later larger bore cars (i.e., 260, 280). I say this because the way this situation was explained to me is that when a standard head gasket is put on a 240z the gasket will actually be slightly larger than the bore diameter which will have the effect of lowering compression due to the slight groove created between the head and block at the location of the gasket. The un-obtanium head gasket I am told is the correct diameter for the bore. Now that I look at the situation I think the head gasket to which I was referring is probably not specific to the E31 because, as indicated, in a Carl's email, the higher compression was indeed a result of head work and not bore size. The gasket must be specific to the 240z but perhaps because replacements are impossible to find the only gasket offered is from later cars. This is a hypothesis only but hoping someone can verify. Thanks for the part numbers. I will check with my local Datsun source person for more information on this general topic and will also bring with me to Japan the bore size specs for 240, 260, and 280 and see if the gaskets differ. I am also going to compare the diameters of my spare gasket and bore spec to determine similarity/dis-similarity. I will let you know what I find. Thanks All. Mike 72 240Z ITS

I have been told that Nissan made a head gasket specific to the E31 head and that gaskets available in the US are for the E88. The E31 head gasket supposedly has a slightly smaller diameter while the E88 has a slightly larger diameter. Can anyone verify this? If it is true, would anyone know the Nissan/Datsun part number for the E31 head gasket? Could I also get the part number for the E88? I will be in Japan shortly and would like to find out if I can have some friends track this part down. Mike