240ZX

My advise, find a reputable engine builder! :tapemouth

Just wanted to mention my Z just turned 37 years old this month! I was fortunite enough to find it in 1983 and have owned it ever since. I'm still amazed I have the same paint job (it's still shinny red) as when I purchased it 24 years ago. Gotta love these cars:love: .........!!! Tom

What happens all the way up to 7000 RPM.......simply put, the engine just increases in RPM and decreases in power! Just because an engine is capable of 7000 RPM doesn't have anything to do with the RPM peak output is achieved.....especially with a mild stock set-up.

Sorry, not enough information for an answer!

For ease of fitting, as you will put it on and take it off a number of times for a really good fit, its best to remove the dash from the car. Upon final install, securing the edges of the cap is critical to a factopry look. You don't want to take short cuts on this upgrade! Also, with the dash out of the car, you can check and or replace any instrument bulbs that need it. Remember to just take your time and do it right the first time....and don't use too much adhesive as expansion and contraction will occur from temperature changes during normal driving. Tom

IMO, Simply put, a stut tower brace does nothing more than maintain the original (designed) geometric relationship between the stut towers, while under loading. Tom

On my 3/70 240Z the knob is east/west when in the locked position. Interesting the amount of interest and knowledge about a simple little item like a gas door knob.......now that some serious detail!!! Tom

It was late 1983 and I had just turned 32 years young when I found and purchased my 1970 240Z (3/70). I purchased it from PierreZ in Hawthorn Ca. I've owned it ever since and in 2000 it was completely disassembled for a needed freshening up......of course I included a number of modifications during the process. It was back on the road again in late 2002 and has provided me with many hours of enjoyment ever since. As I look back to when I purchased the Z, I would have never imagined that I would still own it today and that I would transform it into the beautiful toy it is now! Tom

Mark, Just out of curiosity, can you see what brand of rod end bearings they come with? Thanks, Tom

Mike, You might want to look at the chrome tail-pipe that comes with the MSA Super Turbo exhaust system.....made for 2 1/2" pipe, has the rolled edge you are looking for, and is simple and clean looking. Couldn't be more that $30.00! Tom

Robby, Your best bet would be to visit the HYBRIDZ website.....lots of info on various engine transplants! Tom

It will raise your compression to roughly 10.5 to 1. Some guys have said they get some detination with a stock cam....a higher lift/longer duration cam improves upon the situation. Plus, a thicker head gasket may help. I've contemplated flat top pistons in my N42 motor, upon rebuilding it, with the addition of a larger cam. I'm running SU's, 6-2-1 headers, and electronic ignition currently. However, I may just forgo the rebuild, spend the dough, and purchase a Rebello engine.....time will tell!!! Tom

As a last resort you could cut out your own from shim stock, in the correct thickness! Tom

Very sorry to hear of your friends passing......I'm sure it weighs heavy on your heart. Times like this are so emotionally tough and I share your pain. Life moves on and the pain eventually subsides, hopefully leaving only with the best of memories you two shared. Don't make any rash decissions on selling your Z right now.....wait till your focus returns to normal! Again, my condolences to you and those close to you! Tom

Installing a stereo in the Zs is pretty much a case of using the original radio location and then the speakers!! Well, this is the part that requires some creativity and fabrication skills. There is a speaker box available...MSA may have them. Good luck, welcome aboard, and keep us posted! Tom

Check those grounds people.....they're old cars! Tom

I don't think anyone currently makes one...or ever did! But, if there is a drip rail and I think there is, you are likely to adapt one of the current racks to your Z. THULE & YAKAMA are the only two that come to mind! Hope this helps a bit? Tom

Carl, I certainly respect your opinions but, the 3.90 gearing was the stock set-up for the ZX 5spd (N/A cars) and no by means drag race gears. Many have done this swap without changing the diff gears and most all have complained of too high of gearing....eventually they wind up going with the 3.90. Tom

Khatru z, One additional thing to consider.....with a 5spd from a ZX, you will likely want to change the gearing in your differential to 3.90 gears. (this gearing is what the ZX tranny is matched to for best overall gearing on the street). Many guys just swap out their R180 diff to an R200 diff to get that gearing, as the a naturally asperated ZX comes with an R200 w/3.90 gearing. All the info is in the archives and if not there, visit the HybridZ site. Tom

Excellent read!!! Best posts I've read in a while......has some real Datsun history meat! Tom

Thanks Bo, you are correct on your assumption. I just happen to have the slotted rotors, SS lines, and HP pads as well......sure do work really well!!!

One additional suggestion.....if you do install the ZX 5spd, then you will want to either install lower gears (3.90) as stock units are 3.36 IIRC....or install an R200 differential out of a n.a. ZX. The R200 diff from a ZX comes stock with 3.90 gearing....which is a factory match for the 5spd. Just some food for thought! Tom P.S. Jon, good post!

Welcome Jerry! Pictures, as they say, are worth 1000 words and would help use determine which style diff you have. Do both diff housings look the same other than the drive axle attachment? Also, you may just want to use the drive axles that were with the diff in question. You can also research this subject in the archives.....Search function. Tom

For a street driven car you'll be just fine! However, do install good HP type street pads for the best results. Tom

Ian, show a little respect for the new members....you were one once and this isn't another one of those typical car sites. :disappoin Tom