240ZX

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

Welcome to Classic Zcar Club....you've come to the right place! As a new posting member, one thing that is very useful is the search function. Over the years an accumulation of questions regarding the early Z's on what can, cannot, and could be done have pretty much been asked before. Just queery what you want to learn about and you will most likely be provided with a load of info and should keep you in the read for a while. Enjoy the site! Tom P.S. You will find info regarding the replacement of the big impact bumpers with earlier units.

Just a little technical nominclature correction.....regarding the statement about the sheet metal annealing over time and becoming suseptible to cracking. Annealing is a process to bring the material back to a soft state using heat and typically a quench, where as workhardening (which is what is realing going on) is what I believe you intended to say. Tom

Looks as though the old rust monster is pushing it's way through the fresh paint. The person selling this Z must be a few cards short of a full deck.....they call it a 260ZX but, as you scroll down the pics you see a 260Z owners manual!:stupid: Tom

Yeh, anticipation is a son-of-a-beach isn't it? Tom

Obviously, you want to address the rust before using any protective coating! The Rhino Lining will certainly add weight...how much depends upon how much you apply of course. The Rhino Lining would also provide some sound abatement. Rhino Lining is not such a bad idea if you dont put it on too thick! Thats my 2 cents anyway! Tom

When was the last time a tune-up was performed? Tom

Well put John....I'll second that emotion! Both sites are great....imagine what it would be like without either one! I frequent both site regularly and think that both sites handle themselves far better than many other site....and I think you know what I'm talking about. Two thumbs up for both sites! Tom

Victor, I'd attend but I'll be out riding my CRF450R! Thanks for the heads up anyway. Tom

IMO...just another wiggit to lighten your wallet! If you have a cooling system with that much dunk in it, its time for a flush!!!:stupid: Tom

Sorry, I didn't open the link,just saw neverseez on the link...I stand corrected! Regarding teflon tape...if used properley it is does a fine job. Problem is, many people don't know how to or how much to use. Tom

Now thats what I call creative financing Jon!!! Tom