Arne

Can't see how that matters, really. It's all out of pocket for the consumer, doesn't matter whether it's taxes or fuel cost.

Hearing a few positives and no dissent, I'm happy to report that I have given the OK to go to production. If there are no further glitches, I should have them in my possession in 7-10 business days.

From what I see in the pictures, the car is an early '74 260Z. Five speed transmissions were not offered in the US until 1977, so that is definitely not original. There were at least four different versions of E88 head castings, fitted from late '71 through the end of the US 260Z run. So the head may be original, but may not. The P30 casting on the block tells us very little, you'll need to compare the engine serial number to the ID plate on the passenger inner fender (assuming the plate still exists). The carbs are from a '72 240Z, which is a good thing. (The original 260Z carbs are not liked by most people.)

Bear in mind that I'm just one single person, and my opinion is based on only my own experiences. Those experiences are not just with Zs, but date back 15-20 years to my MG restoration. Black Dragon is a division of Long Motor Co.: they sell Z and RX7 parts as BD; MG, Triumph and Sunbeam parts as Victoria British; and Chevy/GMC and Ford pickup parts under the LMC name. Maybe others makes by now as well. As with my MG before, I've found that it is virtually impossible to buy all the parts that a Z might need from a single source. So there is a place for BD in the supplier world. But in my experience, BD is far less likely to have anything that other places won't have, as they are primarily an aggregator and reseller. The parts they sell are more likely to be generic parts that fit more than one make, and the parts that they carry that are specific to Zs are generally third-party aftermarket parts. They will generally be serviceable, and may possibly be a bit cheaper than a part for the same application from a different vendor, but may not look or fit exactly like the originals. The same third-party parts are often available from local parts houses, and often for similar prices. But it can be hard to find people knowledgeable enough to help you find them locally, so having a simple catalog from BD does have its place. As for doing business with them, if you can accept the more generic parts they sell, they generally seem to be an ethical place to do business. If you aren't happy with a part on arrival, they have generally been easy to deal with on returns. Don't expect any knowledge on the part of the phone order-takers - I've read an interview with the owner where he stated point-blank that he won't hire phone people that know cars as that encourages chit-chat on the phone and slows production. So no, I doubt you'll get hurt buying from them, as long as you aren't expecting Nissan or OE-quality parts from them.

They look good to me as well, and also to my wife and a non-Z-driving friend who had them on his cars back in the day. (Notably on a rather bad-a$$ thoroughly modified X1/9. The sound of that little runt car's engine right behind your ears with its twin Webers, hot cam and Ansa header/exhaust was absolutely amazing.)But that's what I'm after here, confirmation that they look "right".

Sure did. None are period-looking as is, and none would work as needed to mount vertically as the period look requires. Outlet spacing is too wide on the 08A. The 2.5" pipe size is also excessive for a stock L24. Nice looking pieces, though.

Yeah, I think it'll be a good choice. I also looked at the 12148 (same thing in 5 x 8 oval), but the center to center spacing on the outlets was a full 4". Too much for what I'm trying to replicate.

Back to the original muffler topic - I've looked into the Sebring and they'd be pretty high on my list if I was looking for a single outlet muffler. But in my quest to keep my car as period-looking as possible, I've been looking around trying to find a good way to replicate one of the old systems with dual vertical tips, but using modern parts. Would like to end up with something similar to the Abarth in the attached pic. I recently found a likely candidate in the Magnaflow 11148. Natural finish stainless, small 3.5x7 oval, case length of 14", single 2.25" inlet and dual 2" outlets. Just got an email back from Magnaflow Tech with the last needed dimension - the center to center spacing of the outlets is 2.75". That should be just about perfect for a pair of 2.5" OD tips. I think I've finally picked out my muffler. :bulb:

If no one voices any objections by tomorrow morning, I'm going to OK them for production. Last chance for input.

You need to get a service manual, it will describe the process. Removing the cam towers is a last resort and not recommended unless you need to shim them.

Ummm.... I'm pretty sure that gnose was replying to bpilati's post, not yours. You might want to take a deep breath and re-read what everyone wrote here.

I know what you mean, Adam. I have always been after the 240-Z version, but the DATSUN is growing on me quickly. I may decide to keep the last unreserved DATSUN for myself. As for moving forward, the manufacturer (Joe) and I are both happy with the shape of the sunshades now, so that is finalized. We discussed the problem of the lettering not following the curve and Joe assures me that the vector graphic process used for the real thing (which is a completely different process than printing the mock-ups) will correct the letter/number placement. So if we are happy with the font as shown here in post #147, we can proceed to production. If we do that I should be able to begin shipping them out within 10 days or so. Comments? Thoughts?

I've recently been considering a dual outlet Magnaflow to try to replicate the looks of the old Italian systems for 240Z. I've heard good things about the sound of the Magnaflow.

I think I sold both of the motors from my pair of '71 parts cars, but I'll look through my stuff later this week. If I still have one I'll send you a PM.

I wonder if the "cruise control" he mentioned in the ad was really the hand throttle that escaped removal somehow?

Finally found an image of the Abarth system, so I added it to the very first post in the thread.

Interesting side note to #00029. I was looking through old magazines at my dad's place this weekend, and saw this classified ad in the Nov. '71 Road & Track (pg 126): DATSUN 240Z, No. 00029. BRE springs plus "Spook", mid-close 5-speed, Positraction, custom louvres, new 7-in. mags plus Dunlop VRs, cruise control, burglar alarm. $4995 or Jaguar 2+2 in trade. (Name, address, and phone snipped, but was in Denver.)

Merry Christmas to all! Test fitted the second round of paper mock-ups today. The shape is now good and ready for production. Font shape looks 'right' to my eyes, and is as close as his process will get to the tweaked ones we have been discussing here. There are still some issues with how the letters/numbers follow the lower curve, but that should be fairly simple to correct.

The automatic of the G37 is a no-go for me, plus AWD always feels heavier and less nimble. I've always preferred the driving dynamics of the BMWs over the solidity of the Benz's, but that's just me. The BMW is also the only choice with my preferred engine type - inline six!

Not actively right now, Steve. But I've been keeping my eyes open here in the NW for a while now. It's on my list of things that might be nice for my car, but not a huge priority yet. I may shoot you a PM for details, possibly after the first of the year.

All '72-78 driveshafts are interchangeable, even the ones from an automatic. You don't want one from a '70-71, as they are about an inch shorter.

I don't know how much performance you've left on the table, but the need for air horns on this type of variable-venturi carb is a known characteristic, not just on Datsun SUs, but on similar carbs on English cars as well. These cars meter the fuel dependent on the air flow through the carb. If the air flow isn't smooth, the carbs can't do their best work.

He's posted some pictures in his gallery.

Yeah, how long before they show back up on eBay from the new owner? We should start a pool!

I hear you, Adam. I'll probably drive my 240Z to work either tomorrow or Wednesday. But even for those of us who drive year-around, the wait isn't too bad. I've waited three years so far. A few more weeks won't kill me.