Just picked up 73 240z. Should I rebuild the L24 or swap to something else???

[VQ35DETT]

I previouslyl owned a G35 Coupe and it got stolen and burned. Insurance paid it off. I just picked up a 73 240z 4 spd. I need help! Should I stick with the orig. motor and build it up? Or should I swap to another motor? And if yes, which one do you guys suggest? I'm on a budget. Don't want to spend too much but want decent good power. And it's just going to be a weekend toy car. My interest is in track/autocrossing. Don't want to build for drag racing or anything. Any suggestions, advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks fellas!

[TTDRIVER]

Interested in selling your 00 hb? Is it white?

[texasz]

My vote is to stick with the L6 that's in the car and just do some work on it. Header, well tuned carbs (keep the SUs), maybe a cam, electronic ignition, etc. This will help keep your costs down and also should keep you in a reasonable class like stock or something close to it depending upon what work you do on the engine.

[VQ35DETT]

TTDRIVER - Not interested in selling my hatchback. Sorry.

texasz - Thanks for your input. Right now, my motor is not even running. I need to replace all the worned out hoses. The car was sitting in this guys driveway for like 15 years I think. There is still fresh oil in the block. The radiator and water is nearly depleted. I need to get the car running first and continue to do my research.

I'm curious about the L28. Would it be wise to get this motor and build on this instead? Like maybe bored it out to 3.0 liters and go ITB's or carbs??? Tell me what you think. Thanks btw.

[Chino 240Z]

You should be close enough to some of the tracks here in Calif. so work on getting it track worthy and have a time of your life! I like what Texasz says, that will get the job done while keeping vintage respect, but on the race side. Good Luck

[Dan Baldwin]

I'd get a running 2.8 liter out of a 280ZX NA (flat-top pistons), then build it up as you see fit. You can use the 240 carbs on it, no need to bother with the FI. I don't see the point in rebuilding the L24 unless you want it stock or you have to have it per competition rules. The L28 will give a lot more torque, and has a lot more power potential as well.

[Ed]

You say the car has been sitting for 15 years, and that your on a budget.

First you need to get the car running properly. Change all fluids, replace the bad hoses, brakes, battery, etc.. the price tag will soon deplete your budget. Once you get her running then you can start modifying. Brakes, it's nice to go fast but how about stopping? All those rubber bushings underneath are 30 years old. You've gotta be able to take that corner right? How about new shocks? You see how stuff adds up.

Engine wise, when you get the L24 running you can start by modifying it. Carbs, cam, exhaust, head and ignition. All of these items can be transfered over to a L28 bored out or not.

[beandip]

VQ , Before you do any building of the L-24 ,check on what is allowed for the type of raceing you plan. I am not into IT or auto cross but I know they have regulations and limits what you can do and not do. If you are allowed by class to go with a 280 engine , the F-54s are reported to be the strongest and the last in the develoupment of the Zs inline engines. '79---'83ZXs. The '73 has a L-24 and it is a good block the head is a 88 but is a low compression verson of the head and has soft valve seats and small valves. There is a web site with tons of good info geocities.com/zgarage.2001/engine.html have a look and there is much of the information that you are looking for . For one thing if you have flat top carbs , get rid of them and get some round top SUs. Gary

[VQ35DETT]

Chino 240Z - Yeah, there are some good tracks here in cali!

Dan Baldwin - Thx for the suggestion.

Ed - You brought up good points! And that's really what I have to do first. Then move on to others. At the same time, I am researching so I can devise a build up plan.

beandip - Thx for the link and suggestion!

*What do you guys think about an SR20DET (Red Top) swap??? I spoke to a few local guys and they told me for a complete swap including the motor and labor will be about $5000. Does not include Fuel Cell and a few small other items. Fuel Cell??? Tell me what you guys think. Thanks!

[sblake01]

*What do you guys think about an SR20DET (Red Top) swap??? I spoke to a few local guys and they told me for a complete swap including the motor and labor will be about $5000. Does not include Fuel Cell and a few small other items. Fuel Cell??? Tell me what you guys think. Thanks!

I have a buddy in L.A. that does those. I personally don't care for that swap not that I'm a purist or anything of that sort. Just that downsizing to a 4 cyl just does'nt feel right to me. The one I rode in with that swap was fast but it just didn't have the right sound for a Z. You can do a lot to an L6 with $5K!

[VQ35DETT]

sblake01 - I know nothing about carbs. I was looking on TWM Inductions' website and they have double and triple carb kits and also will be coming out with new fuel injected individual throttle body kit that costs about $3000+!!! Thats super expensive. But would that be the way to go? I would love to build an L motor possibly an L28 (because others think its good) and go all motor and stick with the originals. But I don't know what to do. I need more feedback from members. Thanks fellas!

[Dan Baldwin]

Dome-top (as opposed to '73/'74 flat-top) SU carbs will be absolutely fine for the street. Can't see spending the $$$$ for the six-butterfly FI setup, but if money's no object...