Rebuild or just run it as is? Used L28 and 5 Speed Trans.

[thomas461]

Hi all,

I have a 74 260Z (11/73) it is an original 2.6L runner with dome top SU's and a 4 Speed trans. It does run pretty good but I am looking for a bit more. Aren't we all?

I purchased an L28 (N42/N42) and a 5 speed transmission (Wide Ratio) from a person who is moving out of state for a couple of hundred bucks.

The question is as follows. Is it worth swapping now or wait and rebuild it? I did survey the motor, took the oil pan and valve covers off and they are both very clean, no sludge and no bits and pieces in the oil pan. I suppose I could also hook up a starter and run a compression test to see how well it compresses and leak down test.

A five speed transmission is a tasty thought. This is something I could do in a couple of hours with little effort. The only way I can tell on this one without cracking the case is test the movement. Everything does move as you would hope but not being in the car I don't know if there are any "noises" etc.

Thoughts?

[Bruce Palmer]

This is one of those questions where after asking 15 people you'll get 17 "opinions". Only you can answer the questions of the what ifs. I'd say build both, load both, drive it for a loooong time. Fresh is the only sure way of knowing you'll have "more". "OPINION #1".

[madkaw]

Sound like you need to do some more investigating before you throw out that question. How could you make a decision like that without knowing the actual condition of the motors-i.e. compression or leak down test. Just because the L28 has a little more cc's doesn't mean it will be stronger or a better motor. It is all about tuning and getting the most of what you have.

[SteveJ]

Pete,

Rebuild it or not, if you're going to do it in your garage, don't forget that I have a crane.

[thomas461]

Steve,

Thanks I have been trying to pick one of those up on CL for a week. I didnt think to ask you to borrow yours to get it in the stand.

[Topsykidd23]

I have a 74 260z myself and the first thing i did was swap out the 4 speed for a 5 speed. LOVE IT. luckily my L26 already had the dual webbers with the K&N airfilters. Major bonus there =] But Eventually Id like to see how a L28 out of a zx turbo would do.