Z-Gad

Also, remember to swap the mounting brackets from the 77 onto the new motor. The brackets are different between the z and zx (I didn't realize it until I bolted the engine in all whoppy-jawed!!) It may be a bit of a pain doing the swap, but enjoy it...if you don't, it'll take even longer.

OOps, you already got it, I guess I should've read your other post first

Yep, i agree with Kevin... Sounds like a rusty fuel tank. I had to take mine out and have it cleasned because of the same symptoms. Mike

Sounds like it could be ball joints, or alignment or both. I'd check the wear on the tires first. If it is out of alignment, the tires could have worn low spots which are more prevalent at low speeds.

I concur with Lone, White lithium grease should be found in any auto parts store and do the trick. Mike

Although they were low, they weren't significantly low. If you look at Drax's #'s, that is what you would expect if a head gasket is blown. Also the "wet" test shows the tell-tale rings not sealing. Again, it depends what you need to do. If this is your primary transportation, you could take a day and replace the rings w/ the engine in the car. If you have other means, you could pull the engine and rebuild it. You could pick up another engine and have work done to it. It all depends on how fast you need the car running and how deep your pocket book is.

I have seen a couple of Z's with the 280zx brake booster. They had to be turned upside down to mount properly. I suppose it would have a size advantage, but asthetically, I prefer the smaller ones. You should be able to have the booster that you have rebuilt, unless you are concerned with down time on your Z. Mike

I agree with Drax, it looks like rings could be your beef. If you don't mind rolling around in a bit of oil, they can be changed with the engine in the car. You have to raise the engine slightly to remove the oil pan, but it can be done. Pax, Mike

You may not have to take the intake and exhaust off of the Z to do a head gasket since they are all attached to the head (though it would make it easier). Just do yourself a favor and spend the extra 5-6 bucks on the intake/exhaust gasket...just in case. If you do remove the old one, it will be "junk". *IMPORTANT* Just make sure that you have a piece of soft wood (or proper tool) to jam the timing chain in place before removing the camshaft gear. The timing chain tensioner will draw your timing chain down into the front cover and when you go to put the head back on, all of a sudden your timing chain will be too short!! You'll turn a few hour job into a 2 day job...made that mistake ONCE!! Have fun!! Mike Gadwaw orlando, Fl

Hey Ashe, Definately go see Scottie if you are serious about getting into the world of Z's. If you aren't serious, you will be when you leave!! Anyway, spending an evening with Scottie before I started my project was probably the best thing I could have done. I was unfamiliar with the workings and theory of turbocharging and he was patient enough to go through it with me to help me understand the upsides and downsides of a turbo. He also knows a few of people as far as having work done (mandrel bending, downpipes, etc.) as well as other hybrid Z owners in the area. Definately take him up on his offer!!

As far a 4 series gearing...the 85-86 (I believe) 200sx turbo has a 4:11 R200 rear diff. Good luck on the RxZ!!

I had a little trouble getting the camshaft bolt off during the teardown of one of my motors and I recall shoving a thick screwdriver through the cam sprocket which wouldn't allow it to turn and then managed to get the bolt free...maybe not the best way, but suited my purposes... good luck, Mike

That 345 looks really nice in there. The Hemi orange and the yellow engine compartment are making my eyes tear...beautiful, just beautiful thanks Pete for the Scott's name...I'll drop him a line to see how much butter was needed to grease that 440 into the engine compartment.

Agreed, it would be overkill. You are also correct on the crate motor...I've been looking and they are EXPENSIVE! However, I do have a rolling chassis where I have replaced everything but the hatch, roof and hood. Since it is stripped to bare metal (for a few years now...), I have had some time to decide on a powerplant. I have been mulling over possibilities for motors and the Chevy, Ford, Buick, etc swaps would be more than enough for me and they are becoming better documented everyday here, but the Hemi would be unique, at least for a little while... Could you imagine the looks on the Mopar guys faces to see a Hemi stuffed into a Z body!! (Hemi would have to be written on the rear quarters of course just like the old mopars)

Has anyone checked into swapping a Hemi (426 in my dreams) into a Z? Would size be the limiting factor, or is there a problem with alternator/distributor placement? I have always lusted for the hemi's, but a Hemi Z, now we're talking!! Although I am in the middle of my current project, I still have dreams...

WOW!! That was a beautiful article. It had me on the edge of my seat!! I'd love to see the follow-up after a little pssst, pssst!!

Hey James, looking great!! I guess you didn't waste any time after class let out!! I'm waiting on my headwork here still...thanks for letting us all share in your endeavor.

Excellent Tom!! I hope to be writing a similar post as well in the near future. I'm having the headwork done now and then i'll be putting things together. I'm a little nervous about the SDS install, but i guess it is just a matter of just doing it when the time comes. Do you have any 'words of wisdom'?

The L24 piston is the same diameter as the L26 piston, except it doesn't have the recesses for the valves, and/or it is not dished. You'll end up with that compression ratio you were looking at.

I suggest going to the local pick-n-pull or consult some other Z guys in your area for a 240z driveshaft. They all had the replaceable U-joints and bolt right in. It'd also save you in down time to have new joints put into another shaft and just swap it in. my .02

Hey scottie, I figured you got rained out...I'll make every effort to go Wednesday as well. Mike

I had the good fortune to go for a ride in Scottie's car on Memorial Day!! It was exhilirating to say the least for me, but just a walk in the park for Scottie. That pickup we went around on the straight away must have heard the SONIC BOOM left behind after the acceleration!! Better than Disney World!

Gatta love good ole Ebay... http://cgi.ebay.aol.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=574447601&r=0&t=0

I received mine yesterday...What a monster. I may have to rethink my intake manifold. Thanks Randy!! "The check is in the mail"

Looks good James, does that mean you will be headin down to visit us in O-town soon? Mike