[VIN number innformation]

Odd. My Haynes manual has this information for the 240 Z and the 260 Z, but not the 280 Z. I thought I could help you, but I guess not. Sorry.

[new Z car, need frame rails]

Hi!

 

I just bought my first 240Z and am starting to realize that it is either going to be a great project or a really bad mistake.

 

Going into the project, I knew I needed to replace the engine and was in the process of removing the old one. However, when I jacked the car up, I found out the passenger side frame rail is rusted. I was thinking about using either the baddogparts or zedd findings frame rails and floor pans to replace my rusted ones.

 

I'm assuming I should get the frame rails and floor pans replaced before I do my engine work.

 

I'm in San Jose and was wondering if anybody could recommend a good welder or shop to do this work? Also, am I in over my head? What is the best way to clean off and prep the car for this work to get done?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Anyone know bellhousing bolt sizes?]

Hello

 

Just wanted to add some information on bolting the engine to an engine stand. I just did this and had some trouble finding the right bolts.

 

1. Many people recommended using the transmission bellhousing bolts. I wish I used this because they only cost $2 each at Nissan and should be plenty strong enough.
   
2. SAE and metric bolts have different classifications for hardness. SAE bolts are have "normal," grade 5, and grade 8, with grade 8 being the strongest. If you really want more information on how the strength of these grades compare, go here: http://www.rockcrawler.com/techreports/fasteners/index.asp
   
3. Most metric bolts fall into one of three classes: 8.8, 10.9, or 12.9, with 12.9 being the strongest. I think that class 10.9 is considered automotive grade. The class should be stamped on the bolt head.

With all that said, I went looking for M10 x 1.5 bolts yesterday to mount my L24 engine to a stand. Ace Hardware, Orchard Supply, and Home Depot all did not have those bolts in class 10.9. I finally found the right bolts at Kragens, but they came in packs of two bolts, one 80 mm and one 100 mm. The package said that the bolts are intended for an alternator of some sort.

 

The 80-mm bolts were just the right length for my stand on all four locations (where the transmission bellhouse bolts to the engine).

 

I hope this information is helpful.