Heavy Z

Thanks Grumpyvette. To be more specific, my car weighs roughly 2500 lbs. dry, has a 3.7 R200, and I am interested in a cam that will pull strong to roughly 6000-6500 rpm that doesn't lose all it's low end. I am not into a cam that comes on at 4000, a more useable midrange is preferred. If you can give me a couple of choices - say one of a milder and one of a more aggressive nature with rpm ranges for each, I would really appreciate it. Heavy Z

You guys have a point about speed being relative - even by the second day with the new diff I feel alot more settled into the car. Maybe some more horses isn't such a bad idea... Grumpy, I know you're the man so let your cam creativity fly and please give me some guidence, this Z has a 327 from a '67 vette, edelbroch heads and intake, 650 double pumper, roller rockers, HD springs & pushrods, and a STOCK CAM. I'm thinking it might have 1.6 rockers because it has no problem in revving between 5000-6000 rpm, but I don't know for sure. It does have the rams horn exhaust manifolds, which I'd like to keep if possible(I'll run a good free-flow system behind them). Any suggestions as to a good cam would be much appreciated. In my L series Z I went hog-wild on the cam, and of course paid a price in streetability. I didn't mind then, but with this engine I'd like an engine that is more versatile, but also cammed to better complement the strengths of the 327 design. Thanks, Heavy Z

Hello, I've enjoyed my '73 240 as it is very hot for an L-series, but I bought this Z on Ebay and when it came to me it needed a new diff (it was clunking so I put in a 3.7 R200, solid mounted) and all I gotta say is - DAMN, NOW I SEE WHAT THE V8 GETS YOU!!! Now I grasp how craZy a Z can be. From only a day in the car I am convinced that you Z guys with big V8 horsepower have got to be nuts or something. As my foot hits the floor at 25 mph in 2nd I feel like I should lean over and tell Chewy not to punch it to light speed... Those of you with insane V8's, my hats off to you. You are the real 'Deathwish', not the crap movies Charlie Bronson was peddling years ago. Heavy Z

Hello, I've enjoyed my '73 240 as it is very hot for an L-series, but I bought this Z on Ebay and when it came to me it needed a new diff (it was clunking so I put in a 3.7 R200, solid mounted) and all I gotta say is - DAMN, NOW I SEE WHAT THE V8 GETS YOU!!! Now I grasp how craZy a Z can be. From only a day in the car I am convinced that you Z guys with big V8 horsepower have got to be nuts or something. As my foot hits the floor at 25 mph in 2nd I feel like I should lean over and tell Chewy not to punch it to light speed... Those of you with insane V8's, my hats off to you. You are the real 'Deathwish', not the crap movies Charles Bronson was peddling years ago. Heavy Z

I just read the recent post about asking questions in the right forum. I'll go to the drivetrain forum with this question soon w/ regard to the LSD kit. Brett

From reading past posts, it seems like I should go with a 3.7 - but also they've mentioned a kit that adds internal components to an R200 to make it LSD. Does anyone know where to get this kit? Thanks, Brett

Hello everyone, my 240 needs an R200 and I was hoping to get imput on the best unit to go with. It is set up with a 327/325 with a T5 from a camaro. Any recommendations? Also, any knowledge of expected top end mph and 5th gear rpm at highway cruising speeds would be appreciated. Thanks, Brett

The car will ship out next week, so I won't be able to stop by. Too bad, your area is a lot nicer than Sacramento this time of year. Brett

Hello all, just wanted to let you know that I couldn't resist - the Z is quite a package for $3,900. It needs some basic interior/exterior polish, a radiator(ala JTR) and an R200 in place of the R180. I have a couple of questions about the R200 swap - will I have to change the length of my driveline? This is a '71 so it has the 'old' forward-positioned diff setup, I don't know if this changes things in going to the R200. Also, can I use my old R180 halfshafts? I just put new H.D. Spicers in mine and so I could keep them, unless there is a reason to go with the R200 halshafts due to strength or proper fit. Here are some pics if you're interested. '71 240z 327 Ebay ad I can't wait to pick it up! Thanks in advance for the help on my differential questions, I'm sure with help from hybridZ the rubber will meet the road without spitting a trail of pinion teeth.... Heavy Z

I spoke to the owner and got the info I needed on the swap - he has the stuff for the R200 already

Hello, I have a Z with a 6-1 header and 2 1/2" pipes. In my opinion, the following combo will get the best sound for an L-series engine: Headers - then moroso spiralmax - then hooker aerochamber (and get a nice tip for it). Here's why: Moroso spiralmax - looks like a glasspack from the outside, has fins inside that spial the exhaust. These are less restrictive and don't blow out like glass and sound really cool underneith you - like a jet turbine. Hooker aerochamber - Brand new design that breathes better than flowmaster, etc. and sounds SO much better than flowmasters, borla, MSA and has a bulletproof construction The combined results of this setup is amazing. At idle the car sends out low-level pressure waves that you can feel from 15 feet away, and keeps a nice low rumble. Great aggressive tone throughout the powerband without any hi-end whine and isn't loud unless you get on it. People ask if I have a V8 because of the sound it now makes. I am sold on this setup after a lot of experimentation with different products. I got my mufflers online at Jegs, which you can go to if you want to see some info on them. I hope this helps & good luck! Heavy Z

Thanks, Jon. There's a guy who has some ford mounts here on the site so I'll see where that goes as he lives only 25 miles away. I appreciate the info, and good luck w/ your z. Brett

Hi Bruce, I live in downtown Saramento and would be interested in checking out your setup. If you have already done the ford swap into your Z I'd really appreciate checking it out, as I'm convinced this swap is the way to go. Thanks, Brett Bigire8@attbi.com

Hi DatsunFord hybrid world, I envy you. I've done all the research, and despite my 240's great balance and performance as equipped (and without going into detail, this Z is one hellova road warrior as-is), I realize the weight savings and power-punch of the Ford route. No insults to the Chevy crowd, as I have a '73 Blazer 383 with 36" tires that pulls high 14's in the 1/4 mile. But for the z, the 302 is it. I'm a Z convert after 15 years in the Alfa Romeo arena, and from that lesson I learned the importance of balance. The Alfas have mastered this, and a 240Z with a Ford 302 has that balance, PLUS unreal acceleration. My question is this, what is the easy way? I live in Sacramento. I see no kits out there. Is there a brother Ford/z close by? What next? I am mechannically competant, but why go at it alone? Help!

Hello, I've got a '73 240z - triple weber 40's, E31 head, race cam, etc., but am looking for a different block. I was considering an '81-'83 L28 when the idea came to me about possibly building a short-stroke L28. My first question is, can it be done(240 rods?,240 crank?)? If so, is there any info on how these engines run? If 240 crank/rods(?) were used, I would assume this would be a big bore/short stroke quick-revving 260. Any thoughts? Also, any ideas regarding a standard-stroke '81-'83 L28 block with my head/carb setup would be appreciated. Thanks, Brett