Mecha

I would say that going EFI is going to make your engine more efficient and more consistent, regardless of the performance level. You can find EFI in a Geo Metro and Carbs on some full-on racecars (that mandate it); NASCAR did pretty well with carbs up until what, like 2012? Anyway, back to the... uh...second... topic of the thread. Do you have your route planned out? I'm just curious if you are headed my way (I-80 North East of Sacramento).

yeah... but probably not with an electric choke Even if the core design is ancient, the materials, minor design improvements and production process are slightly updated over the years. Plus, my main motivation was the fact I could get a NEW one without 40 years of wear and tear and have ONE to tune. It is odd though, I'm in IT and have experience with electronics and fabrication but I just don't want to go EFI right away. I totally understand the concept and see many benefits but I just know I'm not taking my car to a level where it would compete with something like a Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS anytime soon so I don't want to change it in that way... yet

The distributor is an easy upgrade and since you would probably be adjusting points and timing anyway it sounds like a good time to do it. Make sure you get/have the right mount; the 240/260 dizzy has the screws way off from the 280zx. Here is a nice little write-up: http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/distributor/index.html I'd try to check and/or replace as many fluids and as much rubber as possible before you go, and bring some extra with you. The accessory belts are easy to replace and likely to be old/worn. Obviously make sure the fuel lines are safe, especially the ones that were added/changed with the Holley. Speaking of changed lines for the Holley... Check to see how the brake booster is connected to vacuum and that it has a (working) check-valve. The PCV system might be hacked as well so check the block vent and make sure it isn't capped, a breather isn't ideal but at least you won't blow a seal. Something that may or may not need to be addressed are the shifter bushings, 40 year old plastic tends to disappear but there is a brass option (http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/shifterbushing/index.html) based on my experience... then research it isn't uncommon for the ignition switch or combo-switch to go out and cause starting or electrical problems, some wire and a momentary switch are a short term fix - I'm not endorsing that as a permanent solution but if you really want to make it home a little ugly might just get you there. Regarding spares... other than your spare tire, jack, tools... wheel locks? A healthy supply of fuses, electrical tape, zip-ties, bailing wire (aka, custom exhaust hanger), maybe some duct tape, and some road flares. I'd bring the old belts, spare hose, extra clamps, and all the common fluids as well as at least a few gallons of water. If the car overheats -water for the car, if you break down in the heat - life sustaining moisture for you. Snacks are good too, you can have a picnic on the side of the freeway if things go South but if you plan ahead you shouldn't need to. I'd highly recommend using/borrowing/getting a GPS to accurately tell your speed and give you directions. Since you will be driving over at least one mountain range and across some desert on you epic journey I'd bring plenty of water and check/replace the thermostat as well as do some serious flushing of the whole cooling system. One last piece of advice; install a disconnect or just unhook the battery if you stop overnight. It isn't like you are going to reset your ECU and a lot of old cars have power drains that could leave you with a dead battery in the morning. I'm surprised that nobody else has chimed in on this, you might want to search or create a new thread for more advice.

Sounds like a good plan, will you have a "chaser" car with you? If not, add/upgrade your roadside assistance Before you invest time and materials into the carb make sure it is a good size for the engine. 390 CFM is the smallest one currently offered by Holley and it is actually bigger than necessary; putting a 600 or 750cfm unit on there will not be a positive experience.

Getting a manual and the various books = good advice, searching here and at zcar.com will also answer a lot of your questions before you post something that gets you yelled at by Tony D. As far as removing the smog "crap", consider how important the PCV valve and system are to engine cleanliness and longevity. Don't just slap a plug or breather on the block. Just because a lot of people do it, doesn't make it smart. If you are debating between intake and carb options as you mentioned in another thread, here is my $.02 - take it or leave it. I got a late 260z that ran with flat-tops, I tried to "upgrade" to a worn out set of round-tops that I got off eBay. After cleaning and installing the round tops, balancing, adjusting, etc etc etc I was nothing but frustrated so I started researching other options. ruling out EFI I came to this; Ztherapy or 4 barrel. Both have advantages, both have disadvantages, many people have VERY strong opinions but most of that is based on ass-dyno and "friend of a friend" information. Polished SU carbs look amazing and when they are working properly they work very well. A properly sized 4 barrel (Holley 390) is available brand new with an electric choke, is a single device to tune, and while maybe not the best performance upgrade when everything is at 100% it will get you running reliably with easy starts as a simple bolt-on. My decision came down to luck and money. I had some spare PayPal funds that I used towards the Clifford manifold and gift certificates to a site that carried Holley carbs so I decided to drop the 40+ year old SU tech and install a slightly more modern 4 barrel setup. I still need to replace my fuel pump (partly to blame for the poor performance with the flat and round tops?... sigh) and re-do the fuel lines so I haven't actually driven it yet but I'm looking forward to driving directly to an exhaust shop while it is just blasting out of the new header. Hopefully there are no CHP around for that.