jhm

So I'm a little embarrassed here, but I came across what I think is a new source of CV axles the other day. Has anyone else seen/used these before? https://datsunrestomods.com/collections/all They offer some pretty nice bolt-in CV conversions for both stock R180 and Subaru R180, and their prices seem better than most other vendors. The one obvious downside is the recommended torque limit of 225 ft-lb (possibly because they're using stock Subaru cv joints?) I've contacted the vendor via email to gather some technical background, and may very well be ordering a pair for myself. Would be interested to hear if anyone else here has information or personal experience with this company. Thanks!

HybridZ has ALWAYS been my first go-to place when I've got a technical question or new idea in mind. And as much time as I've spent digging through the site, I can always find new and interesting discussions that I've never seen before. (And like several of you have already noted, my typical response to a question on FB is to post a link to the thread on HybridZ that answers their question.) Can't thank everyone enough for all the many contributions over the years!!

In addition to everything you listed, grannyknot, my impression has been that the 280 shells use thicker gauge steel in several areas than the earlier year shells. I can even see the difference in sheet metal thickness in various areas between my early-model and late-model 260s.

Wow, $300 for valve covers?? Pretty pricey. Regarding tall vs short covers...I used to have tall covers and found they were always in the way of my intake plumbing, etc. Switched to shorts. On the other hand, some short covers may have interference issues with some types of rocker arms. Have been using the Fel-Pro gaskets with steel core and ribbed rubber for years without any leaks. Hope this helps.

Yes, lots of options to replace the stock distributor and coil....but is it really necessary? If you are already getting strong spark, why are you looking at replacements? If not, then maybe consider upgrading. If you're planning to build the motor in the future, that's usually a good reason to upgrade the stock ignition. Exhaust fumes: it's very possible that they're coming in through the hatch. The hatch seals and rear tail light panel are notorious for leaking and allowing exhaust fumes into the driver's cabin. I would check those areas for leakage first. Exhaust systems can be purchased through a number of vendors. MSA Auto and Z Car Source typically have a large inventory of stock and upgraded parts. If you have a local exhaust shop that will give you a good deal, that may be the way to go; if you decide that your current exhaust needs replacing.

Really not enough details about the two cars you're considering for anyone to make an informed decision, and no one can know how you intend to use the car except you. As said by NewZed....what are your plans for the car, and which of the two you're considering more closely meets your needs? Factor in all the expected costs (purchase price, replacement parts, upgrade parts, your time and effort, etc, etc)....and then multiply by 2 or 3, to get a realistic long-term cost of ownership & restoration.

My bad....I completely missed the fact that you have a 240. My apologies. A 260 or 280 tach should be relatively easy to come by, if you decide to go that route. The JTR manual is available for $39: https://jagsthatrun.com/products/copy-of-v-8-conversion-manual-for-volvo-200-series (Yes, I know the hyperlink says Volvo; but it should work and get you to the correct manual on the JTR website.)

Yep, I've done with two different cars in the last few years. It's discussed in the JTR manual, if you happen to have a copy handy.

P.s. It's easy to remove the stock tach through the front of the dash, which will make it much easier to work on vs killing yourself working on it from underneath the dash.

I've never had a problem running the stock tach with a GM HEI or the stock Chevy distributor. Typically, some additional resistance is required in the signal feed line; but no other changes required IIRC.

Futofab is having a nice 15% sale on pretty much their entire inventory all this week....don't miss out! Sale ends this Sunday/Jan 27.

Yes, it's been a while since any were produced to my knowledge. A former member ran point on the last major production run that I'm aware of and that was several years ago. You could try posting in the Wanted sub-forum, in case anyone purchased extras and might still have some left over.

I have used the Bilsteins for VW in both my 280 and 240 struts. The old part number is P30-0032; the new part number is 34-184530. I've had no luck finding the Bilstein gland nuts, so I've always machined my own out of OEM gland nuts.

I noticed the same odd thing with those posts, and I sent him a PM telling him basically the same things y'all have pointed out. That was four days ago and I haven't heard anything back from him. Toolshed?

I watched the video, and honestly couldn't hear anything untoward. However, a bunch of metal shavings in your tranny is not good. Other likely sources of whining noises in the drivetrain are the differential (welded or otherwise), and the u-joints in your driveshaft and half-shafts. If you're really worried about it, I would put it on a lift and run it....that will give you the opportunity to better track down where the noise is coming from.

Nice, nullbound. I really I could find a good quality high-mount bracket for use with a short water pump, but haven't had any luck with it. May just have to make one myself.

One other thing, on the subject of alternators.... Forgot to mention this in my previous post, but db electrical is a great vendor for starters and alternators. They offer standard and mini-size components for most engines, and it's really high-quality stuff. Have been using their units for years, without any issues. You may want to look at using one of their mini alternators if space is tight using that bracket.

Gotcha'. I don't know if this will be of any use to you, but I measured the space between the base of my valve cover and the inner fender, and it was approx 6.5". (Engine is an iron-head SBC, mounted halfway between JTR setup and Scarab mounting position.) If you have the ability to mount a small-body alternator, I'm sure that would give you more clearance to play with, no? Good luck with it, and be sure to post an update with your final results!

Regarding the headlights, lots of potential issues in the circuitry, but don't forget to check that main three-pin connectors for the headlight harness. There are two (one for each headlight) and they are typically routed along the lower portion of the radiator core support. For the Hazard switch, it too can get gummed up over time and may come around with simple cleaning. It's a fragile little plastic rocker switch, so it's possible that it's just disintegrated internally over time. Easy to pop out of the console to inspect it and the six-wire plug it connects to. Tip for searching HybridZ for technical info....use Google search with "HybridZ" in your search string. That usually produces better results than using HybridZ's organic search feature.

Another tip when measuring for brake lines....if possible, add a couple extra inches to allow for the extra suspension travel when you drop the strut and control arms to swap springs/shocks/etc. Having a little extra length on the brake flex lines makes this job so much easier, especially on the fronts.

Maybe I missed it, but did you actually specify which bracket you're considering in your post?? A picture by itself will not suffice. You may prefer to install all the accessories before installing the motor; but I personally have found that it's easier to get the motor into the engine bay without all the peripherals attached. Personal choice. I don't know what bracket that is that you're considering, but you may want to check out Alan Grove Brackets. They produce a great selection of high and low mount brackets for all requirements for multiple engines. Good luck with it.

I think he's saying he needs the length of the yellow lines....perhaps for LED inserts?? All my taillights are 260/280, otherwise I'd be happy to provide measurements.

Ah so....thanks very much for that. Will have to look into this a little more when I get a chance!

Jon, besides the larger shaft body (36mm vs 30mm), what are the differences/advantages of the larger Bilsteins? I'm currently running the 30mm, and always interested in ways to improve the setup. Thx.

I'm just curious....have you really been looking for one for six years??