thrustnut

The build is a stock 1977 Z block, flat top pistons, P90 head with stock cam, Arizona Z intake, Carter AFB 625 CFM carb and headers (fresh rebuild). The ignition is a Crane Cams Hi-6R. The problem is it WILL NOT start if you don’t pump the gas like three or four times to get it to fire. I know this is normal with a carb. car, but when it fires it revs up to like 4-5K RPM, hangs for a second or two, then dies. You can catch it (sometimes) by pumping the throttle. It will not idle at all, I adjusted the idle stop in a couple turns to try to get it up high enough and it had no effect. I turned the mixture screws in then out 1.5 turns, but adjusting them out just seems to make it run worse. I took the top off the carb yesterday and the floats where pretty screwed up (bought the carb used) so I adjusted the upper limit to 7/16, and the dropped to 15/16 (carter specs) and disassembled and cleaned the carb with solvent and compressed air. I know the carb is big for my app, but i was intending to use it on a 350, and figured it would be good enough to at least do my engine break in and get it over to my new house. I have checked and re-checked the timing, when 1 is at TDC I read 0 on my timing plate, the notch is aligned with the slot on the cam, its in #1 hole, that’s where it was when i took it off and the cam #1 lobes are "bunny eared". The dizzy shaft is at 11:25 position with the rotor pointing at #1 wire. Every once in a while it will blow a little fuel out of the carb, usually when it comes down from its 5K burst, and it seems to run sort of ok when your pump the throttle to keep it going. It is also non responsive, like you can crack the throttle, even a little and it takes a full second (at least) to respond, then revs up what i think is not matching the little bit of throttle movement. Im running out of ideas on what it could be, I have a strip kit for the carb, so I can try different stuff but it should idle the way it is. I should also mention, the intake looks to be fully seated on the head, the carb gasket is new, I have disconnected and plugged both the vacuum port for the brake booster and the line going to the carb, with no change. I have plugged all the vacuum ports on the carb, with no change. I would like input because my next step is a NEW Holly 390 carb, and they aren’t giving them away, so I will be pretty upset if I get one and it still wont run. Any input is helpfull, I know there’s a bunch of older guys who have been running these for years out there who have to know something. Thanks, Chris

I need a nice set of black A piller plastic covers for a 77Z. Shipping will be to 97701. Thanks, Chris

I know this thread is a little old, but this is right in line with my project and a couple questions i have. I will be installing a .460 lift cam in my 77Z and was worried I may have interference issues and need to shim. Any input would be great. I have a stock block with 82 NA flat top pistons and a P90 head. The reason behind the head was a turbo build that never happened, now im going with the Arizona Z 4bbl intake. I know the head is a little bigger (about 9cc's over the original) and im hoping the valves are gonna be up high enough to clear the pistons when full open. The other question I had was what is reusable in a cam swap, I have new rocker arms and see I will need springs, and was planning on new lash pads unless someone thinks otherwise. Lastly, has anyone used the MSA performance valve springs? they are only like 30.00 more then the Rebello outer springs for the inner and outer springs and retainers. I just want whats gonna be best for my Z, its been in build for 5 years, and as soon as the snow melts it will be on the road. Note: I will not be hard core racing, maybe a little track time and a pass or two at the strip, nothing above 6500 RPM.

Got one, thanks all

So I am just about done with my 5 year complete rebuild of my 280Z and I go in the garage this morning and find that the stack of containers my wife has the Christmas stuff packed in has fallen over and the piece of S&$@ sewing machine that was on top has fallen off and into the passenger side fender of my car. It has a pretty big dent in it right where it curves from flat to the side of the car. I pulled an Office Space on the sewing machine, its no longer with us...but now I need a fender. So if anyone out there has a passenger side front fender they want to part with, please send me a price plus shipping to 97701. Any help would be nice, I just want to get it out of the garage before something else bad happens to it!!

Looking for a square port header in the 125.00-150.00 range shipped to 97701. Please respond with a picture if interested. Chris

I need an electronic distibutor from a 77-83 NA Zcar, i will be installing it with a Crane ignition system, so I dont think it matters much what year its from. Or, if you have the timing adjustment plate that bolts to the bottom of the dizzy (not the part that bolts to the front cover) for an 80's model dizzy, that would work. Also need a header for a P90 head that is in working condition. I have a CPU and wiring for a ZXT to trade if interested. Thanks, Chris

Sounds like a possable short to ground when the key is in the start position. You should be able to check for that pretty easy with a multi-meter.

Its from a 70-73 240Z with automatic tramsmition

I recentley obtained a duel point distributor part number D614-52. I was told its from a 240Z, but the part number is not in any lists i have seen yet. If anyone knows what year and make this is from, let me know. THANKS

WOW grumpy, i dont know where you got all that info, but that pretty much answers my question! Thanks all!!

Hey all, not really a newbie here, I have had my 77 280Z for over ten years, but have recently decided to do the Gen1 Chevy V8 swap. My question is for all you out there that already have this swap, which tranny do you prefer, the TH350 or 400? I plan to build around 350HP at the crank, and would like to keep the RPM’s out of the critical range as much as possible. It will be used for cruzing most of the time, and im afraid a TH350 will really wind out on the highway. I also wanted to know if a TH400 will work with the JTR cross member. Thanks!!!