Warren

It's NOT right. The FSM lists the compression specs as 142 Max, 100 Min @ 350 RPM. I would go by the specs in the FSM. Don't rely on a computer program that was written 20-25 years after the engine was built, for calculations. It doesn't take into consideration all of the variables and changes from year to year involving the block and head differences from year to year. BTW, I don't think it's possible to turn the motor to 350 RPM with just the starter and since there would be more than 1 cycle of the piston during the test, the values above would have to be an average. If you want to hear a horse, go to the horse, not the zebra. All of the information you need about the car is in the FSM. The rest of the info you desire about the mods you can make are listed (if only by reference) on here. You can literally spend 3 months reading the search results here and find more than enough information, with reasons, before you even touch the engine and be so well versed on the engines, you'll know what works and what doesn't and why, but always refer to the FSM and microfiche for stock specs. Sorry, meant to add 2 cents worth and dropped a dime instead. Warren

On a ZX, there is a shield mounted between the exhaust system (catalytic converter heat shield) and the driveshaft. Perhaps you just bent that up into the u-joint, or there is part of the alligator stuck on top of it. It removes with 6 10mm bolts (they have phillips heads cut into them too). I have to go with everybody else on this one, debris stuck somewhere. It's pretty hard to mess up a U-joint in the driveshaft considering where they are in relation to everything else under there. Jack it up and check it out. Warren

I posted this once, but it seems to have been deleted somehow, by someone. Be careful that you replace that crossmember with something similar, as it IS structural in the ZX. I'm referring to the bottom dash mount bar, that holds the steering column up. If you remove it, you should replace it with something that will again tie the A-pillars together or the first time you slam the doors, you're liable to bust the windshield out. Just an observation and a suggestion. Warren

Pistons look new, clean and not nastied up, could mean that the previous owner, changed them to the wrong ones (unlikely though). Just guessing on this one. That would account for lower compression. Like I advised earlier, get the FSM and go through it. It'll teach you ALOT about the car. The screen that he pulled out should be inserted from the bottom, with the oil pan off, it actually has a sheetmetal cover that stops it from dropping into the oil pan. Please replace it properly when you go through the engine. There are 2 phillips screws that hold the cover on. Be sure to use some threadlock on those, if they fall out, you'll be rebuilding it again. The info you need to get the proper head gasket is the model number (S130), the month and year of production (found on the driver's side B pillar tag) and a dealership who knows how to look up the right gasket. There was a modification of the part number done by Nissan some time ago. The head gasket that the car came with has been superceded. I'd have to go through alot of paperwork to get you the right part number, but the dealer should be able to get the right one for you with the above information. Please be aware that this site is geared more toward Hybrid Z's, meaning swapped engines and highly modified powertrains. All of the information regarding the stock configurations can be found on the web in various places. This site has an extensive amount of information on both stock and modified engines, but you MUST use the search engine to access it. Your questions are basic enough that other places may have more info available regarding them. Welcome and enjoy the ride! Warren

Not to be contrary, but you need to find someone who knows what they're talking about, much less what they're doing, i.e., another mechanic. Uh, wait a minute...the 25mm hole under the thermostat housing would be where the PCV pipe originally went. Apparently, the previous owner used a plug to block it off. It SHOULD go straight to the oil pan, it's an engine block airway passage. Now, that being said, you clalim that the head was perfectly straight and everything looked good in the cylinder walls, etc... How about the block? Did you check BOTH surfaces with a straight edge, or did you just eyeball it after removing and cleaning up the old gasket material? Did you or he use the proper head gasket? The 82ZXT uses a P90 head and the older gaskets won't seal the water passage between #5 & #6. Go to the dealership and get the right gasket. Also, since the timing on a ZXT is NOT adjustable, according to the FSM, and is controlled by the ECU (ECCS System), I'd like to know how he performed this little miracle. I'm no expert, but I'm willing to bet that it's nothing more than a blown head gasket, probably due to the engine overheating, and nothing a proper rebuild by a competent mechanic who uses a real machine shop (even using your old parts) wouldn't fix. Advice: Buy a factory service manual, read, read, read. Get to know what the engine is supposed to look like, what it's supposed to do, and how it's supposed to be rebuilt. They can be purchased through Courtesy Nissan or downloaded free from Carfiche.com when it's available. Then, take the FSM, if it's in CD form, print it out, and go beat that mechanic over the head with it until he goes unconscious. When he regains consciousness, explain to him that you're donating that copy of the FSM to him for his own educational use later in life, with the hopes that he'll actually read it and stop advising people that they're motors are completely blown when all they really need is a proper head gasket replacement. I don't think I totally understand how you turn a turbo off. That's a new one to me. If you're referring to adjusting the wastegate actuator to a non-operating position, that should have been one indication that the previous owner didn't know what he was talking about either. Excuse the sarcasm above, as it was intended to humor a bad situation. Just find a mechanic that has worked on L28's before and knows what he's talking about. The one you're using obviously doesn't and that can be VERY costly. Warren

Seems odd that sealed cells, as they claim to be gasless would emit any gasses. I believe the real reason they recommend it not be in an enclosed container is due to the heat factor. During charging, a battery will get warm to hot, depending on ambient temperatures. I don't doubt that you called them, or that they told you that it will give off gasses if overcharged. Perhaps they need to change their claim of having sealed cells to include "when properly maintained and charged", as it is a little misleading. Either that, or some independent tester needs to actually test one of these babies under controlled circumstances and dispell the rumors and prove just how hot they need to get before emitting anything. No animosity intended. Warren

Just for the record, your optima red top does NOT need venting and can be mounted in ANY position. The mis-information regarding these batteries needing to be vented and not mounted in the passenger compartment is BUNK. Sometimes, a simple search on the net can lead to an innovative solution. From their website: "OPTIMA batteries withstand the high underhood temperatures associated with these Performance vehicles. The sealed cells make the battery spill-proof, even if you install it on its side! This prevents external gassing and leaking which can damage engine components and limit battery performance." For more info as to where this quotation came from, see their website. I realize that space is limited, but don't worry about it spilling or needing to be vented. They wont and don't. However, it's best if you do not mount them in a sealed battery compartment or box. (as stated by the line in their Tips section on their website : "Do not install batteries in a non-ventilated or sealed compartment." So mount it wherever you can get it to fit and enjoy the additional cranking power you'll be gaining over the Odyssey. Warren

Or if you don't want to rely on ebay, you can go to http://www.justmagnaflow.com and they'll ship it immediately. Both Gabe and Myself received ours the next day, before they had even charged our cards.

Can't help with the noise, if it gets worse or the tranny craps out, get with me...I've got the PERFECT fix for it, and I don't mean a 5 speed... Warren

Not Work Safe!!!

THAT IS HILARIOUS!!! "25 percent of the time you are on the periodical" "100 percent of the time you are on the stupid!" now THAT is how things get lost in the translation. TOO FUNNY! Thanks Yasin, I needed that good laugh Edit: After listening to part two, it's a little hard to believe that they would both say the same thing in exactly the same way...seems a little far fetched now. Warren

Welcome Back NION, Glad to hear of another one coming out of hiding. Condolences regarding your father. I lost my father to cancer in April 06. He never got a chance to see my car on the road, but he was inspirational to me in getting it done. Made it's maiden 1400 mile voyage going to and from his funeral. Kinda has a special meaning to only me for that reason alone, as well as many others. I did all of the mechanicals on my car as well as most of the bodywork myself, so I know where you're coming from. Drive it with PRIDE, and remember your father every time you do. I know I do. Warren

Welcome, and yes, that episode of Pinks (and I use the word "episode" literally) can be a sore subject for some. There will be another Z on the show next year. Keep your eyes peeled. Anyway, I noticed that you said you're going to be putting a VLSD in the 240. Keep in mind that if you plan on using the 300ZXT R200 VLSD, while acquiring it, get the axles too, as they're special (different) and hard as hell to find (Don't ask me how I found out). There are alot of folks with their eyes peeled looking for those axles. Warren

If you're in need of a N/A ZX Auto tranny (3N71B), I just happen to have a BRAND SPANKING NEW one that I'd be willing to make you a heck of a deal on. (Shipping to California from Atlanta might cost a bit.) It's been sitting on my bench now for about 3 years. Brand new, with all the new stuff on it including the torque converter. Never been installed. Interested? PM me. Warren

"How to become a real-life flaming as*hole"

Congrats on your win, now plan on bringing it/them down to the SouthEastern Z Shootout (SEZS) at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, GA in March and let us see it/them in person. You'd SURELY be welcome there, and it's not all that far to travel. I'm sure you wouldn't mind sharing some of your technology and ideas with the group. Click the banner link at the top of the page for more info. Again, Congrats. Warren

Well ya'll, I finally did it. After upgrading from a 70 to a 140 amp alternator (GM CS type), and having a near stranding experience recently, I finally got fed up with the dang fusible links and took the 20 or so minutes it took to install the maxifuse block that I've had now for the last 6 months or so.

Agreed, but now I rest my case.

Living proof that you two have entirely too much time on your hands.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, you're not supposed to tell about this...remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Seriously though, glad you made it out with just some dirt. There's so much going on in Vegas right now, it's almost crazy. SEMA, NAMPMA, NHRA, PBR, etc...that place HAS to be a madhouse right about now. Now you can say that you've had your very own "Freemont Street Experience"...

A simple search on the web, instead of the forum, turned up this: Oil Filter Study Not EVERYTHING you've ever read is on the forums.

Well, if you listen to the entire radio interview with Rich Christensen after his 2 wheel foopaa, you'd realize that he's not leaving the show open to just any swinging dork with a quasi fast car any more. They're now looking for "SHOPS" with cars, like the BullyDog truck that they ran a couple of seasons ago. If you're an independent, or an internet group, with just a car that has been cobbled together, you'd be better off finding another venue. Pinks is turning a corner and not looking back. Seems they don't care too much about the fan base (if you can call the people who watch the show that). They're going more for the commercial side of it, talking about approaching "Custom Hod Rod" shops and what not at SEMA. They're talking about MAJOR sponsored teams and shops, leaving the small guys out. Kinda like forgetting from where they came. Seems like a BAD decision once the word gets out, but that's just my opinion.

Not to rain on anybody's parade, but just to give you another option should you not get any satisfaction after contacting the seller you purchased from, I have installed these in my ZX and they are complete, work well, are CLEAN, and VERY inexpensive. Check 'em out if you need to. EL Guage kit for 80-81 NA ZX (on ebay)

Old head bolts work well for holding the engine to the stand, just get a couple of fender washers for the hex head side and you'll have no problems threading them into the block, same thread pitch.

With a buy it now price of $4500 too...those cheap bass turds...