buying a built 280Z motor?

[MidnightCafe]

I'm looking at this motor on eBay sold by Datsun Parts LLC:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Z-240Z-260Z-280Z-ZX-P90-High-Compression-L28-Engine-Motor-Head-w-Cam-Kit-/400654907208?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d48e4b748&vxp=mtr

 

It's eactly how I'd want my motor to be-280Z block, P90 head, mild cam, and flat top pistons. Considering the cost parts, tearing down my motor and having a recommended machinist (with Z experience) do the same work, which would be the economic choice here? I haven't quoted engine work myself, but hanging around a classic British motorcycle shop, I see motorcycle engine rebuilds go for $2k.

 

Has anyone purchased a built motor from Datsun Parts LLC? Is it all that much cheaper to purchase a built motor? Or am I missing something obvious here?

[NewZed]

It's a craps shoot.  Might get snake eyes.  Google the company name and read.  There will be some obvious hazards.

[BluDestiny]

As newzed said, just google them/him. 

[theczechone]

I agree that you should research the company and components that went into the engine. Maybe you should find out the specifics like lift of the cam, max rpm of the engine, final cylinder bore size, etc.

it would definitely be more cost effective to buy am engine for 2k that's already done. You'll spend $800 on cam and valvetrain, $200 -$400 for a valve job, $200 to shave the head might need to replace valve seats, a cost for porting, flat tops are going to run you about $280 for a decent set of non forged pistons. And then you have all gaskets and seals timing chain and tensioner, water pump oil pump, and the list goes on.

 

 

But that way you can get exactly what you want.

[Xnke]

Those numbers are high on the cam and valvetrain, imo.

 

A full engine rebuild, including a mild performance cam, bored block, all gaskets, all seals, and all bearings, new timing set, and machine shop costs hasn't run me over 1100$ on any of the l engines I have built.

 

Datsunparts LLC has a bit if a checkered reputation. he buys inexpensive or borderline engine parts off the forums and assembles then with various levels of care and precision. Some people have no issues, some people find the deck surface of the engine block painted blue over the rust...

[theczechone]

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/classic12e03/10-2000

I was just using this number, you can certainly put in a cam for less than that.

[MidnightCafe]

Thanks for the input, guys. MSA has pretty steep cam pricing. I see a lot of hearsay about Datsun Parts LLC, and I also came across a few recommendations for Datsun Spirit in Virginia.

http://datsunspirit.com/

 

As I look more into getting motor work done, I'm realizing how important it is to have a reliable, experienced machine shop do the work.

 

I'm reminded of the time a customer of my friend's bike shop brought in a Norton Commando motor for a rebuild, took a look at how dirty my friend's British motorcycle shop was and how old his machinery was, and walked out. For those that don't know, British motorcycle engines from the late 60's were built on machines built in the 50's-the British didn't keep up to times with their machinery (one reason why the Japanese bikes dominated the scene shortly after arriving). You don't need CNC machinery to bore cylinders or cut valve seats. Anyways, that owner brought his motor to a high-tech shop that does a lot of NASCAR rebuilds, and he paid way too much for work done by technicians that never handled a parallel twin British motorcycle engine, and the end result was predictable-his motor didn't last 1,000 miles.