Guest gbelnap Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 Just wanted to introduce myself and let you know that I lurk here alot, however, until now I have not really had any strong need for advise, nor did I have much useful information to contribute to the group. However that recently changed when I purchased an 82ZXT car that was not running. The car was basically towed in 2000 from an Autozone parking lot (which means it hopefully arrived there under its own power) and has been sitting in an impound lot. My plan was to put this motor in my running 78, then find a reasonable body for the current stock motor, install then sell. I do not know what advise I will need, and I have been combing through the old posts, however, there is so much information, it takes quite some time to digest, so many people have gone so many directions with turbo swaps. I am currently working on my end game plan for the car, I would like for it to be a "stock" looking sleeper, but I hate the stock fuel rail look. OK here is the situation: I have the stock motor from an 82ZXT sitting on an engine stand. I started to really look at this motor this past weekend. The cam is almost perfect, the pistons are making compression and the motor spins great. My plan was to replace the injectors and not attempt to clean them out (car has been sitting for 6 years) and have the turbo looked at by a qualified shop, but now I am hesistant to tear the motor down. I suspect that a teardown will only confirm that the bottom is in great shape and that the head does not need any additional work. I would like to rebuild completely and be sure I have all of the parts in perfect shape, however, the engine will probably work great "as is". If I put it in the car, it will be a pain to pull back out, but not the end of the world. Not really looking for any advise, but if you have something, I would love to hear and consider your opinion. Regards, Glen 78 280Z (soon to be 280ZT) 94 300ZX 2+2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe d. Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 Glen if you have it on the stand you can leave it right side up like it sits in the car and drop the oil pan. if you see metal shavings its bad, if not chances are its good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex_V Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 Trust me there are cars you dont want to pull the engine out more then once, and a Z car isnt one you need to worry about. It's not bad at all. Im kinda in the same boat, I have basicly a turbo car minus the shell and rust and rims/tires, and Im about to compression test it and all that when I get home (its in ohio im in florida, sanford (anybody with a cool Z car around here?)) and see where I stand. I might know where a 260z is cheap so hopefully its not a rust bucket, and I can pick it up... ~Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetleaf Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 Check the oil for metal/contamination, if all looks good and compression is up to par. I would just install it and run as is. Once you've done it once or twice really shouldn't take more than an hour to R&R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240hoke Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 Hey Glen! While youve got it out there isnt any reason not to check it out a bit. You can check all your clearances on the bottom end with a couple pieces of plastigauge. I personally would go ahead and tear it down replace all the gaskets including headgasket. Clean everything and put her back together. Anyway Good to see you posting here, If you need any help hollar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gbelnap Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 Austin, I will probably need some help determining what is good and what is not. Are you home over Christmas? I can have it torn down by then, maybe you could swing by and look at it with me to see what work - if any - needs to be done. Turning wrenches is easy, really knowing how to diagnose the potential issues is the hard part. Let me know, Glen 78 280Z 94 300ZX 2+2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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