Guest Rolling Parts Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Just an observation, but parts for L6 engines are getting awfully scarce. Autozone stores did not have chain guides in their computer at all and Oreily could only locate one. Online sources have them but shipping/handling is almost as much as the parts. Last month I needed a turbo to downpipe gasket and only the dealer had it (and the dealer's computer showed only 5 in the USA). Sooo... The most produced sportscar in the world is now relegated to being an odd antique. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wedge Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 It is sad . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators RTz Posted August 23, 2009 Administrators Share Posted August 23, 2009 Well... the earliest Z's are 40 years old now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
at-jefft Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Well Autozone is a business and there is more money to be made on newer cars, so I would assume that has to do with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAG58 Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 This is what happens when we get such reliable cars! But seriously, It is sad. Unfortunately, Like jeff said, auto parts is a business (and a big one at that) and it's much more lucrative for them to prop up all the SUV's coming out of Detroit rust city than it is to help us Z owners out. Different strokes for different folks I guess. Good taste is a rarity these days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PanzerAce Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 stories like this make me glad I know the guy I do Basically every private shop within an hour of here has him on speed dial for hard to find parts. Like the 8.5" brake boosters for a '73. Never knew how rare they were till I needed a new one. Couldn't find one (new or used in ok condition) over about a week of searching, called him up, and three hours later he's getting one completely unused mailed down from sacramento (maybe 3hrs away). I'm almost afraid to ask if he knows where any HKS surge tanks are, since he'll probably find some Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rolling Parts Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 It just made me think that I' d better start getting some critical L6 engine parts NOW if I intend to keep driving the cars I have with the L6's every day. If I can't get good wear items, I'll have to drive those cars only on weekends. Time to order some spare sets of bearings, rings and timing chain while I'm thinking about it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators RTz Posted August 23, 2009 Administrators Share Posted August 23, 2009 It just made me think that I' d better start getting some critical L6 engine parts NOW if I intend to keep driving the cars I have with the L6's every day. If I can't get good wear items, I'll have to drive those cars only on weekends. Time to order some spare sets of bearings, rings and timing chain while I'm thinking about it... Or you could Hybridize your car with something a little more modern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue72 Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 This is why I miss living in Arizona, because there were BAP auto parts stores all around Maricopa county. No such luck here in Southern Utah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rolling Parts Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Or you could Hybridize your car with something a little more modern Some are already chaned, but I want to keep 2 of the Z's with the L6 "just because". It's just a shocker to see an engine made for almost 15 years in one of the most popular imports in history become something of an oddity at the parts counter. Update: I tried NAPA today and it was the same story of "not available" for the timing chain guides. NAPA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSM Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Did you see if a timing chain kit was available with the guides included? Maybe it will be cheaper then the shipping and waiting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IdfMF Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 On the non-technical side, this is an interesting subject. I bought my Z, a 1972, in 1979. It was my first car and I was 17 years old when I bought it. I just turned 47 last week. My Z is now over 37 years old and I grew up around and own antique cars like Model T Fords. . It is interesting to think about the kind of cars that were 37 years old when my Z was built: 1935. The "antique cars" of those days were things like Model T, A and B Fords. In fact, the Model T had only been out of production for 8 years in 1935. Seems funny to think of our sleek, sexy Z cars in that antique crowd, but that does seem to be the case according the general auto parts world. That being said, I can by a brand new, reproduction gas tank for any of the Model Ts I own, but I cannot buy a brand new reproduction gas tank for my Z! Oh, the injustice! BTW, I really do need a good '72 240 gas tank if you now where I could get one. Here's to the Z Car Antique Nationals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soundmasterg Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 You should be able to get a timing chain kit, which will come with the guides. If you're going to go to the work to replace the guides, you may as well do the chain and what not too. I got a kit from a friend of mine who runs a VW shop, but he ordered it up from one of the wholesale suppliers....I forget the name but can find out for you if you want. Any parts store should be able to order the kit if the guy at the desk tries to do it and isn't too lazy. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burntread Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 IdfMF, I have two '71 gas tanks. One just came out of my car (converting to turbo) and the other is a backup. Don't know if you still need them, but let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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