Need help!

[reverendzed]

I have a guy who has promised to help me do an engine rebuild (he has some good contacts which I'll share soon) however I still can't seem to nail an L28 engine here in Vic? SO... the big question is has anyone done a rebuild of an L26 (overbore, port/polish etc) and what are the pitfalls if any to this kind of project.  I realise that an L28 would give me the extra 200cc over the L26 which is about an 8% increase of power (comparing standard motors) however if I was to work an L26 (not sure what all that may mean yet ) would I still get good results for open road. cruise type of driving?  I'm not trying to build a race car but I sure would like some serious grunt!

 

I would really appreciate some help with this as the offer from this guy is only open for a while!

Thanks,

Rev.

[aegean]

I was under the impression that the L28 was an L26 bored out to 2800, so I don't see why this is not possible. Likewise, you could also stroke it and increase capacity further to somewhere around 3000cc.

[zedevan]

here's one, lol

 

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DATSUN-NISSAN-280ZX-5-SPEED-R200-DIFF-ALLOY-WHEELS-L28_W0QQitemZ140178113357QQihZ004QQcategoryZ102336QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

i think while an l28 is a bored out l26 the wall thinkness was kept the same so an l28 can handle being bored out futher than an l26...and therefore is stronger at 2.8 litres than an l26 would be, although i could be confused as i've never paid all that much attention to it...

 

the way i see it, the only reason to keep it an l26 is if u care about the matching numbers. i think my l26 went alright for just a stoke motor, i had no real issues keeping up with friend's sr20 powered 180sx's etc on anything but a straight road. but the easiest way to increase power is to increase displacement?

[C.A.R.]

Pick-a-part, Jolly Rodgers, Centre Raod wreckers...

These places all had L28's in various vehicles...

[260Coupe]

If you wanted to retain the L26 the best option is to install 240Z flat top pistons which will increase the comp from 8.3 to around 10:1, this will improve low down torque by around 20%. With a moderate 70-72 degree cam this should produce around 110-115rw/kw (up from the standard 260Z 75-80rw/kw) on standard 240 carbs

This combination makes for a driver friendly car with good throttle response and smooth power delivery.

 

I retained my L26 for originality however the internals have undergone the following

 

install flat top pistons (geniuine Nissan pistons can be hard to source)

install 280 valves (larger inlet)

Stainles valve seats (for unleaded fuel)

lighten flywheel

port match the head

install 280zx elec ignition

balance everything that moves

install 280 turbo oil pump

 

I am just waiting on Wades for a cam shaft billet to try a Roadster type grind.......calculation suggest around 115rw kw.......the engine is currently producing 100kw with a mountain of torque on a standard 240 A grind cam but the donk get asthmatic at 5500 rpm due to the big valves and lack of lift and duration.....the new 71 degree cam will fix this and make power to 7000rpm.

This combination makes for a much smoother engine than the L28 with much the same torque and better high rpm performance.

If you are interested in this type of set up I can put you in contact with my engine builder .

 

cheers

 

Alan

VP

NDSOC

 

[reverendzed]

Thanks Alan would love to find out more info from your engine builder.  I have recently purchased a reco N42 head is that going to be any good to me in this rebuild project? I wasn't sure if that is compatible with my L26 block? anyhow I've done some research on Ebay U.S and found some flat top pistons and rings for 200U.S which isn't bad, I can get stuff bought over fairly cheap.  I will do my manual conversion at the same time so I also need to track down a flywheel etc....any advise?

Rev.

[JP240z]

Any zed wreckers for flywheel?

I bought one for $75 a few weeks ago coz mine was destroyed.

Or you can of course buy on from nissan for $470.

[260Coupe]

Rev

 

Give Lou Mondello a call on 9555 9591 or 0412 282441 Lou has been rebuilding Datsun U20 roadster engines for the last 15 years but has a shed full on knowledge on L series. His shop is in Moorabbin and his rates are very inexpensive and his work is first class.

He rebuilt my Roadster engine 8 years ago and I have flogged it around the track for many years since and it has been bullet proof (revs to 8k without going bang!).

He rebuilt my L26 late last year and it also has prooved to be excellent.

 

The budget you will need will be around $4k which will include block honing/boring replacement of all timing gear, oil pump, cylinder head tidy up and new reprofiled valves, all new bearings, lighten flywheel, balancing etc, etc.  (basically he replaces everthing that moves with new) Lou does not compromise on anything and being a man of science he is meticulous with his measurements and calculations.

Lou is also the guru when it comes to Su carbs and rebuilds them back to as new

 

cheers

 

Alan