Engine re-builder required in Brisbane

[gilltech]

Anybody out there up Qld way have a really good contact for a proven Zed engine rebuilder in the Brisbane city area? I just want my original numbers-matching stock 260Z motor rebuilt, no fancy engine work or trick parts will be required. A member of the Qld Z club kindly gave me a contact in Toowoomba, but I need somewhere much closer than that.

[haul]

G'day gilltech, L series engines have been around for a long time there wouldn't be an older mechanic out there who hasn't worked on one, have a look in the yellow pages for a workshop that  specialises on nissans or jap cars, ring them up and have a chat, go with the one that listens to you as to what you want. Just make sure you use quality parts, they don't have to be the most expensive,just don't buy supercheap. I run Hypertech pistons and Grant rings & bearings, good mid range parts,or you can buy from nissan,their gaskets are second to none, when you consider the high performance boys with there RB26's will use nissan gaskets, good luck.

cheers Tony

[gilltech]

Thanks for your input; this is a pretty scary area as I don't want to get ripped off.

The answer to my next question is probably like asking how long is a piece of string, but what ballpark sort of money should I expect to pay for a bottom end rebuild if I took the whole bottom end (as in the block/crank etc) in & asked for it to be reconditioned?

The head is another issue - I assume I will need to request hardened valve inserts to suit lead-free fuel? (Original motor dates from 1973). Ballpark cost for a recond head?

I appreciate any feedback.

[260Coupe]

You could try

 

Allan Fielding  (mechanical engineer and engine builder)

07 5574 7880

Located in Nerang

 

Allan has a workshop and builds a gun race engine and has a brilliant Marque Sports 240Z, he is a member of the NDSOC and moved up north some years ago.

 

 

cheers

Al.

 

[haul]

an engine rebuild could seem quite daunting, i rebuilt my 260 5 years ago. apart from a rebore and a head shave i did all the rest myself and it cost $2200, that included pistons aswell. the easiest way to make sure that your not getting ripped of is to get a price from a few auto shops on a full rebuild kit, which wont include pistons, that way you will at least know the parts cost. If you are taking the block in yourself, you are only a few bolts away from doing the job yourself, as your block will only need a home and your crank will generally be in an alright condition. if you have basic machanical knowledge or knows someone who has and get youself an automotive repair manual or a L-series rebuild manual, available on ebay, and follow them, you will have no trouble whats so ever on building your own engine.

As mechanics will charge upto $80+ an hour, minimum 10 hours for a rebuild, plus any other unforeseen extras. so it could be quite a money saving option to do it yourself. Plus you will always have these pages to ask questions.

 

cheers,

Tony

[gilltech]

Thanks for your input & advice guys. I'm very keen now to give it a go myself - I have a book on rebuilding Datsun motors, access to the right tools, & it seems pretty straightforward step-by-step. I'll track down a reputable local supplier for all the new bits, & an engine machining shop, & get myself an engine stand & see how I go - & if I get stuck I'll sing out.

Tony, you mentioned a 'rebuild kit', & that doesn't include pistons, so presume therefore I buy the Hypertech pistons & Grant rings you recommend; do you use Nissan gaskets, & Nissan timing gear set?

Thanks for your help!

 

[260Coupe]

Guys

 

if you are on a budget and wish to "get on the spanners" yourself then just ensure you get the final assembley checked over, particularly the cam timing and valve clearance measurements, I have heard of many an engine buggered from owners trying their hand at an engine refresh. Whilst the L series engine is quite straight forward correct cam and ignition timing can be the life and death of an engine........

 

cheers

 

Alan

VP

NDSOC

[aegean]

This might be of interest

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-240Z-260Z-piston-ring-kit-pistons-new-NIB_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33623QQihZ011QQitemZ320188969484QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[haul]

Alan is right in regards to the cam & valve timing,take your time & check it as many times as you need to, until you know it is right, not think it is. Having built hot Hemi's & L series engines over the last 30 years I have seen a good engines turned to dust in seconds, so take your time ask questions. If you are putting new pistons in & getting a rebore get the machine shop to order the right pistons & rings to suit the rebore, also get them to press your gudgeon pins & put your rings on, this will save you a bit of a heart ache doing this your self. Keep us posted on your progress.

Cheers

Tony

[gilltech]

Thanks guys for all your input, much appreciated you taking the time & providing links & sources. I won't rush into it or take any risks, as this is the original numbers-matching motor so don't want to stuff it up. I'll shop around for a good local machine shop & parts supplier here in Brisbane first, & ask lots of questions.

Cheers, Gilltech.