L series engine swap

[vramjee91]

Hey guys,

 

This week I'm going to attempt to do an engine swap on my 240z 'midnight warrior.'

 

It currently has a l24 in it, and I have the option of fixing the brocken head gasket, or using an l26 that I have from my old 260z.

 

I'm leaning towards the l26, just cause I know it's a solid engine and works well, however some people have said I should just try fixing the gasket in my current 240z. The one thing I'm worried about is that there could be a number of reasons why the gasket blew in the first place, and by replacing it I would only do a band aid fix?

 

I guess I was after what people's views on this was, and also if they had any tips for the engine swap, cause I'm not that skilled when it comes to things like this...

 

 

Help would be much appreciated!

 

Cheers vivek

[pauly_adams]

either way works they do blow gaskets every now and again, just put the L26 in then repair the L24 and drop it back in, doesnt take long to fix and doesnt take long to swap so either way will work.

[Agno]

I'm with pauly, drop the l26 in, fix the l24 and then put it back in the car again.

 

The one thing I'm worried about is that there could be a number of reasons why the gasket blew in the first place, and by replacing it I would only do a band aid fix?

 

This also applies to putting the l26 in. Make sure that the radiator and top and bottom hoses aren't blocked (maybe just replace them, it's easy enough) and the water pump and thermostat are in good condition and you shouldn't have any overheating/head gasket issues in the future.

[PB260Z]

I also agree with Pauly, drop L26 in to get you back on road, then take your time to assess the L24 and repair it if appropriate.

[dazzed]

Hey guys,

 

This week I'm going to attempt to do an engine swap on my 240z 'midnight warrior.'

 

It currently has a l24 in it, and I have the option of fixing the brocken head gasket, or using an l26 that I have from my old 260z.

 

I'm leaning towards the l26, just cause I know it's a solid engine and works well, however some people have said I should just try fixing the gasket in my current 240z. The one thing I'm worried about is that there could be a number of reasons why the gasket blew in the first place, and by replacing it I would only do a band aid fix?

 

I guess I was after what people's views on this was, and also if they had any tips for the engine swap, cause I'm not that skilled when it comes to things like this...

 

 

Help would be much appreciated!

 

Cheers vivek

 

Vivek, well said ,good idea and thought about your topic, You need to have your engine checked over from a person knowledgeable about your engine to inform you appropriately , you may find that may cost you but could be a lot more expensive not too , ask Mossy he knows hope this helps. Dazzed

[pauly_adams]

if your head gasket is blown my guess would be its between 5-6 its more common then you think due to cooling issues with these cylinders, but then again it could be like mine and i blew 2x headgaskets in 12 months it was due to head warpage. i would just swap the engine out with help if its a manual running carbs you can have it done in 4 hours out and in, if its a auto it takes a bit longer. if possible get someone who has done a engine pull in a s30 before, if you cant get a friend and just follow the user manual.

[vramjee91]

Cheers guys!

 

I'll give it a go this weekend and see what happens. Appreciate everyone's help

 

We shall soon find out if it was a wise move or not.....

[jamo240]

I wouldn't swap engines...you will then have to advise of an engine number change and all that. It sounds like you are keen to learn, so why not fix the head and learn something? The Frank Honsowetz books on NIssan L-series engines are very informative for newbies and experienced alike. The likely cause of your head gasket failing is a warped head or just plain age-related (there could also be issues relating to the cooling system or thermostat that could have caused those problems too). As the other lads have said, ensure the cooling system and water pump are clean and serviceable, then removed the head, leaving the block in place (you will need to wedge the timing chain when you remove), then send the head to a competent machinist to be checked for flatness/machined, and pressure checked, clean the block face, new gasket, reassemble, and then you will know something you di'dn't before! You can also inspect the bores and valves too while you have it apart.

 

Good luck!

 

Jamo

[Retro Z]

I helped him pull out the motor and auto last friday.. he has decided to go the l26 after he paints the engine bay.