silverz

Hi, Until recently I used my 240Z as a daily driver often. I never had any real problems with it. I agree with the comments about being hot however. Red upholstery and no AC in Darwin was definitely a challenge. I have also taken mine on long drives - Townsville to Albury/Wodonga via Winton, Longreach, Charleville, Bourke etc for example and never had any problems. Fuel consumption averaged around 9.78 Lt to 100km from memory on the Townsville - Albury/Wodonga trip. These cars are fine to drive on a daily basis as long as you are prepared to put up with the idiosyncrasies and limitations of a 35 - 40 year old car. I did have fume issues, but since I pulled the fuel tank out and replaced the rotted out breather and replaced the gearstick boot this is no longer a real problem. There may also be something in Pauly's suggestion that if you run them on 98 octane you have less fuming as I have been running mine on 98 recently. Regards Peter

Hi, If you are really serious I would try Shannons again. I insured my car with Shannons when I originally bought it. I had no problems even though it was kept in an open car port in Darwin. I then moved back to Townsville where I was lucky enough to have a lock up garage to keep it in. I have now moved to Bonegilla where it is once again in an open car port. I have informed Shannons of the garaging circumstances at each location and it says on my current policy documents "vehicle usually kept in in a car port at Bonegilla Victoria" or something similar. Shannons have never raised any concerns about a car port to me. The policy even costs less now than in a lockable garage in Townsville. Regards Peter

I think you have entirely missed the point. The way some people present themselves in their posts caused some reluctance in me wanting to meet them, just as the type of carry on identified and admitted to in this thread may well put others off. Which is very unfortunate if the members that do turn up really are the decent people you suggest. For the sake of the website and the Z community you speak of get rid of this karma stuff, the insults and ridiculous inflammatory personal/non vehicle related comments. Regards Peter

My perception of this forum is that unfortunately it seems to have become more about a small group of members egos and less about a common interest in cars. Which is a terrible shame as I have received some great information from here in the past for which I am very thankfull and hopefully some of my posts have provided a little assistance to others. This is evident in the way some of the new members have been responded to on introduction (okay maybe their literacy skills let them down but who are we to judge?). Maybe it is because I am probably older than many of the other members but I have no time for games such as karma, flaming, blatant rudeness and whatever else people want to go on with. Which is why I don't post that often anymore. At the start of the year I started to understand that I was turned off by the way this site was going when I realised I now lived within easy travelling distance from Thredbo and had the time but found excuses for myself not to go and meet others there because I was uncomfortable as I thought I would be an outsider in clicky ego driven group. I have probably vented more than enough so I will leave it there. Regards Peter

I would try AllZparts, they are always very helpful for me and send parts promptly by express post. AllZparts - 02 94760966. Regards Peter

Thanks for the explanation. Sounds like you lose 200cc but gain a livelier motor? Regards Peter

I believe the area around the petrol tank (gasoline tank for you people in the U.S.!) is worth exploring. I had a lot of problems with fumes in the cab before we took the petrol tank out and installed a new (home made) fuel tank breather. It seems a lot of the fumes were actually from the rotted out and kinked fuel tank breather. Though there are plenty of areas around the tank where exhaust fumes could also get in. At the same time I fitted a new rubber boot on the gearshift and this may also assisted. This was all done prior to me setting off from Townsville to Albury/Wodonga in Jan. Due to the floods I had to drive way inland through central/western Queensland & NSW. It was stinking hot and I had the drivers window down all the way with no more fume issues whatsoever. Regards Peter

Hi, Welcome, Thanks for the introduction even if it is brief, after all it is good manners to introduce yourself and I am sure you will have plenty more questions and information for others when you get stuck into your resto. I look forward to hearing more about your car when you are so inclined/have time. Regards Peter

Adam, My 1973 240z doesn't have a rear window demister either. I am pretty sure it is the original rear window, still has the Datsun dealer sticker on it etc. Regards Peter

Jamo, Thanks very much for the detailed response. I suspected this head was not really suited for what I wanted and your explanation has confirmed that. I will look for a better more standard e88 head. Regards Peter

Thanks Gyra, P30 block unsure about the pistons. Regards Peter

Hi, My head gasket is leaking and I am keen on putting a better flowing head on my L24. I have found this head on ebay and am seeking advice from all the experts out there. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DATSUN-240K-280Z-E88-HEAD-/120751379184?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c1d57d2f0#ht_538wt_930 I am concerned that it requires a thicker head gasket, is this an issue? Also what is a E30 reground cam with asymetrical grind? I am also concerned about corrosion in the water passage. I would welcome any advice Regards Peter

Thanks Linton, I only just registered the car in Victoria $805 in QLD or $540 something in Victoria - so a no brainer really. I am interested in the S rego as a possibility when I move back to QLD (family are still there) Thanks for answering my question. Regards Peter

Hi, Sorry for appearing ignorant however does S registration have restrictions such as only drive on club events etc? Regards Peter

Bonnet cable issue now sorted. Rang AllZParts on Tue and had genuine cable here on Thu (I rate the speedy service). Fitted it today. For info for anyone else that has this drama. Nissan Bonnet cable part no 65640-N3300. Total cost of cable (incl GST and express post) $74.90. Regards Peter

I had time this afternoon to get the car up on ramps. Armed with a torch and long skinny arms I was able to get my arm up the left side of the motor (passenger side) and put my finger in the hole on the underside of the bonnet release mechanism mounting bracket. To my surprise I was able to release the bonnet catch with my finger. Maybe the hole in the underside of the mounting bracket is for that purpose? There is not a lot of room however and you have to be careful not to burn your arm on the exhaust. My car has stock exhaust manifold, it may be harder with extractors/headers? Anyway it turned out to be much easier than I thought to get the bonnet open. I had read alarming stories on US websites about people undoing the hinges at the front of the bonnet or making special tools out of 3 ft long metal rods with multiple 90 degree bends and hooks etc just to get the bonnet open. As suspected the cable is broken at the mechanism. On Mon I will ring AllZparts and see if they have a new one they can send me. Thanks everyone for the advice. Maybe the info I have put here can help someone else if they are ever faced with the same situation. Regards Peter

Thanks everyone for the advice. I suspect the cable has either broken or some how become disconnected at the release mechanism. Though I will check it out from inside the car and if the break is on the right side of the firewall I will use pliers on the intact piece of cable. Otherwise I will try to borrow some ramps get a long screwdriver and a torch and try to get it open from underneath. Unfortunately being a 240Z there are no vents to go through. I didn't let it spoil my day however and went for a nice drive to Rutherglen - Yarrawonga - Corrowa - Howlong and back to Bonegilla. The good thing about this area is all the towns are close together. Thanks everyone. Regards Peter

Hi, Went to check under the bonnet this morning, pulled the bonnet release and about a foot of the inner cable came out, obviously the cable either has broken or let go at the release mechanism. has anyone had this happen before? and if so how do you get the bonnet open? I am thinking I will have to get under the car, unfortunately my ramps etc are still in Townsville with my family. Anyway I would appreciate any advice. Thanks Regards Peter

Alan, I had to fix my 280zx distributor in Feb/Mar 2010. I needed the contact breaker plate (bearing carrier shot) and a vacuum advance unit. Luckily another member on here - Sexual_Sushi was sourcing parts for his own distributor rebuild and very kindly included my parts in the order. I seem to recall the parts came from the US, there was some delay but it was definately worth it, the car has never run better. Maybe he can steer you in the right direction for your needs? Good luck Regards Peter

Good luck Mark, it is great to see you know what you want and are working towards your goal. Regards Peter

I am pretty sure a 1973 240Z didn't have a rear window demister as standard fitment. Regards Peter

I take it the missfire is now cured after sorting the issue with the rear carby? If it is that low on power, have you checked the harmonic balancer. Mine started to come apart causing it too slip hence the timing marks were in the wrong spot. A rebuilt harmonic balancer made all the difference. If this is the case try timing it by ear, it will be rough but will give you some idea. Maybe a long shot but worth considering. Regards Peter

I had to replace the front diff mount on my 240Z as the rubber had split allowing the diff to move and clunk. We also had to rebuild the diff as the bearings were gone and it wined like crazy. We attached the new mount to the diff prior to jacking the diff back in position and reattaching the prop shaft and half shafts etc. It was quite simple there was no need for slide hammers etc though maybe 260Z is different? We fitted a 260Z diff mount on advice from Allzspares where we bought the mount from. Apparently 260Z mounts are stronger. Regards Peter

Picked up the May edition of Your Money Magazine at the Airport today. There is Article in it titled 12 classic cars to to enjoy and make money from. They have listed 6 high priced classics and 6 affordable models that experts think have great to appreciate in value in the years ahead. The Datsun 240Z is in the affordable list. The article quotes US specs (4 speed manual) and indicates price new as $4500, latest value at.$10,000 to $40,000. The annual appreciation from new is calculated as $960 (approx 21%)