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.

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.

Daniel Moore, He is at factory 8 8 Evans st Burwood. Just off Highbury rd down the Warrigul rd end Rev.

Hey MR260 give this guy a call I found him to be honest and excellent Daniel Moore contact details 98082590 shop 0409167866 mob Rev.

Hey guys, I'm keen to know if anyone has a lead on a freight company that would pick up a motor in NSW for transport to Vic. I'm still finding it hard to find an L28 for a rebuild locally. If anyone can help out with either a freight company or a motor here in Vic I'd appreciate you letting me know. Rev.

Hey monaroz, Give Daniel a call, I found him to be honest and excellent and he really knows the zed's. His contact details are: Daniel Moore 98082590 shop 0409167866 mob. Hope all goes well. Rev.

Well mayhem, congratulations! what a find. Let us all know when you are ready to begin the sale! Rev.

Hi guys...I have finally found an L28 for a rebuild however it comes from a Nissan Patrol, all I know is that it is an L28 which has N42 stamped on it, am I right in thinking that this will be fine to recon and go straight into the Zed? It's sometimes frustrating being an engine newbie....but I'm learning slowly....very slowly! appreciate all the great help you guys give. Rev.

Hey guys....well I am about to take a step up in the manual conversion process, but before I do I wondered if anyone has an idea if the box I currently have is a standard 260z 5 speed? I pulled it from my 260z donor car but it had had other mods and I wondered if this was one. I have included some pics which have some numbers on it (#8-7-2), I would like to know so that I can buy some new parts like clutch and flywheels etc. I consulted my Zed bible but couldn't find any enlightenment, help if you can. Rev.

Hi guys, I can vouch that the datsun side emblems with the inner 'red' piece are factory standard on the 2+2. The info i got was from the original owner of my Zed (a 76) who has worked for Nissan for over 40 years which I bought absolutely stock standard(i'm owner no:2!) Hope that helps some! Rev.

It's late, I'm still working and I appreciate the laughs about the clocks, some of you guys crack me up!... well ...mine works, perhaps it's divine intervention and it has kept perfect time for a year!

Hey Mayhem, I'm a starter on the 260! but I guess so are a lot of others. As a fellow Narre Warren dweller I'm available to even help you go and get them, just let me know! I'm trying my best to not covet.....but when it's Zed's in a barn it's really hard! Rev.

As with most things 'classic resto' sometimes you just have to aquire skills yourself! This link is to a fantastic Aussie site that specialises in DIY chroming kits, I've never done it, but it looks achieveable. http://www.eplate.com.au. If anyone has a go let us all know how you went. Rev.

Hi Atticus, Looks like a pretty good proposition for a restoration but he's way over the money! I would figure that 3 - 4,000 would be absolute tops. There is another green 2+2 on Ebay at the moment that would be as good a proposition as the one you are now looking at. Seats you don't repair you get the aftermarket recover kit from the states like I did landed in Oz for about $280.00. Your auto repair will be a large part of your budget. You may be better looking for a second hand bonnet but no matter which way you go, for a proper repair for rust (which means weld Vs bog) and a respray it's gonna set you back in the range of $3,000. To do a black respray is a lot of work as it means repainting everything, the car really has to be stripped and motor out to do this properly. To sum it all up, the car you are looking at is overpriced which may see you blowing your budget once you get started and the trading post and ebay are full of unrealised Zed dreams. Take your time and you will save thousands. Best of luck. Rev.

I'm prayin' for Colins family. Rev.

Thanks Lurch, PM sent - I'm thinking whether I have to pull the motor or not? ideas anyone?

Man, that is a great job! I hope I can get somewhere near that, If so I will be happy, I really appreciate all of your info. I'll also try and keep a photo journal of my repairs as both dash's are in a real bad way. One dash is in 3 pieces and the other has chunks missings as someone has hacked the dash to get out the clock (must have been a working one!) Gav maybe this should be made as a sticky?

Hey guys....Well I have my manual box, clutch kits, pedals and bits....but I think I may need some extra help! I have $200 to put toward someone who is in the know to help me install my manual gearbox at my place in Narre warren South. I think I have all the bits ready to go and I plan to drop out the auto in the next week so it should be ready to go after that, any takers? I am also willing to help others who need minor touch ups as I have a spray gun and am pretty handy with it!

This looks like a whole lot of fun, I'm definately giving it a go, with 2 dashes sitting in the garage it's worth the effort. If anyone else in the Melbourne S.E area (I'm in Narre warren Sth) wants to have a go, I'd be happy to share resources. Rev.

Good advice from Rob. Also be on the lookout around your fuel filler, this is a real problem with Zed's. The hatch sill above your tail lights is also another area that loves to give way to cancer and of course remember that what looks solid may have a great chunk of bog holding it all together! but then you are looking at a car that is 30+ years old. Good luck with your shopping. Rev.

The diff ratios may have been what he was talking about, I have no idea! is there any way to find out what ratio my diff is?

Well the journey continues! Talking to a mechanic today and he reckons that if I am converting I also need to change the diff as the diff for an auto is different from a manual, has anyone else heard this? thanks also to all who have posted so far, it feels as though my journey of faith has been done by many before! We should call you the apostles of Zed's!

Well today I had a go at something that I never thought would happen! I began the first steps of my auto to 5 speed conversion! armed with my greasy workshop manual and my 17 year old son we attacked our donor car and after some intial bewilderment began the process of pedal extraction and then we dropped the gearbox out (first time for both of us). So far we haven't broken anything or ourselves! Maybe some of you guys have done this exercise and I would be really grateful for any tips before I begin the removal of my auto and the install of the manual. I'm a bit tentative as my Zed is right now looking and running sweet, but the added power and fun of the 5 speed makes this a real adventure.

Hey Sydney Mike, It is my delight to pray for those who love their Zed, and yes I am a 'real' reverend however I don't know that this small fact will discount the speeding fines! however I pray for your joy and your tank to be full whilst crusin' in your Zed.

Lurch, it's not about whether I am bothered or not to find an L28 I am simply trying to ascertain what the options are! thanks (i think) for your thoughts.