Subject: To Rebuild or Not to Rebuild Engine
Date: Sun, 04 Apr 1999
From: zdoc <zdoc@yosemite.net>Nicabill@aol.com writes:
What's up Doc! I am currently thinking about rebuilding my engine in my 1978 280Z. First a little history about the car. I purchased this fine Z in 1994 in Washington State. At the time it had 45,000 miles on it. Probably 145,000 miles. The compression checked out rather well so I purchased it. It's been driven from Washington to Oklahoma, Oklahoma to North Carolina and back. Needless to say, I am very proud of the way it gotten me to and from my destinations.
Aside from the routine maintenance problems the car has not given much trouble. Replaced the fuel pump, rack and pinion, transmission repaired, fifth gear went out on me on my return trip to Oklahoma. Luckily, after 18 hours of continuous driving it happened once I was home. Now to the point. Ever since I owned this car it's had a little "ticking sound" I know it was a valve that has worked it's way loose. I think it's time to get it repaired now after it's been so good to me all these years. My question is ... do I just have the valve job done or do a complete overhaul of the engine?
The oil pressure has never been a problem. The car does not smoke or knock. I've talked to a mechanic friend of mine and he suggests that I just get the valve job done. Is he right? A second opinion is welcomed. If it's just a valve job, the less costly of the two, I thinking of replacing the stock valve seats and valve guides with maganese-bronze one for better protection for a few pennies more. Good idea or not? At the same time, I might as well have the timing chain replaced. Good idea or not? Could you tell me, through your experience, what might a job of this sort cost? I will most likely purchase the parts from Victoria British Ltd and have the local shop do it so to speak. This one is out of my technical expertise. Any and all suggestions are welcomed.
In advance, thanks.
Doc replies:
Hi there,
Doc here... I believe that you will not be satisfied with only the top end rebuild. This usually puts too much pressure on the bottom end resulting in oil burning from all of my experiences for more than 35 years. Plan on rebuilding your "Z" or getting a good used engine from a wrecker. With as many miles on her as you indicate you will be very satisfied with the complete job and not just the patch.
Hope that this helps you in your considerations..........ZDOC OUT