Southern California Car Zero Rust Ever Beautiful Survivor 5 Speed L28 E88 Nissan

Beautiful. rust-free. accident-free. Southern California desert (until 2010 - then Southern Utah desert to this day). 1972 Datsun 240Z. This Z is absolutely stunning. It has been cosmetically (new paint and interior) and mechanically (all new running gear) restored to a high standard over the last 3 years. She runs great. drives great. and everything works. Not that I'd recommend it because of her beauty. but she could be a very practical (and exceedingly cool) daily driver. Personally. I think she's more of a weekend/special occasion plaything. Obviously. they are not making any more so I feel we have a responsibility to preserve them. Just my two cents.
The plan was to keep this baby forever and be buried in it. Alas. plans change so it's time to part with her. very regrettably.

This build was designed to create a wonderful. practical. driver-quality 240Z. With that goal in mind. everything cosmetic was done to preserve her originality. We either used original parts. NOS parts. or high-quality replacement parts. And all factory colors (interior and exterior) were retained. The only non-stock components in the interior are the Alpine stereo and the RetroSound speakers (both bolt-in and easily reversible).
The running gear is where this beauty really shines. It has a brand-new (not rebuilt) 280Z 5 speed manual transmission (specs below) and a brand-new (not rebuilt) R180 rear differential. The jewel-in-the-crown is the high-compression L28 long-block with an E88 head. Detailed engine-specs are at the bottom of my ad.

Here's what else been done or replaced (in no particular order).
Brand New (not rebuilt) Rear Differential - Model R180Brand New (not rebuilt) 5 Speed Transmission - Model 32010-N3030 Gearbox ratios: 1st: 3. 321. 2nd: 2. 077. 3rd: 1. 308. 4th: 1. 000. 5th: 0. 864Original Hitachi (SU style) Carb's Freshly RebuiltNew Fuel Lines And FiltersNew Spark Plug WiresFresh Fluids Everywhere (obviously)Brake Hoses Front (2)Brake Hoses Rear (2)Aftermarket Steering BootsUpholstery Kit Black - Carpet. Seats. Panels. Etc. Strut Mounting InsulatorPlastic Interior Quarter Panel LHPlastic Interior Quarter Panel RHNew Plastic Interior RivetsElectronic Ignition Conversion To Replace PointsNew Door. Door Frame And Hatch Weather StrippingDoor Lock Retainer ClipsRight Side Window Glass RegulatorNew Seat Belts - Left & RightHeadlight SwitchInner Shift BootGas Cap Rubber FlapTurn Signal SwitchOEM Jeco Dash Clock AssemblyDrivers Side Tail Light 3 Row Aluminum Radiator (runs very cool)Engine Mounts (L&R)Energy Suspension Hyperflex Bushing KitProfessionally Rebuilt Datsun 280Z (L28) Engine* (specs below) - Flat Top Pistons (approximately 200hp) and E88 HeadNew Brakes Front And RearBlack Manual AntennaSectional Carpet Kit - Front and RearArmrest. LeftArmrest. RightInterior Door Hardware Kit. RightInterior Door Hardware Kit. LeftBumper Guard Rubber Strip. LeftBumper Guard Rubber Strip. RightFront Bumper Rubber StripNuts For Rubber StripsRear Bumper Guard RubberRear Bumper Strip Left and RightDrivers Side Interior Door PanelNew Z Shift Ball Manual Pedal AssemblyNew TiresPeriod-Correct Western Wheel 14X5. 5 Aluminum RimsNew Wheel Bearings All AroundRetroSound Rear Speakers With MountAlpine Stereo/CD Player New Paint In Original Orange ($3000 - no kidding! And body was almost perfect prior to paint)CNC Machined Custom HVAC Rotary Switch KnobCNC Machined Custom Ashtray HandleNew Door Pull - Passenger SideNew Exhaust System
I hope this list gives you an idea of how thorough the restoration has been. Plus. I'm sure there are items I'm overlooking; please look very closely at all my pics.
This stunning 1972 240Z started life as an automatic transmission car; upgrading to a brand-new 280Z 5 speed was part of the mechanical restoration. This is wonderful in that. not only is the conversion all bolt-on and easily reversible. but automatic sports cars are typically driven much more gently than their manual transmission siblings. That's one reason this Z has aged so well. If you are a purist. the original transmission and differential are available separately if you would like them.
And what a spectacular driver it is. especially with the upgraded running gear. She drives very smooth and tight. particularly with the polyurethane bushings installed. The only rattles come from the window and door mechanisms. I keep trying to fix them once and for all but the solution eludes me. I will keep trying until the auction is over. Nevertheless. they don't pose a problem. just a minor annoyance in an otherwise incredible vehicle.
My name is Chris and I would be delighted to answer your questions. Please call me at 435-669-1470. I also have tons of pics that show every nook and cranny in great detail. Please send me your email address and I will get them out promptly. This beauty is located in the dry. desert community of St. George. Utah (about 100 miles north of Las Vegas). You may want to consider flying in and driving her back home. I'd be happy to help facilitate that. Good luck and good bidding.
Details on L28/E88 long-block below.
* REBUILD PROCESS INCLUDES.

1. Complete disassemble. Inspection and Pressure test
2. Re-Surface all 3 sides. Intake Gasket Side. Head Gasket Side and Valve Cover Gasket Side
3. 3 Angle Valve Job
4. Reconditioned Rocker Arms
5. Cleaned. and Installed Performance DOUBLE COIL Springs. Retainers and Lash Pads
6. Full Set of new Valve Seals
7. Stock Polished Camshaft Kit.
8. All threads cleaned and repaired as needed
9. Full Reassembly and Valve adjustment

 

BLOCK WORK INCLUDES.

1. Pressure Test

2. Hot Tank Cleaning

3. Threads Cleaned and Repaired as needed

4. New Flat Top 10/1 Compression Oversized Pistons and Rings

5. Re-bore Cylinder Walls with Specific Cross Hatch Cut

6. New Freeze Plugs

7. New High Temp Paint

8. New Under-sized ACL Bearings

9. Micro Knife Edged and Polished Crankshaft

10. Inspected. Cleaned. and Check Rods

11. Professionally Reassembled with new Rear Main Seal 

Also published at eBay.com

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