beg3yrs

Hello folks,

As my "260Z Retirement Project" goes on, I'm now concerned (again) about the fuel type for this machine. The motor I have is from an early 260Z, and L26 with an E88 head. I had recalled from reading an owner's manual that unleaded fuel was fine with this machine. I was just fine with that.

Reading somewhere else today (the web-site of our new Datsun Spirit folk) I saw a mention that their rebuild of this motor was more expensive than later motors because they had to change out the brass valve seats for hardened ones to handle unleaded fuel.

I don't have much history on this vehicle. My son-in-law purchased it in the mid-90's and only drove it for about 200 miles before he garaged it due to joining the Army. He used unleaded fuel at that time. His mid-2000's resurrection only put about 50 miles on it before it was parked (due to the pressure of a growing family) and eventually sold to me. He claims it was running fine but doesn't know what the previous owner was doing regarding fuel or if the heads were redone by a PO.

So, my dilemma. The motor is out of the car, sitting on a stand looking very pretty.

1) I could do nothing and assume nothing too bad has been done to those brass valve seats and use a lead substitute once we're back in business. Then I worry that any damage will eventually show and require repairs.

2) Or, is there a way to easily inspect those valve seats without too much work? It is possible they're OK or if not, I know to get the heads redone with hardened seats.

3) Or, do I just bite the bullet and pull the heads? If I do, y'all will have to chime in with advice!

4) Or, all this is for nothing and these motors really do last using unleaded fuel with no lead substitute?

Thoughts?

Scott