I picked up a 1983 N/A coupe.
From what I can tell, it has a N42 block and a N47 head.
Is this "normal"?
Shouldn't it have a F54 block and either a P79 or P90 head?
I'm kinda confused and appreciate any and all help.
Thanks!

 

Not "normal" but seems to happen a lot when people do engine swaps and can't find the same year engine.

Pics?

 

Do you have issues with the car running?

 

Thanks guys.

Am I right about the F54 and P79/P90?

The guy I bought it from said he'd had the motor rebuilt -- and was able to provide paperwork to back it up -- but didn't say anything about swapping the motor or the head.
The name, address, and VIN all match, but the casting numbers aren't listed anywhere on the paperwork.

NismoPick: I can probably snap some pics of the casting numbers this afternoon when I get home from work.

borini63: Nope, no issues with the car running. I'm planning on getting a set of MSA headers and checked the casting numbers as they suggest.

Thanks again.

 

Yes you are correct. Was this his original car? Looks like someone had an older L28 from a 280 and put it in there.

L28 ('75-80 280Z/ZX) 2.8 liter # N42 (dished pistons) N42, N47
L28 ('81-83 280ZX) 2.8 liter # F54 (flattop/dished pistons, siamesed cylinders) P79, P90, P90a

 

Skully: I had done some research and that's what I thought I was reading, but I wanted to make sure. It seems he was the second owner. The body has around 278K miles on it now, and the motor work was done at around 268K.

I guess this is an issue with buying a 30+ year old car.....
I considered myself fortunate for being the third owner, but you still never really know all the history.

 

Yeah for sure, the parts can mix and match so much between all the L series, that you really never know what can end up in what. As long as it runs good, its a win!
Cheers.

 

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