[260fan]

I have a 260Z and can’t decide whether to tweak the current L26 or upgrade and rebuild an L28. There are really two goals here the first one is to increase the power the second is to increase its reliability and lifespan. Any thoughts would be appreciated I’m really on the fence with this one.

 

[WillieBoy240Z]

Assuming they are both in the same condition, it is logical to consider upgrading the L28 instead of the L26. Either one will fit into any 1st gen Z. You will find more aftermarket and NISMO modifications for the L28. Since it is further refinement of the Nissan L6 block, it has subtle improvements and is more reliable than previous versions. It is not only bigger than previous blocks -- it is better.

Many parts and accessories are interchangable.

But if the L26 is running fine, there are a lot of things you could do to it that could be re-used in a future L28 rebuild. A new cam, headers, maybe cyl head work, carbs, fuel delivery, starter, cooling, etc etc etc.

 

[73240z31]

The true genius behind the L-series motor is the interchangability of all L-series components. Obviously the bolt on accessories have specific functions but the basic head, block, timing components, oil accesories are largely the same. As for the choice in motors, cost is the biggest factor. For a little over five thousand you can slap together a big bore motor or a turbo charged tach chaser. Sounds like you want something more streetable unfortunately. Concerning the bottom end the better choice would be the L-28, I never liked the L-26 because it utalized only half the the L-28 combo. O.E. 240z was a carbed L-24 block, 83mm bore and long 133mm rods on the shorter 73mm crank; 260z was same induction on a L-24 block, 83mm bore but short 130mm rods with 79mm stroke on the crank. 280z was a fuel injected L-28 block 89mm bore with 130mm rods on 79mm crank. Two of the best and cheapest bolt-to-gether-motors are L-28 block and pistons and L-24 crank or L-28 block, crank and pistons. The top end absolute bestest is the rare E-31 head (don't even bother looking for that) or yhe more common E-88, the N-47 and later designations are used on the injected cars. Confused yet?