[Unknown User]

Well, I love the Zs but since I can't afford a 90+ and the 85-89 don't appeal to me, I am interested in purchasing an earlier model. I am way out of my league on this one so I was wondering if any one could just throw some years my way, and perhaps what to stay away from. I am interested much like everyone else in doing some work and upgrading on the car so I got to keep that in mind also.

 

[Unknown User]

I rescued a 74 260Z from a farmyard - just managed to get it running a few days ago. Having a blast (just one minor engine fire). If you are mechanically inclined at all I heartily recommend purchasing a two seater 240Z or 260Z ie 69/70-74/75. They just seem that little bit nicer (I think it must be the front bumpers). I have heard that there are more performance mods and greater parts availability for the 2.4L motor though.

Unfortunately they all seem to suffer from rust unless you are purchasing in a dry-state.

So far I am surprised at just how available parts (panels, trim, etc) are for these early cars. Take the plunge - the early ones are real drivers cars. They handle well and have a full complement of guages...

Well, I love the Zs but since I can't afford
> a 90+ and the 85-89 don't appeal to me, I am
> interested in purchasing an earlier model. I
> am way out of my league on this one so I was
> wondering if any one could just throw some
> years my way, and perhaps what to stay away
> from. I am interested much like everyone
> else in doing some work and upgrading on the
> car so I got to keep that in mind also.

 

[Unknown User]

240Z Is The Way To Go!

I've owned a 72 240Z and resently purchased a 73 240Z. 240 or maybe the 260 If you switch the Hitachies to the early 240 SU carbs. is the fastest and powerful stock Z's. Maybe the exception of the 300ZX Turbo Coupe.

But who wants modern technology purchase a 240Z or 260Z and enjoy the ride!

 

[Doug Dawson]

> Well, I love the Zs but since I can't afford
> a 90+ and the 85-89 don't appeal to me, I am
> interested in purchasing an earlier model. I
> am way out of my league on this one so I was
> wondering if any one could just throw some
> years my way, and perhaps what to stay away
> from. I am interested much like everyone
> else in doing some work and upgrading on the
> car so I got to keep that in mind also.

Whatever you cnn find that doesn't have rust problems, body damage etc. Don't worry, you'll accumulate a garage full of Z's, it's not totally critical which one you get first.

My personal preference is for the more sophisticated later models with fuel injection etc.. However, particularly with the 280ZX ( my current main ride, ) the vast majority of home mechanics are totally defeated by the complexity of the various subsystems. Don't buy one of these cars and expect to get it _fully_ operational unless you have a fair amount of instrumentation and are reasonably comfortable with repairing electrical faults. OTOH, if that's okay with you, go for it.

Otherwise, the 280Z is a nice compromise. There's somewhat less to go wrong, and some people prefer the nature of its rear suspension, which is more accessible than on the later cars, less of a challenge.

If you can find a 240Z with no rust, then go for it. Not too many of those around, and what many there are seem to me to be overpriced these days.

Doug Dawson
[email protected]

 

[Mike Ruiz]

> Here are some questions I would ask:
Will your z be exposed to cold winters?

If so, you may like EFI better, so the 75-83's have it.

Are you worried about comfort?

the zx's 79-83 are the most comfortable.

Will you work on it yourself? If so, and if your electronics capabilities are limited (like me), 240's are easier to work on.

If you want a reliable daily driver, they will all (70-83) serve you well if properly maintained.

Do you want a/c? 74-83 had factory air, 70-73 was dealer add on. 70-73 had overheating problems in hot climates which make maintaining a/c more of a struggle.

Do you want the lightest, sportiest of them all?
70-72 240's, or a 73 with 70-72 carbs.

I have had 240's, 260's & 280's.

I liked the 72 240 the best.

Good luck, Regards, Mike

 

[Larry 260Z]

While all Z's are wonderful there is one model that is more troublesome than others. The '74 260 has thoes awful flat topped emmisioned carbs that nearly every 260 owner has changed or wants to, since they are nearly impossible to re-build, and were designed for emmisions rather than drivability. While the swap isn't super hard, it is expensive and time consuming, and worth it, as my shelf of autocross trophies will show.

 

[Unknown User]

I should have added that I have the round-top carbs (mine is an early 74 260Z). I have heard people are less than impressed with the flat-top ones...

> While all Z's are wonderful there is one
> model that is more troublesome than others.
> The '74 260 has thoes awful flat topped
> emmisioned carbs that nearly every 260 owner
> has changed or wants to, since they are
> nearly impossible to re-build, and were
> designed for emmisions rather than
> drivability. While the swap isn't super
> hard, it is expensive and time consuming,
> and worth it, as my shelf of autocross
> trophies will show.

 

[Unknown User]

> Well, I love the Zs but since I can't afford
> a 90+ and the 85-89 don't appeal to me, I am
> interested in purchasing an earlier model. I
> am way out of my league on this one so I was
> wondering if any one could just throw some
> years my way, and perhaps what to stay away
> from. I am interested much like everyone
> else in doing some work and upgrading on the
> car so I got to keep that in mind also.

I have a 75 280z and love it. I'm only 17 and have done all the work on my car myself (when I got it it didn't run). Now it runs great and is a daily driver. I've also accumulated a yard full of Z's everything from 72-85 except a 74.

 

[carl71240Z]

> Well, I love the Zs but since I can't afford
> a 90+ and the 85-89 don't appeal to me, I am
> interested in purchasing an earlier model. I
> am way out of my league on this one so I was
> wondering if any one could just throw some
> years my way, and perhaps what to stay away
> from. I am interested much like everyone
> else in doing some work and upgrading on the
> car so I got to keep that in mind also.

I would say that Mike's advice is right on. Ask yourself those questions. If you are looking for collectibility, a rust free 240Z is the way to go. They have the most sentimental value out there. Try to stick with a 71 or 72. If you want comfort for daily driving, choose a late model 280Z, like a 77 or 78, especially if you live in a cold climate.

I have a 71 240Z and love it. It is rust free and mostly rebuilt, but it was not cheap! Be prepared to pay more for a very nice 240Z.

 

[norm]

240Z nuf said!!

> I would say that Mike's advice is right on.
> Ask yourself those questions. If you are
> looking for collectibility, a rust free 240Z
> is the way to go. They have the most
> sentimental value out there. Try to stick
> with a 71 or 72. If you want comfort for
> daily driving, choose a late model 280Z,
> like a 77 or 78, especially if you live in a
> cold climate.

> I have a 71 240Z and love it. It is rust
> free and mostly rebuilt, but it was not
> cheap! Be prepared to pay more for a very
> nice 240Z.
I have owned a 240 z for last 10 years !I still look forward to driving it every morning.That car has never failed to bring me great JOY!!They are lightest and the fastest, especially if you upgrade to the 280 motor, 5 speed and rear end!!!!GET YOURSELF A 240 and BE HAPPY!!!

 

[Unknown User]

Thanks for all the recommendations and help, but

Thanks for all the help, but I think that someone said it best : whatever I can get my hands on is best. I live all the way in Ontario Canada, and while Michigan is about 10 minutes away, they are not well known for their Zs. I am currently researching the possibility of shiping one across the US, but the problem is that I would like to inspect it before I would buy it, and that is not quite possible if I can't drive myself all the way down to California for example.

Thanks again for all the info.

 

[spot]

Re: Thanks for all the recommendations and help, b

I posted this before for you, but it ended up going to the top of forum. Anyways, try Jerry DiBenedetto at All Z Car Specialist here close to Ft.Worth Texas. He might be able to help find something for you. Give him a call and see what he can do for you. (817)383-0383

 

[TimZ]

Have you tried the Ontario Z-Club?

Did you know about the Ontario Z-club? I think that they are in the London, Ontario area. They might be able to help you locate something. Included a link to their website...

 

[TimZ]

Re: Have you tried the Ontario Z-Club?

> Did you know about the Ontario Z-club? I
> think that they are in the London, Ontario
> area. They might be able to help you locate
> something. Included a link to their
> website...

<A HREF=http://granite.sentex.net>http://granite.sentex.net</A>/~burkhart/zcar.html

 

[Unknown User]

Thanks for the link

Well thanks for the link, its a start. There are a few Zs for sale, and they are only a few hundred K's from home. Its a great place to inquire though.

Thanks again

 

[Unknown User]

Thanks for the link

Well thanks for the link, its a start. There are a few Zs for sale, and they are only a few hundred K's from home. Its a great place to inquire though.

Thanks again