Working on Z verses ZX?

So far between the pre 79Z and the 85ZX I prefer my 83ZX for ease to work on or the 80s ZXs in general. You got the arm room to work and the more you work on it the more simple things get.

Just like today, I started trying to get my wiper and defog to work I ended up Getting the fan to work allot better the clock to fire right up and its pretty I did a little dance for that and also all 3 horn buttons. Now the disadvantage of owning a 80s car is the electrical is crammed in and bulky unlike a 70s car with less electronics and more fun or a newer car with easier to work with electronics just a computer plug away. I do think the 82-85ZX was the peak of design. Things like the Turbocharger and the American Transmission and a self checking computer with some digital dashes where catching up with the times instead of the Raw sports car of the 1970s. Now 84-89 you got essentually a Japenese made Camaro minus the V-8 and some back seats but on the plus more features and better economy. Now you get into the 90's and they changed the body again ferther away from the Z cars orignal looks into a sportier T-top or some with Tegra top Twin Turbos and etc. Now the 2000's they made it bubbly and more euro looking then Japanese in my opinion but thats beacuse Renult bought part of the comopany.


These are partial observations I made while picking through the junkyards getting car parts and looking inside other Z cars. Just reacentally I picked a set of 280Zs and I think a 240 at the local junkyards and while doing so I try to learn allitle about them while I go allong.

>i think it's more of a question of how old do you wanna go.. Because (I could be wrong) 240z, 260z, 280z, 280 zx, 280zx-t, 300zx (Z31, Z32), and then 350z and 370z >is how it goes, and each of them has different characteristics.. from engine size to configuration..

I deleted the HTML tags, they didn't look "right" & I wasn't sure if I made a mistake doing my first reply. I'll learn, though, Ive spent many years on Usenet.

So, the above is from Sidney5101..I should've been a bit more specific in what I'm "prowling" for, giving ya'll a better idea of what I'll be working on.

For years I've wanted a 280zx (but see below) because my college roommate had an 82 2+2 which is when I fell in love with these cars. I don't like the body design change with the 300ZX (with all due respect to you 84 & newer folks) so 83 is as new as I'll go. It was too radical a departure from the "traditional" Z look IMO. Any year, I guess (I've no preference until you tell me pros/cons), though there's something about the 1983 2 place that really "grabs" me in the looks department. I DO want the cruise control, power windows, locks & mirror & a T top would be cool, too. I've never had these luxuries & do realize they're just more things to break/leak, but when done right one time (& I plan on doing things "right") I'm assuming I'll get many years out of these convenient amenities. I also want cold working A/C (here's where you call me a "Wuss," though in lurking a few days I know there's a seemingly-strict-but-fair moderator who may not take too kindly to that!). Central Texas in the Summer is pretty miserable plus this'll be my driver & I do travel in the Summer as well. Shoot, I've never had cruise & I love it in every car I've borrowed or rented that had it.

I've never even considered a 280 Z, thought they were "missing" something with the shorter/smaller looking rear cabin & triangular windows (o.k. here's where you tell me what they're "officially" called. The cool little windows, I mean). However, I have fallen head-over-heals for the look of the 280 Zs now! In fact, I'm not sure which I want to hunt for, a ZX or a Z. Year on a Z? Gee, I can't say as my research is in it's infancy. Again, A/C is pretty important to me though I think it's harder to come by with a Z???

If I'm not mistaken, it appears that on average a Z (260, maybe 240?) is more expensive generally, on average, than a 280ZX in comparable condition. Is this true? Is it due to these cars being harder to find? More preferable? A 1970s Z also appears much less complex & roomier to work on, though Sidney seems to think otherwise.

Do the 83 or older 280ZX's have computers in them? O.K. I need to stop. I guess you can tell I'm pretty hyped up & have tons of questions about my dream car.

Thanks!

Ricky

For ease of maintenance - the n/a (naturaly asperated = carburator) is the less complicated L28 engine with less pollution controls.

The 240Z was the Japanese sports car that destroyed the British sports car market. Z cars were 1/3 the price of Porche and Jaguar and could hold there own in speed and hanling with both if not beat them with a tuned engine and a good driver that knows what he/she is doing.

BTW: the best modification to any car for speed and handling is an experienced driver who know ehat they are doing on road or track.

The 240Z and I'm told 260Z are light true sports cars and hence will be a bit harder suspension to feel the road.

But the Z's got heavier. by the time of the 280ZX they put on almost 1,000 more pounds in wheight (a/C and other stuff) and were not the old zippity 240Z. But a new s130 280ZXT = turbo gave the Z car new life and a lot more spring in it's step so that old timers felt the Z was back on track.

Think of 240-260Z's as no frills sports cars and the 280ZX Turbo as a very fast luxury cruiser that looks like a classic sports car.

Get a Field Service Manual for any Z you buy and that is your bible. You will have a whole congregation of supporters on this and other Z sites. Join your local or nearest Z club.

The clubs have the best info on local mechanics, parts and cars.

You sound like a guy who can follow instructions so the mechanicals are not beyound your ability.

The real test is diagnostics. AI put over $4000 to get my 280ZXT back to original factory spec. after finally learning that there are a ton of mechanics that don't know what the **** they're talking about. Sure you can replace parts and hope for the best - maybe.

My local club put me in touch with a master Z car guy - who will tell you right off that he is not a mechanic - he is an electrical engineer. Who has diagnostic equipment most dealers don't have.

The later the Z car the more complicated the mehcanicals and electricals will be.

I think you best bet for your 1st Z car will be a 280ZXT. I say 1st becasue the Z car has a very big problem attached to it. A virus if you will.

You just can't stop at one. See my Signature.

You will get a bug for every Z car you see and you will want to dive and then own all the other models. Like dogs and cats they all have there own personality and you will go AI like this one, but then on the week end I like this one, but for everyother day driving I'm partial to this one.

What ever you choose - you will be in good company. Read all the sites and separate the wheat from the bullcrap. Join a club and become an insider.

As my wife's ball cap used to say" I'm mechanically inclined. I screw everything up". That's why my mech - ah electricall egineer won't let me buy another car untill he inspects and ok's the car first.

Welcome to and enjoy the addiction.
ZX

heroe said:

>"Texas, I have worked and learned on both. The zx would be a good start simply becuse of body hasnt had time to rust as much as the older ones. This equals >generally less bodywork. A solid not so rusty, maybe a shaggy car with good metal. A good structure."
>

Click to expand...

I'm gonna leave the HTML tags & see what happens. I really need to read the lesson(s) on posting, replying & such.

I believe I'll look for an 83 280 ZXT, mostly stock, few mods, if any, very good/excellent condition. That is today...tomorrow I may want a Z again! The only certainty now is I want my first being an 83 or older.

It's really interesting that you, and I believe others, say a ZX might be a better start. Side by side the pre-79 Zs (not ZX) appear much simpler & easier to work on.
I asked about the ZX having any technology inside of it (ie; computer chip?)? The ZX looks more crowded under the hood, in cabin and about twice as involved just from photos I've seen so far. Not that I mind. The only issue is, and this answers someone's question, this car will almost certainly be my only car and will be driven quite a bit. Time spent working on car will ideally be limited to weekends with occasional major issues spanning several days/weeks possibly.

I am undecided on stock vs. mods but I will say this does not presently strike me as big a deal as it is to some who're reading this. I'm not a fast driver/racer and am not necessarilly interested in increasing power and/or speed. I really, at first, want to own a Z/ZX in good to excellent condition, which won't need lots of TLC/work immediately. I do desire to have my Z/ZX in almost-showroom condition eventually, which I know's a challenge always driving it. All these opinions could change...quickly!

I just want to drive, turn heads, and get to know/ learn to work on this car I've long been fascinated with.

As far as the body of Zs, rust, other corrosion & such, this is a huge part of my career/living! I'm an A&P mechanic/pilot presently working on heavy maintenence & modifications on P-3 Orion airframes, which are 40 year old military 4 turbine-engined rust buckets! (sorry..."corrosion", aluminum don't "rust"). I deal with lots of airframe deterioration due to corrosion and we regularly cut out & replace huge portions of our airplanes. We also treat lighter corrosion with a number of methods and fabricate skin, patches, doublers and generally due whatever is needed to keep a 4 decade old airplane flying that's been flying low over lots of salt (water) and sand. All to say bodywork might be the aspect of closest familiararity to me. With the work I do, it often strikes me as odd reading about concern over wrecked cars being sold, rust and bent/broken auto frames. I know I need to realize a typical person can't afford to spend thousands to have his car's frame straightened and/or rebuilt (which is possible but usually unrealistic) when every week I'm straightening & repairing massively bent/broken airplane bodies. The difference is the government is paying for the work I do, they won't pay for your Z's bodywork!

Anyway, I appreciate all the interest/help/replies & can tell this will be a tool of utmost value in my upcoming ownership of a Z/ZX. Oh - someone asked my Texas city, it's wonderful Waco, which is an incredible city no matter what you think, say, or believe! One thing about Waco, I'll be one of the few (the only?!) owners/drivers of a Z car here. Yes, that is part of the reason/attraction in wanting a Z!

Awright, I'm long-winded, but this newbie is growing more excited with each day that brings me closer to Z ownership!

Ricky

The s130 = 280ZXT was from 1981 to 1983. !984 the Z31 or first gen 300zx (V6) came out.

I'd say get 82 or 83 ZXT - parts are not hard to find - don't worry about pollution controls (register as an antique) computer is simple and ususally not a problem.

The 81 like I have is a slightly different animal than 82 and 83 but if you mechanic knows about Z cars then this is not a problem. Just some parts are a little different ande placement too than in 82 83.

Get the most complete and best condition you can afford. Rust in these models is a bug bear and must be watched for and corrected.

But it's like an old Sandra Bullock movie - take off the glasses and the lab coat and let down the hair and you have a super star.

You'll be happy with the 280ZXT - keep as a daily. Don't over look 2+2 models - some guys just don't like the style - but to me they are just as stylish as any Z and with a bit more room and fold down seats make it a very practicle get around town car.

Try puttin in a Golden/Labrador - 90lbs - 100 wet. It can be done easier with t-tops but you have to put up with the dog riding on your shoulders.