Just Wondering

[Greatwhite]

hey, I was just wondering if someone would please explain to me the differences between the 240Z, 260Z and 280Z. I already know about the different engines each one of them used, but I was wondering if the dimensions, suspension layout and chassis are the same.

Thanks, Justin

[e_racer1999]

to my knowledge (which may not be that accurate) the dimensions/chassis of all of the S30s were the same (with the exception of the bumpers, placement of the front turn signals, and taillights) this is of course excluding the 2+2s which were slightly longer with a different roofline. with the exception of the R200 rear end in the later 5-speed 280zs the suspension didn't change.... again, please feel free to correct me if i'm wrong in any point (i'm sure you won't hesitate)

[NZeder]

Don't know about the 280z as here in NZ we only have 240z, 260z then the zx range (there are a few 280z LHD imported...don't know why when we have RHD Z here already)

Here is what I know of the differences.

240Z there are a few difference between the years. The early 240z had different cabs (3 vs 4 screws or the other way round can't recall), front guards (they look the same but they aren't the early one don't have the lip that runs round under the inspection flaps), inspection flaps have a different locking systems in the very early Zeds (used a plastic clip the later cars use a metal spring steel clip if I recall correctly), rocker cover, seats (only reclined via turn knob and only about 10 degrees later seats would reline more), drive shaft, gearbox (ie A box and F.Y.I all Z in NZ were 5 spd from the start. I once owned HS30-00016 now is OZ and these were the differences with this 240z compared to 71-73), mustache bar was different on the early 240z also. I also believe that early Z had fibre-glass head light buckets and the later cars had steel (like my 77 260Z). Enough about that I am sure there in more info on this site if you do a search.

I do know that the suspension sizing and height did change in the 260z range here in NZ (this might be the difference between the 260z and 280z in North America). My 77 260Z had (before lowering etc) taller rears than a say 73 240Z also the diameter of the strut was larger. Also my 77 strut tower is very different to 240Z and early 260Z. The later cars had a stronger rear strut tower as these were found to be a weak point under extreme race conditions (I read this somewhere in an old publication so please correct me if I am incorrect). The steel support arms that run from the rear tower to the floor section in the early Zeds had holes in them, other late model Z I have seen (like mine) don't this is a solid piece. Also the strut tower has a much thicker plate on top when compared to earlier Z ie 240/260 pre 75. The chassis rails on the later cars is also thicker and go further towards the rear of the car. I am no expert on this I am only going by the Zed I have compared to the Zeds I have owned (HS30-00016 1970, 1973 240Z and my first Zed and the only one I have today 1977 260Z 2 seater)

I am sure if I went through other books etc that I have stored (along with all of the Zed.....) I could come up with more. But I am sure that are more knowledgeable people who can give you more details.