I'm new to Z cars...a few questions

[hawaiiankine]

Alohas,

I've always thought Z cars were pretty cool, but I really don't know that much about them. If I were going to start looking to buy one, which model years are the "best" and what should I look for?

I'm a aircooled VW guy right now, but its nice to try something different every now and then. What kind of performance can I get out of a Z car? Do you guys favor naturally aspirated engines or forced induction? Also, are parts expensive for these cars? I'm guessing it would be more than VW parts, but less than, say a Porsche?

Any replies would be a real help. I just saw the coolest Z car on the road today and loved the sound, so I had to find someplace to get more info on these cars.

Mahalos!

Joel Simmons

[Si|v3r72]

None of your questions matter. Once you drive a Z you will never go back.

j/k (well not really).

Honestly though, your questions are kind of hard to answer since they are subjective. This site is mainly dedicated to 240Z's, so as far as year model goes, I'm sure most people will say between 1970-1974. If you're looking for a stock Z, I would definately recommend a pre-1974 car. The carbs in these models were much better than latter years.

A stock 240 in good condition, well tuned will put out about 150hp and run around a 14 second 1/4 mile. I've read about many owners replacing their dizzy's with electronics, but I'm not convinced there's a performance boost there - maybe just more reliable for some. My 72 is all stock and I love it.

As for parts prices, many parts can be realced cheaply ans easily if you know where to look, others can't. My chrome side view mirror cost me $85 from a local parts guy. I replaced the entire exhaust from behind the manifold for $175. How much you're willing to spend is all dependant on how hooked you are on the car, right? Believe me, if you find a good Z, you'll wonder why you've been driving VW's all these years.

Good luck!

[chocobosteve]

i bought a z only 2 months ago, and from the second i saw it, i was in love. and when i drove it home... well, that just blew me away! i even have infamous 'flat top' carburetors, which are a drag (they never work like you want them to). i'm in the process of converting to a holley 4-barrel carb, rather than pay $400 for a modification, or or $900 for some good rebuilds (carburetors ARE expensive in these cars). you shouldn't drive one unless you're looking for an obsession with a beautiful car!

[Royce]

Well, since you are in Hawaii you might not have a lot of selection when it comes to finding a Z car.

If you are looking for a collectable car than the early '70 or '71 series I model cars are the ticket. These are the cars that have the 240 script on the rear quarter panel and have the vents on the hatch.

If you are looking for a car to have fun and drive than any first generation Z between '70 240Z - 260Z - '78 280Z will do. The 240s are lighter and have less emissions controls but are carborated. The 280Z is about 400lbs heavier, mostly the bumpers, and has more emission controls (robs HP) but is fuel injected. The 260Z is in the middle, heavier than the 240 but still carborated. Watch out for '73 240Z or any 260Z with "flat top" carbs, they can be a nightmare. Although, many have been converted to different carbs to resolve part of this mess. Although most have been converted to different carbs that help resolve this mess. Also, rust is your enemy!

When you find a specific car you may be interested in let us know and we can give you more of the good and the bad!

Have fun!

[hawaiiankine]

Alohas,

Thanks for all the replies.

I guess I'm looking for a car that can reliable and let me take it out on the track. I think I'd rather get a lighter weight car w/ carbs. Not that I know anything about Datsun/Nissan fuel injection, but as a general rule, I stay away from fuel injection before the mid-80's.

Are there any conspicuous areas for rust that I should look for? Down here things rust FAST if they aren't cared for.

Mahalos again,

Joel