Difference between Z cars.

[zx260]

Hey guys,

Sorry If I posted this in a wrong section but Im looking to get a Z.

Could anyone please tell me in few words the differences between the Z cars.

I always though 260Z was longer then 240Z but apparently they all the same size.... is this true?

Are there any 2 seaters in 240Z family? are there any 2+2 in 240Z family?

What about 260Z? how different they are from the 240Z apart from the engines?

Which year model 240Z is the best to buy?

Which model 260Z is the best to buy?

If I get 240Z will restore it to its original conditon...

if I get 260Z I have a RB20 engine package sitting in the garage waiting to be transplanted.

I really what to get both I probably will soon enough.

Thank for your help... What I think I need is a Zed History lesson

[Go240Zags]

To answer some of your questions. The 240, 260 and 280Z are basically the same body style and all came in 2 seat configurations. The biggest differences were the engine displacement 2400CC, 2600CC and 2800CC. The 240 and 260 came with twin carbs and the 280Z came with fuel injection. The 260Z and 280Z also came in a longer 2+2 model which seems to be less popular in the states and had a bigger following in Europe (from what I've read). There are other diffences in the models, but there are people much more knowledgeable than I to help you make your decision. For me it is the two seater 240Z, the earlier the better -- others might disagree.

[seerex]

Also the cars got heavier as they went farther down the production process the 70-71 240's are the lightest then the 72-73 240's and so forth due to smog , safety and other things, and the best year 260z to buy is the one with the least amount of rust , the 74 was split up during production between small and large bumper styles , I believe there was other diffrences as well, but the earlier the 240 and lower the production number the more valuble some people find them to be, good luck

[speedyblue]

And just so you don't get confused, I'll note that we never got the 280Z here in Oz, only the land barge known as the 280ZX. Much bigger, slower and more 'comfortable' suspension.

[zx260]

Thanks everyone... thats a great starting info ... anymore details would be great appricated.

Yeah i was about to say that I never seen 280z here in OZ.. most of them are 240 or 260 and 2+2 seems to be more common.

Well I'll be looking out for a 70-71 240z then .. if I can find it that is.

thanks

[EScanlon]

Quote:

Yeah i was about to say that I never seen 280z here in OZ.. most of them are 240 or 260 and 2+2 seems to be more common.

I noticed this as I was preparing my post.

That's a big point to make on this discussion. Most of the members here are U.S. based and as such saw a different sequences and durations of models.

The 260 in the U.S. was only offered for a bit over a year, and was then replaced with the 280 which still shared the same body style as the 240 and 260. Then they started introducing changes until they came out with the ZX.

Enrique

[240znz]

Series 1 240's are easy to spot as they have two plastic vents in the hatch and the B pillar has a 240z emblem instead of the vented Z emblem that all the other models have.

Series 1 240's ran from late 69 to very early 71. You are more likely to find a Series 1 dating from mid to late 70 in AU I think. Mine is HS30-00352 and has an estimated build date of 12/70 going by the engine number sequences.

Above all you would be wise to choose a 240 or 260 with the least amount of rust in it. Remember that these old cars are just that and they weren't made to last 30 odd years. Rust is usually hiding somewhere and costs a lot to remove, properly!!! Get the car in the air and have a close look at it belly.

Also a good thing to do is to sift through the emormous amount of information on this sites forums. Get used to the search engine here and most if not all of your queries will be answered. Also plenty of Aussie Zed owners here who you should contact to help view a car before buying. They will know where to look.

A good link is http://geocities.com/zgarage2001/ Also check out the links page here. I hope you have broadband!

Good luck

[Mr Camouflage]

As for the visible differences between the 240 and 260z (2 seaters):

Externally the most notable difference is the rear. The 240z has tail lights that are brake/indicator/reverse lamps in the one unit each side, surrounded by a metal panel. The 260Z's lights are surrounded by a plastic panel, with the stop/indicators each surrounded by a chrome (may be chrome plated plastic) trim. The reverse lamp is noticably separated from the stop/indicator lamp.

Otherwise they both look similar. The 260z has a lower front radiator crossmember as the 260 had a taller radiator. Badges: "datsun" on the 240z guards, 260Z on the 260.

(series 1 and 2 240z differences are already posted above).

Internally. The 260Z has a different dash board, center console, steering wheel, door trims.

Look through the gallery, you'll soon be able to see the differences.

[dogma420]

excluding the early early 70s 240z (which you'd get if you're into having the highly collectible 240), the 72 240z (series 2) is the best Z there was.

The rear diff's halfshafts' geometry is at the proper angles (they moved the diff back a couple of inches)...there is some unibody reinforcement, they redid the vents in the back, moved them to the quarter panel pillar instead of through the hatchback vents, they also gave you 2 cubbie holes in the floor to store tools/jacks instead of the black plastic doo hickies behind the seats...they kept the round top SUs

Mainly because I didn't find a low vin 70 240z, that is why I have the 72, and an early 72 (late 71) model.

They're all good though...if you go with a later year z, they are heavier, but feel a lot more solid when driving (I've had a 260z big bumper and 280z as well).

Peace out all...have a good Super Bowl....Go Pittsburgh! (oh, they lost :dead: )