Alan wrote

(((Or even a non-USA market RHD 'Datsun 240Z' ( for example UK / Australian / NZ market model ) - or, possibly the thing most likely to cause maximum confusion, a non-USA / Canada market LHD 'Datsun 240Z' ( complete with Factory 5-speed, rear anti-roll bar, stiffer springs, dampers, front ARB and lots of other market-specific Factory items )))

Just curious, I didnt know canadian S-30's were more like the european counterparts, is that correct? Any canadian members here to confirm that?

Alan,

My first, from the hip, thoughts were to not allow ourselves to get caught up in the lingo, but you bring up a good point. Actually two points. Is it fair to equitably consider all the HS30 variants? Is it fair to group the S30 variants with the HS30 variants? After all, distinction is made between engine size of the American exports. Perhaps the ZCCA rules are American oriented, but what blame can be cast? HLS30s are simply too common in the States. I might suggest that - for example - a Japanese HS30 (2.4L) or S30 (2.0L) would have a uniqueness edge, all things equitable. Another example; a Fairlady Z-L 2 by 2 (GS30, 2.0L 5sp) and a Datsun 260 Z 2+2 (GRLS30, 2.6L, 4sp). Both were produced during 1974 - 1975. No question in my mind over the presence of a PS30. Thus the subjective nature of judging. I must agree that clarification should be addressed.

I might also suggest that written clarification be given to what constitutes a modification. Aside from the obvious, do the "allowances" in the class descriptions make for a considered visible modification, or are they assumed modifications beyond the limiting number of visible modifications permitted?

A friend of mine just bought a low VIN car and called the other night to ask about the choke cable. He has an original braided wire type and I told him about the service bulletin that replaced those with solid wire. The ends are clearly visible at the carburetor linkage. Personally, all things equitable, I would have to go for the braided cable. However, I wouldn't normally deduct for the solid wire type. The conversation resulted in the preservation of the braided cable.

I'll also take this opportunity to stress the cleanliness oriented aspect of the current rules and how it keeps the format light and fun. The whole affair is clearly subjective and is probably more competitive on these pages rather than on the showing field.

  deadflo said:

Just curious, I didnt know canadian S-30's were more like the european counterparts, is that correct? Any canadian members here to confirm that?

I think you misunderstood what I wrote.

A "a non-USA / Canada market LHD 'Datsun 240Z'" means an 'HLS30' made for, and exported to, a market other than USA or Canada.

Like France, Spain, Germany or Belgium for example.

This topic will be discussed by members of the ZCCA judging team over the next few weeks. I'm proposing that a simple statement be published as an addedum to the official rules that addresses this issue, so if it does actually happen we would have an existing policy position.

We (I) did judge Japanese Zs at the Vegas convention and most had so many detailing issues that there was no question that non-US spec items would affect the final scores or ranking. Was I qualified? No. Did the owners care? No.

Are there going to be any other topics that will be discussed?

Ed-

on a website where are so many "purists," when you mention the word "stock" you immediately start a discuusion that hits everybody in a special spot!

If you have some suggestions please either post or PM me. thanks....

A good example of a Fairlady Z in ZCCA Judging would be Trey's 1976 car at the SanAntoino convention. I was envious of all the neat little decals he somehow procured, that are missing on my car. Some very nice detailing.

To the casual observer, a very nice and clean car.

But to someone who knows Fairlady Z's, the center console opening the wrong direction was a killer for me. I also drew solace in the fact that his fusible link holder was in the same condition as mine, and solving that issue will not be easy!

Did I say anything? No. Except to my son, who looked for a good ten minutes before realizing "the latch is on the wrong side, dad!"

Judge in training, I suppose!

Tony - thanks for bringing up Trey's car at the Texas convention. I forgot about that one.

Now when are you going to let me in on the secret of releasing hot air in the engine bay??