Oh gods of the Z, a newb begs for your thoughts

[Charlieo]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4547319405&category=6187&sspagename=WDVW

I'm looking at purchasing this car. It's semi-local, and from what I can see, seems to be in good shape. I understand the issues with the 260 series, and would plan on swapping in a L28, which from what I've read is a pretty straightforward swap. The goal of this whole thing is daily driver/ part time auto-x (which I'm looking to get into, never had the car (f-150) for it before). What do you think of that car? And ideas on what I should offer? I was thinking 4500, cash. Am I an idiot? Should I go back to my original Miata idea? Or does it look worth checking out?

[e_racer1999]

looks nice! welcome to the club, btw, and also check out the classifieds section over on the left hand side, you might find something else you like!

[Ed]

She doesn't look too bad. Unfortunately the pictures don't show the trouble spots. The engine has had some work. It has the earlier carbs and most of the emission stuff has been removed. I don't know if you have to have it smoged but it probably won't pass. It also looks like it has headers. Judging by the rust on the brake fluid reservoir caps you will probably find some more elsewhere. Go look at the car. Get under it and inspect the floors. Pull up the carpet in front of the seats and look for rust. If it doesn't look any worse than the pictures she should be a 3-5k car.

Good luck

[Charlieo]

a plus of living in Florida. I could drive a car powered by uranium rods, and as long as I wasn't speeding and the taillights worked, I'd never get fined. Older carbs you say? Looks like some of my work is done for me! I'm checking it out Sunday. Thanks.

[Ricklandia]

Where in FL?

[Charlieo]

Citrus County

[Ricklandia]

Welcome. It's always nice to meet fellow Floridians. I gotta agree with Ed, I would have serious doubts about the 39K as being authentic. Too much work has been done to the car for a low mileage original (wrong year carbs, emissions equip removed, headers, could be wrong but it looks like it might have had A/C at one time - who would dump that on a 40K mile car?) . I could be wrong but it would take alot to convince me otherwise. As Ed say's, pull up that carpet and get a good look at those floorpans. If you do metalwork ,you'll know what to look for. If you don't, then beware that it can get $$$ to repair. Otherwise it looks pretty good, even has the "t-handle" shifter my old 260 had!

Too bad no A/C, but I guess if you were gonna race it, that'd only be a handicap.

Tough call between that and a Miata for weekend racing. You can find great deals around on Miata's if you look around. I found mine for less than $2K and it was pretty spotless bodywise. Speed parts for Miatas are everywhere and relatively cheap. You don't need a whole lot handling wise, it corners like a go-kart bone stock. The web-community is on par with this site as well (miata.net to name the biggie) so lotsa go-fast advise out there.

[Zrush]

Hey Charlieo, just below ya here in Pasco County. In yesterday's St Pete Times, there was a 260Z for sale. Could be the same car, maybe, maybe not.

Vicky