Hi Folks, I'll start my first post with a poll!

[Jeff G 78]

Where in Michigan do you live? There is a club near Grand Rapids and our club in the metro Detroit area. As far as which Z is best, it all depends on what you want to do with it. The 240 is the lightest and most raw, while the Z32 is the heaviest and most civilized. Each model in between those two moves one step closer. The 280Z, is very similar to the 240, but is much heavier and probably much safer as a daily driver. Those big bumpers are ugly, but at least they will absorb some impact, saving the car's bodywork. The newer Z you get, the nicer the ride and comfort will be. It will also be easier to find a newer one if you aren't planning on searching nationwide. Most of us with early cars go south or west to find them and once they return to the rustbelt, they get tucked away from November until mid-April and are rarely even driven in the rain. If you can afford it, the 350Z is actually pretty nice. I heard all of the negative talk about it, but once I drove it, I thought Nissan did a very good job in capturing the essence of the Z with a modern, big car.

[KDMatt]

280ZX - This one could be my favorite, but how much has handling & sport driving been compromised by the additional weight of creature comforts. Is the turbo version worth it?

I also like the 280ZX, however I feel compelled to point out that they're really not much "heavier" persay than an S30 280z. In fact I'll even be so bold to say that a 280zx coupe weighs the same as a 280z 2+2.

A guy I know in ZOOM had a 280zx parked next to me, and we took a look at our gross weight ratings... 'nearly identical, give or take maybe 200 pounds.

The only explanation I can think of for why a second-gen Z-car feels less "sporty" (and I'm sure you folks can agree) is that I believe the purity of the original Z-car became dulled and bogged down with more rigid environmental restrictions and the addition of luxuries like power steering.

The turbo, I'm told, is an absolute blast. Another guy in ZOOM has a zx turbo, and loves it! ... Some day I want to drive one, just to see what it's like.

Anyway, as far as your poll goes, I love my 280z. Fuel injection can definitely be a big advantage since I think the general consensus is that it's a little more "maintenance" free than a dual SU setup. However with carbies you have the option of "dialing-in" your setup a bit more.

It all depends on how much you feel like tinkering I suppose. Anyway, 'glad to hear that someone else is on board with the Z lineage!