260z is it a good car?

[patmsb]

Hi, I have a opertunity to purchase a 1974 Nissan / Datson 260z 2 - door in excellent condition. Is there a downside to this version of the z? I heard some talk about the carbs used with this engine limits the horse power plus they don't really work well. Is this true? Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

[grantman240z]

yes...the carb problem began with the late 73 240z, the "flat-top" SU's (as they have been named by the Z community) have the problem of meeting emissions requirements of the time. If is a rather simple job to slap on a set of "round-top" SU's...just need all the bits. Either way its still a classic Z, and if its in excellent condition...what are you waiting for?

[patmsb]

How much should I offer to this person that has this car? I was thinking about $2000 - $3000 for it.

[Mr Camouflage]

Is this car a 2 seater or a 2 plus 2? ie, does it have a back seat.

If it's a 2+2 I'd keep looking for a 2 seater. But that's just me, I'm not a big fan of the 2+2's shape, but mechanically its the same car.

Mr C

[patmsb]

It's a 2 seater and yes I have to agree with you it's a better looking car than the 2+2. Hmm, do the original carbs have any other problems besides not being able to smog? I think the car is now smogged exampt, right? (The state is CA.) Ohh, so the L26 engine does'nt like the unleaded fuel, correct?

[72zcar]

If I were you I would look around for a 70-73 240z because the 74 you are looking at needs to be smogged in CA. I don't think you could remove the big flat tops and replace them with nice su carbs and still pass smog... there is a bunch of crap coming off those flat tops that is probably needed to make the smog man happy. maybe someone else knows for sure.. I would leave it alone...

[patmsb]

I'm going to call some smog places around town and the DMV to see what year is smogged exempt. There's no subsitute for doing your homework, right? Thank you!

[72zcar]

trust me... its 73 and older that is smog exempt...shoot for a 71 or 72... 72 being the best in my opinion. A 73 is also ok but unless someone already swapped them out will have the crappy flat top carbs:beard:

[patmsb]

Ohh well, I guess this car was not ment to be. Calif. has some tuff smog issues. I'll just keep a eye out for a 240z in the future. Wow, missed it by one year, that's stinks! I wonder when Calif. will make it 74' and older? Maybe I should check with the state on this.

[grantman240z]

smog exempt law for CA is 25 years (pre 1974) and car model 1974 and later must wait untill its 30 years old to become exempt...so that puts you at 2003 at the earliest, so ur 260z is definitely not smog exempt (i checked this when buying a Z)...but the 240 is definitely the collectors and the best of em all IMO.

[beandip]

By all means check with the state! Here in Oregon the 74 was exemped at the first of this year . and the '75 will be at the first of next year. So if the car is in great shape and rust in not a problem , Its somthng to look into you might be able to get a rider or a exemption or somthing to have the thing fixed if it wont pass. dont do anything to it and just keep extending untill the first of the year , that is if it will be exemped in 2003. then you are home free. The info on the round tops is correct ,they work much better and are much easier to adjust . Your present intake manifould is good so no need to change that you will need a early aircleaner and some of the early linkage , and you are good to go. If you do get a Z withe the early carbs and y ou need help in adjustment just e-mail me .. Good luck

[patmsb]

Thank you everyone for the usefull info. and maybe it will work out.