so I'm planning to get an S30 Z! 240 or 280?

[BuDavid]

yeah, and when it is windy it rains bricksROFL

it wont be my daily driver, I'll use it maybe once a week or maybe less..

I allready have a 1982 BMW 525i(daily driver) and the 2000 BMW E39 M5 (the beast)

so the car will be parked, covered under a shaded place at my house where only dust can reach it from below..

I'm just worried that 240 might feel less rigid than a 280. EFI or Carbs, I have no problem using either of them.. I think Carbs sound more classic and fun to have..

I read few times that a 280 is just a 240 with improvements such as rear sway bar, AC vents and stronger chassis.

cheers..

[DeMoore]

I have a 78 280z, and all I can say, since you mentioned that you were on a bit of a budget, is that when looking for new parts for the cars, the 240z parts are way more expensive, I guess since it's older. Also, you don't have to mess with the carbs since there aren't any, but man I felt lucky to see that the parts were way less than a 240Z. Just look through the Z catalog at blackdragonauto.com, I have a paper copy that I've gone through with a fine toothed comb about 15 times, and the difference in parts (in a lot of cases, not all) is astounding. Yes, as someone metioned earlier, I would put a 240 front bumper on it, but just as far as money goes, I'm glad I have a 280.

[DeMoore]

Post script-

Not to knock the 240, as far as looks, I like it better than my own car simply because of the bumper, I just don't have the money to fix a 240Z up.

[BuDavid]

about prices, you wouldn't like to buy a strut mount insulator for the rear strut if it fails!!

much more expensive than a 240;)

cheers.

[Montezuma]

Hello Montezuma..

from the States to Bahrain, I don't want a Z from here, very few are those which worth it.. coz guys here don't know how to maintain a Z!

I'd like to have one from Texas or Arizona where are the best Z's as far as I heared.

coz spare parts are not available here for S30's unless you order them (which I know how to do it)

cheers.

Drop me a PM of how much you are willing to pay. I think it would be smart to get one that is complete the way you want it. It will be much cheaper for you in the long run to get it shipped fixed up with the parts you want on it rather than get one, then get the parts shipped to you to be put on. Do you know what I mean? I know few candidates. My friend just sold a real nice 78 that would have been perfect for you.

[Arne]

I certainly understand the desire for the increased creature comforts of the 280Z. I also understand the preference for the small 240Z bumpers. But I don't really like the idea of buying a 280Z and then trashing its bumpers to make it look like a 240Z. If the big bumpers bother you that much, either buy a 240Z or perhaps try to find a late '70s 260Z in Europe.

Just my opinion, but why buy something you don't want?

[AndysPlit]

A 240 will always go for more than a 280 in terms of classic status. If you're taking prestige into account, I would say a 240 has a hair more because it was the first Z.

If your not thinking along the lines of prestige and which "classic" to own, the 280 is an excellent car.......and like others have already mentioned, it will be more affordable. I've owned mine for 10 years with no regrets.

......However I would love to get my hands on an orange 72. Someday (sigh)

[Nota280]

about prices, you wouldn't like to buy a strut mount insulator for the rear strut if it fails!!

much more expensive than a 240;)

cheers.

Funny you should mention strut mount insulators. This is what happened when I first jacked up the 75 I have. It was amusing to see the 3 insulator bolts still attached to the towers.

[BuDavid]

I don't really like the idea of buying a 280Z and then trashing its bumpers to make it look like a 240Z. If the big bumpers bother you that much, either buy a 240Z or perhaps try to find a late '70s 260Z in Europe.

Just my opinion, but why buy something you don't want?

Arne, I always consider your advices. I know what do you mean.. but I think Datsun was forced to changed the bumper style due to some US regulation that time..

and at the end, both of them are S30's arn't they? bumpers are interchangeable aith a very slight modification..

I'll customize bumpers if I don't find any 240's..

all that I'm worried about is that a 240 might have weaker body shell.. I assume that because I never had one, my uncle had one in UK, he always told me to go for a 240 not a 280.

and bout getting from EU, man, they cost more there and shipping them from there is a headache, besides they have snow, I wont risk it with a Z from there.

A 240 will always go for more than a 280 in terms of classic status. If you're taking prestige into account, I would say a 240 has a hair more because it was the first Z.

If your not thinking along the lines of prestige and which "classic" to own, the 280 is an excellent car.......and like others have already mentioned, it will be more affordable. I've owned mine for 10 years with no regrets.

......However I would love to get my hands on an orange 72. Someday (sigh)

same thoughts here, that what makes me confused:( but I "think" that a 280 is mechanically better regarding stability at higher speeds and suspension and maybe also the engine!

not sure, never tried a 240, I can't judge..

Funny you should mention strut mount insulators. This is what happened when I first jacked up the 75 I have. It was amusing to see the 3 insulator bolts still attached to the towers.

QUOTE]

I distroyed one when upgrading my shox/springsROFL

same position as your Z in the pic..

the funny thing was that it happened when I put back everything and I was bolting the wheel and in front of my face the wheel moved down! I thaught that I was dreaming for a second, or the stands failed.. perhaps an earthquakeLOL

the sad thing that it cos much more (rear ones) while 240's were really cheep and interchangeable!

thanks guy

cheers

[m4xwellmurd3r]

well the 280z is actually less stable at high speeds because of the big front bumper from what i understand.

they are a lot heavier, but they also make good power and pull pretty hard. the efi system is easy to work on, however, it's very sensitive to vacuum leaks and corrosion on the connections (my problem right now, damn corrosion)

having the 5 speed is also very nice imo. I got my 280 for 900, but i'm sure it's worth more (arizona car, 99% rust free, no damage, no accidents etc...)

whatever you do, i'd say go for an az/cali car. chances are, there won't be rust, but massive amounts of dust (especially for an az car)

[BuDavid]

massive dust, yeah tell me about itLOL

sometimes I have the feeling that we breat 20 dust over here when there is a sandstorm:)

if bumpers cause instability, they will be falling of baby!!:laugh:

on my X - 280Z I had a borg warner T5, it was heavy a bit but nice ratios!

I would definately change from 4 speed to 5 speed if I find one!

thanks.

[DeMoore]

Sorry for sounding like a kid, but what are strut mount insulators? I'm just barely getting into sports cars. or any cars for that matter, I usually just pay a mechanic (us sensitive opera singers don't like to get dirty). Anyway, I'm trying to break out of that and have half restored my Z by myself. My dad would be proud...