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

[BuDavid]

does anybody know this Z? or lives close to it?

http://www.classiczcars.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=2031&cat=1

looks nice..

[sblake01]

dogma420, first of all, thanks for the compliments about my car. It's no show car by any means. I do my best to keep it clean and mechanically/electrically sound. As far as the four speed/five speed thing goes, I done quite a bit of research on them. Not only the Z/ZX/Maxima trans but many of the 4 cyl transes as well. And I've had several of them apart. You would be hard pressed to actually feel the differences in ratios between a 72 four speed and a 77-79 five speed. The differences are slight and perhaps this is why people contend that they are the same but they are not.

[240Z-Fan]

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)

Having shopped for Z-cars and Roadsters in Arizona and Southern California, I feel compelled to say that there are very few 'rust-free' cars. "Ready for paint" usually meant it needs paint... right after finishing the rust repair. There were many sellers claiming the car is rust-free. But a close inspection revealed that virtually all had significant amounts of rust. I really wonder about some seller's eyes or ethics.

The one good example I found, I bought. And it wasn't for $2500 either.

Yes, do shop in these states and other southern states. Just don't assume that all Z-cars are rust-free. Request pictures of all critical areas. Then have someone familiar with Z-Cars inspect it.

In my opinion, it would take months to find a worthy car.

Al

PS. No offense intended to the quoted poster. I just feel obligated to comment on my experience.

[Rockr69]

A S30 is a S30. Sure they got a little heavier as they aged and I'm with you Bu, I wish I could do the 240 bumper swap on my 280. Other than that I wouldn't change a thing. The FI is simple and effective and like Sailor-Bob says, pulls very good. 100mph with 5 speed. That being said I would really like to get a 240 and drop in a 280/5speed combo. I bet it would really fly then! I don't envy the choice you have to make and I feel your pain about selling your Z. I've been close a couple of times (money trouble). Whatever you decide, you are going to love it and don't sell it. We can always get more money, but Zs are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Best regards, Dan

[Rockr69]

As for the trannie ratios, Stephen is right. Ever since I put in my 5 speed my

1st gear burouts have not been as spectacular, but that 2300 rpm at 60mph cruising speed is great!

[BuDavid]

ok, some small rust spots can be accepted, but not that CANCER type rust the eats the panels and mainly the floors + chassis, I need it to pass the technical control of the traffic department as soon I bring it..

I don't say that I should get one for 2500$, but I've seen some Z's that cost 10000$ and more.. which I think that this isn't my range for an import..

I have to pay for sipping and insurace, I can go for max. of 6000$

as an X Z owner, I really don't like to have worse can that I had. because I'll keep on regreting selling the previous one!

I need a better one:cry:

having my Silver 280 really cured me from the 280ZX that I sold before for my travelling/study purpose since it was an S30 and in much better shape (much less rust) almost 98% rust free!

[Sailor Bob]

Mohamed - In my humble (and I do mean that) opinion 77 was a great year and therefor I would look at something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977-Datsun-280Z-53k-orig-miles_W0QQitemZ260171268961QQihZ016QQcategoryZ6187QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Another reason the 280 is a good choice is that they are still available at excellent prices - if this ad is correct it is low milage with original paint - Nevada car (with A/C). Like I said earlier - I love them all, but in my quest to get a good 240 I have found that the good ones (out of the gate) are getting "expensive" and the ones that are attainable need mucho $$$ (so, still expensive).

I am actively checking out three 240s right now that are under 5K and they are: 1/2 decent with body damage c/w numerous personal changes, good inside with twenty pounds of bondo and ? frame and excellent VIN but the tag is holding it together. If your in the market for original it will be costly.

Like yourself I am dealing with heavy shipping charges and not being there to personally assess the car. So my advise to you is get LOTS of pictures befor you commit to a purchase (you could pretty well use the Zhome info to guide the search for rot). Low miles are good (if real - if only they had the 100K + odometer). 240 vs 280 well... you know and definately South western United States is most likely/best odds of finding what you are looking for.

[BuDavid]

well, that Z look great!

I really don't care if the car is too original, what I wan is original equipment and auxiliaries, no problem if the engine was swapped like if it was a 240 with an L28 block in it...

I don't need pictures to make sure that that Z is good, I have a friend in Texas who can check the Z for me and ship it also.. but that guy is a corvette guy, so I'm not sure weather he'll know what to look for on a Z, that's why I'd rather confirm it with a club member or at least an owner who knows how handle Z's!

thanks Bob.

[DeMoore]

Maybe I should sell him mine, it's getting kind of expensive to fix, and it needs a head job, I think. Just had a lot done other than that...

[BuDavid]

you'll regret selling itLOL

[yor5150]

I have found the best condition Zs are coming from California or Arizona - I think the coastal regions of Texas have more rust issues (hurricanes and floods don't help either). Biggest Z issue would have to be body rust - for me if I can get a solid body I can figure out the rest.

During the 70's I lived in Texas near Corpus Christi on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The high humidity was rough on cars.

I agree with Sailor Bob that CA and AZ cars are probably your best bet.

[BuDavid]

ok 5150, I'll focus on those locations.. and let me know if there is any which is worth it..

I mentioned Texas just because of that I friend can handle the shipping process and do the deal in person..

thanks for the advice..