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

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

looks nice..

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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...

you'll regret selling itLOL

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.

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..