which Z cars can be registered in CA?

[mtndud]

Hi

My son is looking to get his 1st car and is nuts about a Z. There is a sweet, clean, low mi stock 1978 2+2 in OR, but before we snatch it up and drive it down, what do I need to check on the car to make sure CA DMV will smog and register it?

Does it absolutely have to be a "California" car?

Thanks for your help

John

[rtaylor]

A 78 280z does not qualify for smog exemption in California. The car will need to pass a smog check. Hopefully the car he desires has the smog control equipment on it. Otherwise, you will have to obtain a smog pump and other parts to install on the motor for it to pass smog.

It doesn't have to be a California car, but must pass smog.

[Montezuma]

I second Randy's post. The federal model has slightly different but should have all the smog pumps and what not on it. I don't want to sound like a 2 seater snob...but why a 2+2? I just don't see the long term benefit of owning one. Others here might jump me for disrespecting the 2+2. I would recommend trying to find a 75 if you like the fuel injected, for smog exemption reasons.

[WingZr0]

I agree, He'll be happier with a 2 seater coupe, at least I am

[beandip]

There is a member of the club here that has a Z for sale. rolfsis . The car is in San Francisco so it is a Cal car already. As to the Or. Car. I live in the Portland area and if I can be of any help , just ask. If this 2+2 you are thinking about has been taken care of and is all stock there shouldn't be a problem with it. You can take it to DEQ and they can test it if it hasn't been done already. Not the whole state is being tested by the Dept of Environmental Quality. DEQ so it depends where the owner is located. Are you certain your Son is looking for a 2+2 and not a coupe? Gary

[sblake01]

California 280Zs don't have smog pumps. No 280 has a smog pump. California equipped 280Zs have catalytic converters, altitude compensation swithches (a fairly useless item!), egr valve, and the floor temperature warning system. Rolfsis's car would be smog exempt in California. 76 and newer vehicles have to be smog checked here.

[Go240Zags]

...I don't want to sound like a 2 seater snob...but why a 2+2? I just don't see the long term benefit of owning one. Others here might jump me for disrespecting the 2+2...

If the poster's son likes the 2+2 then I say go for it if it is able to pass California smog requirements. I have two 240Zs and my preference is for the two seater, but I hope there are people out there who want to preserve the early Z's slightly homelier sister. I'd hate to see them all disappear from disinterest. I've seen some really excellent examples on this forum and others. Let your son decide what he likes. Might be a less expensive way for him to get into Zs as the 2+2s are often priced for less.

[mtndud]

Basically, my son is just looking for a reliable driver that has good bones and not too ugly. His price range is $4k-6k. This Eugene Oregon (craigslist) 280Z just happens to be a 2+2. Its a one owner, new engine by Nissan 35k ago and all records. Supposidly the car has been garaged most of its life, runs strong- everything works and the car doesn't need anything at the moment. Also has AC which has been hard to find but desirable in Southern CA. The guy wants 6k which seems like a good deal if its all as he says. My dad lives about an hour away and was going to take a look at it. Engine is factory stock- no mods, so it is Federally EPA solid and I imagine would pass DEQ, as the car is currently licensed in OR. The question I have is would CA DMV be fine with it if it has stock Fed equip, and passed emissions standards, but not a "CA" model Z car.

The CA DMV website is vague but has strong warnings about bringing old cars in from out of state. My friend bought a '78 MGB in TX and encountered headaches at CA DMV. Eventually dumped it in nearby AZ cause he could not get it registered.

My son is 18 and going off to college at Cal Poly next fall. He's been saving his money for 3 years to buy an old Z in decent shape and has about $6k. Open for advice. He's handy with general mech, but is not looking for a restore project. Just wants a reliable driver. Glad we found this club. Thanks.

[rtaylor]

Well Mountain Dude, if he does find one to his liking and something happens to the car mechanically, I am just up the hill about 5 minutes away from CalPoly in Pomona and could lend a hand.

[xray]

Might be easier just to wait until he gets settled in CA and has a chance to peruse the local scene--maybe get some leads from the local Z club...

[Montezuma]

Basically, my son is just looking for a reliable driver that has good bones and not too ugly. His price range is $4k-6k. This Eugene Oregon (craigslist) 280Z just happens to be a 2+2. Its a one owner, new engine by Nissan 35k ago and all records. Supposidly the car has been garaged most of its life, runs strong- everything works and the car doesn't need anything at the moment. Also has AC which has been hard to find but desirable in Southern CA. The guy wants 6k which seems like a good deal if its all as he says. My dad lives about an hour away and was going to take a look at it. Engine is factory stock- no mods, so it is Federally EPA solid and I imagine would pass DEQ, as the car is currently licensed in OR. The question I have is would CA DMV be fine with it if it has stock Fed equip, and passed emissions standards, but not a "CA" model Z car.

The CA DMV website is vague but has strong warnings about bringing old cars in from out of state. My friend bought a '78 MGB in TX and encountered headaches at CA DMV. Eventually dumped it in nearby AZ cause he could not get it registered.

My son is 18 and going off to college at Cal Poly next fall. He's been saving his money for 3 years to buy an old Z in decent shape and has about $6k. Open for advice. He's handy with general mech, but is not looking for a restore project. Just wants a reliable driver. Glad we found this club. Thanks.

Well let me tell you I got a deal for you. My friend Dennis has a real nice 77 that he just completely redone. The car is in San Diego, ready to move and will be smog tested prior to sale. Dennis a Z car mechanic. The car is in my gallery, it is the first 3 pictures. It is right in your son's budget.

My daughter is a freshman at Cal Poly Pomona as well. I bought her a Z several years ago but she does not like it because it does not have power steering. Now the car sits and she does not have one on campus.

I offered the Dennis' car up to a club member who lives overseas. He is hot for another Z, not sure what is going on with that but if you are interested let me know and I will give you Dennis' phone number.

[sblake01]

mtndud, you're just east and up the hill from us less than 20 miles away. I too could lend a hand when he gets the car down here. Ironically, I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona albeit some 35 years ago. Does he plan to live on campus? Crestline would be a pretty fair commute. But back to the actual question here. I'll ask my friend here who does my smog about non California cars. After all, regardless of what the DMV says, it's the smog techs who have the final yes or no at the consumer level.