I was drawn to the 240 because of it's "original-ness" and the asking price ($1000). It has all the paperwork since new, owners manual, etc, but will need some work (mostly major cleaning, some very minor rust and whatever the engine needs to run after two years sitting). I can deal with the '73 carbs as they have worked well for the original owner for this long, same for the ignition.

Z cars should have manual transmisisons, as far as I am concerned. That's why I planned on doing the swap. But, since the car is all original, maybe keeping it that way would be OK too. I'm open.

The 280, on the other hand, is $750 OBO which means I think I can get it for around $500. It already has the factory 5-speed. It needs to have whatever is wrong with EFI fixed, but other than that, it's cosmetic (carpet and seat covers) plus whatever maintenance items need attention.

Still torn...I've had 240s before (several), but never a 280 so I don't have a good comparison "feel" for the cars.

For those prices, why not buy both cars? You could take the 5-speed out of the 280 and put it into the 240, then sell or part-out the 280.

I thought about that but I don't need two projects sitting in the driveway.....At least that's what I say now....

Some like the daughter some like the mother, take the one you like most.

I vote for the 240Z.

Chris

Still torn...I've had 240s before (several), but never a 280 so I don't have a good comparison "feel" for the cars.

..Buy the 280......something new for you.

The guy with the 280 just called, he's desperate and will take $500. I'm picking it up tomorrow. I'll offer the 240 guy $800 and see what happens. Even if he wants $1000 I'll probably do it. I'll get both cars running, clean them up and see which I like.

I know I can sell either one after cleaning for at least what I paid for it. Or take the trans and related parts from the 280 and put it in the 240. I can probably sell the 280 stuff left over for $500.

Thanks for all your help!!

Sounds like a good call to me.

The guy with the 280 just called, he's desperate and will take $500. I'm picking it up tomorrow. I'll offer the 240 guy $800 and see what happens. Even if he wants $1000 I'll probably do it. I'll get both cars running, clean them up and see which I like.

I know I can sell either one after cleaning for at least what I paid for it. Or take the trans and related parts from the 280 and put it in the 240. I can probably sell the 280 stuff left over for $500.

Thanks for all your help!!

Or just swap the transes and sell the 280 for what you paid for it (or more). They you'll have a 5 speed 240 and enough money to buy carbs etc. When you get the 280Z, post the symptoms and I'll see if I can help you sort it out.

Thanks Steve,

WIll the '73 auto trans fit in the 280? I guess it should...

I've never done it but I don't see why it wouldn't. You'd need to have a radiator with a trans cooler in the bottom. 240 and 280 radiators are different. There's a chance that the 280 already has one since most of the replacement radiators have the cooler in the bottom even if the car doesn't have an auto trans. Other than that, you should have all the parts you need on the 240 to put the auto trans in the 280 and on the 280 to put the 5 speed in the 240. Though I'd buy a new clutch if it were me.

For those prices I would get both. I personaly would go with the 240. I have a 240 with AT and it's fine. In stop and go traffic it's so much easier, besides that's the way it came and I'm keeping it factory stock except Im thinking about a electronic ignition. I got a 280 ZX 5 speed when I want to get sporty. Both are daily drivers except when it rains.

The guy with the 280 just called, he's desperate and will take $500. I'm picking it up tomorrow. I'll offer the 240 guy $800 and see what happens. Even if he wants $1000 I'll probably do it. I'll get both cars running, clean them up and see which I like.

I know I can sell either one after cleaning for at least what I paid for it. Or take the trans and related parts from the 280 and put it in the 240. I can probably sell the 280 stuff left over for $500.

Thanks for all your help!!

Good call, congrats on your new additions to your Z family!