i have a question i need answered

[ZmeFly]

and i need facts and something to back it up with ie something to site.

ok here is the scenario 78 280Z stock trim. 90+ 300ZX stock trim

both running in optimal condition. both cars are n/a cars

what would it take for the 280Z to beat the 300ZX

how much hp and what would have to have been done to make this happen. oh btw the 280Z is using SU carbs.

[Zvoiture]

what would it take for the 280Z to beat the 300ZX

A miracle.

steve77

[smg1404]

You can certainly do it .... All you need is money.... Probably quite a bit of it... I am not sure of all of the specs.. Let me guess

280z about 2800lbs and about 145 hp

300ax about 3200lbs and about 200hp

If you get the 280 up to around 190 hp you can probably pull it off. If it is a drag race. If it is a road race power is nice, but then driver skill and nerve is more important. I beat many a driver with superior equipment by wanting to win more than they did, and having the ability to get the most from my car...

Back to your car. Build the head... new cam, springs, headers, Improve the injection , or add webers, and bingo 300zx in the mirrors.... how much money... 1500 to 3000 dollars or a little more depending on how good a shopper you are.

[zorro]

Which car do you prefer they are like cheese and chalk. Sure the 280 can beat the 300ZX but with Standard SU's shaved head raised compression a mild cam balanced extra you will get around 230BHP. This will pull it up due to lack of fuel. This will still let it win though. Good luck....

[Datzun76]

According to Nissan a 280z 5 speed with FI has 170 Hp. I dont think I could beat one but would not be far behind. Would be fun to try if I ever get the chance just out of curiousity. With carbs I would say no way also.

[smg1404]

The 170hp rating was at the crank, so you don't really have that much when you compare to a 300zx. they were rated by the new standard of having to include all of the accessories and parasitic drag items... ie drive train. So the 145 number is roughly correct. In fact there are some that would say that is was optimistic. I owned a 75 280 as my first Z.... I liked it well enopugh as it came from the factory, but My driving impression was it was underpowered, and handeled like a boat... I proceded to modify the car, by adding tripple webers , cam, headers, aluminum offset bushings, solid differential mount, and a few undisclosed improvements. After these enhancements the car was predictable in the corners, accellerated very well and would top out at arround 150mph. A good comparison was one of my street races against a 5 litre, Mustang GT.... He was able to run along side me untill about 110 mph and was still a contender until about 125... after that he was no factor.... I continued on to about 135 that day, there was no neeed for more speed. I had oppertunity to race more than one 911 and always won, both in accelleration and in the corners... In comparison the 240 I now own starts out feeling like a race car... My old 280 would out run it in it's modified state. But before I modified it the 280 would have been badly embarrassed... I look forward to getting the 240 up to snuff.

[smg1404]

Hey in the US gas is not so much, burn it up.... It's high now for us at $1.50 a gallon for premum 93 octane....

SO MPG is no big deal.... Put in a bigger tank, and pour it on.

[Datzun76]

Mine does not handle like a boat. If I ever come across one I will let you know. I would not be intimidated by one or afraid to race to find out. I think the early 300's are sleds myself and would never own one win or lose.

[smg1404]

No offense intended.... I was refering to the one I bought some 20 years ago.... They may not be all the same, especially in other nations.. I like a car that does not comprimise .... comfort is not an issue. Only performance.. sideways at 120+ that kind of stuff. sorry.

[2ManyZs]

All depends on what kind of contest you are having doesn't it? Just a gear change would be enough to have the 280 out front if it's going to be a short run.

Longer run would mean more HP AND gearing changes to optimize what you have.

On a road course I would say it would be a near dead heat in stock form. One has more power and better brakes, one has less weight and perhaps better handling as a result of it.

Of course one of the biggest factors is the loose nut behind the steering wheel.:cross-eye

[Ed]

What about a little bit of Nitrous?

[smg1404]

Could work... I have never used it, but I know a guy that uses it on his chevy pickup.. One very fast pickup... He has a small block that is built to put out about 450hp... Then he dumps about another 150hp in with nitrous... He has surprised a lot of supposedly fast cars with this rig. He says he has no problems with reliability, but I have heard other people say that nitrous is a good way to destroy your engine.. I think the reality is that if you do not know how to do right you will destroy your engine. Am I going to try it..... NO, Is it a good idea? I don't know.

No doubt you can get a bunch of power real quick with nitrous.