0 to 60 & Highway HP - 260Z

[TexasRider260Z]

I have not owned a 260Z in about 30 plus years. Over the past 2 weeks I looked at a new 370 and bought a 260.

Then I read a lot of threads here. Great site. I posted a few posts over in the Z Car Discussion.

Car is just a toy - but it sure seemed faster back in 1977. Or I am slower!

I dont want a racing car but instead just an occassional driver. But there are several little issue like

1. I live in Houston. Have you ever seen the way these people drive? Ive got to be able to scoot sometimes.

2. I cant have 16 year old babysitter chickas out run me to Hooters.

3. I dont want to take a ton of crud from my buddies who already believe and state this is "junk", "POS", etc

4. I may have to run to lunch with any or all of #3 - got to look good you know.

But does the car really go 0 to 60 in 10 seconds :dead:??

So if I go the hot rod way of cam (Rebello), carbs (Mikuni or the Z Therapy),

header (Rebello) and igntion (Mallory or the Pertronix) that does not change up the car too much and leave the lower end stock and then do all the little things bushings, suspension, plugs, wires, radiator, alternator, battery , brake upgrade......... HMMM ought to be close to about $4000 or so by now.....

Can the Z get close to say 200 Hp from all that?

Is this even close to right

From 0to60.com

Horsepower

(at the flywheel): hp

Curb Weight: lbs

Drive Type: FWD RWD AWD

Transmission: Manual Automatic

Power / Weight Ratio: 0.08

0-60 mph: 5.557384322748475 seconds

That sounds good at 6 seconds. Not that I would do that regularly but would like to have the capability when some monster SUV soccer Mom is bearing on me.

After racing motorcycles for a lot of years I am well aware of "speed costs money" and of what happens when you change one component. Then ALL have to be changed to keep up.

I saw a few headwork posts but they all died. Any body gone this route without be having to keep VP racing fuel in the shop?

I saw Carls thread on leaving the car stock. It sounds good but see 1-4 above. Carl , do you have any heads laying around that I can use:) !

I am just wondering what is reasonable and is does not have to be with a stopwatch. Just good old fashioned seat of the pants scoot. And preferably down lower in the revs - power up a 7,000 rpm aint going to do it here on the road.

Oh and I feel a stop sign run with a couple of new Jags coming on - so help me now.

Pic of stock and rust free 260 below.

If this does not work better give me number to Nissan dealer with new 370s on the lot.

Thanks.

[TexasRider260Z]

The 6 seconds above was with

200 hp at flywheel

2500 lb curbweight

RWD

Manual

Thanks

[Zs-ondabrain]

Your stock 260Z motor puts out about 160 HP at the FW. The cam, ignition, header, Mikuni's, and such should give you another easy 30HP on an N42 head. I Dyno'd mine at 185 at the flywheel and that was on a 240Z (2.4 Liter) with E88 head, header, stage 2 cam, Stock untuned S.U.'s, 280ZX E12-80 distributor, MSD 6A, NGK plugs and wires, 2.5" exhaust and the bottom end is totally stock. It's all top end changes.

If I were to bore it out and do the 0.030 over pistons, ring, bearings, lightened flywheel and all that, I'd easily topple the 200 mark. My Triple Webers would love to play in that Playground!!! I'd be buying new tires every season. But that's just me.

[TexasRider260Z]

Dave:

About what is the 60 time on your car either from stop or from rolling?

How about just seat of the pants when you throw it down and stomp it good say at 30 mph and then at 50-60 on highway - scoots along pretty good or do you feel more is order for me.

The next step would of course have to be the Rebello 3 liter as discussed.

I have to believe that 270 hp would move the car along snappy.

Of course that adds $7500 to the tab so about $12,000 to do the deal, plus the car purchase.

I am thinking if I go this route and then "have" to do the 3 liter route then probably the only thing I am out is the cam and springs as all the other items headers, carbs, exhaust would still be used on the 3 liter.

Thanks for your effort and replies and for helping me sound this out.

[spike thomas]

I'd say just ditch the friends. >=] .

My 260Z has flat tops (desmogged, but soon to be replaced), 2.5 in exhaust and a 5spd. It's no race car, but if you put her up to around 5k through a few gears, you'll give the average joe a run for his money. I'd love a quicker car, and used to drive a moderately powered accord, but my 260Z is way more fun, turns more heads, and gets me less tickets. I'm hoping a pair of SUs will close the gap between the accord and my Z though. =D

[TexasRider260Z]

Dave :

Running your numbers

HP 185

Wt 2300

RWD

Manual

gives

Power / Weight Ratio: 0.08043478260869564

0-60 mph: 5.534839128984377 seconds

Sound in the range of right ????

From here http://www.060calculator.com/

[TexasRider260Z]

I'd say just ditch the friends. >=] .

My 260Z has flat tops (desmogged, but soon to be replaced), 2.5 in exhaust and a 5spd. It's no race car, but if you put her up to around 5k through a few gears, you'll give the average joe a run for his money. I'd love a quicker car, and used to drive a moderately powered accord, but my 260Z is way more fun, turns more heads, and gets me less tickets. I'm hoping a pair of SUs will close the gap between the accord and my Z though. =D

You know how they are - just talkers and maybe jealous too. When I get on them to do it too or go get a Camaro or something ( Maybe an AMC Javelin - hey theres an idea I havent had in YEARS ) you know what they say..

"My wife won't ..................."

[srbigbutt]

The early Z's are deceptively slow! Feel fast when you are behind the wheel. My stock 280z ran 15.8 in the 1/4 on a slipping clutch, which isn't to bad, but will have a hard time keeping up with newer cars of today.

BUT, its a blast to drive!!! I guess once you start driving it you will see that you can keep it pretty stock with minor bolt-ons and be greatly satisfied. If you are looking for serious power at a minimum price and keeping that classic look and feel, then I would recommend going turbo with a 280zx engine.

[beandip]

Texas Rider, sounds to me that you are interested primarily in straight line performance. Since these cars were designed mostly with road racing in mind. The off the line is secondary. I think you would be vary happy with a small Block under he hood. You would be far and away ahead in the power range and the weight is almost the same. The engine sets farther back and more in the center of the car. The 5 speed and Diff. from a 280 ZX will adapt and is vary strong. With this and the weight advantage you could easily be seeing your friends in the rear view mirror. As you stated, speed costs money , how fast do you want to spend. Gary

[beezee]

Last spring I pulled my 260 automatic and replaced it with a 280 5 speed, F-54 block,P-79 head nicely warmed up with a schnieder stage 3 cam,msd ignition, 6-1 header and 2-1/2 exhaust Performance in the 280 z it was removed from dynoed 162 rwhp,162 rwtq, 1/4 mile @15.3 and 90 mph 2.0-60 ft. My 260 is lighter and some tuning expect easy 14,s I can already put a 2 car holeshot on my buddy,s 68 Dodge Dart 340. I,ve also picked up about 10 mpg...

[TexasRider260Z]

Well in 1977 it felt a lot faster - just must be me getting slower as I said !

Bean - The roads here in Texas are long, flat, and fast. In Houston its just crazy and fast. Hell its 80 miles across town anymore and on a trip to the Galveston beach (whats left ater the hurricane) you stay in town traffic all the way.

So I got to be able to come up on the pipe if you know what I mean.

The Chevy install just get too far from the car as is.

I 'm just looking to see about how much overall useable power some of you guys got with a set up like what I am talking about. If it only goes from 10 to 9 then not worth it.

Just keep the money and go see the 370 dealer.

[TexasRider260Z]

I 'm just looking to see about how much overall useable power some of you guys got with a set up like what I am talking about. If it only goes from 10 to 9 then not worth it.

The reason I used the 60 time was just something quantifiable to get an idea of the ooommmpphhh!