Opinions Needed on Upgrades

[stevef1972z]

So here is the story. I have the parts ordered to fix the floors and will get the needed parts fixed. The car will be road worthy again in a week or two.

I am looking for a fun drive to work on nice days car, that will turn heads and be a turn key classic. Might take it out to run the cones a few times but nothing serious. Basically drive, look cool and have fun car. Stock exterior and keep most of the basic systems intact but make things easier, reduce matenance etc.

Its a numbers matching car, and I am third owner. Nearing 170,000 miles. Nearly everything is factory or replaced with Autozone type parts so showroom concours is not in the future. It came with a Weber DVG conversion on it that works fine and will not be swapped back until the throttle shafts wear out. There is some valve seat blowby but with the miles that is expected and the orginal radiator is full of deposits and is prone to heating up on St Louis 95 degree days. Other than that its all there.

So what did you do for your 240 to make it more user friendly? What are the upgrades that were the best bang for the buck? Ignition upgrades? Electrical? Interior? Suspension?

What did you do that you didnt like? What didnt work as well as you wanted? What would you suggest I never do because for the money it just plain sucked?

Thanks in advance for the ideas.

Steve

[Arne]

Steve, I drive my '71 at least a couple of times per week. Mine has about 100k fewer miles than yours, and therefore probably more original. But my end goal is and has been to keep the car mostly stock looking, and definitely looking period correct.

Most of my mods are easily reversible, if I should ever so desire. Here's the list so far, with notes.

Front spook - Or some other type of air dam, adds needed stability at highway speeds.

H4 headlights - Gotta be able to see after dark.

Wiring relays and upgrades - No use having better lights if the stock wiring and fusebox can't keep up.

Electronic ignition - Either Pertronix in the OE dizzy (if it's not worn out) or a good ZX ignition is a big plus. Consider at least a higher output coil, if not a CDI like a MSD.

Stereo - Totally a personal thing. I'm using a period Pioneer AM/FM/Cassette in mine, some people will want something more modern.

Higher output alternator - Stock is marginal after you've added all of the above. I've got a 60 amp ZX unit in mine.

Exhaust - I am more into sound and appearance than added performance, but a nice exhaust does add to the driving experience.

Suspension - Mild mods can give good results without too much compromise. I've got KYBs with Euro springs cut to give a very slightly lower than stock ride height. Many like Eibachs with KYBs or Tokicos for a lower than stock stance.

Wheels and tires - If you already have a set of period 14" mags that you are happy with, that's no problem for a driver, as long as you are aware that your selection of tires will be limited. If you don't have wheels that you like, I'd consider 15" or 16" for best future tire availability.

[beandip]

Well, numbers matching was and is not important to me. I gave my L-24 engine away. I installed a 82 ZX engine and am vary happy with the up grade. I kept the SUs . On my L-24 I had installed a ZX ignition and am still running it and again vary happy. When I replaced the front and rear Axel bearings I used Nissan. I would not do that again, Timken make super bearings and are made in the USA and the cost is way less. I did install KYB G-2 struts and would do it the same again. I also installed a set of Euro stage I springs , and am vary happy with the results , however they are NLA unless they reissue them again. I installed a ZX alternator and the head light harness up grade along with H-4 head lights with 90/100 bulbs also the tail light harness up grade. All I give a big thumbs up. The only thing I did that I changed is the gearing . I had installed a R-200 that was supposed to be a 3.70 but turned out to be a 3.90. I pulled it and put back a R-180 with 3.54s and I am vary pleased. One more thing I removed the Polly bushings that were on the car and went with OEM rubber. My performance didn't suffer and the road noise is 40% less. Hope this helps you.

Gary

[stevef1972z]

Thanks Arne thats a great list to start with and I agree with the "period correct". That is just the thing I am looking to do. I love my 70s turbine wheels and they cleaned up nice. I just won a new in box Jensen AM/FM Cassete player from the mid 70s for a big $10 w/ shipping from Ebay.

Glad you pointed out the worn out dizzy, seens a shame to put a Pertonix in there with all those miles it has to be worn out and that would be a waste of money. Thanks for saving me the bucks there! Got me thinking now!

[stevef1972z]

Thanks Gary. I know there is at least a rebuild in the future, no matter how bullet proof these engines are, the miles will catch up to it one day. Not sure if it will be a rebuild or a swap, but thanks for the brain candy to get my plans working. I dont want to do much to the car until I have a solid end plan in place. Thats the one thing I have learned over the years, plan it and build it. The extra step saves a lot of time money and heartache!

Springs and struts are in the future they have to be sagging after 36 years.