240,260 and 280 differences

[gerryboy]

Hi, i am currently searching for my first z and i cant wait till i finally get one, could some one please tell me if there is any differences in the actual body shape from 72 -78. i am aware of the differences with the bumpers and the lights.

is the body of the later models (2x2) slighty longer than the earlier models (2 seater)? i read in one site that the wheelbase in the 2x2 is 10 inches longer. is this true?

basicaly i want to know are all zs from 72-78 exactly the same in shape and dimensions other that the bumper and lights differences.

thanks.

[DatsunZsRule]

Hello

Well first off, the 240Z's were born in 69 so for the first generation Z's it's 69-78. For the U.S. models, The 2+2's didn't start until 74 I believe with the 260Z's and on but you still could get them in the regular 2 seaters as well and yes, the 2 seater 260Z/280Zs shared the same body style as the 240's. There are many differences however between them but as far as body style is concearned, they are pretty much the same looking.

To answer your question on the 2+2's - Yes, they are longer and heavier with a little wider wheel base. most prefer the lighter and more sporty looking 2 seater Z's but there is nothing wrong with a nice 2+2 either if you find a real nice one. I've seen some that are dressed up pretty nice and don't look bad. It all depends which one best fits your needs.

Hope this helps answer your qestion. Others will chime in as well I'm sure

[Zs-ondabrain]

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37905

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13638

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8094

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24218

These should help, a little.

[gerryboy]

Thanks a lot guys.

i havnt actualy seen a 240, 260 or 280 in the flesh because i live in ireland, to my knowledge they dont really have a following in ireland although they do in England.

My intentions are to put in an SR20DET engine and do a rear disk brake conversion, full repaint but to keep the exterior as origanal looking as possible.

i know its a matter of personal preference but would i be coorect in thinking that the 2 seater models tend to have a more sleek sporty look if you are looking at them from the side?

if that is the case i wiil hold out for the 2 seater option.

thanks again.

[IdahoKidd]

Everyone has an opinion. I think the 2+2 was a terrible distortion of a nice car. It was orignally built to satisfy the insurance company by taking it out of the sports car class. Just because it has a seat, doesn't mean you can set in it. The standard 2 seater by all means has a better profile and looks proportionate. As for your goals, if there isn't much of a following there, it is going to be tough getting all the items together. Get the car first, and read read read everything you can find. For the conversion issues, check out hybridz.org as they specialize in altering the Z's. Good luck!