I'll start off by letting you guys know that I'm new to the forum. I currently have a 2011 370Z and I am currently looking for a 240Z. I've been looking around and have found one locally that doesn't run, but the owner claims it ran when it was parked years ago (one picture shows an inspection sticker from 2002). I have yet to take a look at the car but was wondering what would typically cause this. My ideas are bad gas (assuming it hasn't been started during that time), dead battery, gummed up carbs, or bad contacts on the pickups for the distributor. Anyone else have any suggestions on what to look for if/when I go take a look at this car?

I think I saw that car on CL. Cars being "put up" or not being driven can have different reasons, from severe mechanical issues, to lack of insurance, to health of the owner, etc. You really need to speak to the owner to find out specifically. My car, fresh out of 10 years of storage, started on 10 year-old gas... but that gas was half Stabil and half fuel. A testament to Stabil. If you get the car, do not attempt to start it. Tow it home and then use the search function here on how to awaken the sleeping beast. There's a LOT of things you need to do before turning that key....

Post on the garage wall "needs lots of things done before turning the key".

One wrong shortcut can cause gobs of costly repairs......

I found the FSM for the car and have been looking through the engine tune up section. Looks like quite a bit, but none of it appears to be anything difficult. The most difficult part for me will be the carb, the only experience i have with them is from my little nitro powered r/c cars. If I go through with this, I'll probably have a friend trailer it for me and just work my way through the engine tune up steps before trying to start it. I also was taking a look at your site Bruce, If i buy this i might just have to send you the carb/intake

Is there a guide somewhere around here that gives you tips on what to look for when looking at these cars? I know the obvious things, but what about specifics to the 240?

Rust, everywhere and then some more. There will be more than you can see.

Mechanically they are not difficult. Don't be put off by the SUs they are simple and little to go wrong.

Here's a good place to start.http://zhome.com/

Edited March 22, 201213 yr by olzed

How hard is it to swap in a manual on one that comes with an auto?

Not too difficult. It's been done many times before.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?40844-parts-needed-for-auto-to-manual-trany-swap&highlight=Manual+auto+swap

Edited March 22, 201213 yr by olzed

This should be my final pre purchase question. I'm still trying to find the answer over in the electronics section but what style distributor do I need to get rid of the points style distributor?