What makes a Z a Z? What modifacations go too far to be called a Z?

[TomoHawk]

Gary,

I said the same thing a long time ago- #78.

Mr. OJ-

There was no 'math manipulation.' It's a poll; you vote for something and it tells you how many votes are in which group.

Edited August 10, 2012 by TomoHawk

[Diseazd]

As I type this there have been 58 responses to the poll, with 123 total votes. Clearly, too many exterior changes is a big no-no with 43 or nearly 75% responding. 1/3 of respondents didn't like some type of an engine change, but as a category 62 (more then 100%) votes were cast against any engine change. Having the OEM engine is part of the Z experience.

You can think otherwise all you want, but you're just pissin' up a rope.

I didn't see a response that said any engine change......

[TomoHawk]

A non L series Engine 32.76%

A non Z Engine 36.21%

A Non Nissan Engine 37.93%

Clearly, these descriptions mean that the engine is changed, and the counts are significant; 62 votes from 123 is 50%.

Edited August 10, 2012 by TomoHawk

[Diseazd]

I disagree........a non L series engine doesn't exclude an L28 .....neither does a non Z engine. An L28 is a Nissan engine so A Non Nissan Engine doesn't apply. You are reading into what agrees with how you want it to read. IMHO

[Tim B.]

I think a Z is in the eye of the beholder....

[psdenno]

Sooooooooo, after 124 expressed opinions and responses, do we have an answer for "What makes a Z a Z? What modifacations go too far to be called a Z?"?

Dennis

As I type this there have been 58 responses to the poll, with 123 total votes. Clearly, too many exterior changes is a big no-no with 43 or nearly 75% responding. 1/3 of respondents didn't like some type of an engine change, but as a category 62 (more then 100%) votes were cast against any engine change. Having the OEM engine is part of the Z experience.

You can think otherwise all you want, but you're just pissin' up a rope.

OK, tried "pissin' up a rope"....4'7" was all the better I could do. Perhaps we could get a poll going on how high other members of the group can get.

Maybe I should have asked, "Has anyone changed their mind about what makes a Z a Z or what modifications go too far as a result of the poll and comments of others?".

Dennis

[26th-Z]

I haven't changed my mind about stuffing a V8 in an S30 chassis. It's not an upgrade, there's no honor in it, and it's no longer a Z. Disregard those opinions. Sorry to disappoint, but puke is puke no matter how much stupid money is spent on it.

[LeonV]

[...]today 150 hp and rear drums are obsolete none fun factors.

I have plenty of fun in my L24-powered, drum-braked Z...

[TomoHawk]

I disagree........a non L series engine doesn't exclude an L28 .....neither does a non Z engine. An L28 is a Nissan engine so A Non Nissan Engine doesn't apply.

This is really confusing. If you have a 280Z, then it came from the factory with an L28 engine.

[Diseazd]

Sorry Tomohawk........I should have clarified......I mean an L28 installed in a 240Z. You can't tell them apart without reading the numbers on the block.

[TomoHawk]

and rear drums are obsolete none fun factors.

Mr Ferrari was wining races (with cars that had drum brakes) by the bucket until the Jaguars (with the new disc brakes) started winning too. Edited August 10, 2012 by TomoHawk

[psdenno]

I haven't changed my mind about stuffing a V8 in an S30 chassis. It's not an upgrade, there's no honor in it, and it's no longer a Z. Disregard those opinions. Sorry to disappoint, but puke is puke no matter how much stupid money is spent on it.

I agree. If cars have a soul, it's in the engine. Replace the engine and you have a different beast.

That's not to say I fault those who change to a more powerful motor. Everyone has the right to do what makes them happy. They just need to realize their happiness may not be shared by everyone who views the end result. My experience is that great cars tend to speak for themselves and don't require the owner to constantly toot the horn to get attention.

Dennis