73 vs. earlier motors

[Smokey]

The mystery was killing me, so I went back and looked at the car again. The owner did not know if the head had been changed before he got it, but he has not changed it. When he got it, it still had the flat tops on it. I saw it has the E88 head, so it is the low compression one. I also spotted some more rust on it today, that I missed the first time out. I am going to hold off on it till I see what the '70 shows me.

[Daniel]

BambiKiller,I believe the 74 1/2 260 was the first F.I. The 74 had the flat tops and 240 bumpers.The 74 1/2 was closer to a 280 with large bumpers and F.I. I'm sure someone will verify that.Smokey there is a site that explains the change in how the HP was calculated.Perhaps someone remembers where it is .I don't recall when it was put into effect. Daniel

[Smokey]

Daniel, the flat tops started in '73 and the late '73's had slightly bigger bumpers. They were spaced out from the body, and had shock type mounts. These carried over to the 260 for the first half of the model year. The second half saw the 5mph bumpers and redesigned front valance. I think they still ran the flat tops. In '75 with the 280 motor came FI.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by Daniel

BambiKiller,I believe the 74 1/2 260 was the first F.I.

Daniel:

You certainly could be right on that. I've never owned any Z, but 240Z's (I've had 71,72,73's), but had always heard tha the 280 was the first FI Zcar. Since the late 74 260 was "almost a 280" in that it had the newer body, it could have had FI as well. I hope someone who knows definitively clears it up for us .

[2ManyZs]

I was always under the impression the late 260's with the 280 bumpers had FI as well. But, after seeing a few pics lately and examining the microfiche, I believe that all the 260's had the flat tops. They did however, have the wiring harnesses that were similar to the 280's in the engine compartment with the fusible links that mounted on the passengers side inner fender. I guess that is what always threw me off, seeing a FI style harness in a carbed car, I always "arse"umed the carbs were put on in place of the FI.

But after looking a numerous pics lately that show the later wiring harness with original flat tops, it seems to me no one in their right mind would replace the FI with flat tops, so it must be stock.

[Smokey]

According to Wick Humble (How to Restore Your Datsun Z-Car ) the Bosch L-Jetronic fuel-injection appeared first on the 280Z. Maybe that will clarify the issue a little.

[Bambikiller240]

I THOUGHT so, but; heck I've been wrong before.

[Smokey]

We'll keep it a secret:tapemouth

Oh, wait....this is a public board

[Royce]

Daniel,

Yes, you are right the '73 was the only 240Z heater control panel to have backlite heater controls. Otherwise the heater control panel looks the same!

Smokey,

If the '70 unibody and floorpan are in better condition and it has the original motor it "might" be a better choice for long term value. However, if this is a car you just want to drive and have fun pick the one that is the best overall condition!

Besides the diff location the '72+ Z cars had a different, more durable transmission design.

In the US no 260Z's had fuel injection. That started with the L28 N42 block/N42 head '75 280Z.

Hope it helps!

[Smokey]

Royce, I agree the '70 would be the better (for lack of a better term) investment. The transmission and diff are not a concern since this car has a swapped in R200 rear end, and a 280Z 5spd Tranny.

I am looking for one to drive and enjoy. The '73 just don't have enough "guts" for me. With the E88 head and 4spd, it just kinda lags as a road car. My '72 with the 4spd was much quicker and more solid in the acceleration department. Unfortunately, it was not solid anywhere else. If it were not for bondo, you could see through the car.