Just got my first Z and learned how to drive a stick all in the same day!

Zu Zu

Saint Louis

1974 260z owner

I did It is still listed there but I got it for $1,000 less (my great negotiating skills - HA!) I felt a little bad though because they said a young/teenage boy kept coming in to look at it but never pulled the trigger. Not bad enough I guess to stop me from doing it. Ah well, makes up for that 1969 Firebird my dad ALMOST bought me when I was 16. I got a 1984 Ford Tempo instead - BLEECH

I haven't seen many 240Zs or 260Zs with clean insulation on the fuel lines, except for cars whose owners show them a lot. The black zip ties on the insulation indicates that someone probably replaced some fuel lines. I usually just slip the insulation off after getting one end of the hose loose and leave the zip ties in place. Hopefully that indicates that the previous owner cared to keep things clean and working.

As for the muffler, just get one that fits.

Carrie,

That's great you were able to purchase the car for $1000 less than the asking price! I'd say most people are will to work with you if you already have the cash. That's funny your first car was a Tempo. My first car was a 1984 Mercury Lynx (equivalent to a Ford Escort). I paid $1200 for the car and it ran fine until I blew the engine. I ended up rebuilding the engine and trading it in on my second car, a 1986 Honda Prelude. I bought my Z last summer to restore and I'm just a few years behind you in age. So, I'm not sure if this is my midlife crisis care or not?

Robert S.

Good looking car Zu. Enjoy the obsession.

I nearly blew the engine in the Tempo - I drove it about 50 miles with no oil. Got home and told my dad - yeah it's making this really loud banging - he said "did you check the oil". Um - no Never did that again. What can I say - I was a 16 year old clueless girl. Rob- I'd say yes it is your mid-life crisis. I bought a horse at 37 and thought that was the end of it. But, now the car. Men die a few years earlier than women so you are right on track - HA.

Good news for the day - the Z passed its safety inspection!!!! Tried to hit the DMV for plates and the workers were leaving as we are expecting "snowmageddon" here in da Lou. Our tax dollars at work (or not at work actually). So, I hit Auto Zone instead and am going to swap out some fluids.

Have a great day all!

Okay - what is the significance of the "clean insulation on the fuel lines?"

I guess I am glad they have been swapped. The engine is idling pretty low and I was worried it had something to do with the 260 flat top carbs. On a positive note - the tachometer was not working yesterday but spontaneously started working today which has been mastering the stick a bit easier. (Not that I am there yet )

The 260Z tach is not the most reliable unit, so-to-say. Mine was initlally dead because of some dreadful PO wiring (caused a dead short when wiring in a starter button). After getting the wiring right it came back to life but intermittently, and shortly therafter completely stopped working. A 280Z tach did the trick (wiring is the same but unit is more reliable). Faceplates can be switched between units if you're concerned about keeping that correct.

Thanks - good to know. It was spotty again today. It works once the engine is warmed up which is weird. Good thing I don't mind quirky things. We have 5 inches of snow and will have 2 inches of ice on top of that by the AM. No driving for me for awhile