Hi everyone,

So I've been looking at S30s for a long while. This would be my first zcar and first classic car. There are 3 ads up on ebay recently and I was wondering what your guys opinions on them are. I prefer the 240z 71-72 but I'm not really picky at the moment. Anyways the 3 ads I'm looking at:

Car 1

Car 2

Car 3

For the first car, it's much more original than the other two. It requires a little bit of work but I don't mind wrenching in my spare time.

The second car is a bit modified. Engine and trans from an 80s 280z. Looks like some parts from a 240z.

3rd is a modified 260z with a RB20DET which is pretty common I'm guessing.

Anyways, I'm just asking for opinions from experienced people and what would be the best value really. I hope to get into the zcar community soon.

I am familiar with car number 2. It was parked close to me at the April Caffeine and Octane. It's the one next to the blue chair.

The seller is parting with the car due to health issues. I have a vague idea of where his reserve may be. How much do you want to spend?

It is a 280ZT engine swap. I'm not sure what 240Z parts you think it has. I don't recall seeing any.

Edit: Changed month to April for Caffeine and Octane

Edited May 6, 201311 yr by SteveJ

Thanks for the info. I'm looking to spend 10-15k at the moment though it depends on the car. Actually just the front bumper but I guess that's actually common for 280zs.

I think it may be a fiberglass bumper. Removing the original bumpers is a popular weight loss technique for the 280Zs.

Edit: As I looked through the eBay pictures, I noticed that he snagged the picture I took of his engine bay.

Edited May 6, 201311 yr by SteveJ

Get a 280 unless you have experience AND the desire to futz with carburetors endlessly. Or are willing to pay someone to do so on your behalf.

Umm, 20det swaps aren't going to be common when you try and find someone to work on it.

What kind of mechanic to you call yourself-novice, expert, back yard?

Remember, these are modified cars that will need attention and they are probably custom modifications, so you will be on your own when comes to fixing them. Plus the price goes up for the fixes.

The 74 is pretty personalized, but if like yellow-your in;)

Now the 82zxt swap is much more common and you will be able to find much more help on that.

Also, these cars will drive completely different from each other. The 280zxt swap might ride rough being it was set-up with camber plates and probably coil-overs.

This one is one I helped work on. It's stock.

Datsun : Z-Series None in Datsun | eBay Motors

I want to disagree with Wade kindly.

I love carbs and SU's or webers are easy as pie to live with if they are in good shape. I would not be scared of any carbureted car. Now fuel injection...that is some voodoo man!!!!

An unmolested 280z -yes-but Wade, that is completely molested!

And as mentioned above, carbs aren't bad, and the SU's are about the best-except for my Mikuni's

Actually, neither the carburetors nor the fuel injection on these cars proves to be that much of a challenge. The documentation for both systems are readily available. Heck, I helped someone get his 280Z fuel injection running just with a few messages over Facebook and a couple of phone calls. This was without me ever even touching a 280Z fuel injection system. If I can figure either the carburetors or fuel injection out, it can't be that difficult.

Thanks guys. All this info is helpful. I don't have a problem messing with carbs, I pick things up pretty quickly. I've always done my own maintenance; timing belts, suspension, head gaskets, etc. Then again the oldest car I've owned is a 98. I'm good as long as I got some instructions and forums to help me. I'm just not the best at diagnosing problems so I'd be on here a lot asking questions.

I just keep going back and forth on whether I want the 240z or 280z.

I went and took a look at this car. I don't know if it is still available but I could check for you. It is over your budget but can probably be purchased under 20K and needs very little work it is very original and comes with the original wheels and caps. LMK if you are interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/240Z-/251258438549?_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&forcev4exp=true

Edited May 7, 201311 yr by JLPurcell

For your First Z - I would recommend either the Blue Z listed by madkaw, or the Red Z listed by JLPurcell. Both these guys know a lot about Z's... Both Z's look to be pretty good examples that you could drive and enjoy.

If you are talking $10,000.00 to $15,000.00, then putting your money into a pretty Stock example makes far better sense to me. If you did want to resell it in the future - you would have a far better chance of getting most of your money back out of stock Z.

I would have no interest in any of the first 3 you listed. For the most part they have been personally customized to the tastes and budgets of their previous owners. If you want a Street Mod or Custom Z and your going to spend that much money - then start with a far less expensive stock example, then make the way You Want it. That way at least you will know what has been done and that it has been done right.

FWIW,

Carl B.