I haven't seen anything around that has solved this conundrum for me, so forgive me if this is a topic that has been beaten to death, but I have found an early '74 260z near enough to me that the cost to buy and ship it will come to $3,750.

 

It seems to have a complete interior, but will need a new dash and carpet. The paint will need to be completely redone, and the engine is not working. I plan to go see it on Saturday, but I'm hesitant, because I'm on the fence about 260zs in general. If it turns out to be truly rust and dent free, would you go with this, or would you hold out for a 240z?

 

I feel like if I found a 240z I would restore it, and if I were to do a resto-mod I would just go with a 280z in order to save money and start from a better performance position. This car is the worst performing Z in stock condition and begs to be updated, but I feel like modding a 260z would be a mistake if I wanted to try to get a good return on it someday (I know you aren't supposed to do this for resale potential but I can't help but go there in my mind).

 

Thoughts?

I have a pair of early 74 260's, so clearly I am biased

 

The 240's are worth more, probably always will be

 

The early 260's in my totally biased opinion are easier to bring to daily driver status.  The electrical systems are better, more of them were available with factory AC and I'm not afraid of modding a potential show car.  I also get the same classic looks as a 240 which was really the whole point 

 

Why do the 260's have a bad name?:  

• They were heavier but mainly due to the bumpers and smog equipment, which you are likely to remove
• The square mouth carbs are terrible.  swapping to SU or weber DVG carbs make a good running car

 

Ultimately I guess it depends on the direction you want to go.  My cars are for driving and I have no problems making a functional mod that would ruin a show car.  Minus bumpers and emblems most people cant see the difference unless you look at the dash/console.  I would take an early 260 over a 280 any day of the week mostly due to the stone age fuel injection on the later model.  Also consider smog laws:  Here in the Peoples Republic of Kalifornia a 1974 260z is smog exempt and a 1975 280z is basically wrecking yard fodder because they will never pass emissions.

Edited May 7, 20159 yr by Kurbycar32

I think the thing that has me hung up is the price. If it were $2,500 I would probably have it in my hands by now.

IMO.....Wait for a 240Z.

IMHO, go with the most rust-free car you can find and afford. That will probably be the easiest to do whatever you desire to do. I haven't met an S30 that I didn't like, even the 2+2.

Get the 260Z and put some 240Z emblems on it.  The major downside to the 260 is the 6.  It just doesn't look right.

I agree with SteveJ. If you are working with a relatively low budget, find the most rust free car you can 240z or 260z.

Considering your very special cargo as shown in your photo, why not a 260z 2+2? You are more likely to get more bang for your buck, just as many smiles per mile, and a more opportunity to do the family thing while he is small enough to use the back seat.

Edited May 8, 20159 yr by djwarner

Maybe prices are higher on the East coast, but here you could get a Z that runs for that money. 260's are OK, but if it's not running it's hard to know if it needs a tuneup or a new engine. Can't check the brakes, clutch, turn signals, etc.  If it was well maintained, garaged, etc., then maybe it's worth it, but if so why isn't it running? 

 

Regarding restoration vs. mods, it's all up to you. I wouldn't attempt a restoration, since I don't have the workspace for it, the skills, or the money to pay someone else to do it. Besides, I like to drive my car. Performance mods can also mean about anything, from just new pipes to a wild engine/suspension. There's also tuning, which overlaps with performance mods, but can also be done on a more or less stock vehicle. Dunno how to vote.

 

Sounds like you're stuck on a Z so let's see a photo when you get it.

I think the thing that has me hung up is the price. If it were $2,500 I would probably have it in my hands by now.

I paid a $1000 for a 280Z that didn't run because it had never been wrecked, the body was in good shape, and the interior was decent.  I hate body work, but love engine work and had planned to swap a V8 eventually.  I wanted something to work on, not something that was done.  

 

You've posted twice but haven't said what you hope to get from the car.  That's the key to the conundrum.  Not unexpected though, since the Z's tend to unearth incomprehensible desire.  State what you're hoping for, if you can, and we can give some clues on how to get it.

I think Z's are probably cheaper on the West coast. I almost never see them on the road here and the projects I see all have some rust. I agree with Zed, I have the skills and tools for body work and mechanical work but would much rather do mechanical work. Doing rust repairs can be like "root canal" for me

You've posted twice but haven't said what you hope to get from the car.  That's the key to the conundrum.  Not unexpected though, since the Z's tend to unearth incomprehensible desire.  State what you're hoping for, if you can, and we can give some clues on how to get it.

 

That's what I haven't figured out. Ideally, I would have a stock early 240z and a tricked out rest mod 280z. That isn't going to happen due to space and spouse. The issue is that I've found 260s a few times and they sit in a great area for me. I feel like they shouldn't be customized (especially the ear lies) but they require performance mods to be comparable to the other cars.

 

I think I'll just end up hunting for a 240 and go stock. Most of the guys I know who have older cars regret the modifications after a while and wish they had gone for a restoration, so I have that in the back of my mind.