Purchase/Restoration/Mod -- Where to start

[kurichan]

I just got the bug.

I have always liked 240 - 280Z cars.

I want one.

I am willing to work on it.

My dream car would be essentially stock, except it would have at least 250HP, great wheels, and might be slightly lowered. I would probably put modern brakes on it too. I would probably put more modern seats and seatbelts in too.

So where the heck do I start? I suspect there are answers all over the board. Could you guys point me to the right areas, and FAQs and hold my hand a little as I get started?

Fortunately, I live in San Diego, so chances are good I can find a decent car without rust to start with...

Here goes... Off to lurk on the boards and dig up advice...

[kurichan]

Was my question stupid? Where do newbies get started around here?

[bryantatem]

You can get started wherever you need the most help. There are a LOT of good people here. Just tell us what you are needing, or give what you can offer.

[MDyer]

You say you want "basically stock", BUT:

The following is not stock: "at least 250HP, great wheels, and might be slightly lowered. I would probably put modern brakes on it too. I would probably put more modern seats and seatbelts in too."

What's more important? Stock or modified?

If you're going to modify it, go for a 76 to 78 280Z. Their cheaper, easier to find, and you're not messing with a true "classic" 240. (They're also fuel injected, so not quite as finicky as carburated 240's and 260's). They're heavier, so not as nimble.

If you want stock, go for a 240, and keep it stock.

Modifying as you explained will cost you some bucks... the car PLUS however far you want to take it (plan on about $3,000 minimum in mods you've identified)

Then again, if you're going stock, and the car is far from perfect, you could be looking at the same upgrade cost AFTER purchase.

Good luck

[thefastestz]

I say if you want to modify a Z, if your budget allows start with a 240z they are lighter and will be faster.

If you go N/A Modify an L28 from a taken from a 280z you can get 250hp.

you can get serious get up and go by taking a 240z and dropping an L28Et engine from a 280zx turbo. modifications will get you to 250hp.

You said mondern brakes, well people have done disc brake conversions and you can do a search for those options.

If you want to modify a Z the lighter nimbler 240z is the one to use if you happen to come across one.

Some people just want to keep them stock due to thier classic car status, but

don't let that stop you from building your dream car!!

[thefastestz]

If you want more than 250hp then...

there is also the almighty V8 small block chevy conversions also.

A 2300lbs early 240z with a 300hp V8 will

really move as you might imagine.

It all comes down to $$$$$$$$$$$$.

And time.

[Alfadog]

Originally posted by kurichan

My dream car would be essentially stock, except it would have at least 250HP, great wheels, and might be slightly lowered. I would probably put modern brakes on it too. I would probably put more modern seats and seatbelts in too.

:stupid: that's not stock boyo!!!

[kurichan]

Originally posted by MDyer

You say you want "basically stock", BUT:

The following is not stock: "at least 250HP, great wheels, and might be slightly lowered. I would probably put modern brakes on it too. I would probably put more modern seats and seatbelts in too."

What's more important? Stock or modified?

If you're going to modify it, go for a 76 to 78 280Z. Their cheaper, easier to find, and you're not messing with a true "classic" 240. (They're also fuel injected, so not quite as finicky as carburated 240's and 260's). They're heavier, so not as nimble.

If you want stock, go for a 240, and keep it stock.

Modifying as you explained will cost you some bucks... the car PLUS however far you want to take it (plan on about $3,000 minimum in mods you've identified)

Then again, if you're going stock, and the car is far from perfect, you could be looking at the same upgrade cost AFTER purchase.

Good luck

I should have been more clear about what I meant by "basically stock."

As you can see, none of my proposed mods would "ruin" a 240Z.

I am not going to cut fenders. No structural mods. Only reversible mods.

Still a no no?

[kurichan]

Originally posted by mperdue

Or if you want the lighter 240Z without the big bumpers and FI, find one that's either missing an engine or already modified - that is if your really worried about depleting the "stock 240z" supply. I woudln't buy at 280Z because of the bumpers alone...

But it's true the things you describe would make your car far from stock. maybe you mean stock appearance which is what I'm going for - but with the performance mods.

Pretty good take on what I want to do. Stock appearance with performance mods. It would be ideal to start with a 240Z without rust and without a drive train. Then I wouldn't be "ruining" a classic.

Thanks for the advice!

[thefastestz]

Nothing is a "no no" builld the car you want.

If you want wide wheels flare it.

Unless you really want a "stock" car.

If a Stock car is not what you want.

Why build a car for someone else down the road with your money.