How well do Z-cars handle?

[hawaiiankine]

Aloha,

I've been lurking on this site for quite some time as I have a bit of an interest in Z-cars. However, I have never really ridden in one or driven one. I'd like to know just how well they handle. Most of my current automotive interests lies with vintage VW's and Porsches. Most of the Porsche guys admire Z-cars, but still seem to look down their noses at them. They refuse to believe any other make and model can hang with their 911's.

So, I thought I'd ask a pretty subjective question over on these boards. Just how well can you get a Z-car to handle?

Mahalo for any and all answers.

aloha,

Joel

[Gav240z]

I'm pretty confident they can handle well. The first problem is the rubber bushings in the suspension replace that with urethane.

Adjust coil overs, control arms, sway bars etc all help the car but it's a very subjective question.

It all depends on your horse power your braking system etc..

Are you going to race? what category are you thinking of?

Porsches are good because they've been imporved for years especially the 911.

The 959 the turbo 4 wheel drive (911 Shape) is a bit of a supercar for the Z, but I still believe you can get the Z to do what you want.

I think all datsuns had great handling probably because of the IRS suspension.

[2ManyZs]

The best thing about a Z is the fact you can make it handle any way you prefer. There's plenty of aftermarket suspension systems and parts that are available today and they aren't as expensive as suspension parts for other cars.

Probably the best comparison for the Z in the Porsche line is the 944, which the Z can equal in performance with a little bit of work. You won't have the straighline speed of the later 994 or 968 Turbo's, but the Z can stay with it when comparing handling.

Actually, the Z is probably a lot better handling car than a lot of the 911's, especially the earlier models. 911's have a lot of peculiar handling quirks due to the rear engine design, and only a select few can really use the 911 to its utmost abilities. Later 911's, starting in the mid to late 80's have less of these "scary" tendencies than the earlier models thanks to a lot of factory upgrades to addres the trailing throttle oversteer.

For 90% of the drivers, a Z will be the easiest car to go fast in right off the bat, especially those who want to do it on a reasonable budget.

[gramercyjam]

Prepared autox Z cars compete in the same class as prepared 911's and prepared 914's. They are pretty well matched.

--John B

[spudz]

How if we can only get rid of that M3 we would be set. One reason why I was looking toward running EP Limited Prep instead of FP.

[Datzun76]

I always tell people if you drive one you will probably buy one. Z's are fun to drive on curvy roads. I am no expert but guess it might have something to do with them being built so low to the ground as well.

The drawback is trying to use a drive up ATM machine. Need long arms. I swear they are made for SUV's.

[Victor Laury]

I think the racing history speaks for itself. three(?) consecutive years SCCA championships in C production. Wasn't the N/A 911 also in C prod?

[gramercyjam]

Link to the Big Sam pages on ZHome.com. Big Sam Big Sam used to kick some Carrera butt. Fun reading.

I don't think we have seen that BMW before at the Solo II nationals so maybe we just need to kick it up a notch to beat it, but I doubt it will be me. I've always said I'm a better mechanic than a driver and I don't think that will change any time soon.

--John

[TomoHawk]

I saw a program on history channel about the early porches and they did say that the early ones were a real man's car to drive because you had to be in total control all of the time on curves or it'll let go & you're done. Need some good strong arms too.

[DatsunZGuy]

Hey Hawaiiankine,

Nice to hear from someone back in the islands. Do you live on O'ahu?

I grew up in Mililani, and left for the Air Force back in 1986. Do they still have autocrosses at the Aloha stadium parking lot on the weekends? Also, is the drag strip still open out in Ewa Beach?I use to take my 240Z out on the strip when it was open to the public for Saturday night races.

Now I'm homesick for a teri beef plate and bowl of Zippy's chili.

My 1972 240Z in Mililani back in 1986

Hang loose!

Datsunzguy

[hawaiiankine]

Aloha,

Thanks for all the replies. It is a very subjective question, but I wanted to hear the opinions of Z owners about the handling of their cars. On a Porsche forum I frequent, someone mentioned the 240Z in one of their posts, which sparked a discussion about Z-cars in a Porsche forum. It seems a lot of Porsche guys also own or have owned Z-cars. But, when pressed they all say the 911 (pre-1973 models) are their favorite (of course it is a Porsche forum).

I agree that the early 911's are supposed to be a real finicky car. You have to have a lot of driving skill in order to get the most out of them. But, I kind of like that challenge. The thing I don't like about Porsches are the pricetags connected to the parts.

Anyway...I like the Z-car because of its looks, comparitive performance to Porsches (didn't the 240Z essentially drive the 914 out of production?), and its affordability. Every now and then I see a really cool Z-car cruising around the island here that just looks bad-arse. Makes me want to get one. Love the exhaust note. If I got one, I'd probably just use it for the street, possibly auto-x. I'd really like to get into club racing, but that'll have to wait until I can afford it.

DatsunZGuy: I live on O'ahu in Kaimuki. I'm a transplant from Portland, OR. I don't think they have auto-x at Aloha stadium anymore. Supposedly, there's a group of independent guys who road race at Hawaii Raceway Park, but I haven't paid much attention to it. The road course is pretty crude out there. They still have the drag racing open to the public on Wed/Fri/Sat nights. $6 to race whatever you like against whatever lines up next to you! Great fun. Can you imagine a 1967 Beetle in stock trim drag racing against a Ducati Monster? That was my last race. Oh yeah...I had Zippy's chili & rice tonight.

aloha,

Joel