260Z Truth

[Zrush]

What is the truth about the 260Z? Why does that Z have a bad reputation. This question is not meant to offend any 260Z owners, so please don't take it that way. Just a question that I would truly like to have answered.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by zrush

What is the truth about the 260Z? Why does that Z have a bad reputation. This question is not meant to offend any 260Z owners, so please don't take it that way. Just a question that I would truly like to have answered.

In the USA the 260Z got a bad reputation due to all of the smog crap that was forced onto it by the Federal and CA smog requirements. They had the flat top "boat anchor" carbs in place of the normal round top SU's, there were many changes from the 240Z model and the 260 was only sold for a year before the 280Z model was introduced. It became the "bastard child" of the Z model since it did not live up to the performance of the original Z sold here.

That is the way I remember it.

[2ManyZs]

Main reasons?

1. Flat top carbs same as the 73 240's.

2. Had the same problems with vapor lock, and poor driveability as the 73's.

3. Only offered for one year in the US, in two models.

The early cars are no worse than a 73 240 and merely needs better carbs and most of the problems are fixed.

The later cars were a "step-child" of the 280's with the big bumpers, and without the increased engine capacity, along with the early 260's carb and drivebility problems, created most of the stigma associated with the 260's. The late 260's IMO are tha main cause of everyones hesistance of buying a 260.... more weight, and the same problems of the 73's... makes you better off to get a 75 or later 280 with FI and the larger displacement.

[Royce]

Howdy,

I think the main stigma of the 260Z is the added emissions controls and the infamous flat top carbs! In stock form it is a little heavier, a little less powerful, and less reliable, because of the emissions stuff, than the 240Z. But really not much more so than the '73 240Z.

In the US there were two different 260Z cars built for the '74 model year, each a transition from the 240Z to the 280Z. The early 260Z had a unibody and interior that was more similar to the 240Z. It had full rubber covers on the bumper guards, unique to this model. These cars also have the turn signals under the front bumper like the 240Z but the taillight lenses that are like the 280Z. While the later 260Z looks like a 280Z, both inside and out. Example, it had the turn signals over the larger bumpers. But had it had 260Z running gear. The 260Z was also the first go with electronic ignition, which was changed and further developed with the 280Z. So you can see that the 260Z does have a character of it's own. Which sometimes makes it hard to find bits and pieces for them.

I had a late 260Z, built 12/74, and it was a good car. However, mine had been converted to 3 screw SU type carbs and 240Z bumpers. Too bad it got hit so hard the rear unibody got all screwed up. As for sales $$$ the 240Z is probably more of the "classic Z" and may demand a slightly higher price, but to me there is nothing wrong with a good 260Z.

Hope it helps!

Happy Holidays!

[Royce]

That's funny! You can tell Carl, Keith and I all worked up our similar responses at about the same time. But Carl, was first because his response was short and my typical long winded response put me last!

What can I say. It is the day before Christmas eve, I am at work, and I am easily distracted as well as easily amused!

Have fun! Happy Holidays!

[2ManyZs]

At least we all agree on why it's the "black sheep" of the family....

[Zrush]

Thanks Bambikiller240, 2ManyZs and Royce

Too Funny, your response times are like finish line times, my computer was flamming

Bambikiller240 4:07

2ManyZs 4:08

Royce 4:14

I appreciate all the great information on the 260Z

Happy Holidazs to All

:classic:

[Zedrally]

zrush, how do you close the bonnet of your car?

I'm assuming that IS your car in the avatar?

[Zrush]

Yes that is my car. It is a custom all fiberglass hood. That extension piece goes right up to the windshield, hence the little divet to allow the windshield wipers to work. The center "hump" in the hood gradually increases in height as it gets closer to the windsheild. Just something the body man and I thought would be different. Pain in the azz to build however.

The hood closes with the same hardware as the stock Zs have.

[4381821]

"boat anchors"

says who? can anyone actually produce any data that proves that, other than hearsay? I'd love to read it if you could.

[Victor Laury]

It has been speculated, on this forum that the "Tuna cans" or "Flattops" or Hitachi's or whatever pet name you may choose, can perform as good as the "round tops" IF you can(?) tune them perfectly.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I'm not looking to trade my 72 3 screws for a set of the tuna cans.

We do have a recognized authority who concur with the "Boat Anchors" label. See ZTherapy.com Their definition is "Evil square mouthed carbs"

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by Victor Laury

We do have a recognized authority who concur with the "Boat Anchors" label. See ZTherapy.com Their definition is "Evil square mouthed carbs"

....and they will not even accept these "wonderful (:stupid: ) carbs" as scrap metal.

There has been a guy on eBay trying to sell one of the "Tuna cans" or "Flattops" or Hitachi's or whatever pet name you may choose for over a year. He seldom gets any bids and never comes near his reserve price.

When the 73/74 Zcars were new(er) and Nissan actually serviced these cars, 95% of Nissan techs hated them for their complexity and many owners of previous year Z's hated them for the poorer performance and drivabilty problems experienced with them. Dealers would retro-fit Roundtop carbs, swap in Webbers and in some cases even 4 barrel carbs to get away from them.

If anyone has data proving that they are good carburetors, other than hearsay; I'd love to read it.