Some general thoughts/observations on driving z cars

[Murph]

Just some observations I've made about driving my zed, and looking for some discussion of others experiences.

Two things I have noticed with my zed is that it not a car that you can just get in, and drive fast (comfortably) if you don't know it and that it doesn't feel anywhere near as quick as it is.

On the first point, I'm only just getting to the point now after driving the zed daily for a few months, that I am really getting comfortable with it and how it behaves. Never the less I am still fairly cautious when pushing it. On the other hand I can hop in my mates R32 GTS-t and flog it till the cows come home, having had many less hours behind the wheel, but do it quite comfortably.

What I am finding though is that the zed is very rewarding to drive now that I am getting the hang of it. Everyday driving it isn't the nicest thing for a few resons, but take it out for a blast and it'll put a BIG smile on my face.

My other interesting observation is that it simply doesn't feel quick to me, or to others in it or driving it. However when I put it against some other cars, then it never fails to supprise me! Especially when you chuck some corners in.

Example 1: Last night a mate took it for a drive and he found that it felt slower than his car, despite the two of them being of an identical pace in a straight line.

Example 2: The other night we took the cars for a bit of a play on this nice little bitumen circuit in an abandoned area. Every one was totally amazed that I had no problems sticking with and almost passing the other cars. The other cars being the R32 skyline (13.5s 1/4), Z32 (will do a high 13), RB20 powered R31 (low 14's) and a VL (16.0, but he's a madman). I'd guess my zed coundn't better 16 flat down the 1/4.

Anyone else have any thoughts they want to share?

[datsun260z]

I also found on the few ocassions that I had to drive my Z before I started rebuilding it that it did feel slow. It had me concerned that my speedo was out so I paced it with my wifes car.

She confirmed that I was indeed doing the speed that we set and so my speedo was not wrong. But what I latter came to believe is it has something to do with the Z sitting so low (and that we sit low in the Z) and also just the low gurgle of the engine. The L26 does not need to strain to cruise so you dont feel the engine is working hard.

As for low quater mile times. The Z might not be a fast accelerating car but that does not mean it lacks the top end power. Remeber that this was a car that was raced on and off roads. I am not sure but I think the Datsun Works team used modified L series engines. So sure it might not win on the straight, but it will catch you in the corners.

[Mr Camouflage]

Maybe it's because you are so far away from the front of the car and the road.

[Zrush]

I've always had just the opposite feeling in my Z. I feel like I'm going way over the speed limit (probably am). My Z is far from stock so it always sounds loud and fast.........which it is. I have no fear of any Vette, Camaro or anything else that wants to go up against me. Bring it on. If I don't take it, I will surely give it a run for it's money and I won't be far behind. Z Power :devious:

[Chino 240Z]

And that my friend is a Z-RUSH, to walk away from a Vette or an F-body car in the turns!

[Zrush]

Turns too!

[260DET]

Mine doesn't get driven as much as it should because some dickhead is always messing around with it. No seriously, Mr Fussy has just about got it right now, a half roll cage to get rid of the rear creaks and body flex and that should be about it.

But it is bloody great to drive, now, except in the hot weather. No air con here, this car is stripped for performance. Very difficult to tell what speed it is doing, over 200kph does not seem that fast, until a corner comes up.

It has a racing type seat, enhances the Z experience. But most of all I love the turbo engine, spool me up Scottie, we are about to go into orbit.:devious:

[Ivan]

Originally posted by Datto-Zed

Example 1: Last night a mate took it for a drive and he found that it felt slower than his car, despite the two of them being of an identical pace in a straight line.

I don't know if your seats have as much movement as mine but I think the seat movement is dampening the acceleration effect somewhat

[TomoHawk]

I've got the 280Z.

I have leaned to look at the speedo more often than my other car (Ford Escort) because I don't 'feel' like I'm going as fast as I am. I've even learned to judge speed via the tacho. (3300 RPM=65 MPH) The high-pitched whine does concern me somewhat tho- I tend to stay under 70MPH so the engine (stays together).

My biggest change from the other car is when cornering. I can't just turn the wheel with one finger to go around a tight turn. I need to grab on and turn. Then, it digs in and wham-O, you're turned! On the highway I noticed that there's no problem accelerating. you just push the gas pedal down and you go. The other car will unlock the torque converter, then downshift. I'm not sure, but I think that's because the kickdown solenoid on my Zed isn't working

[Murph]

Just to clear one point up. When I say it feels slow, I mean acceleration wise, not speed wise. As far as speed goes, it feels like your going faster than you are, but I'd attribute that to sitting quite low and having stiffer suspension than the other cars I am used to driving.

Originally posted by 260DET But it is bloody great to drive, now, except in the hot weather. No air con here, this car is stripped for performance.

Arrrhhh... No aircon + the 40deg days we've been having here lately = BAD. Boiling driver and boiling carbs.

Originally posted by Ivan

I don't know if your seats have as much movement as mine but I think the seat movement is dampening the acceleration effect somewhat

Nah they're well fixed.

Originally posted by TomoHawk My biggest change from the other car is when cornering. I can't just turn the wheel with one finger to go around a tight turn. I need to grab on and turn. Then, it digs in and wham-O, you're turned!

Don't you just love their ability to make quick direction changes! Never ceases to amaze me.

[280zx Fever]

Originally posted by Datto-Zed

Example 2: The other night we took the cars for a bit of a play on this nice little bitumen circuit in an abandoned area. Every one was totally amazed that I had no problems sticking with and almost passing the other cars. The other cars being the R32 skyline (13.5s 1/4), Z32 (will do a high 13), RB20 powered R31 (low 14's) and a VL (16.0, but he's a madman). I'd guess my zed coundn't better 16 flat down the 1/4.

I take my Z (when i drove it once) to the absoutle limits.. i like to explore the rev range feel the power of the mighty 2.8litre as the conrod exits the block (9000rpm) nah

I find it really odd as the 240z is faster then the 280zx but the 280zx has extra weight so it excludes any advatage because of the weight