Z newbie

[pdaeira]

I'm looking into buying/rebuilding a Z and I have a few questions. I have been reading this site for quite a while and I want to take the plunge.

1. Am interested in a 78' 280z, but I notice a +500lbs difference to that of a 72' 240z. Why so much?

2. What mods will it take to get a 280z from 0-60 in 7s flat? I also want a nice rumble a la early 50's & 60's ferraris. I'll have less than $1K to spend on those mods though. Any ideas?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Pdaeira.

:classic:

[optimaxtech]

Features on a car will add up in additional weight. As an example, the 240 is a carb engine, not much to it(fuel system that is) really or in weight for that matter. A 280 is EFI, which has additional bolt on mechanical parts,electric fuel pumps, fuel injectors, air intake plenium, ecu, and wiring through out the vehicle. These items alone will tip the scales at around 40 pounds when added up, versus the 5 pounds of carb to make the inline sing! The 280's have more creature comforts which all have weight. The body of the car may weigh in more as well, with additions in pyshical parts. One of the guys on this site, may know if the drive train was changed between the 240 and 280 (I believe it was) and the change would not have been for the light side. I think the largest weight gain is the difference in carb vs. EFI total engine weight

[mdbrandy]

280Z's have a lot more stuff on them. BIG bumpers compared to the 240Z's. Beefier frame members mean more metal in the body. Beefed up doors to meet crash test specs. Mostly, the extra weight comes from Datsun having to meet US crash test specs, and somewhat from extra systems such as the FI, Cat converter (on some cars - my '78 is a CA car and has one), etc. I believe most of the extra weight will be from the bumpers, doors, frame, and generally beefier car. Look in the engine compartment of a 240, and you'll see a LOT more empty space than in a 280! If any of the racers out there have actual weights for these things...

[optimaxtech]

MDBRANDY is right, the most weight gain was in body weight as he stated, not the engine as previously mentioned(brain fart). My personal favorite is the 77 (love the efi and hood vents with 4 speed:love: ) , yet understandably, there is, a huge following on the 240 as you can see by visiting this site-they are the original and the lightest. Having been out of the resto loop for some years now, I do not have any info on engine mods to offer, but I'm sure someone hear will tune us both in:classic: I always wondered what was availible for the efi engines in mods. When I owned Zcars I did not have the money to upgrade. But I will this next time:devious:

[texasz]

speed = money

Welcome to the club!! Seems as though you have you weight answer already. I don't know what mods you need to get you to where you want to be, would be nice to see what is needed to get there though.

I thought that the '77 all had 5-speeds not 4-speeds in them? I have a '77 280Z 5-speed at home.

[optimaxtech]

All three of my 77's were 4 speed, but I do know they had the 5 as well that year. Weird huh? Hey is your 77 going to be up for sale anytime in the future?

[mdbrandy]

Originally posted by texasz

I thought that the '77 all had 5-speeds not 4-speeds in them? I have a '77 280Z 5-speed at home.

Although I am not sure, I believe that the 5-speed was an option all the way up through '78, and the 4-speed was standard.

[texasz]

Originally posted by optimaxtech

All three of my 77's were 4 speed, but I do know they had the 5 as well that year. Weird huh? Hey is your 77 going to be up for sale anytime in the future?

If you are asking about my '77 5-speed no it it not. It is at the shop right now ready for me to pick up and will be going in my 240Z with I put the new engine in (after it has been rebuilt). Sorry.