mbc

Have you checked the condition of the ign points? are they gapped correctly? Are they quality parts? My 240 went through points every 3 or 4 thousand miles. I kept a spare pair in the car. I haven't owned a 240Z in 16 years, so I'm relying on memory.

Well, I can say this. Talking octane is like talking politics: everyone will speak their mind and most likely not listen to anyone else. Dogma runs deep on this subject. I always run the highest octane I can get. New car, or old Z, I even use premium in my Tundra work truck. I just feel better about doing so. I am well aware of the technical aspects of octane and its effects on combustion, as well as computer controlled ignition timing, etc. If you notice a change for the better, then the solution is obvious. If not, there will be plenty of low octane gas to suit your needs. CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON OCTANE

That's a difficult question to answer. Like many of you, I have had many Z's. Each one was its own animal. My choice, for personal reasons: '77 or '78 2+2, silver on black, louvers, spoke wheels with knockoffs, bone stock. This Z, owned by a high school buddy, started my 'Z craze'. For some corny reason, that car has been immortalized by me. That's as honest as it gets. Matt.

One thing I can tell you is that in stock form, the 240Z's were not the best handling cars ( as if no one new). Yes, I remember the thread regarding similar comments in the Z book. Back in high school (late'80's), My 240Z (#95815-Blue/White int) did not respond well to racing around corners. It was common for the inside rear wheel to lift during such spirited driving causing, at times, some 'hairy' situations. I could see someone loosing control of the Z when this happens. My 240 had new struts and tires and still rode like a waterbed. It is also possible that the drivers who rolled their Z's were unable to handle the 'float' experienced during high speed runs.

Unfortunately for me, There is only one document in my possession that states my car is a BPE. This is the front page of the owners manual where the salesman filled the new buyers info upon delivery (Terry Allen Autos, El Cajon, CA 7/16/78). On the inside cover there is mention of the paint code, the box reading Nissan factory air is checked, and the trans is noted as a 5spd. However, even though the car's finish has deteriorated considerably, I see no evidence of a repaint. There are remnants of the striping inside the door hinge areas, and someone removed the louvers. I do still have the aluminum racing mirrors on the car. Upon removing the carpet and spare tire, I noticed the paint is clearly black. Even up under the dash, and the engine bay. The emissions stickers, pnt code, and vehicle i.d. tag appear authentic and in their correct place with no 'ridge' of paint around them. Honestly, it's not all that important to me that my Z may be a "collector edition" Z. By now, I feel that any Z is a collector and should be treated accordingly. This means if one wants a vintage SCCA racer, a garage queen, or a daily driver, they'll know that just keeping them on the road (or track) is doing the Z car justice...if that made any sense.

Seems they are not as rare as we may think. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-datsun-280z-Black-Pearl-Limited-SAP-collectable_W0QQitemZ320136551848QQihZ011QQcategoryZ6187QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Note the chrome mirrors, and once again, the painted black tail light trim

It's obvious that these Z's are worth considerably more in original shape; restored ones worth less, and imitations relatively worthless- comparatively speaking of course. If the winning bidder pays less than $3000 and it's a Pearl, that's a good deal. If it's not a Pearl, the high bidder paid market price for a (seemingly) good condition Z. I agree with you completely on this: There is no way to distinguish a clone from the real thing.

Whew. Okay, now we are on the same page, I think that is a shame that Nissan did not give their rare edition Z's distinctive serial#'s. Maybe there wasn't the forethought that these cars would be held in such high praise nearly 40 years after the first 240Z's appeared.

Please understand, it's not my intention to incite an argument with you, or anyone for that matter. Here is a quote from zhome.com: We know what at least one Black Pearl Edition with the "SPORTS APPEARANCE PACKAGE" was sent to each Authorized Datsun Dealer in 1978, with the larger volume Dealers receiving more than one. Thus at least 850 Black Pearl Editions with the SAP were produced and most likely something closer to 1200 or 1500 of them. We have no official production figures for the number of cars which received only the Black Pearl Metallic Paint (but not, the Sports Appearance Package.). This statement can be argued against, or proved correct by an original non SAP Black Pearl owner. It was my understanding that the #638 paint code made the Pearls what they are. I remember reading that the SAP was applied at the dealer. I could be wrong, but does it really matter? Apparently, I know less about the BPE than you claim to, but my knowledge is based on the ownership of one for the past 13 years. I am quite familiar with my car and its options.

I don't want to go off topic here, but sblake01, my VIN is 462733. That's only 580 cars after yours.

My $.02, This car most likely was shipped to the U.S as a BPE, But as the purists would say "Now, it's just a black 280Z". This is primarily because of the missing mirrors,the appearance of a repainted body, and incorrect color for the tail light panel, incorrect wheels, etc. The pictures are inconclusive and investigating is highly unlikely. I do see that the engine compartment and spare tire well are black as well with the appearance of all known tags in place. When I found out that my Z was a BPE, I went over to Carl's site to learn as much as I could about the car. The numbers are between 850 and 1500. I read on his site that not all BPE Z's had the SAP. I registered my Pearl, and was informed that I was 1 of about 90 registered BPE owners. I'm not sure of all of the facts regarding how many Pearls had the SAP. Mine apparently did, however the previous owner removed the stripes and rear louvers. My Z has the hubcaps, I am not sure of the wheel options. I am only familiar with the examples seen on the Z car sites. Hope this helps. Matt.

Thank you. Actually I'm in Mission Beach near Saska's (beach side).I still lurk here from time to time.

7/12/73= 34

I added my info to your sig.

That car has been given much acclaim on another Z forum. Truly a different breed.

Confucius Says. Virginity like bubble, one pr!ck, all gone Man who run in front of car get tired. Man who run behind car get exhausted. Man with hand in pocket feel kocky all day. Foolish man give wife grand piano, wise man give wife upright organ Man who walk through airport turnstile sideways going to Bangkok Man with one chopstick go hungry. Man who scratch a$$ should not bite fingernails. Man who eat many prunes get good run for money. Baseball is wrong: man with four balls cannot walk. Panties not best thing on earth! But next to best thing on earth. War does not determine who is right, war determine who is left. Wife who put husband in doghouse soon find him in cathouse. Man who fight with wife all day get no piece at night. It take many nails to build crib, but one screw to fill it. Man who drive like hell, bound to get there. Man who stand on toilet is high on pot. Man who live in glass house should change clothes in basement. Man who fish in other man's well often catch crabs. Crowded elevator smell different to little person.

Nice, there's three more for my collection of referrence pics. Matt

If I remember correctly, the TB and plenum are much smaller on the N/A ZX.

With the Honda gone, I can devote more time to my Z.

Today, I sold the Honda to the local scrap yard for $170.The car was in service with my family only from 12/02/87 to 5/26/07 and has provided 500,122.2 miles of excellent service. Ultimately, I see this as an opportunity. With the Honda gone, I can now devote some time to that Datsun that's been sitting in my garage for 13 years. Goodbye SuperHonda. P.S. I drove the 28 miles to scrap the car:ermm:

Between all of my vehicles ( 2001 Toyota Tundra, 2000 Honda S2000, 1986 Toyota Van.........oh ya I think I have a Z too), I average about 42,000 miles a year total. I own a small construction company here in San Diego, so I am always on the road. The Honda was used the most because it still could get 36mpg. Regular unleaded down where I live is quickly reaching $4/gal Matt.

Yeah It's called a "choke heater". I just wanted a temporary fix. Now that the car reached 500k, I will sell it for scrap. I am sorry if anyone else gets pop ups from viewing the pic. It clearly was not my intention:(

I don't know why, but I no longer can edit that post. Trust me, I have nothing to gain by putting spyware on anybody's computer. Okay, I think I figured it out. Whan I get on MY computer, I will remove the pic. P.S. I used IMAGE SHACK as a host.

I didn't, but I will remove the pic anyway. Thanks for the heads up. Matt.

Hi. It's an '88 LX carb model. Engine and 5spd trans are original and not rebuilt. 2nd clutch. Here is a link with more info on me and my car: http://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59975