doradox

How would you design a new 240Z? I don't want to offend anyone but the 350/370Z just doesn't do it for me. When it came out I had high hopes but, even though it's a great car, it just wasn't a Z in the spirit of the 240's. And that was what I was hoping for. Anyway, here's my idea of a 21st century 240. Keep the styling of the original as much as possible, a few styling "cues" won't cut it with me. The original is a classically beautiful car. A few concessions as far the need to have 5 mph bumpers and such would obviously need to be made. A great example is the new Mustang. Modern yet unmistakably classic Mustang styling. Don't make it any bigger either. 4 wheel discs, antilock, power steering, a/c, and maybe traction control IF there's a way to turn it off completely when the mood strikes and it doesn't add weight. 17 inch wheels but don't get crazy with steam roller width tires. Maybe 215's . Transmission. A 6 speed manual. No paddle shifters. I want to do it all myself. Make sure the pedal arrangement allows for heel and toe action. An LSD is a must. The Engine. One of the things I love about the 240Z is the engine. Smooth, sounds great, willing rever. I could use a few more hp though. Keep the 2.4 liter straight 6 and give it an 8500 rpm redline, Injected, variable valve timing and all the other things that make modern engine go 'round. 200 or so hp, and a sound that would make a Z lover weep. 2500 lbs max weight. My 240SX comes in about 2550 with A/C, power steering, power windows and sunroof, 2.4 liter cast iron block 4. It's bigger and holds more people than my Z. One of the things that make the 240Z a great car is it's low weight. No heated/power seats, nav system, or any other luxury crap. Leave that for the up market 370Z. People that have 35 grand to spend on a sports car demand that kind of stuff. The original was about 3500 bucks US and adjusted for inflation that's about $20,000 US now. Keep it under $25,000 US fully equipped (custom wheels, spoilers, junk like that) but have a model that can be purchased for 20-22K US that doesn't skimp on performance. Don't make me buy a bunch of junk I don't want to get the "performance" model. Pretty much if I could meld the best parts of my 240SX with my 240Z I'd have the car of my dreams. What changes/additions would you make to my wish list? Steve

No such thing as a warped brake disc? Well I guess that could be true under a strict definition of warped and disc. I define warped as the disc being not parallel with the plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hub. The "disc" part of the rotor may not be warped but can still wobble instead of spin true. It's the whole spinning assembly that needs to be true, not just the disc part if the rotor. I do agree that the shudder most of us feel is stuff on the friction surface of the disc and not "warp". I've seen rotors that were "warped" by my definition not give the slightest hint that there was any problem. Steve

Jersey Joe, 205/70-14, they fill out the fender wells but don't rub on anything. Oiluj, It is a great place and I have been using the heck out of the search. Steve

The 280Z hood was a bonus although I'd prefer the stock hood. The previous owners claimed to have purchased 2 280's as parts cars to "restore" the 240. Other than the wheels I haven't found any other 280 parts yet. Steve

As far as fender mirrors go I heard that in some countries (Japan?)the mirrors had to be visible through the wiper swept area of the windshield. Never checked to see if that was true. Steve

bigoak I'm not much for the full restore or full out monster machine. I'd just like a nice running and looking Z. A little 21st century tech can't hurt. I uploaded some pics to my gallery. It looks good unless you get too close. It will do for the time being but it really needs to be stripped and done right. beandip, I've already found some very useful info. This is a fantastic resource. Steve

Hi all, My name is Steve and I've been a Z owner off and on since 1980. 2 73's, a 76, and an 81. The latter two briefly, the 76 to fix up and sell and the 81 as a parts car for my second 73. I'd been Z-less for almost 10 years 'till I picked up a 72 coupe last summer. I hold an ASE Master Auto Tech Cert but I haven't been in the auto repair business for 10 years since I sold my shop in Tucson, moved to Indiana, got my BSME at Purdue. I am glad to have found this forum full of very knowledgeable Z owners. My new baby needs a lot of TLC as it was, according to the previous owners (a farmer and his son), found abandoned in a barn by the farmer when he was contracted to tear the barn down. Supposedly for 15 years. It's a little rusty and the PO did some "body work" but it doesn't look too bad. Just don't get too close. It's nice to have an old friend back again and I hope with a little help from this forum I can eventually bring her back to her former glory. Steve

240ZMAn, If you didn't evacuate the system when you swapped the compressor you really need to. The air in the system will greatly reduce performance and increase operating pressure. The vacuum pump you mentioned will require an air compressor that can maintain about 4.5 CFM at 90 psi. They work ok If you have the air supply to run them right. Steve