AmayaMeda

Hah! I just looked up the Yugo. Wow, I couldn't agree more. The SX is definitely a less... sickening comparison.

Yeah, I've heard some horror stories of conversions that look like an industrial arts and crafts project: missing parts, dangerous wiring, etc. That's why I'm a bit trepidatious about buying a conversion that I really don't have the experience to understand. Ok, I think I've made up my mind as far as that goes. I guess I should really learn my way around a stock Z first. As far as the PT vs. the Z, I can understand the reasoning, and you've got the numbers to prove it. It's just hard for me to imagine MY PT keeping up with a 240. Of course, I'm sure the fact that it was totalled (not by me!) and then salvaged didn't do much to improve the performance. Maybe if I'd driven it in it's prime, I'd feel a little different.

A HUGE thanks to everyone for their opinions and their time! And a special thanks to Wayne for the downsides. It's great to hear the bad news from someone who still loves the car despite it all. I will NOT be looking for a Z until I have that list MEMORIZED(or get my printer working... heh). As far as physical comforts of a new car, I'm really not too worried about that. My first car was a Jeep Cherokee, with only power steering. I've driven my boyfriend's rusty old mighty mouse(Max), and I don't mind the rack and pinion steering too much. The lack of cargo space will be new and possibly troublesome, but I never have space for people in the PT anyways, because it's full of junk 24-7. Oh, and as far as the PT Being a spiritual successor? HAH! That's hilarious! My PT goes from 0 to 60 in about ten minutes(0k, maybe 10 seconds... on a downhill), and trying to pass people on the freeway is often more dangerous than it's worth. I get passed by angry soccer moms in minivans. It's turning is mediocre at best, and I only get about 18mpg, 20 TOPS. No joke! Of course, mine is also non-turbo. Alright, I have another question if you would'nt mind. I'm seeing a fair few 240z's with 280 engines in them. I's this getting the best of both worlds? Or is this just asking to be buying someone elses franken-beast? Is it worth taking the chance? Or would it be smarter to do a conversion myself If/when I'm ready, sure and knowledgeable?

Hello everyone! I'm looking to buy a Z soon (as soon as I sell my silly PT Cruiser), but I've hit a bit of a dilema. I was hoping maybe you experienced owners out there could offer some advice. I'm having trouble deciding between a pre-smog 240Z, or a 280Z (maybe '82-'83 turbo). From what I've come to understand, I could do anything I wanted to a 240, but until I can afford to modify or convert the engine, I'm looking at worse gas mileage than the 280, and not nearly as much Go-Go. The 280zx on the other hand, gets better gas mileage, and has more power, but there are a lot more limitations on what I can do to it. I've also been told that the carb engine is easier to work on than the fuel injected. I'm just learning how to work on cars, so less complicated is a plus. So am I mistaken on anything? Can anyone offer any imput? I would REALLY appreciate your wisdom on the matter. Thanks!