TexasRider260Z

More humor for you from this week... Me - Casually "Honey I might take some money out of one of our accounts. Wife - Oh - how much? Me- " I am not sure. Maybe 10 or 12 thousand dollars" Wife - " 10 OR 12 THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!! For what?" Me - " To build the Z." Wife - " For what? I thought it was a toy car to have fun with. We have kids in college, a daughter to send to college,.. What would you do and why? Me - " Well I think it would be good deal. I did get us out of all those stocks before this got all into mess didnt I. And Carl said it would be a good deal too." Wife - "Who is Carl?" Me - Laughing " He's a guy I met on the Internet, on the Z forum, He knows all about these cars. And everybody know him..." Laughing more. Wife - "The Internet huh? Are you sure I am going to like any of this?? Me - " Yes baby. Oh and I made us some trip reservations." Wife- "You did? To where - a Z car place?" Me - Laughing my boots off by now. " You know I love you." " Now hand over the checkbook."

I have some fun in only a week of looking at building my Z. I thought I might share them with you. Keep in mine I have not had a Z in 30 years. Please post yours too. I went over to local hot rodder. I say as follows: Me: " I've got a new Z coming." Them: "Good we like those cars - best ones. Early one?" Me: "Yep, and all original." Them: Smiling big " The best and our speciality. Like about a '68 or something?" Me: Uhh no - its a '74 Datsun Z. Them: Huh? Them with coffee in hand : " Its all the same - just time and money. Which do you have the most of." Me: Long drink of coffee. " It depends." "The longer I have to wait - the faster I have to go." Them: Spilling coffee now. " How fast do want it." Me: "Thats a hell of question. I want that little Jap car bastard to breathe fire and roar down the road. Them: Laughing big. " Fine - but how much time do you have? How much money ...." Me: " Time ! I ain't got no time. I want to go fast NOW!!! Everybody around now blowing coffee and howling. " Lets talk ..."

Hey fellas, I have not gone away. I just was sidetracked onto some other things for a day. Greg - Yes that certainly is an idea - and a darn good one too. I did breifly visit with Dave at Rebello about his 3 liter when I called to enquire about some cam and header combos. One thing I was trying to do was to make the power lower, not up a 6000. Dave had noted that all these type mods tend to move you up the rev band in the "small" motors. After I re-tuned to what he was talking about we talked about the 3 liter motor for a minute. In the thread I had over in Engine about 0 to 60 and Highway HP we were talking about a Street Mod car with Carl. But you know how it is. You build up an engine with big power, then you need to be able to transfer that so new clutch, new tranny, new drive system, new wheels and then you have to balance it all out so new suspension and finally you have new brakes to haul you down. And its not that am against that either. But on another note, you just almost hate to re-do and take everything away from a pretty nice essentially stock car. Although I dont have any qualms about getting rid of those flat tops and running some triple Mikunis into it. I am not showing the car in any concours events. I am just driving it for fun. But I need it to be a little bit more fun. But I would like to have some original car left - I think anyway ! I will PM you. Thanks. Z_K - Yeah you know they are on there. But they are likely the first to go and the triple Mikunis might find their way on. Oh and some other smog stuff might also find its way into a storage box. A - Down here in Houston town. What you say is the way I outlined over in the Engine forum. A Rebello cam, Rebello headers, triple Mikunis, some exhaust and then all the repalcement items such as dizzy, 65 or 105 alternators, some wires, plugs, wires, etc. And maybe something other than the 5 Watt 8 track Datsun unit that does not work. Oh and not to worry. I am boxing all those parts in storage. But if I have all down that far it's worth it to have a look into the bottom end. I was trying to keep the lower stock. If I tear into that then check the crank, rods, new rod bolts, and then if it all checks then clean it all up, hone it and put in some new rings, have it all balanced and then bolt up all the new goodies on top. But did I say I like to get things done rather " quickly " :laugh:. I do want quality but I dont want to have parts lying around for 6 months, a year, more.. Yuck. Fun for you all.......... I went over to local hot rodder. I say as follows: Me: " I've got a new Z coming." Them: "Good we like those cars - best ones. Early one?" Me: "Yep, and all original." Them: Smiling big " The best and our speciality. Like about a '68 or something?" Me: Uhh no - its a '74 Datsun Z. Them: Huh? Them with coffee in hand : " Its all the same - just time and money. Which do you have the most of." Me: Long drink of coffee. " It depends." "The longer I have to wait the faster I have to go." Them: Spilling coffee now. " How fast do want it." Me: "Thats a hell of question. I want that little Jap car bastard to breathe fire and roar down the road. Them: Laughing big. " Fine - but how much time do you have? How much money ...." Me: " Time ! I ain't got no time. I want to go fast NOW!!! Everybody around now blowing coffee and howling. " Lets talk ..." Regards to all.

Chris: I considered just keeping this one as a stocker. I did. And it seems as if there are a lot of 280s around over here too. The motors are around even new blocks, rods, cams, etc too. The list of things I dont need for a build like that is longer than the list of things I do need. When the production rules on racing hit in motorcyles we just kept the frame, the cases, and the tank and stickers. So I know about these builds. But another guy who had done builds on these cars advice was to get an unmolested and straight body one to work on. Of course that was before and even fewer original cars are left. And mine is not its green color or have the original wheels. I did see wheels for it though. But if I get 2 Z CARS ?? Well you saw my other post. Now I am really double crazy. Thanks though for the idea and time to post up.

I am older than you in my early 50's. My reference to Camelot was really not the Kennedy Camelot 60's as that does not seem so good either. It was more of just the "good old days". Hell I was working my booty off in the 1970's going to school and working, then working , then working int he 1980's, then the 1990's ..... seems not a lot has changed. It always seems I am working and then whenI look up some BAD economic climate is here. I had looked at the market and said this is crazy when it was all up and high. So I used some of the money I did not lose to get the Z and a bit more to tweak it up some. Might as well have fun. After the Z and the Mach 1, which of course later turned out to be iconic, not only was I overseas but I drove and bought Euro stuff here for my wifes car. BMW mostly. But all my cars have looked like trucks. Ford big Broncos all the way from 1985 to 1996 almost every year, 3/4 ton Suburbans, F-250 and now Avalanche. So this is MY first car since at least 1984. In the 1970s when I had a car I did not have more than about 50 bucks extra at any given time. So there was no extra acessories and build ups and other cool parts for me. So the good old days are back in a way. At least I wont have to have smog tests (yet) but I bet the bastards will find a way to make me pay even more.

I did not read that close enough - Cars and Bars. This might be an interesting discussion for another time :laugh:!

I had not followed this progression in these cars. Thank you for taking the time to show it to all of us. It sure changes the idea some. I have read here and other places that you have several top notch cars and have considerable experience so again your inputs are well received. My little 260 car pics is shown above waiting on the transporter to pick it up and bring it to Texas. It is a essentially a well maintained stock 260 from October 1973. Every record of anything done with the car or purchased was in a file and came with the car . That was nice to have. I would work to a higher quality car in any event. And a weight loss is normally my first thing to do anyway on any of these kinds of projects. I better loose a few winter pounds too to help it out . My safari PH is not going to like this !

Yeah his point was well taken and not lost on me. BUT that 1970's Bell was still a little humorous. I should not have thrown all my old helmets away , including that same Bell Star, but they just fell apart.

Bo: Thamks for that. Good work on your car - must be addictive! YIKES at 400HP in this style car I would have to add a titanium frame around the car and a chute . :classic:

Thank you for joining in here on this Carl. Heck I should have left the car in California as it was right in Rebellos neighborhood. Well I can always just drive it back out there amd leave it with Rebello and the custom detailer guys too. I better re-inforce the whole car with bars and race cage if I have that HP in it - and make a deposit on speeding tickets too ! Carl, I dont think that you sell cars, nor do you or I have an crystal ball here, but has that 80% "worth" held up to sale amounts excluding say the last months of 2008? If that holds true then I am a more inclined and likely to take this route. I dont envision selling it as it just a toy - but other toys come along , or boys that are suppossed to graduate from college dont, etc ... You know how it is! Plus I would not want to have 20,000 in a car truly worth 5,000 - no wonder there is a recession if this happens too much. What I am trying to say is I want to have a truly quality old-er classic car for that kind of price, work and time. If I was going to put 12,000 miles a year on it I would likely do as you say and head down to the Infiniti dealer and then jump on my office mates Jags - well most of them anyway. One of them drives an XKR - it hauls. And it should. It would be used maybe once a week and maybe a weekend or two. My car is due in a day or two so I will chew on this and drive it a week or two before I go shopping for HP. That might all change when Gary dusts me with that XK - of course I will just wrap a chain around him and hook him to my 4WD Avalanche and then see how he does as I tool on over for Mexican food on Friday in my old school Z! :classic::classic::classic::classic:

Dave: Not to worry bud. While I appreciate your concern, I am NOT going crazy with Hellas and ghetto blasters or anything. I know you have a lot of experience with the wiring on this car and I really appreciate all your help. I just would like to add a few small things like lights that do work with your wiring, and a Datsun or normal aftermarket radio and cassette ( I still have the cassettes around ) to repalce the non working 5 Watt 8 track system in my car ! I will likely run its own fused power separate. As Carl correctly stated I am looking at the output at lower revs - Thanks Carl for this post and ALL of your informative posts on CZ! While the ZX alt system would work , AND it may be in the car now as when I was looking at the older SUN system test it measured the alternator output as 65amp so we will see, I would prefer the straight away install of the Z Specialties. As for the relays - yes I would appreciate your suggestions. I run all the extra power systems of my motorcycles through relays for a lot of reasons. On my BMW R1200 it has the CANBUS one wire computer controlled system on all its circuits so oyu can tell I have to be specific and controlled when adding things. Thanks.

Yeah mine has 125,000 essentailly stock other than repaint and wheels. in the last 27 years (since 1982) it has gone 45,000 of that. But it likely needs a freshening anyway so some of my mods were only a bit away from stock. D - Nah I dont believe that - I'll just use a jet ejection seat :squareeye! On a slighlty serious note one of my wifes associates drove to work EVERYDAY wearing a Bell full face race helmet - he drove his car to work that is ! He had worked in ER medicine a long time. Maybe I shouldnt laugh at him !

Zak - Unibody huh ! Steve - In a way. But my cycles will ZIP to 60. The BMW K 1200 is about 3.5seconds from 0 :classic:. The Z is 10 seconds according to info I read :embarrass:. More if I have to put oilfield or Ranchhand bumpers hanging off the unibody.

Dave: Gerat stuff there. My 260 is a very early 1974 delivered in Oct 1973. Do I need, or do you have, or do you do any kits for it. I am thinking it would be plus after I get my 105 alternator in and allow me to run better lights for the occassional evening drive home. Thanks again.

Dont be scaring us new guys whose car is on the truck enroute for delivery! It would be intersting to see the "work." Damn hicks. Hope it goes well from here.

K - Yeah it seems optimistic. I will give it a try after I check over my car real good for a few days. JC - Thanks and yes I saw that. But I either have to do this, the Rebello 3 liter or stick a supercharger out of the hood :classic:! Or just roll a new one under it !!

I 'm just looking to see about how much overall useable power some of you guys got with a set up like what I am talking about. If it only goes from 10 to 9 then not worth it. The reason I used the 60 time was just something quantifiable to get an idea of the ooommmpphhh!

Well in 1977 it felt a lot faster - just must be me getting slower as I said ! Bean - The roads here in Texas are long, flat, and fast. In Houston its just crazy and fast. Hell its 80 miles across town anymore and on a trip to the Galveston beach (whats left ater the hurricane) you stay in town traffic all the way. So I got to be able to come up on the pipe if you know what I mean. The Chevy install just get too far from the car as is. I 'm just looking to see about how much overall useable power some of you guys got with a set up like what I am talking about. If it only goes from 10 to 9 then not worth it. Just keep the money and go see the 370 dealer.

You know how they are - just talkers and maybe jealous too. When I get on them to do it too or go get a Camaro or something ( Maybe an AMC Javelin - hey theres an idea I havent had in YEARS ) you know what they say.. "My wife won't ..................."

Dave : Running your numbers HP 185 Wt 2300 RWD Manual gives Power / Weight Ratio: 0.08043478260869564 0-60 mph: 5.534839128984377 seconds Sound in the range of right ???? From here http://www.060calculator.com/

Dave: About what is the 60 time on your car either from stop or from rolling? How about just seat of the pants when you throw it down and stomp it good say at 30 mph and then at 50-60 on highway - scoots along pretty good or do you feel more is order for me. The next step would of course have to be the Rebello 3 liter as discussed. I have to believe that 270 hp would move the car along snappy. Of course that adds $7500 to the tab so about $12,000 to do the deal, plus the car purchase. I am thinking if I go this route and then "have" to do the 3 liter route then probably the only thing I am out is the cam and springs as all the other items headers, carbs, exhaust would still be used on the 3 liter. Thanks for your effort and replies and for helping me sound this out.

The 6 seconds above was with 200 hp at flywheel 2500 lb curbweight RWD Manual Thanks

I have not owned a 260Z in about 30 plus years. Over the past 2 weeks I looked at a new 370 and bought a 260. Then I read a lot of threads here. Great site. I posted a few posts over in the Z Car Discussion. Car is just a toy - but it sure seemed faster back in 1977. Or I am slower! I dont want a racing car but instead just an occassional driver. But there are several little issue like 1. I live in Houston. Have you ever seen the way these people drive? Ive got to be able to scoot sometimes. 2. I cant have 16 year old babysitter chickas out run me to Hooters. 3. I dont want to take a ton of crud from my buddies who already believe and state this is "junk", "POS", etc 4. I may have to run to lunch with any or all of #3 - got to look good you know. But does the car really go 0 to 60 in 10 seconds :dead:?? So if I go the hot rod way of cam (Rebello), carbs (Mikuni or the Z Therapy), header (Rebello) and igntion (Mallory or the Pertronix) that does not change up the car too much and leave the lower end stock and then do all the little things bushings, suspension, plugs, wires, radiator, alternator, battery , brake upgrade......... HMMM ought to be close to about $4000 or so by now..... Can the Z get close to say 200 Hp from all that? Is this even close to right From 0to60.com Horsepower (at the flywheel): hp Curb Weight: lbs Drive Type: FWD RWD AWD Transmission: Manual Automatic Power / Weight Ratio: 0.08 0-60 mph: 5.557384322748475 seconds That sounds good at 6 seconds. Not that I would do that regularly but would like to have the capability when some monster SUV soccer Mom is bearing on me. After racing motorcycles for a lot of years I am well aware of "speed costs money" and of what happens when you change one component. Then ALL have to be changed to keep up. I saw a few headwork posts but they all died. Any body gone this route without be having to keep VP racing fuel in the shop? I saw Carls thread on leaving the car stock. It sounds good but see 1-4 above. Carl , do you have any heads laying around that I can use:) ! I am just wondering what is reasonable and is does not have to be with a stopwatch. Just good old fashioned seat of the pants scoot. And preferably down lower in the revs - power up a 7,000 rpm aint going to do it here on the road. Oh and I feel a stop sign run with a couple of new Jags coming on - so help me now. Pic of stock and rust free 260 below. If this does not work better give me number to Nissan dealer with new 370s on the lot. Thanks.

They thought I was crazy before. But now they have unequivocal proof - a 1970's Japanese car has arrived ! As I put over in the other thread I am a new 260Z guy here. I have not had a 260Z in 33 years or so and have not thought too much about in about 10 years or so. After looking at a new 370 I decided to have a look around for a 260 - and there one was. Now Ive got it. For a week or so I have been pouring over these Forums to think about beefing up the performance of the car. Does it seem to you that these cars were faster back then in the 1970's too - or do I just mis-remember ! It just cant be that the 260 goes 0 to 60 in 10 seconds? Teenies and chickas in VW's might beat me to the burger stop or Hooters! Not the Texas way. It seemed back then it ripped. And I had a 1970 Mustang Mach 1 351. Should have kept all that :mad:! But my friends and buddies are taking it tough on me. Have you ever heard things like this: Its a POS. Its junk. Jap Trap - Jap Crap. If any teenie babes hit it in their VW - you are dead. Its a rust bucket ( well that at least could be right ). I am NEVER getting in that thing. All that is OK. I have always been a little crazy - rode motorcycles before they were popular or accepted, raced them , went out working offshore, then around the world .......had kids when I was older. Rode on 6 continents, sold my Apple stock ..... You know the gig! This is just a toy. I am not trying to bring back Camelot or whatever the 1970's were. It was just work for those of us in college in 1975. Anyway you all know about modifying these cars. Money and time. In a week I have spent a LOT of time here at Classic Z (nice forum and nice guys too) and am looking at more money too. After about 10 years or racing I SHOULD know better. My wife shakes her head :paranoid:! But now I HAVE to make it better. My pride is one the line - well maybe a little bit anyway. " Yeah, its a running SOB and I can really handle it!" You know " Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go." Well faster than 10 seconds anyway - but keep my license. I read a good post by Carl Beck talking about leaving these cars stock which mine is. (Of course he can say that as he has all kinds of otyher hot Zs around ) But it almost seems that the Z is a workpiece waiting to modified. So this is how it starts I guess. CraZ-Z -iness How did it start for you ? Oh -- and how fast is YOUR Z ?

That is a heck of a job - again! And yes that helps - a lot. I am going to HAVE to have my 260 lookinig good and running good as ALL my buddies are giving me the rash about the Jap Trap, POS, Junk etc. You KNOW I am going to have to go up wheel to wheel on the way to lunch one Friday with their new Jags and Mercedes and the like in my 35 year old Jap sports car. It does not have to wim but does have to give a good showing!:rambo: