Carl Beck

Fortunately for you - you have owned the car for 13 years. No question in your mind that it's a Black Pearl Edition. Very few people would have bothered to create a clone back then - and try to pass it off as the real deal. You also have more documentation than many... Make perfect sense to me. As does your earlier statement quoted below: As I recall - the last Black Pearl on E-Bay with 20 some thousand original miles, in near pefect condition sold pretty quickly for $25K or $26K. On the other hand if you started with a ragged out example - and actually restored it - you'd be spending over $50K today. FWIW, Carl B.

Your dad-in-law has some very good friends... hard to buy all the parts needed for that amount... Around here it's normally $375.00 to $450.00 FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Michael: The program you are referring to is commonly known as the Vintage Z Program (as has been mentioned;-) . The Internet Z Car Club maintains a classic car register specifically for the Vintage Z's on the <a href=http://zhome.com/IZCC/ZRegisters/VintageZ.htm TARGET=NEW>Z Car Home Page</a> As far as we know to-date, 37 Datsun 240-Z's were repurchased, remanufactured and resold by Nissan through one of the 10 Authorized "Z Stores" located around the Country. With so few having been completed, it's no wonder you haven't seen any. Most are now in the hands of Collectors and/or held by some of the Dealers for display. Every once in a while you might see one auctioned on E-Bay. Lately they have been selling for between $25K to $35K. You can order Pete Evanow's book from Amazon.com - he was a project manager for Nissan involved directly with the Vintage Z Program, and he has a chapter related to that program. Z - 35 YEARS OF NISSAN'S SPORTS CAR PETE EVANOW ISBN -13: 978-0-7603-2181-2 ISBN-10: 0-7603-2181-7 Published 2005 by Motorbooks "Were the cars any good?" - - Yes, very good. Given the price - the Vintage Z's represented an excellent value. I doubt that anyone could duplicate them for less than $65K today. If you are considering another Datsun 240-Z today - shop, shop and shop some more. Buy quality not price. Buy the best quality car you can afford - they almost always cost less than the lower priced car in the short run. Rust is the biggest killer of the Datsun 240-Z's so the condition of the body is of the utmost import. If you are looking for an example that has been restored or nicely refreshed - look for complete photo documentation of the process, invoices for parts etc. Shop, shop and shop some more. good luck, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Oh Stephen, now I remember you !! Put that buffer down - and step away from the car! Carl B.

"if they exist"... See window stickers below. One with the SAP at $199 and one without the SAP. No way to tell if the SAP was more popular than the non-SAP equipped cars. It's possible the people that wanted the SAP equipped cars simply kept them in better shape, and today more of them are in existence. Who knows? As with all Classic, Collectible and Special Interest cars - Documentation, documentation, documentation. That is the best way to tell the real thing from a clone. That is also why a full documented example will sell for more money and sell faster. FWIW, Carl B.

THEN For one it comes from me, because I worked for Datsun in 75. Secondly see post #2 again. The SAP was "available" as an extra cost option on the Black Pearl Edition, not standard. True - at least for North America. Not True - - Again, see post #2 - That Dealer Sheet was to announce the availability of the SAP - not the Black Pearl Edition 280Z. The SAP was "AVAILABLE" on the 2 seater coupe with Black Pearl Metallic Paint. That is why they listed the Package Content for the SAP, which was only available from the factory on the Black Pearl Edition 280Z. FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Alan (everyone): I'd be surprised if Datsun Competition USA actually sold more than a dozen of the complete Factory G-Nose kits. I'm sure they sold far more pairs of the headlight covers and hood hinges for use on various after-market knock-off's, ran mostly on the street. The first aftermarket copies were pretty high quality as well, but as time drove price competition, copies of the copies were being made and the quality of the parts went down with the price. Sadly the lowest price units sold the most... The G-Nose doesn't seem to have made it into the Datsun Competition Catalogs here until around 1976. At that time they were $1,100.00 from Nissan. While the after-market supplied them initially for $675.00, then later the less expensive copies were around $450.00 Looking at the cost/benefit in terms of the "aero" effect for performance, most of the racers here used some type of front air spoiler and rear air spoiler from 1970 on. The BRE Spook was around $45.00 then and the rear spoiler was around $65.00. The BRE headlight covers were around $65.00 a pair then as well. So $175.00 vs $1,100.00, or $675.00 for a good copy vs $1,100.00 - - - wasn't much of a choice for most. This usually being added to a three to five year old 240-Z, that sold then in the market for around $1,800.00 to $2,500.00. At the time not really big money cars nor racers... So I'm sure that the $1,100.00 price on the factory G-Nose put a lot of prospective buyers off. California like Florida has always been filled with fiberglass specialists related to the fiberglass boat industry. So lots and lots of low overhead suppliers were looking for anything to supplement their incomes. The buyers here expected low prices on fiberglass parts... Looking that the "aero" tests done by Car & Driver in 74 Stock 240-Z Lift at 70mph Front 140lbs. Rear 20 lbs Fuel Economy as a measure of Drag - Adding the complete G-Nose kit: Lift at 70mph Front 45lbs Rear not given Improvement in Fuel Economy + 1.2 mpg Adding the BRE Spook, Rear Spoiler & Headlight Covers Lift at 70mph Front 35lbs Rear 40lbs Downforce Improvement in Fuel Economy + 1.4 mpg By 1975/76 with the introduction of the 280Z and the IMSA competition we started to see the G-Nose applied at least in appearance. Like the race cars in Japan, the G-Nose used on the track, was combined with an even lower front air spoiler. So far we haven't seen that combination tested, but there is little doubt that the additional front spoiler below the G-Nose would have yielded a significant improvement. FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Alan: It seems that everything evolving, moving over time, in the 70's with all the factory teams was at least linked, if not directly related. The IMSA Series was set up with "rules" that would encourage professional racing participation by as many factory teams as possible. Over the years, talking to the guys involved - they felt that the driving force in the establishment of the rules - was Porsche. So whatever Porsche had, was using or needed to use - was allowed in the rules for everyone else. that was the story from the Pits anyway... FWIW, Carl B.

You do not necessarily lose top speed when you install a lower ratio rear gear with the 5spd. The stock L24 has 150HP and it will only pull that 3.36 rear gear to certain RPM points, which is well below it's redline. The amount of available HP is what limits the stock 240-Z to around 120 mph in the first place. If you look at the calculator you reference - you will see that "IF" the stock L24 could pull the car to its redline in 4th gear - it would be going 175 MPH! - - of course it can not. The stock L24 can pull the 240Z to about 120 to 125 mph in 4th gear - which means it turning about 5600RPM... By installing a lower ratio rear gear with an overdrive 5th, it makes it possible for the engine to pull it to a higher RPM range with the same hp. Put a 3.9 rear gear in and the stock L24 will pull that to about 6689 RPM at 120.. In 71 - Car & Driver found that putting a 5spd. (with a 0.85 overdrive) in with a 4.44 rear gear (an overall gear ratio of 3.774) allowed the L24 to pull up to it's red line in 5th - adding 15 mph to it's top speed. So no - you do not necessarily lose top end with a lower over-all gear ratio... FWIW, Carl B.

Yes, I was just 30 then - and what was $15.00 is now $150.00... Seems like yesterday... Carl

The different transmission styles are shown on the <a href=http://zhome.com/ZCMnL/tech/69-83TrannyShifterDrawing.jpg TARGET=NEW> Z Car Home Page</a> Note the Top Cover Plate on the 72-79 four and five speeds, there is none on the 80-83's <a href=http://zhome.com/ZCMnL/tech/GearRatios.html TARGET=NEW>Transmission and Rear End gearing </a> is listed there also. FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Chris: One good piece deserves another...here's mine... FWIW, Carl B.

I think so - you could not begin to build, let alone finish something like this for less than $45K... plus the value of owning a real piece of Datsun history. It's not "just" a pace car- It's "the DATSUN IMSA Pace Car" that you can take out on the track today and run Vintage/Historic events with. "SharpSight Motorsports performed a complete mechanical freshening including the engine, clutch, brakes and shocks. All safety equipment is installed and functional including roll bar, fire system, belts, window net and new fuel cell built to the original specifications by ATL. The engine is a professionally built Nissan OHC 2.8 liter inline six fed by triple Mikuni carburetors extensively modified for racing by Wolfcreek Racing. In its current state of tune the engine is producing well in excess of 300 reliable horsepower. All of the go-fast goodies are on this car such as Nissan Comp ceramic coated header and intake, MSD ignition, crank fire, Nissan Comp large capacity oil pan, Oberg oil filter, adjustable suspension, Wilwood brakes and Goodyear Eagle Radial slicks (25.5/14 x 16 on the rear and 23.5/10.5 x 16 on the front). The transmission is an ultra-rare 5-speed Nissan Comp Option 2 Direct Drive transmission. Included in the purchase price are the HSR and SVRA log books, a photographic album of the restoration and a professional freshening of the engine" FWIW, Carl B.

It's the real thing - I'd "guess" at least $45K.. perhaps higher. Most likely a bargain at anything under $50K to $60K FWIW, Carl B.

Please remember you said "Please let me know what you think." I Think: a) A First Generation Z is NOT a "she". He is a big powerful brute that whisks you off your feet and carries you away. He is a stallion.. a thoroughbred... a decathlon athlete.. a conqueror and champion that decimates all competition for your heart. That big long hood and straight six pounding beneath it has to stir basic instincts at the subconscious level. OK - now go pick another song that fits the above.. - VBG - We all know what a Z looks like - there should have been more shots of you in the video. c) You were holding the camera when the power slide around the corner was done... so who is driving your baby???? If it was you, then I want to see you doing it... d) That if this was your first video - you have raw talent right out of the box. Keep at it.. Timing on images and flow of the music was very good. Music selection was great...for what you wanted to convey... e) If you go to the garage at midnight to look at it - then their should have been a few frames showing that... door opens, lights go on... Z sitting there... I wish I had an ounce of artistic ability... I don't .. so don't take anything I "think" too seriously... regards, Carl B.

Other than the picture - are you going to tell us anything about the car? Carl B.

Hi Andy: There are points in your life that mark certain "transitions". You seem to at one of them now. It sounds like you have your priorities set in the right direction. Get a good education now between the ages of 19 and 25. Put everything else aside and focus on that. Put the Project up for sale... Set a price on the disassembled body and all original parts. Then put a price on all the new stuff you have bought. The new stuff you'll lose about 50% on, the car you'll just have to chalk it up to "education". You learned how to take it apart.. got some hands on experience that is all worth what you paid for the car to begin with. So cut your loses short and bail out.. In effect your making the transition from a kid living at home... to a man going forward to develop your future. All transitions in the future will cost you something... If you recognize them, bit the bullet and do whatever it takes to get through them - you'll find that will always be the quickest, easiest and least costly path. Hemhaw, dillydally and screw around refusing to face reality - and you'll waste a lot of time that could have been otherwise more productively spent, and you'll dump even more of your resources into the delay... that will all be a waste. I'm 62 now - but believe me when I say that I remember being 19 like it was yesterday. With the full recognition that we all have to make our own mistakes, I also believe that it is possible to learn from others {otherwise why go to college to begin with?}. Getting a good education was the best thing I've ever done for myself and it paid a lifetime of benefits. But like you now - I sacrificed a lot for it at the time. Bottom line - as much as it hurts mentally at the moment - dump the project, clear your parents garage out - and move forward. Later you'll have the time and money to do what you want... good luck Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Oh my God.. now I remember!! That is just too funny...! I actually remember people talking about that at the convention in 96. Time flys... Carl B.

Hi Alan: Very interesting. I just gave Ron Johnson a call. He was in the Datsun Competition Parts Dept. during that time (actually for about 30 years).. He said that they only sold the parts received from Nissan Japan, but that they were quickly copied by local fiberglass shops and reproduced in various configurations to be sold in the aftermarket. (ie. I piece, 2 piece 4 piece ect.) the least expensive being the one piece units. Yes, the initial shippments from Japan were the early type - and shortly thereafter they started receiving the the later type with the additional duct work. He was thinking that it was 75 or 76 before they were listed in the Competition Parts Catalogs - as the first units arrived too late to make the deadline for the up comming year's issue. The G-Nose was discontiuned by the Datsun/Nissan Competition Parts Dept. only because Nissan Japan ran out of replacement parts. ie they all became NLA. Even though the copies were available through local suppliers Datsun Competiton Parts never carried them. The Competition Parts Dept. soon ran out of the headlght covers and hood hinges as well. (parts that the aftermarket could not reproduce cheaply). He seemed to recall the additional air ducts being added to direct more air into/through the oil cooler. Perhaps there is a Competition Bulletin somewhere outlining that. I mentioned your comments about the A/C and he said he had not heard that, but it too was quite possible. He did not recall any of the aftermarket suppliers using the "gray" fiberglass in an attempt to actually duplicate the look of the originals. FWIW, Carl

Yes thanks - that site seems to show both types.. with and without the additional "air-con" ducting. Alan - am I interpreting the meaning of your term "air-con" ducts correctly? Tony D are these the "teeth" you refernced? Carl B.

Anyone have the USA Nissan Competition parts book from 74, 75, 76 - with a picture of the G-Nose? Or any of the Nissan Sports Option catalogs with a picure of the G-Nose from the mid 70's? Alan said the early type G-Nose did not have the "air-con" ducts... I wonder if that is the style sold here earlier than 1978. Carl B.

Hi Tony D I just wondered if you had followed the Wind Tunnel Testing done by the HybridZ group a few months ago? If so, how do you account for the G-Nose producing both more lift and drag at 120mph, than the stock 240-Z? Would the outcome be altered because of the longer 2+2 roof line and wheel base? FWIW, Carl B.

Hi full house: I'm sure you will be more than welcome here. Are you thinking about buying a Classic Z at this point? What part of the Phillippines are you located in? regards, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Oh.. just remembered... How about the FIA Approval for the G-Nose? I think, but I'm not certain that the parts had to be regular production parts or offered on at lease some number of cars build by the factory - 500 maybe? maybe this will help... Carl B.

Hi Tony D. Having been a New Car Sales Manager at a Datsun Dealership in 72/73 I can tell you that the "G" nose was offered by the Datsun Competition Parts Dept, and was available "Over-The-Counter" at your local Datsun Dealer's Parts Department. However it was never a Dealer Installed Option. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) forbade Manufacturers or their authorized Dealers from removing or altering in any way - any of the equipment mandated by Federal Law. That of course included the front impact tested bumper for 1972 as well as the entire front assembly for the stricter still 73 standards. So it looks like you will have to base your case on some type of documentation from Japan. Alan may have found something "official" that you can use. good luck, Carl B.