240ZX

Just curious......two weekends ago i saw a large group of Z cars heading up hwy 33, out of Ojai Ca. My two friends and i had just finish riding up and down Ortega trail on trials bike (really fun by the way). I just wish I had been with them!!!! Some really nice Z's and a couple of GTR's made up the group.......anyone know anything about this? Tom

X-rated, Nice looking wheels for sure. They look very similar to my 3pc 17" Altstadts. The funny thing is about my wheels, which I purchased used, is that I've never been able to find any info on this style Altstadt. You can view my wheels in the gallery. They are 17x8 (f) & 17x9 ® with 215-40 & 235-40 respectfully. Nice post anyway!

Hi everyone, Its been a while..........I get the usual thumbs up while on the road but, I always find it a bit humorous when younger folks see it parked and get a funny look on their face and ask, "what is a Datsun?" So, I give them a brief history lesson about Datsun. Tom

Just a little rant about "The Car Show"! Watched the show last night and as usual it included some pretty dumb stuff! However, it does have some good stuff, just not enough. Here is the real point of my post.....Adam, a self proclaimed Datsun guy, was visiting some rich guys car collection, which was very nice and included a really nice Datsun race car that had won a championship title. Adam comments by saying...Oh, nice 240Z, when any Datsun person could see was a 280Z!!! I just thought it was sad/funny that a self proclaimed Datsun guy doesn'tt know the difference between a 240 and a 280.:stupid: Tom

When refurbishing my 1970 I discovered that the fuel tank pick-up line has no screen or filter as it leaves the tank. I had a similar problem, like what you've described, and the cause of my fueling problem was a small bit of debris that would find its way to the pick-up line entrance and block it off. I actually used a fiberoptic scope, placed it in the fuel tank and watched this little piece of debris swirl around and plug the pick-up line! Anyway, this is what caused my fuel pick-up problem. Tom

Here is something I encountered during my refresh. The fender support (the ones with the rubber flap on the bottom and foam insulation on the outer edge to support the fender) may have had the insulation (sticky backed foam) replaced. If it is more dense or too thick, the fender will stick out a bit more. Hope this make some sense!

Just a quick technical note on annealing copper.....heat till cherry red then quench in water (not air cooling).

Installed a new set of Yokahama Neova AD08's on the 240.....all I can say is WOW!!!

What a bunch of hacks:cry:.......I started to get dry heeves. Where do they find these people....at the unemployment office!!? Shows like this are a sign of the times, a sad time. Tom

I was 19 when my 240Z left the factory.......13 years later I bought one and have owned it now for 28 years. I always get a kick out of some of the younger neighborhood kids who see it when I take it out. They have to ask what kind of car is it. Most have never heard of a Datsun! However, they usually think its a pretty cool car. Tom

After I put my 240 back on the road (complete rebuild finished in 2002) I drove it about 3 to 4 times a month, for approximately 200 to 300 miles. However, in 2009 I decided to purchase another sportbike as sportbikes have been in my life for many years. Now I drive the 240 about once a month. I still love to drive the 240 in the canyons but, my Yamaha R1 is an amazing ride.....it certainly scratches my itch, if you know what I mean! Also, I just installed some new hoops on the 240. I've put on a set of Yokahama AD08s (215-40x17 front, 235-40x17 rear). I'm very impressed with these tires!!! Every time I do drive the 240, I remember why I love this car. As I've said many times before...."Anything this fun to drive should be illegal." Tom

Since your planning on installing a V8, you may concider visiting HYBRIDZ. The site is heavy into modified Z cars. Tom

I had a similar issue when I was redoing my 1970....seemed as though some of the tail lights worked and some didn't. After checking things out, I discovered that the switch on the steering colomn (it was the original unit) was just worn from many many years of use. After replacing it, all was fine again. Just some food for thought! Tom

Chris, It is still available. Will PM you tomorrow, as the owner phone number is at home. How much you ask......that you'll have to ask Pete (owner). Tom

Check your engine mounts! If broken, the engine will lift under acceleration, causing the throttle linkage fully open the SU's. Tom

I have to agree with Pop's Z! In my 1970 w/N42, late model 280ZX 5spd, and R200 w/ 4:11 posi.....its a perfect combination for the twisties. When driving the freeway at 3000rpm however, I'm traveling at approx 70 to 73 mph. (my rear tire size is 235-40 x17....about 24" dia.) I had the 3:90 set-up before but with low HP the lower gearing certainly helps....my N42 is stock except for headers and upgraded ignition....maybe 150 HP at the flywheel. All in all, it comes down to personal preference. Tom

Evan, This is not my car. It belongs to a friend who just inherited the car from his grandfather, who passed away. I've personally looked over the car and would buy it in a heart beat if I had the room at home to put it. I'll PM you his phone number. Tom

Hi everyone and happy new year to all!!! I'll cut to the chase.....A friend of mines wifes' grandfather passed and has inherited a 1971 240Z (s/n 37792 7/71). If ever there was a 240Z that is the perfect candidate for a bone stock restoration, this one is it! It's had a repaint at some time (Silver) and is a 4 speed with black interior. The car has been in storage for the last 14 years, has no rust in the usual places albiet a very small rust spot on the left rocker panel at the rear, the body panels are absolutely straight, the bumper are straight with good chrome, has the stock overide bars front and rear, has the original hub cap (as well as an additional pair), the Su's have been redone in addition to a new clutch slave and master cylinder, the car run fine and is a driver. I've personally looked over the car and can say this Z is in outstanding condition for 120,000 original miles on it. This was the grandfathers personal driver....nobody but grampa drove it. The interior is all bone stock but the seats need reapolstering. If I had the space for another 240Z, I'd be buying this car!!! Anyway, if anyone is serious about this Z, send be a PM and I can provide you with a phone number. Again, this Z is located in Ventura California and is one nice 1971 Z! Tom (240ZX)

Mark, How's it going? I'm in Santa Paula and have had experience with Sunwest. The guy certainly knows Z's quit well and can help you out but, be forwarned that he is basically a one man operation, is sometimes had to get a hold of, and is a little on the messy side....when you walk inot his shop you'll know what I'm talking about. My quess is that he has vintage Z car parts he doesn't even remember he has.......pretty good guy overall however! Tom (240ZX)

Interesting.......I've owned my 1970 for 26 years and have yet to call it anything but "The Z Car"! Granted, there have been times when I have called it names but, that's another story. Although, I have in the past refered to it as my Japanesse Ferrari! Why, because I'll likely never own a FerrariROFL

Welcome aboard! Just a heads up, for high performance or race track Z information, you may want to visit HybridZ website......this is their main focus as opposed to here. Here you'll find folks more inclined to maintain stock Zs. Great folks here and at HybridZ. Remember, search the archives......most likely you will find answers to your questions. Tom Proud owner of a modified 1970 240Z

If you take a visit over at HybridZ and search their archives, you are likely to find the answers you are looking for. Also, there are various ways it can and have been done beyond buying after market units. Happy hunting! Tom

Dave Rebello builds some extremely nice SU's too! He even will redo them to 50mm bores if required. A core is required. Tom

IMO, this site has to be one of the most civil sites I've been to......actual mature conversations most always and helpful suggestions about our pride and joy toys!!! On some of the sites I frequent, they have a section just for political, religious, and any sort of BS one wants to discuss or bitch about....unabated! This helps keeps all the crap out of the subject specific sections. Personally, I think we do a pretty darn good job of managing ourselves! Tom

Only been stranded two times and for the same reason! Just so you'll understand the situation, I only run an electric fuel pump located near the fuel tank. And by the way, the fuel pump is manufactured by Mallory and is of the gyroller type. Anyway, while out having the usual fun, working the tires and suspension on SoCal canyon roads, the 240 just starts petering out like it was running out of fuel!? Interesting because I can still hear that the pump is working.....so I thought. To make a long and boring story shorter and after wait for a tilt bed tow truck to show up (it's now dark, cold, and getting late), the guy shows up and we get my baby loaded without any issues. Mind you, my 240 only has about 4" ground clearance. The tow truck guy did such a nice job and took great care not to dork up my Z that I gave him a really nice tip ($). So, what was the real problem....obviously, it was a fuel delivery issue! After removing the pump, test it for pressure (which was almost zero even though it sounded just fine), what I discovered was that the carbon that comes off the brushes had built up enough, within the pump, that it slowly created a bigger and bigger resistance and consequently reduced the pump output. After cleaning out the carbon, turning the armature, and installing new brushes, I was good to go again. Moral of the story......if you run a Mallory gyroller type pump, one needs to inspect and service the brushes after about 500 hours of operation. Fortunitly, actually removing and repairing the pump is quite simple. As they say (who ever THEY are), hind sight is always 20-20!!! Tom