Hi all - Couple questions

[GT-Rob]

Hello everyone. I have been lurking the boards for a year or 2 off and on, and I absolutely love the 240zs. I currently have an R32 Skyline that I am selling off, which I hate to do, but I think its time to get me my datsun finally.

anyway just had a couple questions that I couldn't find a clear answer.

-body-wise, is there a difference between the 240/60/80z? Other than bumpers and minor details?

-How easy is it to swap from auto to 5 speed?

-Is there a large difference in power from the 280 engine over the 240? I keep finding mixed numbers.

-Everyone says to stay away from the 260, is the problem other than the engine with them?

-Would it be a bad idea to drive one 200-1000mi the day I bought it?

-Do many people make daily drivers out of them?

Bascially want to find a running one that is in good enough shape to drive home to Ontario, so something on the east coast would be prefered (really don't want to pay to have it shipped from cali). There really are none in Canada, and the few that are are way overpriced.

thanks for any input!

[boyblunda]

Hi Rob & welcome to one of the best single sources of S30 information you could find. The knowledge and willingness to help that can be found on this site is quite exceptional.

I cannot answer all of your questions but here are a few comments off the top of my head for what they are worth.

Firstly, your specific location might make a difference to the information you are seeking as not only were there minor and bigger differences between some models but the information you are seeking might vary between countries or different markets. I note from this post that you are in Canada but this information will not carry to other threads you start or post in unless you update your personal profile. Additionally, there may well be people in your local area that might be more accessible.

I thought that the 260Z had a few additional refinements and a few less bugs than the earlier models and am not aware of any peculiar bugs in the 260Z other than that the release of this model in some markets also coincided with the anti smog / pollution laws. Opinions vary about the flat topped Hitachi carbs which are described quite disparagingly by some and tolerantly by others.

I have two registered 260Z's plus two other 260Z's with indeterminate futures at this point in time - one is a daily driver and I have a great day whenever I take it on a country run as I live in an area with some great touring roads well suited to the Zed.

As far as differences between Zeds there are some significant differences between the 2 seaters (often called coupes) and the 2+2 models, and minor differences throughout the years. Some good advice here could be to get hold of the factory manuals and some parts references such as the parts CD if you end up with a 240Z.

Finally, from me at least, the search engine here is an exceptionally valuable tool and will turn up some outstanding information on all kinds of topics including doing transmission swaps from auto to manual. If you cannot find it in a search then holler and you will be impressed at how helpful members can be.

All the best in your search for a Zed - they are truly an outstanding touring machine, a great look, and simple to work on.

Regards

[Zak's Z]

Hi, I'm in Ontario also...the GTA. Have you checked the classifieds at www.ontariozcar.com ? I looked around Toronto for a YEAR at every 240z I could find. I agree, they are all overpriced or too rusted. I should have saved a bit longer and went to the U.S. for one! I ended up buying a 240z in pretty good shape, it only needed floors. Turns out its more money and grief to replace floors and rockers than it would have been to just go south and buy one in better condition.

I'm not sure where you are, but if youre near Toronto stop into WHITEHEAD PERFORMANCE, they service Datsuns there. Mike might know who has one for sale, or where theres a good body to be found.

Good luck on your search.

Zak

[GD71240z]

You could also contact Charlie at Zedd Findings http://www.datsunzparts.calocated in Kingstone. I know a couple people he has located cars for and they were happy.

[BuDavid]

first of all wlcome between us Rob, second, congratulations for joining the right forum, trust me, u'll get river of good information here..

I'll answer your questions (FROM MY POINT OF VIEW) you don't have to aggree with it, just an opinion:

-differences in 240/260/280.. yes there are, mainly weight! mention that the rear lights are not interchangeable as far as I know ( you cn't get a 240 from a 280 or vise versa)

-sap auto to 5 speed, how easy?? so easy;) this is datsun man, but if you need high power with tuining you might need a borg warner gear box from a 280ZX turbo. that one is a bit harder to swap..

-power difference, I guess so, sice the 280 is a EFI and produces 170hp, not bad eh?

-260 is quite nice I dont see what is so bad in them, maybe they came 2+2, if so yes, keep away of 2+2 they are too long (my opinion again) engine wise what is so rong in them!? in worse cases imlant another 280Z engine or an RB26 since you are a GT-R guy;)

-I don't know if you noticed one Datsun Z poster with the logo "we are driven"

but if u have a piece of art that is extremly clean..don't spoil that babe!

-as far as I know yes, they are reliable cars, but will you use a tip top condition car to throw it under the sunlight while u are iat work?

if you want my opinion, go for a very clean 240Z with original carbed engine..

I have a 280Z, it is very good, but the caruration is more classic and the bumpers are much nicer than a 280Z..

but on the other hand, 280Z's are more avanced from below and engine wise..

so god luck

in your mission:)

[GT-Rob]

wow thanks for the warm welcome and responses.

Ill check out those Canadian sites you posted, but yeah I think I might be bring one up from the states, mainly so I have more choice, and even after border taxes/cost to get it here I think it may be cheaper. Also the older the car the easier it seems to be to get it into the country .

I actually have a spare engine from my skyline that I was thinking of rebuilding (spun rod bearing) but that would be down the road. I love the sound of the carbed inline 6 though so I too would like to keep it. (untill I need boost again)

The only reason I mentioned the 260 as being "bad" as I have seen some sites recommend staying away from it, but mainly because of the emission controls in the engine. I wasn't sure if there was more problems.

anyway still working out the details on the current nissan, but would like to get a 240 before the snow hits in case I am driving it home. Then storeing it for winter and fixing/upgrading whats needed.

Thanks again guys, I'll be seeing you around

[Zak's Z]

Check this info for whats involved in bringing a car back across the border. If its a 240z, basically you just pay the tax, if you're not looking to have it certified for the road. Good luck.

http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html

Zak

[sblake01]

Well, BuDavid's post kind of leaves me wondering. Yes, it's your opinion, and you are certainly entitled to it, but seems to be based largely on what you've heard rather than what you've experienced, like the majority of people when it comes to cars. I bought my 280Z because it's fuel injected. I've owned 240Zs and at this stage of my life I don't wish to deal with carbureators that are over 30 years old regardless of the fact that you have companies that do overpriced rebuids and throw in a video tape to show you how to set them up. A 260 isn't any 'worse' than any other Z. Any of them will either have the carbs changed to round tops or need it done since that is the general consensus. Again based on the fact that every one seems to feel the flat tops are junk and automatically need to be replaced. Whatever happened to the old saying 'if man built it man can fix it'? But, I digress. Fuel injection just makes for a more reliable daily driver IMO (once it's 'right') and both of my EFI Datsuns are 'right'. It's really a matter of personal choice. Right now, I'd rather drive my cars than tinker with them.

[BuDavid]

Stephen (Sblake 01) I totaly agree with you regarding the reliability of the EFI.. I'm also a 280Z owner, I just noted the positives that the 240Z has over the 280 (classical wise) EFI sounds modern, carbs infakt dual carbed engine gives the spirit of the new born Z in the world to me and to many people.. maybe I'm too young for this crap, but I would really like to get a 240Z (without giving up my 280Z).. in fact I mentioned in my precious post that the 280Z is more advanced than the 240 concerning suspension, electrical circuits and mainly the Engine and transmission..

I appologize if it sounded offensive to 280Z.. I really didnt mean it, I'm also a 280Z addict:love:

I hope that I was clear this time:)

cheers..

[sblake01]

No, I didn't take offense. Maybe I'm too old to deal with carbs. Especially carbs that are a copy of a design that wasn't that good to begin with. All I was saying is that since I've become fairly proficient with Datsun EFI, I don't have any desire to deal with the carbureated cars, Datsuns or otherwise. Like I said, I've owned 240Zs. They are a bit more 'hands-on' than I want to deal with at 56 years old. If I had a 240 now, I'd probably put triple Webers on it but I'd put smaller chokes in them and jet them in such a way where they would work on a stock engine. I'm just not an SU fan. I don't care much for the sliding venturi. It's like a big motorcycle carbureator.

[BuDavid]

and maybe I'm too young to deal with SU's Mr. Blakeney:)

[ggarrard]

GT-Rob - A word of caution...if you do find a car state-side that you want to import into Canada, note that the title transfer papers should be sent to Cutoms at least one week prior to you bringing the car across, to allow for administrative processing. Otherwise you might arrive at the border and not be allowed to continue with the car. Might be worth contacting a Customs Broker to confirm what process to follow...

There's also a small dealer in Ottawa who usually has a few Zs on the lot...

http://autowaysales.ca/index.html - he might have something of interest (although I find his prices are on the high side...)

Good luck in finding the Z for you.

GWGarrard