Newbie from WA

[sblake01]

You guys hava a Sammamish and a Snohomish up there? That definately trumps our Muscupiabe.

[Zs-ondabrain]

You guys hava a Sammamish and a Snohomish up there? That definately trumps our Muscupiabe.

Everything around here is an Indian (North American Native) Name. Even Seattle was a Chief.

Stillaguamish, Snohomish, Tacoma, Sammamish, Sequim (Pronounced Squim), Snoqualmie, Steilacoom, Spokane, Sumas and the list goes on. All Indian names I think.

[maximumNVH]

Ross, what's your budget, and do you have a preference for a particular year or model of S30? There's been a few really nice 280Zs offered down here in Oregon....

Hi, Arne.

I'm looking for something that I can drive around right now, with the idea being that I'll be making changes to it eventually. I'm not really looking for true project cars that are in pieces. I'm also not looking for all original (stock) cars. I ended up selling my 93 Cobra because I had done some light mods to it, but I really felt bad doing much more to it because it had low miles and they're pretty rare.

I'm hoping I can find an S30 that runs (I'd probably use it as my daily driver unless the weather is really bad), looks decent (minimal body damage) and has minimal rust for around $5K. Does that sound reasonable?

I watch CL in both Seattle and Portland for deals. I'm not opposed to driving down to Oregon if the right car should turn up. I'm not in any hurry at the moment either. I want to make sure that I find the right car for me.

As for what years, that is a toughy right now. I'd have to say that I'm leaning towards the '70-72 240Z or '77-78 280Z. The 240Z is appealing because of the lighter weight and styling (yes, I mean the bumpers for the most part), but the 280Z has the 5spd and fuel injection -- at least that is what I know of right now. I really just started doing some research recently so I'm still trying to figure out all the differences (other than engine size) in the S30 Zs. Another factor is that I'm pretty much mechanically challenged at the moment. I can do basic stuff but I really want to learn how to do more. I figure the Z may be a good car for that. This is also why I'd like to find one in good running condition--something that I can tinker with it and make changes to gradually.

-Ross

Edited October 1, 2008 by maximumNVH
forgot to answer the second part of Arne's question

[maximumNVH]

Well after much searching, I found my car last weekend when I took the family down to Portland, OR for their huge antique show (no, I didn't find the car at the show). It's a '72 240Z that is mostly stock from the looks of it. The PO put some Enkei wheels on it, added a CD stereo and some speakers in the door (really shoddy install though) and installed a front and rear spoiler on it. I bought it from a classic auto dealership that took it in on trade.

Here are some pics (hopefully this works):

[JonnyRock]

Wow, nice find! Be sure to add your info to Carl Beck's spreadsheet.

And post some engine bay pics!

[DeesZ]

Nice looking car!! Congratulations!

Keep us posted.

[maximumNVH]

Thanks for the compliments!

Is the spreadsheet some type of registry? And where would I find it?

The engine bay is pretty much stock but I'll see if I can take some pics and post them.

[Carl Beck]

Hi Ross:

From the pictures that looks like a pretty nice Z. I'm guessing that it may have been originally sold in Canada. That is if the Black interior is stock/original. 99% of the White 72's sold in the US had Red interiors.

The Internet Z Car Club (IZCC) has its virtual home on the Web at: http://ZHome.com and I maintain a Classic Z Car Register there for the DATSUN 240-Z's.

If you visit the site, in the Left Hand Frame - you will see a hyper-link to "Internet Z Car Club". Hit that and it will take you to a more detailed breakdown of that section. Within that more detailed breakdown you will see a hyper link that says "Z Car Registers". Hit that and in the Right Hand Frame you will find a hyper link to the Classic Z Car Register.. Check to see if your Z is already listed there and if not...

... just fill out the form completely and send it...

If it is already listed - fill out the form completely - and in the "comments section" write - CHANGE OWNERS.

Note - Fill out the Form Completely. If the original engine serial number isn't filled in - most likely nothing will happen. You can find the original engine serial number on the data tag that is screwed to the inner-fender well, on the passenger side of the car. It's located on the front strut tower. That data tag has both the VIN and Original Engine Serial Number. The engine serial number will begin with "L24-"

I happen to have a White 72 myself - and it is a pure joy to drive. You may want to pick up an old beater to drive in the Winter in Washington State....

kind regards,

Carl

Carl Beck

Clearwater, FL USA - but I moved here from Spokane...