New and looking for a Z

[Kuro]

Hi all,

I was referred here because I'm looking to buy a z (prior to 76). I've got a lot to learn and until I get my hands dirty, understanding some stuff beforehand should help.

I currently have a 2004 RX8 which is in the process of being sold. I try not to count my chickens before they hatch, as they say, but I'm too excited about the prospect of owning one of these beauties.

My husband has a 370z which is going through a little reform too.

Anyway, if you want to check out our cars, I have them on my blog www.jdmgallery.com.

Here's one pic of my current car:

Otherwise, I just wanted to say hi to everyone and let you know that I'll be stalking...

Christine

[Gary in NJ]

Welcome Christine.

Is the RX-8 a daily driver or a weekend car? While I love my Z, I'd much rather drive an RX-8 on a daily basis then a 40 year old classic.

A 240/260/280Z have little in the way of creature comforts, things that we expect in modern automobiles. They are awesome cars, but you will be making a sacrifice to drive one as your only car.

[Kuro]

Yes, I agree. The rx8 is not a daily driver, especially in the weather we're having now. But no, it's garaged in the winter, never seen salt. I've had a 72 Monte Carlo that I actually enjoyed even though it didn't have all of the special little conveniences that modern cars have. We do have three cars, A Nissan Cube is the dd.

see ():

[Zs-ondabrain]

Creature Comforts are what you decide to put into the car.

I own a 70' 240Z with reclining cushioned race seats (very comfortable) Power windows and locks, arm rest in the center, 800 watt stereo system with 2) 10" subs, 4) 5-1/4" 2-way mids, 2) 6-1/2" 2-way mids, and 2) 4" mids. lots of speakers but more for Clarity and clean music, no matter what the volume.

I drive the 2400 mile round trip from Marysville, WA. to Anaheim, CA for the MSA Zcar Convention and I can't imagine doing it in any other car. Tokico Blue struts, Eibach springs and 225/50ZR16's all around. Very nice ride, aggressive when needed but great on the freeway.

Build the car the way you want it. Race prep, touring, grocery getter/week-end rally car. What ever you want, it's yours. And what ever you do, Have fun with it.

Welcome to the club, good luck on the search for your future Z.

Dave

[Kuro]

Well spoken and advice taken! Thanks Dave!

[esmit208]

:disappoinWelcome CHRISTNE

Wasn't that the name of the car in that strange movie were the car is literally the guys girlfriend? Can't think of the name of the movie at the moment. I am almost willing to advise you to keep what you have. An early 70's Datsun cannot sit in the garage for 7 or 8 months, and heaven forbid getting salt underneath it. They have enough cancer problems as it is. If you can get husband to agree to keep it in tip top shape then by all means otherwise keep the Zoom Zoom or consider moving to a locale where you can actually enjoy it. I ditto what ONDABRAIN said about creature comforts. I drove the green one from Florida to California and back with no stereo but I will never forget that trip. Have a looooooonnnng talk with hubby. Poor CUBE

[grantf]

Forget what the others say get a Z they are fun. Husband agree? HA! If it's you're car you keep it up. Find a Z fix it take good care of it and enjoy.

[Kuro]

:disappoinWelcome CHRISTNE

Wasn't that the name of the car in that strange movie were the car is literally the guys girlfriend? Can't think of the name of the movie at the moment. I am almost willing to advise you to keep what you have. An early 70's Datsun cannot sit in the garage for 7 or 8 months, and heaven forbid getting salt underneath it. They have enough cancer problems as it is. If you can get husband to agree to keep it in tip top shape then by all means otherwise keep the Zoom Zoom or consider moving to a locale where you can actually enjoy it. I ditto what ONDABRAIN said about creature comforts. I drove the green one from Florida to California and back with no stereo but I will never forget that trip. Have a looooooonnnng talk with hubby. Poor CUBE

First off, hundreds of early 70's Datsuns sit in garages for years and years without anyone caring about them. 6-7 months in a garage is not the end of the world for one, especially if it is cared for. Secondly I NEVER said salt would ever touch any part of the car. Neither my car nor my husband's car has ever seen salt. They are clean and comfortable in the garage while it's cold and ugly outside. The Cube is sad yes, it's the daily driver, but that's what it was bought for.

Why do you infer that my husband isn't on the same page as I am?

Thanks for the advice, but I'll decline it.

Love,

The evil car

Edited February 3, 2011 by Kuro

[Zs-ondabrain]

Well said Christine.

I doubt the car would actually sit for that long anyways. If it's not snowing or icy outside, DRIVE it. Anyone with a Z in their garage will tell ya "This damn thing Yells thru the walls at me" and it typically says "Get out here and Drive me damnit" If it's raining, Drive it, if it's Sunny, Drive it more, wash it off and put it away.

My Z is my Daily driver. I have a Plymouth Grand Voyager but why the hell would I drive that with a 240Z in the garage. It was absolutely POURING down rain, a week or 2 ago. It's a car, damn right I drove it in the rain. Yes, I have the Honda wiper motor upgrade and my wipers are awesome, but still, that's what weatherstripping is for, right?

Do whatcha want Christine. Have fun doing it. Hell, go out and get a set of studded tires for it for the winter time. A well tuned Z LOVES cold air. Well at least mine does.

Watch this in your spare time, it's my 70'....

Dave

Edited February 3, 2011 by Zs-ondabrain

[kenz240z]

Creature comforts are fine, but I admit I prefer the raw enjoyment of a sports car like my Z that puts me more in touch with the road without the amenities. Power windows, power locks, heated power seats, electric mirrors, mp3 digital audio, fuel injection, gps navigation systems, heads up displays, Onstar, etc... are all fine and most can be added to a Z if you really want. But none of these features would add to the pleasure I get from taking my Z for a spirited drive on the twisty roads...

[Zs-ondabrain]

Oh come on Ken... Come on over. I'll let ya take her for a spin, or 2. My cushy seats and Satellite radio might change your mind . But seriously though, All amenities aside (shut off or out of reach), my Z is very in touch with the road, the curves and spirited driving is 50% of the fun. The other 50% is driving slow thru town, letting everyone get a closer look at her and answering questions when they catch up to me.

My 240Z has LITERALLY Changed my life. It has made me new friends everywhere I go, it has taught me things I wouldn't have even bothered with or cared about before. It has helped me start a business that helps other 240Z owners and the profits are used to cover the cost of her upgrades and the 260Z project.

You're right though, the features don't to the pleasure of the Z, but they sure don't take away from it either. Have a great week Ken.

Dave

[olzed]

Hi Christine.

I would love to have all the mod cons like Daves. I have the luxury of power steering and 4 pot vented brakes on my 72, so I guess that makes me an old poofter, however I believe we all modify, or not, as we like, to personalise our cars the way we like them. Wouldnt it be boring if they were ALL the same.

The power steering allows me to throw her along a mountain road for ever, withought wrenching a shoulder muscle, then cruise up and park on a dime in front of the local cafe, withought fighting to turn the steering. It's all about making our cars what WE want. Dave speeks of driving in the rain!! Our zed is a nice sunny day cruise, however some months back, wife and I did a weekend trip of some 1200 miles, and it bucketed down the whole time. We got home, I washed the car put her in the garage and gave it a blow DRY

with my wifes dog blower. You would be surprised how much water comes from all the odd places that you can't dry with a towel. We have a 1300 Toyota Yaris as daily driver, but when there is a club run to do, we do it. These cars are for using, not garage queens.

Wasn't Christine the Mustang in the movie 'Gone in 60 Seconds' I could be wrong.

Brian.

Edited February 3, 2011 by olzed