240, 260, or 280Z?

[SlickDizzy]

I've been interested in Z cars for quite some time now, and the time is finally coming to get one. But the question is, do I want a 240, 260, or 280Z (no ZX's, I don't like the look)? I've always thought that a '70 or early '71 240 would be my best bet, because they have none of the smog crap, and have the good looking bumpers. But I've heard that the 280 has more potential, and it does have the 5 speed. I want a car that will be a daily driver for nice days, and I'm going to do some modifications to it. Not an insane amount, probably stuff like a performance exhaust, some nice wheels, new carb, etc. But anyways, what kind of Z should I get, and what should I do to it? Like what are the best bang for the buck mods?

Thanks from the Z noob! :classic:

[mushupork5]

as far as that manga mod you want to do you can do it on any model z 70-78 but only the 240z is going to have the slim bumpers. I have a 76 280z and its pretty nice, i use it as a daily driver and havent seen any problems from that, but with the 280z you get fuel injection which is a better delivery system than through carbs.The 5 speed tranny was available in 77 (i think as an option) and 78 but no earlier years. But it is also a fairly easy swap. Exhaust upgrades and other engine mods are pretty standare across all zs, just have to check to see what kind of header ports you have. Wheels are standard across all zs, 4x4 bolt pattern, kind of hard to find, but you can get an adapter to fit honday wheels but i think they need the 280z axles (there's another reason to get the 280z)

Hope this helps, im still new to the Z scene and Im pulling this out of memory from what I have read, but im sure someone else will check my words

[Ed]

I think your biggest challenge is going to be to find a Zed that isn't a rust bucket. Especially in your neck of the woods.

It sounds like you already made up your mind on a 240. Depending on how much you are willing to spend most of those mods your thinking about can already be part of the car. For instance a lot of people have already put a 5 speed in a 240. Wheels Tires......etc....

If you have the patience, shop around. There are still a few good Zed's around.

The biggest mistake I've seen is people will spend there entire budget on the initial purchase of the car, then you won't have anything to do those mods or upgrades.

Happy hunting and good luck!

[SlickDizzy]

Yeah, I'd really like an early 240. No matter what I get though, I'll be doing a full frame and body restoration in my school's auto shop. Technically, it'd be free, I'd have access to everything

Which reminds me, how easy would it be to swap an RB25DET into a 240Z? I can get one for really cheap.

[1975yellowBSPZ]

Go to HybridZ.org, look under "other, 6 cyl" and check the faq's all the info you need should be there on just about any engine swap you can think of into a Z. But check the search feature and faq's first. They aren't too fond of newbees asking questions that have allready been answered. Good Luck.

[baddriver]

The turbo engine from a ZX is a simple swap, and while not as refined as the RB series, it offers a lot of potential.

The 240z is a great car, if you can find one, and if performance at any price is your goal, you can't go wrong with one of these.

However if you want a great performing car with a little less work involved, a 280z will come with the fuel injection, and the R200 (in a manual tranny) already in place. Find a running turbo zx for $1g or less, and do the swap in a couple of weekends. You'll have a great looking, great performing car on a budget that will make anyone jealous.

The RB engines have higher potential, but remember that you only get what you pay for. Getting the super high hp numbers from the RB will require some expensive aftermarket parts, and the engines themselves are more expensive.

But, I forget that not everyone is trying to build a car for bottom dollar like I am, so if that doesn't suit you, build the car you want the most. These projects are long and time consuming, so if you are going to do it, build the car you have the most enthusiasm for, least you run short of ambition before you're done.

[datto_240z]

so what your really asking is do i want a 2.4Liter, 2.6 liter or a 2.8 liter fuel injected engine coz the bodyshell (aside from the bumpers) are the same.(besides from the 2+2)

I wish we in Australia(WA) could just decide on what to get like that,

240Z: Very rare

260Z: Rare

260Z 2+2: On the boarder of rare

280Z: Is there even one in Australia?

Thanx

Chris Beattie

[Mr Camouflage]

Off topic, but Datto_240z, where's that screen grap come from thats your avatar. Is that from a game, if so what one?

240z came with 5 speeds in australia:love: No swaps necessary.

But we never got turbo L28.:mad:

Swapping gearboxes, diffs and engines from all 2(4/6/8)0z is relatively easy, so get the chassis you like and you can put whatever you like in it. Even changing the bumpers to 240z style ones shouldnt be too hard should it?

[datto_240z]

Mr Camouflage, (and others interested)

Its from a PlayStation 2 game called 'Auto Modelista'

The screenshot is of a 432-R, there is also a 240zg. Very good game, graphics are animae but you dont notice it too much.

You can completely modify the cars.

Cheers

Chris Beattie