mods to your z?
10-17-2002, 10:00 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
mods to your z?
I plan on getting a z one way or another i have found a good looking 280 zx needs a little help, its perfect for me to work on it before i can drive it's 500 bucks and i figure i can mow a couple lawns to get the cash i need, but wut i really want is a 240z ive yet to see any for sale around my area any way heres my question i no the zx is newer and probabaly more reliable for that reason do you think i should stick with searching for a 240 or settle for a zx. If i get the 240 im curious to know wut modifications to the engine you have done or any thing else because i no the 240 is a light car but 149 hp sounds a little wimpy(guys like fast cars) but maybe im totally wrong srry im a newbie if you think im right what have you done to boost your cars hp? sorry for the long post but i'm really starting to love these cars any help you give me on choosing one of these cars will be much appreciated thanx to all who helped me on my first post.
10-17-2002, 10:38 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: mods to your z?
dude,
I'd say go with the 240z. It's the original and the way to go as far as collectibility and coolness. As far as modifying the 240, stick a nice 280zx engine in there, give it a rebuild, redo the cam and maybe stroke it. Toss on an exhaust system to make it loud, maybe a 5 speed tranny. Do the rear end with a 4.11, toss on an airdamn and that should do it(unless you need a REALLY fast car) Some nice springs and struts and you're good to go. My car has this and I run low 14's/high 13's...plus it TURNS!!! That is with around 230 horsepower at the wheels.
If you want a crazy fast car, put a nice fatty chevy V8 in there and run 10's.
Just my 2 cents. I am no expert.
I'd say go with the 240z. It's the original and the way to go as far as collectibility and coolness. As far as modifying the 240, stick a nice 280zx engine in there, give it a rebuild, redo the cam and maybe stroke it. Toss on an exhaust system to make it loud, maybe a 5 speed tranny. Do the rear end with a 4.11, toss on an airdamn and that should do it(unless you need a REALLY fast car) Some nice springs and struts and you're good to go. My car has this and I run low 14's/high 13's...plus it TURNS!!! That is with around 230 horsepower at the wheels.
If you want a crazy fast car, put a nice fatty chevy V8 in there and run 10's.
Just my 2 cents. I am no expert.
10-18-2002, 11:31 PM
#3
Registered User
Join Date: May 2002
Location: GTA, Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 87
Re: mods to your z?
yeh i got a 260z, street cam, high compression (about 9.9:1) stock heads, 6-3-1 Header, SU Carbs, and a 1980 close ratio 5speed, 3:90 gears in the rear, and it goes way faster then my pop's 330CI BMW (and mines 30years older heh).
10-19-2002, 02:49 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: mods to your z?
This guy can't afford that, you guys are crazy. Get the 280zx i bought one and even stock it is not slow at all you will be happy with it and there is alot of mods out that can make your car faster. A 240z is very high in price and since you're not burning money go with the cheaper car which happens to have more power.
10-20-2002, 03:23 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: mods to your z?
Yes, it sounds whimpy but you have to remember these are 2200-2700 pound cars (depending what year you get into).
I'd go with a 70-73 240z myself, thats what I'm looking for, then mod it a little to get a few more ponies, suspension work, mean wheel/tire setup, and then maybe a SBC/ 6 speed later on.
An early 240z is capable of a low 16 second quarter mile (bleh), these are sports cars, not super cars.
I'd go with a 70-73 240z myself, thats what I'm looking for, then mod it a little to get a few more ponies, suspension work, mean wheel/tire setup, and then maybe a SBC/ 6 speed later on.
An early 240z is capable of a low 16 second quarter mile (bleh), these are sports cars, not super cars.
10-20-2002, 03:30 PM
#8
the Dude
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Bay Area, California
Posts: 381
Re: mods to your z?
for their time, they were pretty quick, and fairly advanced. independent rear, aluminum head, overhead cam (yes, i know that pushrods were invented after overhead cam design - ford raced wtih DOHC setup in the 20s). They were a cheaper alternative to a camaro/mustang genre and featured stylish almost ferrari like looks.
and bi pli tires didn't help
------------------------------
'73 240z
'99 neon R/T
and bi pli tires didn't help
------------------------------
'73 240z
'99 neon R/T
10-21-2002, 08:15 AM
#9
The Evil Twin
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 9,294
Re: mods to your z?
Ok, during the middle of the 70's, the horsepower ratings that Nissan claimed changed. At first they were telling you the engine's horsepower (crank power) and then from 1979 on they stated the wheels horsepower.
The 240Z has 150hp at the crank. Speaking of crank power, the 260Z has I think 142hp, 280Z has 170hp, 280ZX from 1981-83 would have 180hp, and the turbo is about 210hp.
Now, the engine used in the 280Z and ZX from 1975-80 has 135hp at the wheels. Compared to about 130hp at the wheels for the 240Z. The 81-83 280ZX changed to flat top pistons and got another 10hp for 145hp at the wheels. The turbo model put down about 180-185hp at the wheels. But also, all these cars produced torque in the 160-170 lbs range at only 3500rpm.
The turbo model's torque is above 200lbs.
That means that even though it might seem that your straight six only has the same horsepower as a late model Civic, you have so much more torque kick in really quick and you'll be off the line out in front right away. With every shift you're still within the engine's good power RPM range so you can accelerate quickly. My Altima has good power at high rpm, but when it shifts it slows way down and has to climb back up the rpms again to get that 150hp again. I think it has only 130lbs of torque at 5000rpm though! And that's a 2.4L 4-cylinder.
The 240Z has 150hp at the crank. Speaking of crank power, the 260Z has I think 142hp, 280Z has 170hp, 280ZX from 1981-83 would have 180hp, and the turbo is about 210hp.
Now, the engine used in the 280Z and ZX from 1975-80 has 135hp at the wheels. Compared to about 130hp at the wheels for the 240Z. The 81-83 280ZX changed to flat top pistons and got another 10hp for 145hp at the wheels. The turbo model put down about 180-185hp at the wheels. But also, all these cars produced torque in the 160-170 lbs range at only 3500rpm.
The turbo model's torque is above 200lbs.
That means that even though it might seem that your straight six only has the same horsepower as a late model Civic, you have so much more torque kick in really quick and you'll be off the line out in front right away. With every shift you're still within the engine's good power RPM range so you can accelerate quickly. My Altima has good power at high rpm, but when it shifts it slows way down and has to climb back up the rpms again to get that 150hp again. I think it has only 130lbs of torque at 5000rpm though! And that's a 2.4L 4-cylinder.
10-22-2002, 08:34 AM
#12
The Evil Twin
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 9,294
Re: mods to your z?
Ok, so 165hp for the 260Z, sorry.
I know that the wheel horsepower went down from the 240Z to the 260Z for some reason. I heard it was the carbs. Anyhoo, that's just a general timeline. Some of the numbers might be off a little.
Yet, i've heard of people with a modifed 280ZX turbo go to a dyno and get 160hp at the wheels. So, sometimes you think your car is running perfect but its not. Little tweaks here and there can suddently boost your power and make better use out of your bolt-on modifications. It has happened to me!
I know that the wheel horsepower went down from the 240Z to the 260Z for some reason. I heard it was the carbs. Anyhoo, that's just a general timeline. Some of the numbers might be off a little.
Yet, i've heard of people with a modifed 280ZX turbo go to a dyno and get 160hp at the wheels. So, sometimes you think your car is running perfect but its not. Little tweaks here and there can suddently boost your power and make better use out of your bolt-on modifications. It has happened to me!
10-22-2002, 08:46 AM
#13
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 646
Re: mods to your z?
I have heard the same from people who think they have tons of HP,
and then get it on a dyno only to be dissappointed with the numbers.
I try not to say I have " X " amount of HP and can run " X" in the 1/4
unless I can back it up with data. One reason these HP or 1/4 time
threads end up going nowwhere.
and then get it on a dyno only to be dissappointed with the numbers.
I try not to say I have " X " amount of HP and can run " X" in the 1/4
unless I can back it up with data. One reason these HP or 1/4 time
threads end up going nowwhere.
10-22-2002, 08:57 AM
#14
The Evil Twin
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 9,294
Re: mods to your z?
Ok, so I'll jump in and make a claim that I can not totally back up. I have dynoed my car, but have made some tweaks since then.
I've got the stock L28 with F54 head. Flat top pistons, round port exhaust. 180psi compression accross all six cylinders! (like a new engine) and its got 201,000 miles. I'm running a K&N cone filter, big throttle, hot coil, headers, 2.5 exhaust through a glasspack and chambered Flowmaster. I've got the stock 3.9 rear gear. I get about 150-155hp at the wheels and 170lbs of torque at about 3400 rpm.
I've got the stock L28 with F54 head. Flat top pistons, round port exhaust. 180psi compression accross all six cylinders! (like a new engine) and its got 201,000 miles. I'm running a K&N cone filter, big throttle, hot coil, headers, 2.5 exhaust through a glasspack and chambered Flowmaster. I've got the stock 3.9 rear gear. I get about 150-155hp at the wheels and 170lbs of torque at about 3400 rpm.
10-22-2002, 10:03 AM
#15
Externally Wastegated
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,220
Re: mods to your z?
I've posted my dyno sheet on my profile for those who care to see it. I'm thinking my exhaust manifold leak that has come back is the reason. I fixed it once (a big pain!), and now it's back... Gotta be reason for it. It's in the same spot too... #5&6 cylinder area. When I get some more time and stuff, I'm going to fix it again, dyno the car and hopefully post some more respectable numbers. BTW the turbo is still at stock boost, I think it spikes due to the internal wastegate (they suck), so that's when the popoff valve went off. Talk about a big hp loss, man it was like hitting a rhino, the car just stopped pulling!
82ZXT
71 510 autocross & 71 510 daily driver
82ZXT
71 510 autocross & 71 510 daily driver
10-22-2002, 10:23 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: mods to your z?
actually the top model civic SI has trouble putting 120hp@ the wheels and the torque is around the 100mark so unless you really suck at driving you can waste civic etc. I'd know i've wasted new a BMW's 3series and it wasn't stock custom paint lowered etc i doubt he had engine work tho. He tried twice and both times i pulled 3 car lengths at around 50mph
10-22-2002, 11:13 AM
#18
The Evil Twin
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 9,294
Re: mods to your z?
Because they don't start reading untill about 2500rpm. What you do is get going slowly on the dyno. Then when you reach 4th gear, you get it to about 2000 and tell them to start recording. At that point you floor it and let the engine run to whatever peak rpm you wish.
When I had a bad distributor and too much fuel pressure, my dyno was actually 135hp and 166lbs of torque. Replacing my distributor brought my engine back to life. Also, replacing my fuel pressure regulator let me pass emissions and get better milage.
When I had a bad distributor and too much fuel pressure, my dyno was actually 135hp and 166lbs of torque. Replacing my distributor brought my engine back to life. Also, replacing my fuel pressure regulator let me pass emissions and get better milage.
10-22-2002, 11:19 AM
#19
the Dude
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Bay Area, California
Posts: 381
Re: mods to your z?
actually the civic si (99-00) puts down over 130 to the wheels. the '02 model puts down about that + about 20ft lbs more torque, because it's a 2 liter motor instead of a 1.6
------------------------------
'73 240z
'99 neon R/T
------------------------------
'73 240z
'99 neon R/T
10-22-2002, 11:26 AM
#20
The Evil Twin
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 9,294
Re: mods to your z?
Ya, and their usual peak horsepower is right around redline at 6500 rpm or so... and their peak torque is around 4500-5500 rpm. Which means below that rpm they are running under 100 horsepower and torque... but they usually come with some pretty low 1st and 2nd gears.
Compare that to the torque and horsepower that the 350Z puts out! I'd like to see an actual dyno result with one of those. I would not be surprised if they actually lay down less than the claimed 287hp.
Compare that to the torque and horsepower that the 350Z puts out! I'd like to see an actual dyno result with one of those. I would not be surprised if they actually lay down less than the claimed 287hp.
10-22-2002, 11:41 AM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 646
Re: mods to your z?
I agree Bleach ! You have to realize the source of the information
on factory dyno results. The factory is going to have their best tuners
in there and make sure they have a good healthy motor for the test.
I figure they are going to be around 250 - 260 HP. When people tested
the Maxima they noticed a bit lower numbers then the factory.
I read the story of Pontiac sending a tuner GTO to be tested for one
of the magazines. They put a 421 in it with some mods instead of
the factory 389. Those HP and torque numbers shure do help sells.
on factory dyno results. The factory is going to have their best tuners
in there and make sure they have a good healthy motor for the test.
I figure they are going to be around 250 - 260 HP. When people tested
the Maxima they noticed a bit lower numbers then the factory.
I read the story of Pontiac sending a tuner GTO to be tested for one
of the magazines. They put a 421 in it with some mods instead of
the factory 389. Those HP and torque numbers shure do help sells.
10-30-2002, 06:53 PM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Screw comparin to civics...
I've had my 280Z just over a month now. She treats me right. Just a little more of a hint into what you can do... This guy I work w/ drives a 1996 Firebird w/ the 3800 under the hood. Pretty quick... From the line, I'm dead even w/ it all the way to 100mph... that's where aerodynamics really starts to come into play. I've removed my bumpers so I'm basically pushing a wall of air... He slips right through... However, w/ the governor on the Firebird @ about 117mph I've got him at top end even though i can't push over 120mph right now (that was before I forged my front mount intake)... Like I said, screw comparin to Civics... Oh yeah, the Firebird puts down right @ about 200hp...
10-31-2002, 02:12 PM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Screw comparin to civics...
You know what sucks about that? My little 100hp saturn can do that as well to these fast firebirds and so forth. The only diff is that mine cuts out at 110 mph. Good choice on the 280. It has a stronger engine that is set back by the weight of the car that is easily fixed by lighter parts and removing dead weight. Im already doing that to my z.
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