My friend told me that the 70 and 71 240's were much lighter than 72 and 73. Is this true? If so, where did the weight come from?? He told me there was almost a 400 pound difference. Thanks for the info,
-Matt

 

I'VE HEARD THAT NISSAN SWITCHED TO A THICKER GAUGE STEEL IN SOME OF THE CRITICAL OR STRUCTURAL AREAS. I THINK THIS IS WHY THE LATER 240Z'S ARE BETTER FOR V8 CONVERSIONS. I MYSELF AM ONLY FAMILIAR WITH THE SERIES 1 240Z, SO AM NOT CERTAIN IF THIS IS TRUE OR NOT. MAY BE SOME ONE ELSE CAN ADD THERE TWO CENTS. I THINK THE ONLY MAJOR DIFFERENCE IN WEIGHT WAS BETWEEN ACTUAL MODEL CHANGES IE.
240Z-EARLY260Z
LATE 260Z AND 280Z



Toronto Ontario

 

I also heard that Nissan used thicker gauge steel in the 1973 240. I bought a 73 for this reason I have also had a 71 and 72 with simular motor setups and the weight did not make a difference.

Rick
Old School Imports 4lyfe

 

so, do the 72's have the increased support?

 

THIS IS A PERFECT QUESTION FOR THE HYBRIDZ GUYS, THEY SEEM TO KNOW ALOT ABOUT THESE CARS.


IT'S ZED NOT ZEE GOD----DAMIT!!!!

 

I heard similar to you z432. The major weight differences occur between model changes as Datsun added thicker gauge steel and structural changes for improved safety.

 

Yeah I heard earlier 240Z's were lighter but not sure about that. I personally think it's rubbish I think the earlier Z's were quicker mainly because of the cylinder head which was the E31 which for those who don't know was higher compression and not restricted by emissions like the later E88 Head 73 240z's. I personally own a 73 and it might be true that the body was slightly stronger but not noticably in weight. And the little stowage area's wouldn't weigh 10lbs on there own.
Any corrections appreciated as I would like to know for sure,
Gav,

Gavin,
Melbourne
Australia
73' Datsun 240z