while i still search for a nice 240, im wondering what other Z's are good years...like what is the first turbo year? what year has a nice hp engine? what years should i avoid? looking around 3-4k or so , and i can do light mechanics but not too much thats why i was thinking 240 (less crap under the hood)

 

71 Zed is the best year (absolutely no bias in that opinion

Alan, Australia

 

the earlier the Zed the lighter the Zed is, so its up to you, the most HP zed is the 300zxtt.. but the best Zeds are the early 240z's, put a L28 in there, original SU's, extractors exhaust, electronic dizzy.. and u got a good car..

i think 82 is the earlist turbo factory model, 280zx turbo...

<font color=blue>76 260z</font color=blue>
The NiteRider

 

weren't the turbos 81-83?

Alan, Australia

 

I have owned every year Z from 70 to 78. I like the 240,s with a 5 speed.over any other. they just have more ways to go and no smog laws. I cuurrently own a 78 280 and I love it. The state I live in doesnt have smog laws so I can by pass the cat.But if I had my dithers i would be driving a 240

Shane Morton 78 280Z owner.
Z me go - Z me show - Z me gone

 

is the turbo model any good?
whats an L28 2.8 liter or 280z ? and what years did they start being put in?
my goal is a daily driver that i can tinker with...
also i havent even sat in a Z yet. how small are they i am 6' 205 maybe i am too big.

i just know im gonna buy a 7x year and then find out the next year had larger discs and a better tranny, thats why im asking now

any good websites on year to year specs would be great too..

 

http://www.geocities.com/~z-car/specs/

Check out that site for some specs.

I find that the Z has more room than my '92 Eclipse GSX. I'm about the same size as you and don't have any problems at all climbing in and out of my Z, and it's lowered quite a bit.

An L28 is the 2.8L found in 280Z's. They didn't put turbos in until around 81 or 82. *Most* people like the 1G's (1970-1978) looks better, but of course that is always subjective. I personally like the 1G's better, but they're all nice when done the right way.

The good thing I'm finding out about Z's is that almost everything is interchangeable through a wide variety of years. If you like the later tranny and the later engine but like the earlier body style it will all bolt right in.

Bill
92 GSX
77 280Z

 

I am a Cali native. The 5 speed was great for high speed runs. when I would race thruogh Pacheco Pass I never used it but when I would jet down I-5 I could hit speeds over 130 easily with the 5 speed. My 4 speed was beter for track racing ie. Sears Point. I also used a 77 datsun truck 5 speed in my 71. I loved the gearing . The trucks 1st gear pulled great for off the line runs and low speed AutoX like at the Pleasanton Faigrounds.
If you only lan on Racing the Z stay with the 4 speed but if you want to use it for a driver go with the 5

Shane Morton 78 280Z owner.
Z me go - Z me show - Z me gone

 

hey turrrbo, don't worry. I'm 6'3", 105kg. I fit in my 240z, so i think you'll be allright.

Alan, Australia

 

I have a 73 with a 4 speed and dual webers for 1000.

Shane Morton 78 280Z owner.
Z me go - Z me show - Z me gone

7439-240driver.JPG

 

thanx for all the info and web links guys. where is ur car, shane??

LOL whats 105kg alan hehe *pictures alan at 370 lbs....*

 

Yo Turrrbo start test driving it's the only way you'll know what u like best. My advice the more u test the better off you'll be. Find out if any Z's are for sale in the Z car club closest to you club cars are usually the best buys.
For me the 240z is the best out off all Z cars for racing and monetary return. The 300zx is best for daily driverability but I'm told they drink fuel like a V8.


Gavin,
Melbourne
Australia
73' Datsun 240z

 

It's all muscle, i'm just big boned... and every other excuse

Alan, Australia

 

I don't think 105kg is quite 370 pounds... more like 200

Alan, Australia

 

Pocatello Idaho. Did you get the pics.
You can email me at shane350@hotmail.com


Shane Morton 78 280Z owner.
Z me go - Z me show - Z me gone

 

Yeah I'm 6'1" 260 lbs and I have no trouble getting in/out of my '71, the 78 s a different story tho because theres the roll cage in the way...

-Steve
http://www.geocities.com/stev240z

 

I couldn't even get IN to a 90 prelude. I couldn't get my muscly thigh under the steering wheel. The guy thought it was almost a sale as well.... go figure

Alan, Australia