hey everyone, im new here so new infact that i dont even have a z car! im looking for an older car i can totaly gut and build back up as a race car. now dont ask me what kind of raceing, because i dont know, maybe autocross probably not drag, maybe not even competitive. but i want it to be fast as hell. in my research i found a few candidates a porsche 944 or a z car. im thinking a 280ZX maybe turbo. do you think that this is a good choice for what i want? is there a better Zcar for me? should i go with the porsche? if i dont race it, i would love to just drive around canyons or other winding roads all day. are proformance parts easily obtainable for this car. also what year should i be looking for? based on my limited research i was thinking 82 or 83. thanks so much for any input!
Mike

 

Well, 1st question- What is your budget? You can make any car perform, its just a matter of "how fast do you want to spend?"-lww

 

well im not rich, thats for sure. i know i could probably pick the car up for not to much money. and i would not dump a ton of money into it right away. it would be a slow process. so i dont really have a budget... just what i can afford on a week to week or month to month basis.
also i used the term "race car" which is not really what i meant... i would probably want to retain street legalness. i just want it to be fast enough and handle well enough to be able to race it, if i wanted to.

 

might look into a s30 and swap in a l28t. the s30 is a bit lighter and more nimble than the s130. you could get one with the stock motor, and then save up for the swap when you need that extra performance.

 

sorry im really a noob... do you mean a 280z instead of a 280zx? what are the main differences, if you have time to answer my uneducated questions.

 

Yea. nab a rolling chasis 240 or 280z, not ZX. Then swap in the turbo motor from an 82-83 280ZXturbo. A little bit of suspension work, lighten it up and you'll be set to have a "weekend racer" but still maintain the streetability

 

Or put a V8 in it...

http://www.jagsthatrun.com

 

The 280ZX replaced the 280Z in 1979, it had basically the same drivetrain and a similiar appearance but, otherwise, virtually a whole different car. The ZX was more upscale with more emphasis on luxury and comfort than the previous Z-cars.

 

Dude!
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Ya, seriously. Way to promote bastardization, Wade . . .dang

 

if you really want to get some power and keep it a nissan/datsun get a 70-78 S30 (240z,260z,280z). Then get a RB26DETT out of a R34-gtr (skyline). They import those engines out of Japan and run about $3500-$4500.

 

s30= 240z 260z and 280z. s130=280zx.

 

Dude why would you want to buy a POS Z? Get a Honda Civic, rice it out, and put a fart cannon on it. Nothing sounds better than a 4 cylinder weed-eater. And you can get more horsepower, with adding on decals. The more the better, anyway be like everybody else. I mean why would you want to be different? Different sucks, stick with the ricer crowd.




















Ha ha just playing man, I couldn't resist. LOL I mean I own 3 280zx's(S130), and still want a S30 240z, 260z, and 280z. Good luck with whatever you decide though. I would say which bodystyle appeals to you more? That is the question you should ask yourself. Then you go from there.

 

WildMan, you forgot about the aluminum park bench rear wing....that adds a good 30-40 horsepower....maybe more!

 

^^Good point Mike, didn't think of that. LOL Also some thick double-bladed wipers do the trick also. We're talking 10-15 hp gain, easily. Also those chrome spinner wheel covers. Less wind resistance, bam another 15-20 hp gain.

Okay I can't think like a ricer. I tried though LOL

 

aw, heck.....why not go detroit iron------paint it all nice metalflake and all and slap in a 975 cid hemi -shevi-dodge ford motor in it, fit it up with some nitrous--man, what a hunk. you know men always go for that real detonation of something sound------so sexy---------- .........after all, size matters.............

 

thanks alot all of you. i went and looked through the gallery, and i do like the body style of the s30 better. (do not be offended s130 peeps) i like the open gril alot, and also the rear end. ok guys, thank you! time for me to switch to the s30 forum.

 

im believe this was to accompany the written reply^^^^^^

 

No Need To Switch Forums We Are All Family Here. Plus This One Has More Traffic.

 

Uhhh.... I meant a VQ45 Nissan V8... NO! REALLY! That's what I meant... errr... ok, that's not what I meant... <slinks off in shame>

 

wade is teh banned lol .