i have recently decided im going to sell my 280zx, because the rust is really bad, and now can't decide if i want another 280zx or 280z. Can so one help me out?

 

You should go for this Z with extensive body kit (check out the engine compartment...)

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/ctd/868287799.html

Seriously, I think your chances of finding original, driveable ZX's is better because more of them were made and they were made for 6 years after the Z's stopped, but there is something undeniably sexier about the Z's (except for the bumpers). I've never been in one, but I HEAR that they're less comfortable for long distances than ZX's.

At least around here, though, Z's are either heaps or re$$$tored, thus the ZX for me.

 

yeah the likely hood of finding a zx is better, but the better looks of the z are indisputable. s30 with a s130 turbo engine.

 

Yep... it depends on what you want, and the availability of Z's.... I have a 76 280z I'll sell ya.

 

well i've found one near by i'm going to check out, but how long do u think it'll take to sell my zx?

 

1.223 seconds.

It depends on the condition, asking price, how you market it, and who's interested.

www.craigslist.com is a good start.

 

is the z more capable for mods and upgrades than the zx?

 

???? They're the same.........

 

yup, basically the same.
You can do 4-wheel disc on both, but the ZX has them stock. Wilwood brake upgrades are available for both. either drop springs or coilovers can be bought for both. Larger sway bars, and turbo engines work in both.

the 280ZX has more camber and toe issues in the back when you lower it.

 

If you hate rust, you probably won't like the Z as they are more prone to rusting, and they've just been around longer in general. You'll have an easier time finding a relatively rust free ZX than you will a Z. Depending on how you like creature comforts, that's about the main diff between owning a Z and a ZX. I'm getting old so I prefer more civility.

 

well, if you got a turbo zx, then you have head start on upgrades that you could do on the z. so in that aspect, i'd call a zx a little easier to upgrade. kinda.

 

but you're in California. Maybe you want to consider getting a year that is smog exempt. Then you can just go crazy with the engine swap

 

that would be sick, all my friends say you should get an rb26DETT

 

While an RB swap would be completely awesome I hear that they are expensive and there is a lot of fabrication involved.

 

oh the RB swap shows its ugly(yet beautiful) head again

it seems that almost everyone who gets a Z car looks to the RB or SR option but only the most experienced, trained, and COOLEST guys actually get the motor and do the fabrication work nessasary to do the swap, the best thing to do is get a turbo 2.8 (or try a turbo 2.4 or 2.0 if you can find a L20 head) but the key is turbo... i know that sounds ricey but hell this NA aint cutting it

then you can work on exhaust, intake, shiney ports, big ole cam and rebuild the top end and you will have a VERY fast L series motor that you can transplant into a s30 when you find one... good luck man i have a turbo parts car i have found but im fresh out of money and daddys not going to give me money for a broken down car to put in the back lawn and parts that are going to make my Z hella fast and me hella dangerous

 

they are basically the same except the ZX is larger and has more luxury appointments...the Z is a more valuable collector.....

 

is it all RB's or just the 26? would a CA18det be any easier?

 

If you're set on an RB, go with the 20DET, it's the cheapest by far. 1200 bucks will get you the transmission, ecu, and engine. Fabbing up a new driveshaft plus all the wiring involved are probably your biggest obstacles. Use an oil pan and pick up from the RB20 Z31 in Japan. I hear the motor mounts are usable too, but I haven't researched it 100% yet.

 

they make a cross member for rb to drop in the z. i dont know if they make a cross member for the zx. so you might have to fab up your own if you stick with a zx.

 

i think im gonna go with the z

 

then i would go with a sr20, you can find more parts and a reliable 200hp mark is no problem for a sr and its lighter and cheaper(and easy to find parts for)

but if your a total hawse then go for the rb(i think you wouldnt have the clearance issues with a s30 hood but i might be wrong) but its still a tight squeeze

 

I thought the SR made 202hp stock?

 

(redtop S13 SRs) more like 180 or 190 through age but yeah 200 realiably

DET blacktops make 220 and 250 hp stock

 

like 2hp matters also it varies on what generation (color valve color) the SR came from, its personal prference, honestly i think the S30 is the best choice it will hold its value more likely and possible gain value. also its prettier, lighter, a bit easier to work on since theres less luxuries in it and more mod-able imho because theres a better aftermarket for them

 

price wise which would be the most realistic?