General Chat
Q:
ok, so soon i'd like to start looking for a z. i'm not going to buy something unless a great deal comes along, since i like current car and it will hold me over until the time comes. what i'm looking for is advice to which zcar i should be looking at. i like the design of the 240z-280zx more then the 300zx. i still like the earlier 300zx's, but not the second design (the one with the stationary headlights). as far as design goes, i like the 240 the most, then the 260 and 280s are close behind. i don't know much about z's performance wise, but i'm assuming all of them run decent 1/4s with a nice cornering ability. performance is nice, but reliability is very important, since this is going to be a daily driver. i guess one of my biggest questions is do these cars have reliability issues? thanks for the help, and sorry this is so long.
i like barracudas.
i own a firebird.
i want a z.
A:
The 240-280Z was actually rated highest in reliability in it's time for the fewest electrical problems. That said, that was in it's time. It's now 30+ years old, things are worn out and corroded so it will need work. From what you said about the different years I think you would be happiest with a pre78 Z. Not horribly hard to find, but more likely to have some rust and needed repair work. The plus side is that they are extremely easy to work on and you should be able to keep it up with out too much hassle.
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77 280Z - TEC3 Engine Management, Coil Packs, 3.1 Stroker, 550CC injectors, tripple throttle body FI intake, MSA Stage II Cam, etc...etc...
79 Fairlady - Rusty
81 280ZX - DD
A:
welcome.
they are not reliable.
to clarify, 20-30 year old cars will only be reliable as long as they are maintained to a high degree. expect to pay $10K for a 240Z in "good/great" condition.
no, they are not fast, maybe 16-17's in the 1/4. handling was good in the 70's but worse than any new car available.
it's a hobby. if you love it, it will be fun.
79 280ZX -The best selling sports car of all time
Post Edited (Dec 14, 12:31pm)
A:
If you are looking for a daily driver, I think the 78-83 280ZX model will be the best choice. It still has the same basic drivetrain as the earlier cars, and some of the styling cues also. The main reason for reccomending the ZXs, is they have so many more driving conveniences than the earlier cars, and are more comfortable, and quiet on the roads. You won't get the same amount of envied looks from other people, but this is about what makes YOU happy, not them.
Black, bumperless, 78 Z with MSA superturbo system, K/N cone filter, ported intake, and exhaust manifolds.....15.9 @87 mph.
A:
ditto.
the 79-83 280zx is a "real" car. with 21 gallon gas tank, 4 wheel disc brakes, better aerodynamics, brighter lights, readable gauges, better electricals, better a/c-heat.
it's close to the 240-280 in styling and make for a good daily driver (cheaper too).
i drive my 79 zx every day.
79 280ZX -The best selling sports car of all time
A:
How much do you know about cars and how much do you like working on them. If you don't answer "a lot" on both counts, you may be better off with something newer.
Personally, I consider my '76 280 one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. But it took a lot of time to get her that way. I decided to keep the original engine (I had a newer spare), but instead of chasing glitches and leaks all the time, I ended up replacing ALL the gaskets and seals (except the rear seal), the whole timing assembly (new chain, sprockets, guides) and the usual new plugs, wires, cap, filters, etc. She also got a new fuel pressure regulator and new fuel pump, as well as various replacement sensors and other components (AAR, thermotime, etc.) that I collected in batches at half-off day at the junkyard and made sure were good. The car is currently my daily driver, starts fine even on the coldest mornings and gets in low-20 mileage if I keep my foot out of it. Just drove 375 miles last week and no probs whatsoever (well, except I think the BCDD is going out. Another story...)
I have also owned an '82 280ZX and characterize the first and second-gen models this way:
First gen (240-280Z) — Pros — looks, reliability (with work), less gee-gaws to go bad, simpler and more elemental to drive and work on, sports car feel. Cons: stupid-hard low-speed steering (no power steering ever installed in these models), marginal brakes, exhaust fume problem, harsh ride even stock, 4-speed only on early cars.
Second Gen (1979-1983 280ZX) — Pros: Cushy ride, electric windows/mirrors, T-tops, power steering, more powerful engine (slightly), 5-speed trannies, better engine management (O2 circuit, fuel rail fan cooler, etc.). Cons: cushy ride, T-tops, electric everything (lots to go wrong), heavier car, weird trailing arm rear suspension, not as sporty a driver (although it can be made that way).
Hope this helps.
'76 280Z driver, '75 parts car
A:
yea,
it can take a lot of work to go...
from this:
to this:
79 280ZX -The best selling sports car of all time
A:
You never buy a vintage car for performance. Even a modern front wheel drive hot hatch will embarass it on a race track.
I think the series I 240Z is the most reliable because it was the simplest. Once you iron out the rough edges and get the car to run properly, there are not too many things that can break on the first 240Z.
Performance is all relative. With a bit of work, almost anything is possible with these cars.
Also the 240Z has great handling balance. Even in the 60's, Nissan knew how to make a properly handling car. It will push and understeer until you provoke power oversteer. That's perfect by my standards!
1971 240Z
"Fear is exciting for me." -Ayrton Senna
A:
You never buy a vintage car for performance. Even a modern front wheel drive hot hatch will embarass it on a race track.
Unless you juice one up with an L28ET or one of the turboed RB series engines, or something comparable in power.
God must love stupid people, he made SOOOOO many of them!
A:
hmmm, i have a lot more to think about now. i don't know too much about these cars (i guess that's obvious) but i love working on cars. i'm still learning a lot of stuff though, so i wouldn't be capable of doing serious restoration. but, i'm eager to learn. i like the 240, 260, and 280z's more, and they look easier to work on, which i would love, but, if a 280zx is a better car for an entrance into the z world, i'm cool with that too. i think it will actually come down to what i can find a better deal on, since money is a large factor. performance wise, i want the car to have a nice response with some power. i don't really street race at all, i just want something that won't leave me hanging on an acceleration ramp.
i like barracudas.
i own a firebird.
i want a z.
A:
oh, i have an additional question. what are insurance rates on these cars like (relative to other cars, not taking into account age, sex, blah blah blah, since that applies to all cars)? i'm not talking historical insurance either, since i want a daily driver. and while we're at it, i mine as well ask what gas mileage is like for z cars.
i like barracudas.
i own a firebird.
i want a z.
A:
If you are looking for reliablity in a daily driver with limited knowledge on z's and mechanics in general, i wouldn't suggest any zcar unless you are willing to spend a lot of money and have a lot of frustration/fun learning the car. The older z's are OLD, very reliable in great condition, very rarely in great condition, and the less old ones are just going to have more electrical problems, peaking with the older z32's which you don't seem interested in. The key is to be realistic in your expectations and find one that is very well taken care of with a knowledgable owner. If your budget isn't high enough to satisfy this, I'd rethink getting a z.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT
A:
as far as reliability goes, are they that much more unreliable then your average 20-30 year old car? i'm kinda getting the drift that these cars are out of commision for a large majority of their life.
i like barracudas.
i own a firebird.
i want a z.
A:
I wouldn't say that are more unreliable than your average 20-30 year old car, infact I'd say they are about as reliable as a 20-30 year old car gets. If you even ask if a 20-30 year old car has reliability issues, you probably have a lot to learn about old cars in general.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT
A:
go with a car you will not get tired of, a 240z
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas
A:
When it's running, you'll love it. When you take it down for an upgrade, you'll love it & be excitedly waiting for parts & to have it back running. No Z has ever left me on the side of the road. Most on this site have multiple Zs - running & various states of non-running & for parts cars. Doing a tranny swap or valve job is routine. They're not hard to work on. The bugs & cures are known. I've got the suspension out now so 4 yr old son says "Blue Z car broken. Daddy fix it. Can't keep him out of my tools. How much is that worth. I've got ther cars to drive but don't like any as much.
Anyone can drive a new car.
A:
Don't read the posts in this forum and let yourself get discouraged, Most of the posts are from car owners who have a problem and need advice. Those of us who have ironed out all the problems years ago, don't generally post every day that "the car ran great today". Yea, they are reliable, but most of the used ones for sale have issues that need to be addressed.
Black, bumperless, 78 Z with MSA superturbo system, K/N cone filter, ported intake, and exhaust manifolds.....15.9 @87 mph.
A:
Because you have limited $$$, I can't recommend an old car of any type. Face reality and just buy a late model Jap. car w/ 6 cyl. engine. If you insure an old Z and have an accident, you will be screwed by the insurance co. no matter what. Also, any money you pour into an old car is lost forever. Ya got to luvs it or its a no go. Just like a broad. You pick 'em up, take 'em out and you either get something from them or they blow you off. But, its still fun and you keep on doin' it.
Rusty but running.
Polish cell phone and two tubes of Aluma-seal.
And, now we are historic.
A:
Mileage varies quite a bit. Check the archives in the tech section as this subject has been covered numerous times. Low to mid 20s is about average if you keep to the speed limit and have a 5-speed. There are claims as high as the low 30s but I have a hard time believing them.
The best course of action may be to purchase a cheap non-Z driver that will serve as 'backup' for any Z you get. That way, if the Z breaks down, you can get where you need to while you figure out how to fix the Z. As mentioned, they are not that hard if you are even remotely familiar with internal combustion, and the first-gens are a dream to work on as 90% of everything under the hood is easily accessible. There are all kinds of fixes and upgrades for all parts of the car that will keep you busy and enthused.
I would say that Z cars are no less reliable than any other 30-year-old car. But a '76 Nova with a carb and solid rear axle was a pretty simple machine compared to a '76 Z with fuel injection and independent suspension. However, if you're willing to 'settle' for junkyard and chain-store parts, Z cars are as cheap as any old Chev or Ford to keep running. You also have the option of purchasing genuine Nissan parts for many times more dollars, but they are excellent quality parts. You should also know that the L-series straight six engines in Z cars are almost impossible to kill. They're like the energizer bunny of engines.
Insurance for my '76 is around $65 per quarter, which isn't bad. Then again, I'm way beyond high-risk age.
Obviously, the more you have to spend, the better car you will get right "out of the box" and the more time you will have to enjoy driving it rather than working on it.
The Zs are fun cars and well worth the time and effort to keep them running. I thing everyone should try one.
'76 280Z driver, '75 parts car
A:
i can't say i like any other japanese cars, especially any ones made after the 80's (except maybe a WRX). i know insurance would kill me if i got into an accident, but i don't plan on getting in an accident, and i highly doubt insurance on one of these cars would be higher then on my newer, faster f-body, but i was wondering if it would be the same or lower. that's why i asked. from what i've been reading though, it sounds like most of you think i should wait until i have more money and knowledge. i don't mind putting money into a car...i enjoy working on cars. i don't think i'll get much more knowledge about these cars until i actually own one and start working on it myself. i mean, its not like i don't know anything, i just thought it would be a good idea to ask z owners if i should buy a z. lol, from some of the responses, i got what i was hoping for. from the other half, i got the impression that z cars are money pits that i might be able to take a stab at when i'm older. so, i think i'm pretty much in the mindset of keeping my firebird until a nice deal comes along.
i like barracudas.
i own a firebird.
i want a z.
A:
Get the best you can find and afford. You are always going to have to fix up an old car, but then check what you would pay and repair on a newer car.
In the end just get what strikes your fancy (if you're into having your fancy struck).
Owning and driving a Z no matter what they look like is a thrill. Join or hang around a local Z club, get more advise and probabaly you'll find a better affordable Z through the clubs that have been taken care of.
This site will help you on any tech stuff you need.
Drive the car, experience the car, be the car - because it will get to you - look at how many different cars are owned by the people posting here - they are Z car fanatics (fans!) for a very good reason.
A so -so Z is better than no Z at all.
Ed and Jeanne's
ZXelda 1981 280 ZXT: ZXena 1990 300 ZX
1941 Buick Special Sedanette (Betty)
1956 Dodge Royal (Dorothy)
1971 Buick Riviera (Rita)
1975 Ford F-150 Stepside (Fiona)
1992 Firebird (Frieda)
A:
I only paid $1000 for my Z and haven't had a single problem with it. So there is the chance that you get lucky.
1972 240z w/L28, tokico shocks and springs, and a 5 speed waiting. Also running high performance ultra mega blinker fluid, that's at least an extra 50hp to the wheels.
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo 5-speed. Belongs to me until my friend get's back from Iraq.
A:
And on the other side of that I paid $2000 for mine and it's been nothing but problems. It was my daily driver for a while though, regardless of the problems it did keep on trucking. Of course now she's off the road in order to restore and build up, but I say go for it. I think they are well worth the time, money and frustration for the love of driving a real sports car. These cars were built to compete and that they do very well. No matter how fast the market of autos get, you can always put more money in and get more speed and more power out, just like anything else. You can't go spend 5 grand on a corvette and expect a power house performance vehicle. 5 grand will get you a baseline mid to late 80's vette. I think the best way to look at these cars is that they are 20-30 years old and they are more common placed than a similar year vette or other muscle car in stock, never been rebuilt form. Try finding a mustang from 77 with no mods all stock never rebuilt that still runs. It's a lot harder than finding a similar Z. They are reliable cars for their age. I wish everyone could own a Z at some point in their life. We would probably have more of them around if people did.
______________________________________________________________________________
77 280Z - TEC3 Engine Management, Coil Packs, 3.1 Stroker, 550CC injectors, tripple throttle body FI intake, MSA Stage II Cam, etc...etc...
79 Fairlady - Rusty
81 280ZX - DD
A:
ok, thank you very much for the imput. i think i'm going to look for a first gen z (idk if that is the lingo used here, i mean 240, 260, or 280z up until 83?). mostly for a 240z, since they appear to be easiest to work on and they look like an awesome amount of fun to drive. i have no idea when i'll get one, and if i find a nice 2nd gen camaro before a nice z, then i might have to put the z off longer, but i'm pretty determined to get one. i'll keep a sharp eye though, and heed everyone's warnings and try not to jump into a car that isn't the right one for me. the hobby aspect of always working on the car really appeals to me. don't worry, one day i'll be a fellow z owner.
on a side note, naviathan, i noticed you own an xjs. lol, i actually looked at one of those before my bird, but i decided i couldn't afford jag parts. either way, i think they look really nice. the v12's gotta sound nice.
i like barracudas.
i own a firebird.
i want a z.
A:
The first generation Z body style is considered the 70-78 Zs with inline 6
The second generation Z is considered the 79-83 280ZXs with inline 6
Black, bumperless, 78 Z with MSA superturbo system, K/N cone filter, ported intake, and exhaust manifolds.....15.9 @87 mph.
A:
CKelly78Z wrote:
> The first generation Z body style is considered the 70-78 Zs
> with inline 6
>
> The second generation Z is considered the 79-83 280ZXs with
> inline 6
>
thank you. i was wondering that, since the body style didn't really change until the 300zx came out. i mean, didn't change drastically, like say, camaro generations differ from one another.
i like barracudas.
i own a firebird.
i want a z.
A:
No body panels or interior peices fit from a 1st gen car to a 2nd gen car. Other than the drivetrain, the 79 ZX is a totally new car compared to the 78.
The 70-83 forum on this site caters more to the drivetrain, and related systems than the rest of the car.
Black, bumperless, 78 Z with MSA superturbo system, K/N cone filter, ported intake, and exhaust manifolds.....15.9 @87 mph.
A:
I bought a 240Z one year ago, and besides the battery running out which was my fault, it has never left me stranded. I dont know an amazing amount about working on cars, but i must have gotten lucky cuz i dont have a single complaint about my car right now. It's my daily driver everyday and has never in the year that i've owned it just randomly crapped out on me or anything. Good luck man. I like barracudas too, and i would have got one of those cept the price SKYROCKETED recently....
now im looking at the early datsun roadsters.....
youth is wasted on the young