A&Q about 350Z
Q:
In the world of Roadsters, is a 1964 1500 a more or less desirable model?
I've always wanted a 2000 but I found a 1500 in great shape.
Thanks!
A:
Not as much as a 67 2000 LHD!
1972 240Z always in progress
***WARNING*** MY POSTS MAY CONTAIN SARCASM
A:
The 2000 costs insanely more amounts then the 1500 and 1600 to rebuild because most engine parts are NLA, if I remember correctly....
I want to find a nice roadster with a blown engine to swap in a CA18DET!
Mario
1976 280Z - Dad's Z (turbo swap?)
1978 280Z - Stock Rebuild | 5 Speed | Twice Pipes | Gutted
1982 280ZX - Turbo | MSnS-E | 5 Speed | Large NPR IC
BROKE: Will build computers, webpages, networks, MS units, troubleshoot computers for money
A:
The 1500 is a cool little car but doesn't have the following the later 1600, 1800, and 2000's have to answer your question.
1972 240Z always in progress
***WARNING*** MY POSTS MAY CONTAIN SARCASM
A:
That is a very rare car. Does it have the third seat in the back? It has less power than the 1600 and the 2000, but it should drive ok. You could always swap in an SR20. Regarding the 2000 engine, they are more trouble than they are worth IMO. I have heard you could bore and stroke the 1600 out to a 2000 and avoid all the overhead cam chain problems.
Now Z-less
89 Mazda MX-6 GT Turbo 5 speed
88 Mazda MX-6 GT Turbo Automatic
05 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins 4x4
A:
I seem to remember the suspension is vastly different than the 2000. I'll look it up in my Nissan/Datsun Buyers Guide and get back to you tomorrow.
02/1976 280Z
An amateur trying to restore the Z. I should have taken the blue pill!
A:
Check out datsun.org
Now Z-less
89 Mazda MX-6 GT Turbo 5 speed
88 Mazda MX-6 GT Turbo Automatic
05 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins 4x4
A:
all good tips, but still unsure
are you saying the 1500 is easier to restore, thats a plus
A:
Only 3,148 1500 SPL-310s were sold in the US, so it is very rare indeed.
Some differences it has from the 2000:
1500 1st gear is not syncro, 4 wheel drum brakes versus discs up front on the 1600/2000. Nissan went to an OHC on the 2000 engine to put HP to 135 and torque to 145 (versus 85 and 92). The 2000 actually had a 5 speed. They all weighed close to only 2000 pounds, and with a little rust it should be even lighter!
They do share the same chassis, and I was wrong about a big difference in suspension.
I saw an old ad for the 1500, and back then Datsun issued a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty on their new cars with the note"(these specifications are subject to change without notification)"--I just thought that was interesting trivia.
02/1976 280Z
An amateur trying to restore the Z. I should have taken the blue pill!
A:
I doubt the 1500 is going to be easier to restore as there were fewer of them made. I think many parts are the same as the later years, but I cannot say for sure. The 1600 is much easier to find parts for. I had three 1600's and my father had a few of them. For the money you'd invest in an old roadster nowadays you could build up a fast Miata.
Now Z-less
89 Mazda MX-6 GT Turbo 5 speed
88 Mazda MX-6 GT Turbo Automatic
05 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins 4x4
A:
I've got all 3 in front of me, and it does appear the 1500 has a BIG difference in the suspension... err wheel base. Try bolting a set of stock 1600 or 2000 wheels and tires onto a 1500 and they will rub. The later roadsters had a shortened rear axle from the looks of it. They had special set of offset wheels for the 1500. Also only the 64's had a third seat as the 65 in front of me has only 2 seats. 4 wheel steel drums.
I have in front of me 65 1500, 66 1600(X2), 67 1600(X2), 69 2000, and 68 2000.
side note:
2000's had a upgraded frame. They were reinforced and strengthened. 1500 and 1600 were the same as far as I can tell. Later 1600 and 2000 had a anti-axle wrap link on passenger side(post 66?).
this info is based on 7 cars I have been in close contact with and a help from a few roadster racing friends. Carbs were different style SU's for all 3 models... Solex option being excluded.
Brake system was upgraded in 67 from 1 reservoir to 2 reservoir master cylinder and a proportioning valve.
That is all I have found out thus far....
Oh anyone else notice the 11mm and 13mm nuts and bolts all over these cars... What gives?
Transmissions were all different to. 5spd in the 2000 had a detachable bell housing like the early 240Zs, no idea exactly the difference yet, but there were at least 2 types of 4 spd. Appearently you can spot the difference by the shifter hole to make it easy.
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Post Edited (Aug 11, 11:53pm)
A:
What's a 1800?