Datsun 240z advice?
Discussion
I've been looking to change the 944 for something similiar but different,so I test drove a 1973 240z that had a 260z 2.8 engine swap,triple webers ,janspeed manifold, exhaust,lightened flywheel,fast road cam etc,etc.Owner claims it has about 200bhp. Mechanically the car seemed very good, although the Webers needed setting up properly,(low rpm flatspot) pulled like a train once over about 2500/3000 rpm and sounded gorgeous
The car had been restored fairly recently, but some rust coming through the rear arches, but in all I would say the car was pretty solid but needed some interior and exterior finishing ,and I would consider it to be slightly above average condition.
Any PH'ers have experience of the 240z?,They seem to be thin on the ground these days, and prices seem to vary wildly. Any info much appreciated.
Cheers, J
The car had been restored fairly recently, but some rust coming through the rear arches, but in all I would say the car was pretty solid but needed some interior and exterior finishing ,and I would consider it to be slightly above average condition.
Any PH'ers have experience of the 240z?,They seem to be thin on the ground these days, and prices seem to vary wildly. Any info much appreciated.
Cheers, J
I have a bit of 'Big-Z' experience from a long time ago when I used to rally in the works cars.
With the spec you are looking at the engine should be fine, although, IIRC, the crankshaft was a bit suspect at sustained very high revs (typ. 6500+). The potential problem with a 200 bhp+ engine is the drive line, especially the diff. If the gearbox and diff are the original Datsun units be very careful. It may be possible to source stronger bits and I suggest that the best person to contact is Lawrence Evans on 01530 812218. He's a real Big-Z specialist and rallies one himself as well as selling/preparing them for others.
I do hope this helps. The 'Z' is a super car.
Peter Valentine
With the spec you are looking at the engine should be fine, although, IIRC, the crankshaft was a bit suspect at sustained very high revs (typ. 6500+). The potential problem with a 200 bhp+ engine is the drive line, especially the diff. If the gearbox and diff are the original Datsun units be very careful. It may be possible to source stronger bits and I suggest that the best person to contact is Lawrence Evans on 01530 812218. He's a real Big-Z specialist and rallies one himself as well as selling/preparing them for others.
I do hope this helps. The 'Z' is a super car.
Peter Valentine
How bad's the rust?
Sort of a dumb question, rust is never good.
This could be an OK car if you don't pay too much for it, and depending on how bad the rust is, and if you want to just run it as-is, vs. fix the rust right (which is hard and might be better off waiting for an un-rusted car.
These are a long, narrow car that offer a rather unique driving experience, they don't feel like any other car I have ever driven.
Engine is typical great Japanese quality, although with the hop-up bits depends on how well they were installed, the flat spot in the carburation is a bit off-putting since the current owner should put that right if he knows how.
That said I have bought cars in terrible state of tune and it was rewarding personally and financially to put them right.
Sort of a dumb question, rust is never good.
This could be an OK car if you don't pay too much for it, and depending on how bad the rust is, and if you want to just run it as-is, vs. fix the rust right (which is hard and might be better off waiting for an un-rusted car.
These are a long, narrow car that offer a rather unique driving experience, they don't feel like any other car I have ever driven.
Engine is typical great Japanese quality, although with the hop-up bits depends on how well they were installed, the flat spot in the carburation is a bit off-putting since the current owner should put that right if he knows how.
That said I have bought cars in terrible state of tune and it was rewarding personally and financially to put them right.
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