Hoo Posted July 11, 2016 Posted July 11, 2016 Hi guys my name is joel i am from Melbourne, I want my dream car and i really wanna do it soon i have researched a few days now and really not getting any further for my question i need answered. Im really interested in doing a 240-260z ect build or buy.... I am sure this has been covered 1000 times and i have looked though out this forum and usa ones.. All very handy but not an answer i need to go ahead next will be calling a few shops (if anyone can recommend who is good at builds with this sexy ass car) 'local of course. I want a every daily street car rb25det conversion or ls1 conversion undecided open to ideas on any engine I want to have very new interior seats new gauges and a nice paint job.. And reliable. From all your experiences it may be hard to answer what costs am i looking at... And i am VERY VERY in experienced with tools so i will want a shop to take car of it all. I have found a car all restored paint no rust ready to drop an engine in my budget is 35 max can it be done? Including the car. The Last thing i want to do is commit and i can only get half way done and i am stuck driving my mums alto!! For a year Haha.... Also if anyone is selling please let me know i have exhausted my google search engine Thank you very much any info is welcome.. Quote
Administrators gav240z Posted July 11, 2016 Administrators Posted July 11, 2016 If you are not going to do any of the work yourself. You should probably buy this.. http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Datsun-240Z-1973/SSE-AD-4118194/?Cr=0 It will likely work out cheaper. CBR Jeff 1 Quote
CBR Jeff Posted July 11, 2016 Posted July 11, 2016 If you are not going to do any of the work yourself. You should probably buy this..http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Datsun-240Z-1973/SSE-AD-4118194/?Cr=0It will likely work out cheaper. Good advice Gav. Quote
600Z Posted July 12, 2016 Posted July 12, 2016 Hi Joel, Your saying you have found a car, so the question is really how much to do a conversion with a RB or LS is going to be am I right? So my advice would be to take the price of the car you have found off your 35k budget, list what needs to be done or you would like done and give your budget of the remaining funds. Example car 15k then you have 20k to play with for the mods etc. There are engine conversion kits for RBs and LS engines online, check prices of a good secondhand RB or LS engine with wiring and computer. Drop into a couple of mechanics, exhaust and auto electrictions and see if the can give you a bit of an idea what they would charge etc. Always add extra as it will always cost more. As you have a budget like all of us do what needs to be done to get it on the road and catch up with interior etc down the track. Hope that helps as there is no real answer apart from there will be plenty of other hidden costs as all the little items very quickly add up and having others do the work their time will be a very large part of that. Hope it works out for you. Hoo 1 Quote
74zzz Posted July 12, 2016 Posted July 12, 2016 (edited) A few days research? bloke you are in for a shock:) these car a worth decent money now and if you cut one up you will end up loosing big. Why molest a z when you can buy a reliable 350z for 35k? most probably supercharged our twin turbo'd? it's not a matter of dropping a motor in and away you go.........its suspension, diffs, driveshafts brakes, rust, body work.......so realistically you want a shell and you have to pretty much rebuild the entire car.....plus you want to daily drive it so it will all need to be done right and be reliable... 35 will get you a shell that needs work and the engine conversion. to do what you want if you can't do it yourself you can almost triple what you are thinking of spending. Get in touch with the bloke who built the rb26 260z that you have probably seen on youtube.....he's on here also......this is a car that has had everything done plus a ripping engine.......i think you may faint.....as his suspension/brake setup alone will set you back 10 grand plus shipping........... buy this instead.....http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Datsun-260Z-1974/SSE-AD-3437344/?Cr=1 its been for sale for a while probably because it's too modified for most who want a z and he may drop the price decently to get it sold Edited July 12, 2016 by 74zzz 260DET 1 Quote
260DET Posted July 12, 2016 Posted July 12, 2016 Good advice 74zzz. It looks like the market for modified Zeds is not doing as well as originals now, as is so for most higher priced makes these days it's the originals which are likely to hold and appreciate in value. The modded Z you linked looks pretty good for the money. Quote
dat2kman Posted July 12, 2016 Posted July 12, 2016 Start with a 2+2 version, either a 260Z, or a 280Z. Quote
CroS13 Posted July 12, 2016 Posted July 12, 2016 If you settle for a 280zx, it might be achievable with your budget. Pay 10k for a immaculate 280zx, and 25k should cover your conversion.ORSpend 35k and get the best 240-260z you can. enjoy it for what it is, and save again for your engine and conversion. At least you can drive the car instead of mums alto while you save.ORSettle for a 2+2, i dare say 20-25k could get you a pretty decent 2+2, and then you would be a little ways there in regards to your engine swap.These are pretty much your only options buddy.Or spend 5k on tools and learn on the car yourself, its only nuts and bolts after all.Rudi. 600Z 1 Quote
260DET Posted July 12, 2016 Posted July 12, 2016 People will laugh at this suggestion but why not cover every option, no matter how remote. S2 Z31 with five stud wheels. Strong drive train needs only a LSD, Quaife make one. Brakes are not bad standard, suspension will need a rebuild, wide wheels to make it look tough. So all you are really up for is the engine and transmission, as the engine compartment was designed to take a V engine a V8 exhaust system should fit in easily (cheaply). I've got a bit of modding experience and have bought a S2 Z31 for race car V8 auto conversion. Rear suspension is a challenge for that purpose but for road use springs, Bilsteins and poly bushes are all available. Hokin 1 Quote
Hokin Posted July 12, 2016 Posted July 12, 2016 Following on From Richards (260DET) comments about the Z31 they made a 200ZR which had an RB20 in it (Similar to the R32 GTST). That would work also and would give you an RB engine to start of with. Not to mention it will give you all the electric's (Windows/Mirrors) and other creature comforts. Depends on why do you want the S30Z platform to start with? Track? Spirited driving on weekends? I would check on the HybridZ forum with regards to your goals and see what people have done to achieve this objective. You may encounter something that would be more to your liking. Also check out the recent build for the Green Hornet over in the US (engine built in Australia), this will give you an idea of what an unmolested Z that is a road driven sports car can do when built correctly. <- Lurch can give you lots of details Hoo 1 Quote
Administrators gav240z Posted July 12, 2016 Administrators Posted July 12, 2016 Cheapest way into an S30Z is to buy a rust free North American 280z 2 seater and import it across and leave it as LHD. It will likely cost you close to $20,000 AUD by the time it's imported and on the road, however you can easily remove those bumpers and it will look just like our late 260z's. Having driven 1 now in LHD configuration it takes a little getting used to but it's the same experience really. You might be able to put an RB25 in it for around $15k on top? Although once all is said and done probably cost you closer to $20k for the engine conversion. Quote
260DET Posted July 12, 2016 Posted July 12, 2016 There was a black two seat 200ZR for sale a while ago, pretty cool looking car. Quote
Hoo Posted July 13, 2016 Author Posted July 13, 2016 (edited) Thanks guys great answers! Really letting me know from your experience what is achieveable..! I am now turning towards a L28et the engine seems compatible with what i want to do and not as much fuss putting it in a 260 2+2 I spoke to a place in california that build engines and they said to me they can build me a 400hp turbo restored l28et for 4k usd and $1200 shipping so near 7k for a pretty good performance engine that can bolt right in? Excuse me if i am incorrect i have always been a fan of the 2xxz but never really learnt about them so i an catching up on every second i have free and reading. These engines seem very strong and sound bad ass, i have found a 2+2 for 15k painted rust free so thinking l28et 7k car 15k is 22k leaves me 13k to upgrade suspension wheels / bearings/ lsd? Seats gauges rwc exhaust, has anyone ran these engines on e85? I am really interested in going flex fuel with haltech anyways im many hours of reading behind! Haha but i have a few places to call who spesalise in nissan 240z ect in vic glen iris so great that this shop is dedicated to mostly these cars and performances. I hope this engine would have forged internals anyways thats the road i may take.. I do need to add in time for mechanics what may chew up some of that 13k "spare" for other things i guess i really nees to speak to a team who can help me achieve this.. Edit how much can the stock trannys handle? Would it be worth getting a different gearbox and getting a connector plate made. 300kw atrw is my goal and this wilwood breaks look awesome!! Edited July 13, 2016 by Hoo Hoo 1 Quote
Hoo Posted July 13, 2016 Author Posted July 13, 2016 If you are not going to do any of the work yourself. You should probably buy this.. http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Datsun-240Z-1973/SSE-AD-4118194/?Cr=0 It will likely work out cheaper. This is my dream... If i had 80k i would jump over this in a second over any other car no shit... Quote
Hoo Posted July 13, 2016 Author Posted July 13, 2016 Hi Joel, Your saying you have found a car, so the question is really how much to do a conversion with a RB or LS is going to be am I right? So my advice would be to take the price of the car you have found off your 35k budget, list what needs to be done or you would like done and give your budget of the remaining funds. Example car 15k then you have 20k to play with for the mods etc. There are engine conversion kits for RBs and LS engines online, check prices of a good secondhand RB or LS engine with wiring and computer. Drop into a couple of mechanics, exhaust and auto electrictions and see if the can give you a bit of an idea what they would charge etc. Always add extra as it will always cost more. As you have a budget like all of us do what needs to be done to get it on the road and catch up with interior etc down the track. Hope that helps as there is no real answer apart from there will be plenty of other hidden costs as all the little items very quickly add up and having others do the work their time will be a very large part of that. Hope it works out for you. Thank you for your help yes basically what i am after but now may go for the l28et, i guess as long as i get the mechanics good i can then start on looks over time wise thoughts! Quote
Hoo Posted July 14, 2016 Author Posted July 14, 2016 Engine $8000 l28et 400hp rebuilt in america Tran rebuilt 5 speed $2000 Ecu / tune $2000 E85 flex $2000 LSD $ $1500 Break kit $1800 Evo 9 recaros $1500 interoir $2000 dash gauges steering wheel. Coil overs $1000 Car restored painted $15000 Radiator Ball joints Rwc Trailer hire Garage hire. Insurrance What would be needed further more for a restore for 260z i have found a shop that can supply all of this pretty amazing and my old man agreed to help install these parts so will really help prices for this build and i can learn along the way, Would that pretty much get me on the road with a shell that is already drivable? Or am i missing 100 of little things my brain has no clue to think because i am not a mechanic!! Thank you for your help so far getting excited that this may be a reality soon Quote
74zzz Posted July 15, 2016 Posted July 15, 2016 (edited) still confused you still looking at a 2 seater? 15 grand will get the body done and painted but your list does not include purchase price? for a decent 260 2 seat you are looking at 15 grand these days so realistically you are looking at the cost of the one that is already done by a mechanic who has owned and loved on it for a decade......but if learning is what you are after go for it..... one of the biggest things most restorers get wrong is the budget My brother recently bought an lx a9x hatch replica that is 100% show quality and track ready for 45k from a mod shop in perth that is internationally recognized...... fully restomoded with 400kw ls1, built 6spd, full commodore suspension, hopper stopper brakes, air con, power steering, rotisserie, chromed and detailed to an inch of its life with a parts/reciepts list that he stopped counting at 120 grand find a great deal buy it and then add your own touches. doing a budget from research on the net is one thing reality is another unless you can do it all yourself and have mates rates connections. definitley having your dad help with all the labour will bring costs down......but you will find most of the money is body work and all of these zeds have rust, often expertly hidden by reasonably looking paint work. Remeber that 10 years ago these were worth sweet FA but were good cheap sports cars......this meant people cut corners, bogged up and thrashed them. Many have 10 year old paint that still looks ok but hides cancer of a car that was worth 5 grand at the time...... Edited July 15, 2016 by 74zzz Quote
CBR Jeff Posted July 15, 2016 Posted July 15, 2016 That is $36.8k plus a few items that will soon get you to $40k (it will end up more, always dose) plus a car. With $16k for body work and paint you are expecting to start with a car with minimum rust as about $7k of the $16k will go in the paint job. So a relatively good car will cost you over $20k ish possibly more. But until you start you just don't know what you will find. If you are after the enjoyment of making this your project and enjoying the ride then you are heading in the correct direction and have an understanding of the costs. But if not and want a car to drive now? Gav may have answered the question in the first post. Good luck. Jeff Quote
dat2kman Posted July 15, 2016 Posted July 15, 2016 Have seen a few " thats a good looking straight shell, couple small bit of rust" cars and shells, costing between $20,000 to $25,000 To be made rust free and right. CBR Jeff 1 Quote
Hoo Posted July 15, 2016 Author Posted July 15, 2016 I have found a car already restored for 16k 2+2 brand new paint job thinking of using that, i think 240z and 260z two seaters are out of the question unless i find a great deal.. @74zzz i understand completely what you are saying and my eye is out for a deal like that, i have found one in WA $32k and he has done everything i want to do besides paint and interior. I may suss that out the engine is awesome 220kw atrw l28et ! And get a decent wrx blue on it would be amazing and slowly work the intreroir, i know i have jumped in at the wrong time why why didnt i buy a 240z when i was 17!! Like i always wanted to and leave it parked in an old shed for 10 years ! Anyways is what it is. The shop i was talking to in america told me there a quite a few things different from 2+2 260z from the 260 240 280zx in america So i should be carfull what parts i order that sort of stuffed me up i thought it would generally be the same so that is gonna take a shit load of research unless it is well known big differences. Thought l28et bolt in 5 speeds would fit aus model lsd ect no problem? I may just lurk in these forums till some one puts a nice one for sale and jump on it ! All though me and my dad have always wanted to restore a 60z 70s muscle car Quote
260DET Posted July 15, 2016 Posted July 15, 2016 Unless you want to do a lot of the work yourself then get something already done. Most go for the mod themselves option because they can, plus it's cheaper to start. Anything else makes no value for money sense. There are not a lot of people looking for modded Zeds therefore it's a bit of a buyers market for you to take advantage of. Quote
mossy Posted July 15, 2016 Posted July 15, 2016 Is Craigs beast still for sale? http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/13678-craigs-v8-monster-260z-2-2-for-sale/ Quote
Moderators PB260Z Posted July 15, 2016 Moderators Posted July 15, 2016 Is Craigs beast still for sale? http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/13678-craigs-v8-monster-260z-2-2-for-sale/ I think Craig has sold it. It has been showing as "Sold" on carsales for week or two. Someone got a great car. Quote
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