Datsun of a gun Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 (edited) Good afternoon! My names John, been a lover of the 240z ever since I laid eyes on one as a teenager and thought to myself "now that's an affordable classic" (10 years may have changed that) Many years ago I discovered this website and was amazed at the wealth of information, although the prospect of getting my hands on a Z may still be a few years in the future (only a wee 26 year old lad with washers instead of coins in my wallet), I thought I'd become active here until that time. I wanted to ask a few basic questions and get opinions to see if my dream of ownership is realistic. Apologies if these have been asked elsewhere, thought it would be a good way to interact with you all, and begin to turn this dream into a reality Q1 - thoughts on the car's safety on the road as a daily driver? I'd love to daily drive an early Datsun but I'm a bit worried about my wellbeing if an accident occurred. I want to restomod and install a roll cage / other safety measures if possible, but is there still a high risk given the nature of the car being 70s era. Would I be ok? And what's the plausibility of having it as a daily driver? Or are these old dogs only really meant to be taken for a walk every weekend these days. Q2 - should I wait to find the right deal locally or bite the bullet for a decent one internationally? I've heard that customs are not the most forgiving with international purchases, and wanted to get opinions on where best to purchase. On one hand... Better buyer security locally but limited options, on the other.... Big mark up on shipping here (not sure on the percentage) but better choice. What's the most practical? Q3 - opinions on good engines for engine swaps? I love the sound of the Datsuns straight 6, but would consider an engine swap if there are some that retain that amazing sound (or improve it) and offer more ponies. Any suggestions? Thanks for reading my autobiography if you got this far, looking forward to interacting with you all more often ❤️ Edited March 9, 2022 by Datsun of a gun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240ZBUILTBYME Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 hi John Q1- not a daily driver, not safe, you live in Melbourne where it rains a lot, rain and datsuns = rust Q2- locally Q3- there's this amazing site called google, if you type 240z engine swaps into it you will be bored before you can read half of the results. Do your own research as much as possible before posting questions, people wont respond otherwise. most questions have already been asked and answered. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliphips Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 hi John, as per 240zbuiltbyme. 240z is the most expensive 260z two seater next most expensive 260z 2+2 roughly half the price of a 240z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240ZBUILTBYME Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 and a 280zx is half the price of a 260z 2+2. if you're on a tight budget a 280zx is a great option. you can get a really good condition car for 20k. go for a series 2 car. They look good once lowered with bigger wheels, amazing interior, you get an L28 motor. They're a bit slow in a straight line but handle well with some bigger wheels and decent tyres and with some simple modifications are a really fun car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 If you go to the bother of buying one drive it that's the point of a car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilltech Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 Not sure why replies are being posted almost 8 months late as it were..... gav240z 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 its raining! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.A.R. Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 I doubt we'll see the OP again - hasn't visited since Sep 4... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240ZBUILTBYME Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 19 hours ago, gilltech said: Not sure why replies are being posted almost 8 months late as it were..... Firstly I was bored at work and no one bothered to reply 8 months ago secondly I know what it’s like being the new guy. You guys are scary old men! Lol but mostly boredom…. gilltech and gav240z 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilltech Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 Quote Q1- not a daily driver, not safe, you live in Melbourne where it rains a lot, rain and datsuns = rust Q2- locally Q3- there's this amazing site called google, if you type 240z engine swaps into it you will be bored before you can read half of the results. Do your own research as much as possible before posting questions, people wont respond otherwise. most questions have already been asked and answered. I think you've summed it up very well. Every car and every enthusiast's situation is unique, so no point in going any further when the OP can simply do his own research and figure out for himself whether to take it further or drop the idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators gav240z Posted October 31, 2022 Administrators Share Posted October 31, 2022 On 10/29/2022 at 2:45 PM, 240ZBUILTBYME said: secondly I know what it’s like being the new guy. You guys are scary old men! Lol The correct nomenclature is to refer to us as Datsun weird beards. gilltech and 240ZBUILTBYME 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.