Newbie dropping by

[Bolts]

Fellow Z fans, how are you all?

 

My names Nick and I'm one of those guys who hasn't got a Z of his own yet but I'm out looking for one as we speak.  Since I find myself browsing this site almost every day, it seemed about time I introduced myself 

 

I'm new to the...how do I say... classic car scene, I guess. My last 2 cars were built jeep wranglers with 35 inch rubber, so a Datsun Z is a whole new world for me, but one which I want to jump right into. I guess the good side of owning the wranglers, other than the fun off-road factor, was that I learnt very fast how to fix it and find my way around the engine pretty quickly.

 

I have one quick question while I'm here. I've looked on Wikipedia and various different sites explaining the history and differences between the 240z and the 260z Other than the engine increase and some minor cosmetic and chassis changes, is there any real difference between the 240z and 260z, or any reason why one is better than the other? I only ask because I want to make the right decision when buying one. I'm only after a 2 seater because I have a plan to set it up for Targa and various races but also I'm thinking about the rareness if you can call it that, and the most important reason that I just love the look of the 2 seater. So sleek and simple, just need to find one haha.

 

I know once you modify a car it loses its originality, but there is always the option of keeping the original parts and returning it to original condition.

 

Well it's 1am so I should get some sleep. I'm in Sydney so I'll look up when the next meets on and catch a few of you there 

[Patch]

Welcome Bolts, The biggest difference you will notice if you get a chance to drive both is the 240z has a shorter stroke crank which makes the car fly and throw you back in the seat,likes to rev and is great fun to drive, the car will do 125mph standard and runs out of horsepower not revs, small mods brings it up to 145mph and 6.0 sec 0-60mph going by my book.

 

The 260z has the same bore but larger stroke crank,huge difference in performance and great for the wife and kids but nowhere near as fun to drive.

The 280z has the same stroke as the 260 but bigger bore, just a big pig of a motor and used for the 4x4 Nissan patrols, I have no idea why some one would want to put one of these into a 240z. Mind you all the parts are interchangeable and have read you can make a 280 quick with a 240 crank and rods.

 

All motors came with forged steel cranks and good rods , the 240z has huge racing history and will be the more collectable one to buy.

If you check Redbook you will see a 240z is worth 3 times its new price while a 260z is worth the same as new price.

 

Tail lights have a huge difference in replacement costs.

[MaygZ]

Welcome Bolts.  Enjoy the hunt for your car.

 

Regarding which is better; it's swings and merry-go-rounds in my books.  Yes the L24 revs faster so sounds good and can be a little more responsive.  The very early 240s are also lighter.

 

The 260s are a bit stronger in the chassis, so are possibly better for engine swaps.  There are slight differences in the suspension that can better support the increased weight.

 

As far as engines go; the L24 spins faster - which is fun.

 

The L26 is an engine I wouldn't use as it doesn't spin as fast as the the L24 and doesn't have the HP or torque of the L28.

 

The L28 is simply more powerful in HP and Torque than both the others.  It can be made to spin pretty quickly by lightening some heavy parts - like flywheel.  Some of the guys with big budgets are getting some impressive numbers out of an L28 NA - there is always the option of turbo.

 

Again it the $1M question of what you want to do with the car???

 

I would suggest getting your head around ALL the Targa rules before you do anything.  If that is what you are interested in doing with it, the rules will guide your decisions.

 

I, like you, prefer the 2 seater's shape, but there are some quick 2+2s out there.  I'm sure I've even seen a pretty competitive 2+2 in the Targa.  The cheaper car purchase can then offset the cost of some of the mods you want to do - if money is ever an issue for you 

[Bolts]

Thanks for the info Patch and MaygZ.  After reading through your suggestions, it's cemented my thoughts on getting a 240z. The rules for Targa and other races seem to look more positive for a 240z as well. To hear the L24 revs hard and hearing that it's a fairly easy engine to maintain adds to my keenness for the 240z.

 

So now off to find the 240z haha.

 

Thanks again for the info, it really helped clear a few things up.

[Zedman240®]

Welcome Nick,

If you ask me, any multiple throttle L series engine sounds good to me! Any zed you will come across will give you a smile when you have set it up the way you want. Good luck on the hunt and keep your ear glued to the ground for anything that comes up!