77 2+2 or 82 zx

[positivetennis]

Looking at getting one of these cars as a weekend cruiser for under 10k, both are automatics. Both are in reasonable condition, was wondering which one would be the better choice if all things were considered equal. Will test drive this week to help make a decision but just wanted to know what people thought. Both cars are in original condition with clean bodies and standard mechanicals.

 

At present the way i see it is as follows:

 

280zx pros: More comfortable, better ride, fuel injection, air conditioned, higher safety, Ease of starting with fuel injection, better brakes

280zx cons: Heavier body, probably less desirable to some, maybe slower

 

260z pros: Sportier feel, less complication, 1st generation, less heavier car

260z cons: Carb issues, fume issues, heavier steering (but this doesn't bother me)

 

Thanks

[pauly_adams]

as a weekend cruser the 260z would be better as they are a bit more grumpy and more fun, but if you are ever considering it as a daily get a 280zx i have both these cars and the 280zx is much nice to drive on highways etc. it will realy come down to you personally i much prefer my 260z for windy stuff but all round my 280zx is much nicer. on a side note post some pics of them and if you do buy a 280zx get some series one tail lights they look heaps better

 

[260Coupe]

As far as performance (power) goes, you would be hard to pick which is better, the autos are the same three speed sludge box and the power very similar with the L28 having more torque to over come the extra weight. The fuel injection is generally trouble free and reliability should be first class if the car has been well maintained ...........the issue tends to be rust in the body, but both 260 and 280 can suffer from that.

 

My 280zx series 1 auto is a great weekend cruiser, surprising nimble thru the twisty stuff and far more comfortable than an earlier 260z station wagon (My 280zx has the vulgar red velour interiour.........much like a Parisian Brothel!.............maybe that's part of the attraction  ).

 

The power steering, aircon, targa roof, electric windows etc make it a far beeter drive IMHO.............although I would not have dreamed of owning a 280zx 20 years ago (I thought them a bloated barge) ...........but now in my mid forties.........I'm lovin'it

 

 

Al.

[positivetennis]

Thanks guys, great insights. While I've always wanted a 2 seater 260z, the price and rarity have drawn my attention to these models. What appeals to me with the 280zx is that it still has the classic styling but also has more modern features that I feel comfortable with as well as being more affordable.

 

Maybe down the track I would like to make improvements to the interior, handling and performance, but thats for another time. Which engine upgrade would work best in a 280zx without upsetting the balance of the car?

[pauly_adams]

it depends on the power you want a stroker L28 is good no mods needed, L28et or turbo L28 no structural mods but plenty of others, rb 30 and 20det can bolt strait up but sits a little further forward. i am going L28et personally as i only want about 250-300 rear horsepower which is well within its capibility.

[Lynton]

I currently still have a 260Z 2+2 the best description was made above, it is just a little more grumpy and thoroughbred classic, the 280ZX is great as a daily driver I have had both S1 & S2 preferred the S2, a bit more mechanically refined but with power steering you can throw them around a little more easily. I have also had a couple of Z31's I guess to sum it up the newer they are the nummer they are to drive but the 280ZX will bounce back in interest as numbers begin to dwindle and those infamous velour interiors become collectable 80's such glitzy character. Lovem Lynton  

[positivetennis]

Went and drove the 280zx yesterday. It had rust in a few places (Around petrol cap, targa roof, dog leg) and the car kept spluttering as is hesitated to excelerate until it cleared itself. It ran very rough despite the low k's, it was quite neglected, felt like the injectors were almost fully blocked, (You would accelerate and nothing would happen for 3 seconds, then it would try to clear itself, I wonder how much this would cost to fix). Maybe its better to spend more and get the best available, nice colour combination though. After not owning one of these since 1999 you forget how things were. These cars look very unique, a pleasing, alluring shape, that still looks great now, but in need of more power and more driver interaction.  (Wish Australia got the 2 seater turbo car).

I look forward to testing a 260z hopfully tomorrow so I can compare how each model feels.

[pauly_adams]

its just the throttle sensor causing this i know as it happend on mine yesterday, as for rust around filler cap i just repaired one and it was not good, does the car have original paint?

[positivetennis]

Pauly

 

It is original silver paint, with genuine 140k lady owner but has not been garaged or serviced (See Carsales NSW). Engine is not very clean and has a little leak from the rocker cover. Rough patch job done around the petrol cap, as well as some sections under the door. The interior is very good with no dash cracks. The asking price is $3500 so its cheap, however you can get really good ones for 8=10k. How much are the sensors worth, and do 280zx's come with an ECU?.

On the other hand it might be better off waiting for a good one. I've been searching quite a while for a series 2 280zx or 260z to buy in NSW for quite a while now. There is one on Just Cars in the country that is mean't to be immaculate but the air con is dead and the guy is asking 14k which seems a lot.

[pauly_adams]

well it looks tidy and well looked after, i would be asking the lowest they would go first, if the paint is original and thats all the rust it would prbo be a good buy. the engine bay being dirty dont worry about it as for the sensor they are cheap or free just ask some of the guys on the forum. if it where me at 3k i would buy it, it is mostly original, paint is original so you wont find many hidden nasties and to top it all off it has the awsome 280zx interior blue and light grey just like mine not the horrible red. hope this helps. if you want some more advice just give me a call on.

( zero, four, two, three, six, seven, nine, eight, seven, seven )

 

cheers pauly

[positivetennis]

Thanks once again Pauly. By the way I was wondering if you have seen the 280zx for sale I think near Wagga out you way for sale in Just  Cars website. Its a white one for 14k neg. Seems a bit steep. but if its concourse i would consider driving down to have a look.

 

[pauly_adams]

if your keen on it let me know but 14k is rediculously steap. i have seen it its nice but not much better then mine i would give him a call and talk him down 8k would be good if you want i can go have a look for you just let me know my mob is (0423679877) its only 20 mins away

[260Coupe]

If you can find a clean rust free 280 with low km's and history and get it for under $12k then I would grab it. I paid big $$$ for my series 1 one owner with 96000 km on the clock and after 18 months of almost daily driving it has been faultless. (now got 108000 km on it)

Most of the cars I looked at were full of rust and had been badly neglected and they still wanted $5-6k.............so IMHO pay more for a better car and you won't regret it.

 

Also the white with the red interior seems to be the most desirable  colour combo as it has not dated as much as the browns/blues etc.

(look at the latest SLK Benzes...........white with red interior is "back baby")

 

Alan

[luvemfast]

Love the red interior.

Its sooo bad its good 

[pauly_adams]

i love the blue interior it rocks and still looks good, i think the red is terrible it looks so retro 80's. i got my series one a couple of years back and it had 400k km on the clock it was almost rust free except the doors, much to my delight it had engine, gbox, diff, suspension all just done it drives like a dream and next week it will be a weapon as i will have the last of my turbo stuff

[positivetennis]

Thanks guys. The red interior and orange dash lights with the heater on is nice and cosy on a cold dark winter night driving in the country with the radio on. 8K would be a good a price for that car if it is good quality. Will give you a call Pauly