sam

Just wanted to say that if anyone's looking for anything to do with their carbs, I've just had a great experience with Tony at B+M in richmond. Fuel systems is all he deals with, especially carbs, and hes one of the few people left who really know what they're talking about I reckon. Went in to replace a bent throttle needle and he'd measured it up and had the new ones in by the next day. Then had some issues with the piston getting caught on the housing which I left with him for a couple of days and he fixed free of charge, and it wasnt a two minute fix. Really nice guy, always like a chat. Got a dyno for tuning too.

Agreed

Hey guys, My engine's been running pretty rich recently and its been a while since its been looked at. I've decided to embark on this myself with the help of the Ztherapy tune up video but he focuses on a standard 240. I need to start by checking the valve clearances, etc before getting to the carbs. What differences will there be between the 240 and my 260? I think the video says its 10 and 12 for inlet and outlet. Also, the previous owner said he put a hotter cam in.. how will this effect these numbers and how can I work out the specs of it? Any other tips would be appreciated as I havent done much of this kind of stuff. Sam

I went and had a look at it when I was looking for my car about 9 months ago. The amount of work required to get it to drive anything like a zed should makes it not worth anything like that much. I got my mechanic to go and have a look at it for me and he hated everything about it. He said offer him 7k, so I did but no deal. He doesnt know much about zeds so you could go and have a look at it and explain to him what it is actually worth and try and get the price down but it would have to come down by a lot. a zed for that price should actually be able to drive. This one barely did. I went with my dad and we had to take it in turns to drive because he had to be in the car in case it broke down because he knew the tricks to get it going again. Regarding the badges, he has taken them off for some reason but the holes are still there, that is what the rubber plugs are for. Sam

Australia never had the 280z. The 260z was produced through to 1977 then the 280zx came out which is a different shape and could not be rebadged as a 260z. Sam

That may work just for a 240? Because the 260 has the separate reverse light and it is attached to the other lights. i think i may have to take the back panel off and then maybe i can push them out. Where are the screws for this panel, apart from the plastic ones along the top? Before i do this, does anyone know if the light cluster is the same for a 2+2 as for a 2 seater because that is where the spare came from?

Does anyone know how to remove the tail light cluster in a 260? I have the restoration guide and it says they weren't designed to come out but it is possible but i just cant work it out. Sam

Does anyone know where I could get a pair of those chrome wing mirrors on the green car? I have looked at MSA and a few other sites but no one seems to have them. Sam

Thanks for all your help. I think i will take your advise on doing some track days in my current car and see how i go but i have looked at some track websites and none of them seem to have anything scheduled for a while. I will keep an eye out for any cars and if anyone sees one I would be interested to hear about it.

That one is out of my budget. Doesnt really seem like a great deal either, especially compared to RB30-ZED's car. What kind of costs per year would it be to race in most of the relevant events in Victoria? I know it would vary widely but just an idea for tyres, entrance, etc. And how often are there races to enter in each group? I know maybe CAMS or something would be a better place to find that kind of info but i just wanted opinions from people who actually do it. Sam

I have a 1977 2 seater 260z. Here is a pic at nationals. Bought it for 8k from newcastle from a guy called des if anyone knows him (has a grey and black 240 track car at nationals). It was bare metal resprayed 12 years ago and drove flawlessly back to melbourne. Since then the only problem was the distributor and the rear shocks needed replacing. so i dont think you need to spend 13k to get a very good zed if you look around. I got some interesting looks driving with the L plates on but i thought they complimented the gold wheels beautifully .

Thanks for your help guys. I have considered doing a few runs in my car but was unsure on the effect it would have on it. Am i likely to be replacing and breaking things much more regularly? because i don't want to do something to it just because it isn't properly prepared. It is also my daily driver so i cant really have it off the road all the time, although i use public transport to get to uni so its not a great problem. Where would i find a prepared car? obviously the forums but carsales and those sites dont seem to have many track cars.

My zed is my first car, i have had it for about 6 months. I would definitely say to go for it. I know very little about car mechanics too but even i can do a fair bit of work on my car with the help of a couple of books and the internet. The running costs are also not that bad when you take into account the fact that there will be no depreciation as opposed to a newer car. And you will be much more willing to spend money on something you love than pouring it into something crap and having to dump it after a few years. Dont be tempted to rush into buying a car now because you think that they will appreciate in value. Spend the next year looking for a great example for your budget. That will save you the most money. Especially if you dont have your Ps yet (got a year to go to Ps or moving?). When i was looking I wanted to buy the first one i looked at against the advise of my mechanic who looked at it for me, but i waited and ended up getting a much better car for a lower price. Also, definitely get someone to look at it for you if you dont know much about mechanics. Sam

After purchasing my first zed a few months ago I am hooked (obviously). Now my father and i are looking at getting into track racing and are considering purchasing a race prepared Z. Can anyone explain how the categories work, like would it be better to stay with a lower powered l24/6 or go with a conversion, given that we are reasonably inexperienced (I have none and my father has been involved in rallying) and just want to have some fun. Does anyone know of any available cars for around $15k or so? I know what I am asking seems fairly vague but I am just after any information on track racing a zed, maybe a link to a club or something? Sam

I found it on ebay, was about $100 in good condition. Cant imagine it would be too hard to find another but i dont know.