240/60 Z as a first (sports) car?

D

Dangerous Beans

Forum User
Hi

I'm planning to get a new car and a 240/60 Z seems to be perfect (looks good, good tuning potential, cheap and uncommon). i would just like to pick your collective brains to make sure i'm not biting off way more than i can chew. so a few questions:

1) i don't have a huge amount of mechanical experience, though i am confidant i can learn whatever is required. still, is repairing and modifying a Z (suspension, brakes and some tinkering with the engine) going to be a hideously complex process or can i get by with some common sense and help.

2) how reliable is one which hasn't had lots of work done on it? will one that has had some maintenance done (not borderline junkyard) run reliably? Sorry for the vague question.

3) more of a general mechanical question. how hard is it to custom make exhausts, intakes, body panels, ect?

4) any other general advice?

Once again sorry that some of these questions are a bit vague.

Thanks in advance
 
Hi Beans,

1) All mechanically simple. Many problems caused I think by ancient parts corroding so they won't come apart! This is 30/40 year old technology remember.

2) Generally all very reliable if looked after. Keep it in a garage if you can, or under a good cover if not. Ditch the points ignition and fit electronic. Consider a brakes upgrade. Fit halogen headlights if not already done. These will make the car more reliable AND improve your driving experience!

3) There are several firms which will do exhausts and other pipework. Most body panels available, but can be very expensive (rear quarter/wing unobtainable unless off another car I think).

4) Keep visiting this website & follow the technical threads (ignore some of the banter!). Find a local group and go along to have a look - most owners will be only too happy to point stuff out to you and describe the various joys/nightmares they've had. Check out the classifieds and For Sale forum too, so see what car/parts prices are floating about.

As Zedhead says, where are you? We can put you in touch with a local group.

Good luck!

TL
 
I'm in canberra australia, so you might not know of any local groups.
there is a Datsun/nissin group i know of down in melbourn, 600km away. so i'm probably not going to be able to turn up to their meetings. there is one in sydney (~300km). still not much use.

Ditch the points ignition and fit electronic
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thats the ignition timing? not the spark plugs/ glow plugs/ little guy with a zippo?

Consider a brakes upgrade. Fit halogen headlights if not already done.
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since the brakes on my 94 corolla are dodgy, an upgrade on a 30/40 year old 240/60 is a definate.

rear quarter/wing unobtainable unless off another car I think
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i know someone with a 260 with wrecked internals (it's a sad sight). the body work might still be in decent condition, and i could get it cheap. if i need to, that remains to be seen.

Thanks for the answers. some type of 240/60 seems like the way to go.
 
Silly Status....

Beans - It sounds like a local group might indeed be a problem! Still, other comments re this website still apply. Also look for other Z links online - there's a LOT of info around if you hunt a bit. And I think you might benefit from a workshop manual too :)
 
Beans,

Take a look also at classiczcars.com a lot of Aussie members there and great blokes ! But stay in contact with us here too - please !

A Z is a great first sports-car, as it's simple so you can learn whilst you enjoy ! Reliable is you treat her right and will beat most contempory sportscars in all areas - speed, looks, corners, circuits, rallyes........
 
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