What to buy? 240/260/280

Z

ZeePony

Forum User
Hi Guys,

Firstly, hello. I've been on the fence a while admiring the older z cars for years and now finally taking a positive step to buying a Z car while i still have a chance of getting one!

So, i hope you will welcome me into the heart of the Z cult bosom with warmth and encouragement.

BUT, a couple of worries i have though and hoping someone can point me in the right direction or ease my restless mind:

1) Insurance on imported car - my current insurer pretty much spat in my face as if i'd fingered his dad when i mentioned the car i was looking at was from California. How do you guys get around this and is it a big problem?

2) the car i like the most is a 280z, but some of my buddies have said wait to find a 240z... worth hanging out for a mint 240z or is that going to be waaaaay more than a 280? I understand (limited knowledge) that the 80 was only in the US and only produced for a year or two. Im not talking about the Z not the ZX is it? 1977, 2 seats, same shape as the 240. basically, am i going wrong with a good condition 280z..

3) Parts. Im concerned that any bits i may need over the years are hard to come by. Are there decent supplies of bits or are companies making 'new' replacement parts?

Anything else i should be aware of as a z newb would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

The Newest ZClub Member
 
Hi there, welcome. Got my first z not so long ago so just slightly further along the big learning curve than yourself, but not much!

1) Insurance is not a problem for imported cars, just use a specialist. I think I'm with Adrain Flux. It's not much more than £100 annually from memory.

2) People who know more than me will comment further but as I understand it, the 240/260 are carbs and the 280 was fuel injection, the 240 is more money and the 280 is the cheapest (of the three) ... Generally, for cars in similar condition. My advice would be to get the car that appeals to YOU. Your mates aren't driving it, you are. Best value for money is the 280 atm probably.

All depends on your budget. I've never driven a 280z so cannot give a direct comparison as regards driving the two ...

3) Parts can be expensive if you are looking for NOS bits, or good condition original parts. A lot are remanufactured in the US ... and there are suppliers in the UK. US eBay can be your friend ... Either that or pmac with his bit-by-bit garage sale might have what you want. Be quick though. The low prices he sells at ensure they go quickly!

Others will chime in with comments no doubt!
 
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ZeePony said:
1) Insurance on imported car - my current insurer pretty much spat in my face as if i'd fingered his dad when i mentioned the car i was looking at was from California. How do you guys get around this and is it a big problem?

The Newest ZClub Member
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Funnily enough, mine came from Japan which didn't seem to present a problem...perhaps merely point out to aforementioned carpet-seller that Cali was just a staging post between Japan and here ?:rolleyes:

Why aren't you in red if you're a club member ?:confused:

I ditto what 66 said and get yourself a 280Z two-seater, drop the stock bumpers, lower it - job done and enjoy. Unless you want to spent a mint for a mint 240Z to satisfy your mates who probably have never driven one.
 
As already mentioned, imported or not, classic car insurance is the way to go, forget your daily driver/modern vehicle insurer, they'll just hang you out to dry

Visually, on the outside, the only real difference between a 240z and 280z is the style of the rear lights and of course the bumpers, under the skin the interiors vary slightly between the 240 and 260/280
Engine wise, as mentioned above the 280z is fuel injected and said to be a smoother drive

One thing to bear in mind, a 280z may well have power steering, a 240z will not, unless of course its been retro fitted. The steering can be pretty heavy when parking and taking a slow corner, you get used to it, but it can be a shock to the uninitiated :eek:

welcome to the club :thumbs:
 
+/- standard (2x types of) on the 280ZX although some cars (some 2x seaters) had manual rack and pinion, kinda 'L' versions compared to the PAS 'GL's.

Not available on the 280Zs.
 
Thanks guys, for the welcome and the advise.

Insurance, called Adrain Flux - done :) Paid a premium though as i needed to add some business miles to the policy, but still under 300 notes, which for me (came from silly sports bikes) is cheap.

Yeah, i think the 280z is more for me and this one is so beautiful only pictures will do ;)

I'll post up, as soon as i've done the deed. I dont want to wait any longer... the time is now! Hazzah!

p.s. Im surrey/hampshire borders if any of you lads are down this way.
 
ZeePony - yes the moment is now but be careful. PM me if you want a second opinion.
 
So what is a 240Z with a 2.6 / 2.8 /3.1 etc litre L series engine fitted, an S13 / S14 gearbox, different ratio diff, power steering etc etc ? Not a 240 in my eyes anymore !

My advise would be, buy the car with the best condition body shell that you can afford (240/260 or 280) & then build the car to how you want it to be :thumbs:
 
samuri-240 said:
So what is a 240Z with a 2.6 / 2.8 /3.1 etc litre L series engine fitted, an S13 / S14 gearbox, different ratio diff, power steering etc etc ? Not a 240 in my eyes anymore !

My advise would be, buy the car with the best condition body shell that you can afford (240/260 or 280) & then build the car to how you want it to be :thumbs:
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Thanks, i like that advice :D
 
The low compression 280 fi is woefully asthmatic

It won't be long before you'll want to spend money on power. My 240 was far more interesting to drive than my 280
 
vipergts said:
The low compression 280 fi is woefully asthmatic

It won't be long before you'll want to spend money on power. My 240 was far more interesting to drive than my 280
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Ah, good to know. Im not really buying a z for performance to be honest, its the utter sexualness of the silhouette which had me hooked for 20 years. Plus i have a couple of superbikes knocking about if i want to **** myself up :D
 
ZeePony said:
Ah, good to know. Im not really buying a z for performance to be honest, its the utter sexualness of the silhouette which had me hooked for 20 years.
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But you're not behind the wheel yet.....wait and see....and come back and tell us.;)
 
My father bought new a 76 and then 78 280Z which I drove in high school and later. His last was a 80 280ZX anniversary. The ZX was much more of a luxury vehicle compared to the 280Z. That being said, the 240Z makes the 280Z feel a little slow but much more refined. The 240Z is just fun to drive and with some performance upgrades feels like a lightweight 60's sports car. If your going to drive the car to work or several times a week, the 280Z is a better choice. The 240 is a better weekend car or occasional track car (with upgrades of course). Anyway, you will have loads of fun with either of them. Congrats.
 
ZeePony said:
Ah, good to know. Im not really buying a z for performance to be honest, its the utter sexualness of the silhouette which had me hooked for 20 years. Plus i have a couple of superbikes knocking about if i want to **** myself up :D
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I'm only in Sevenoaks if you want to have a look at my 280
 
the best 280z are 77/78 nice one to have is a black pearl 78 only or as i have a77 zappp both limited edtions
 
red baron said:
the best 280z are 77/78 nice one to have is a black pearl 78 only or as i have a77 zappp both limited edtions
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Whichever one you get just make sure you take off those ridiculous railway sleeper federal bumpers and replace with 240Z
 
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