Came across a pretty rust free (from first glance, haven't dug into it yet) 1971 240z roller. Need to make a decision soon on whether or not to add it to the fleet and jeopardize the marriage.
What are the options and prices like to get this thing up and running, and then to get it to perform decently? I already have a dedicated autox/track car, this would go one of two routes, either fix her up nice enough to be a decent fun car for cruising/occasional commute (which means I need AC) or a lemons/chump effort for a group of my friends. "more expensive than a XXXXX swap" than what are the good swap options?
No, your marriage and dedication to your wife is worth way more than some old Datsun, or are they Nissan? Confusing, isn't it? Besides you probably need to invest in new carpet or a new bathroom, right?
Send it to me in Chicagoland.....
I pretty sure it needs to be a rallycross car. There is a distinct lack of automotive beauty at most rallycrosses that could be cured with an early Z car.
if it is a roller (and you have decided to endanger your marriage) I would consider finding a cheap (almost free) 280z to use as a parts car. While the interior might not fit most of the running gear should and you could probably make the bigger engine really sing with a rebuild and upgrade
cwh
PowerDork
12/1/13 10:35 a.m.
The L28 is a very good motor. Can deliver good power. But it is hard to beat V8 torque. I had a '72 with a stock 350 and it was a hoot. That was not a small engine, but access was great. There is a LOT of room in the engine compartment. Of course the best swap would be an LSX, but an RB would do just fine too. Might want to swap in an R200 rear end.
Turbo 280zx motor/5spd swap for bolt-in easy goodness.
If it's a rust free shell it has value and should not be turned to a lemons car. If it's cancered up have at.
The l6's generate more torque than hp, don't underestimate them. I remember taking my L28ET powered 240z to a dyno day with a bunch of bowtie f bodies and vettes and I put down more torque than half of them (305 ft/lbs)
mazdeuce wrote:
I pretty sure it needs to be a rallycross car. There is a distinct lack of automotive beauty at most rallycrosses that could be cured with an early Z car.
GET OUT OF MY HEAD
No, really. I'm considering a '73 240Z as my next MR car. With an RB20DET engine, although since it needs the front suspension replaced, you can get the AWD RB20 drivetrain pretty cheap, around $1200 for engine/trans/diff/front driveshaft, and a 240/260/280Z/ZX is probably the only Stateside chassis where it wouldn't be a festival of hackery to install.
rallycross sounds so dang cool. I can't find any within a 5 hour drive though
I did once see a 280 with SR20 engine in it once. (I forget the alphanumeric for the Japan only turbo engine) and it opened up about half the engine compartment.. literally, the engine was so far back you could almost stand between the engine and it's radiator
