[Which Z to build...]

Okay, I'm suffering something of a conumdrum. I have an almost rust free 78 280Z that I'm looking at fixing up. Maybe to swap in a L28ET into. But recently I found a 72' 240Z in almost the same condition for $1000 bucks, though it's been sitting for almost 15 years in a New Mexico front yard..

 

My question is Which Coupe is a better candidate for restoration and upgrading? Is there much stock performance difference between the models aside from the engine and transmission which I will likely swap anyways for the L28ET? 30 vs 36 years, were there any major changes redesigns other than the spare tire size?

 

I just want to know if it's worth spending another $1000 bucks on an older car, especially since I can really only afford to fix up one at a time.

 

[edit]

ooh, just read the sticky.. Sorry if this was answered already up there.

 

Thanks

 

Phar.

[Orded Parts]

Josh, if you want to see the ground control coil overs let me know. I have full ground control on my 240z.

 

 

Hey Speed, what hood are you using on that 240?

 

Phar

[Fixing Rust]

Very good point. Well looks like I may have to pass this up but on a good note someone else contacted me about a 78 280z 2+2 that has an near perfect body.

 

Thanks for the estimates, really helpful.

 

You really should pass that one up and look for a better shell, most have some rust, but there's a lot of southern cars out there that aren't even close to as bad. There's a saying about polishing a turd...

 

look around a bit, I'm sure there's a few more around that are in a lot better shape. For instance I got my 78' 280Z for $400 bucks, w/ barely some paint bubbles. sure that's rust, but it's not even close to through the metal. Of course I'm in NM and rust is a lot less common...

 

Also, think twice about a 2+2, I've found them to be less nimble and frankly less attractive than the coupes...

 

Phar

[Making my own EFI intake... The First Casting]

My God.... It's full of STaRZ!.. Derek, that's an amazing manifold. please please get it going soon, the suspense is deadly... all I can say is WOW.

 

For the back triple I guess it wouldn't work to cast the same upside down. since the Injector bosses would be on the wrong side then. Perhaps in the production casts, you could make them swapable. Though I suppose it's just as easy to make the 2nd cast unique..

 

So once these are figured, what would a ballpark cost be if say we wanted to order a set?

 

Phar

 

"pardon my drool..."

[Retrofit HID/projector lights? 300zx?]

Have you tried cleaning your projector lenses, and or upgrading to HID lighting?