Guest Anonymous Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 Well I a contemplating getting either one right now with aspirations of doing a swap of either a 327 or 350, so I was wondering which would be a better choice, the 240z or 260. What do you guys think would be better and why? Just want to make sure I make the right decision. Also where can I find the engine swap kits? Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonzer12 Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 http://www.jagsthatrun.com Go to that site and buy the manual, trust me (and half this site probably) when I tell you that it is not a waste of money. It discusses the differences between the 280z and 260z and the 240z as well as the differences during the swap process. Then you can make the decision for yourself. I do believe that the year of the 260z makes a significant difference as well. For myself, 240/260/280 makes no real difference, I would prefer a 280 most likely due to its heavier construction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPMS Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 Q: What's the difference between a 260 and an onion? A: Nobody cries when you chop up a 260. Benefits of a 240: Lighter weight in the earlier years, nicer bumpers, cleaner tail light design (IMHO), simpler wiring. minimal emissions to hassle with. Benefits of an early 260: Since they often don't run right they're usually cheaper, they can visually mimic the 240, they have more robust wiring harnesses. Still no emissions problems. Benefits of a late 260 or 280: More robust (heavier) body structure, built in A/C, much more common to find, Most already have the heavy duty R200 differential, better sound insulation. As a rule, if you're wanting to build a lean, mean street fighter and hate the though of compromise, build it on a 240. If you want a comfortable, high performance GT car and don't care that your et's will be 1/2 second more in the 1/4 mile, go with the 280. And by all means, buy the JTR book. It is a "must have", unless you want to beat your head against the wall figuring things out yourself. One thing to be aware of is that 1974 was a transition year for Datsun, and the colors of wire in the engine bay aren't always what's in either the factory manual or the JTR book. Other than that, the early 260's are pretty much like 240's with a lot of extra wiring thrown in. Good luck, and have fun. I know I have! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baddriver Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 I have a 260 and I really like it. It's a little more refined than a 240, if you've ever owned a car without retractable seat belts, you'll know that they are a pain. The 260 has seatbelt retractors, factory air, and a little stiffer body. It doesn't have the heavy 280 bumpers, or the door reinforcment that adds some weight to the 280. I also like the dash layout of the 260 better, and since I planned a V8 from the start, I am not disapointed in the performance. (It already has the preferred earlier carbs) However, if I was starting over, I would have gone with a 280. They are already setup for fuel injection, come with the R200 rear, and are a little stronger. I think a 280 would make the best doner for an inexpensive v8 swap. I don't like the 280 bumpers as much, though, so I might have spent more changing the bumpers than I will putting in fuel injection and an R200. As has been stated before, the number one criteria is the condition of the body. A little visible rust means a lot of hidden rust. And rust does more than ruin the looks, it also makes a car very difficult to work on, as part freeze and break much more frequently. (voice of experience) So get the nicest Z you can afford. Or go out and buy one with the swap done, that really the best way to buy a z, if you have the patience to wait until you have the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 Thanks for the input guys. Here is my scenario, the 2 cars that I am currently looking at are a '71 240z and a '74 260. I am looking to save on weight so the 240 might be a better option and since you say '74 has tougher wiring that may help my to make my decision right there. I dont really want to buy a car thats already been swapped because thats just not fun you know (haha). Also, the 2 cars are about equal in body condition and 260 is only $50 less. However, Im still considering the 260 being that body/frame wise its a little stronger. I know there are pre-fabbed kits out there to just drop in a Chevy SB, does anyone know where I can get one? I researched it a little a while back but lost the info I had. So if someone can point me in the right direction, it would be great. Thanks! PS. Does anyone know why when I try to post somtimes I get a screen that says "Invalid Session"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsommer Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 I'd opt for the 240, they are the 1st Z's which I like to endlessly point out when folks say "yeah my next door neighbors, best friends, brother-in-laws, unlce had one of those..., but it was a 77 . My 240 was tin canish (when I last drove it,it had no carpet either) however since then I've added new sound deadener (sp). I put "brown bread" in the floors. rear quarters, tranny tunnel and firewall, additionally I added some of the thick silver foil backed material on the firewall too. Next I'm going to do the paint on sound deadener in the doors, that should make for a quiet or at least more quiet car. Next wiring, I hate wiring I'm doing my dash right now the engine part is done but it's still a PITA why because I don't like wiring. There is no way I'd consider an LS-1 swap due to all the wires, well maybe later in life we'll see. But as far as it goes I've figured it out so 240's in my opinion are easier to wire. ds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonzer12 Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 http://www.jagsthatrun.com they sell the swap kit and the manual as well as a manual for swaping TBI and TPI chevys. They sell all the "necesary" swap parts like cables, mounts, adapters etc. There are blueprints in the manual if you wish to fab some of the parts yourself. Check their site for a listing of parts. Most of the guys here running chevy motors have gone this route and its my impression they were pleased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z-REX Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 Q: What's the difference between a 260 and an onion? A: Nobody cries when you chop up a 260. you know... as a 260 owner i'd be hurt if you weren't absolutely right!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HBskinheadZ Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 I have the early 260z and I really like the car, so I bought another 1. I think it has alot of good points as mentioned above, I am doing the JTR conversion and some of the wires are different but easy to find with factory wiring diagram. I also eliminated all the emission wiring very easily so dont be concerned, if the 260 is in better shape (Usually sitting because of the carbs) get it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fl327 Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 The early 75 280z is a later 260z with efi and r200 (some models) My 75 has a thicker frame, and no door bars, dont know if thats good or not yet and I hope I never do. Only difference visually is the bumpers and center console-bumpers are gone and i dont mind the center console. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedRacer Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 Late in 1973 the last of the 240Z's and all the later Z cars (260 & 280) were raised up about 1.5" to meet Federal bumper standards. More info on the differences can be found here http://www.zhome.com/ I'd go for the lower, lighter 240Z - but that's because I feel the need for speed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 On the other side of the coin: - 260z has a much nicer center console, and dash design IMHO. - 260z doorpanels are nicer - 260z taillights have the seperate reverse light (again, personal taste, but I prefer the looks of it to the 240z) However, I just sold my 260z in favour of my 240z. Go figure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 Ok well Im thinking that I will go with a 240 right now. The reason being is that Im not too concerned about all the comfort amenities of the 260 and 280; I want to save on weight. Its not like this car is going to be my daily driver or anything. I was looking at the JTR website and it said that cars '73 and older in Ca. dont have to pass SMOG. However, I was under the impression that it was '74 and older, anyone have any solid info on that? Because that will also be a determining factor in my decision, I DO NOT want to have to pass SMOG. Engine wise Im thinking of also saving weight so I think it'll be a 327 with some aluminum parts and a battery relocation. Im thinking of either modding it with basic bolt ons and some niturs or a high compression all motor set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HBskinheadZ Posted October 27, 2003 Share Posted October 27, 2003 My 74 260z is smog exempt in Ca. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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