93anthracite Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Hey guys. I'm new to the forum (well, I've been lurking for quite some time) and need somebody to help me out. I've always been infatuated with the early Z cars. They look incredible, have such a wonderful history and are just awesome. Recently, I have been toying with the idea of picking one of these up and cleaning it up to drive to a greater glory (primarily road course and autoX, with a little street driving). HOWEVER, I've never gotten a ride in one of these cars, much less driven one. Before I'm going to put all this money into a car, I'd like to drive one and know that I will enjoy the vehicle. Can anybody arrange a time that we can meet up and take your Z out for a drive. I bascially just want to get a feel for what the car feels like, how it handles, etc. Can somebody please help me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 YOu can drive mine... Bring 10 of your buddies and your girlfriend... She can sit in the passenger seat and make "VROOM VROOM" noises while they push! So when do you want to take this test Push, 'er RIDE? I'm here all week, Don't forget to tip your waiter and barstaff! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JAMIE T Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 LOL, ROFLMAO. HEHE, not many in a running state at the moment. Mike's is coming along alittle faster than mine but I'm hot on his heels! Keep an eye on the forum for Mike's next Shindig, Probably some running Z's by then. Please be aware, they CAN NOT be compared to a stock 240Z as they are are all HEAVILY MODIFIED from stock. They will all handle better, brake better, and way out accelerate a stocker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93anthracite Posted May 20, 2005 Author Share Posted May 20, 2005 that's fine, as long as I'll get an idea of what it feels like. When I do mine, it won't be very stock either, considering it will have a lot of structure fortification and a Toyota engine, and will be getting suspension and brake upgrades soon thereafter. I just want to dump the money into a car and discover that it isn't any fun to drive to me. I did that once already and hated the car when it was done. obviously, a fairly stock Z would be preferred since it will give me a better idea of the car itself before mods, but Ill take what I can get. Mike, how long do you think it will be before you'll be done? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted May 21, 2005 Share Posted May 21, 2005 MIne isn't gonna be a good example of a Zcar. It won't have much left of the stock Z, other than the shell, And at 500 crank HP, I'm not inclined to hand the keys to a complete stranger! I'd be more than happy to take you for a ride though...You might also be able to catch a ride in Pete Paraskas life's savings on wheels ! Come out to the next Zcar shindig at my place, meet the gang, shoot the bull and get a few rides... But most folks probably won't be inclined to let you drive these cars, as we're talking tens of thousands of dollars in investment, and priceless amounts of time taken away from other things in life. MIne should be running sometime over the summer, but drivable is another question! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93anthracite Posted May 21, 2005 Author Share Posted May 21, 2005 Hah, forgive me for giving that impression. My hopes are that by the time I actually meet up with anybody that they would at least know me around here, so I wouldn't be a TOTAL stranger . I'd definitely like to come out to the next meet. Any idea when? WHere should I look on the forum so I can be sure not to miss? I totally understand the idea of being overly protective, I think I can count the number of people that have driven my supra on one hand. A ride in a car can give a decent idea of what a car feels like, although 500hp would be about twice what I intend to go for, that would be a bit much. Likewise, although I've been roadracing and autocrossing for almost 3 years now, I haven't driven anything more powerful than my supra at an any of those events. Anyways, I'll still take up any offers on rides, as it can still give me an idea of what it is like. I've also been told that an early Z drives similarly to a lighter, slightly more powerful version of the 240sx. Can anybody confirm this? I've got a few more questions about how it drives as well. -I hear the brakes suck. Any cheap ways to upgrade, to that I may prolong dropping a wad of money on brakes immediately? -How nimble is this car? The supra handles well but you can feel the weight, the 240 doesn't feel as planted to the ground, but makes up for this by feeling very "tossable" and nimble. Discuss pertaining to the Z. Any complainst about these cars. What don't you like about them (aside from eating all your money and time)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted May 22, 2005 Share Posted May 22, 2005 Hmmm, The things I really HATE about the Datsun Zcar, and I've owned 18 of them over the years, are the brakes, the suspension layout, the lack of adjustability of the suspension, and the lack of vendor support. What I'd recommend... Coil overs are a good place to start, along with a set of custom control arms. These will give you the ability to set the car up to handle better. I'd also recommend upgrading the brakes... Both front and rear to larger discs... They don't have to be massive, but if your budget allows, I'd be all over a setup from one of the vendors. I don't see "CHEAP" and brakes anywhere in the same sentance, since going with bigger brakes requires adapters for the calipers, different rotors and usually some machine work or specialty parts. Jamie's Hubs were a good alternative solution, since they rely on FORDS OEM Cobra big brake setup, which is really CHEAP for 13inch big brakes... OEM calipers and rotors are cheap, and a smart way to go. Any Zcar you buy should have the subframes replaced with a beefy boxed rail design... This is my opinion strictly, but every car I've done this on (Five of them over the years) has responded wonderfully and the single biggest positive change to any of them, with regards to making the car feel like it is on rails. Beyond that, wheels are your choice, but going to the five lug swap will give you a wide range of wheels to pick from, many of the OEM variety. If you do a coilover setup, you'll be able to run a 255-40-17 inch tire under the stock fenderwell with ease. ANything more and you'll either hit the strut assembly or stick out of the fender. Realistically, a budget for a clean Z and the mods I list above should be in the $10K range. Tires and wheels alone will set you back up to $1000 for a decent OEM like setup. Coil overs will cost $400 for the parts alone. Struts and bushings will add another $500 and new bearings, ball joints and tie rod ends (Which most any new candidate should have done!) will be another $500! That short list is $2400... We haven't discussed brake costs yet, or having sub-frames installed... So you can see that costs will rise quickly. Hope this helps! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savageskaterkid Posted May 22, 2005 Share Posted May 22, 2005 well, my car isn't on all four wheels at the moment, but it should b in another week or two(hopefully)-however my car isn't a first gen, its a 280zx, but i'd b more then happy to let u drive it, as long as i can drive the supra.....or atleast ride in it. PM me if ur interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savageskaterkid Posted May 23, 2005 Share Posted May 23, 2005 scratch that, i may b getting a first gen now, and i think its manual, haven't seen it yet though, so im not quite sure about buying it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93anthracite Posted May 24, 2005 Author Share Posted May 24, 2005 keep me updated, I'm interested either way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JAMIE T Posted May 24, 2005 Share Posted May 24, 2005 Savageskater, if you don't buy the Z drop me a line. I want another one. A stock one. Auto or manual, I don't care. I have a stick shift parts car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savageskaterkid Posted May 24, 2005 Share Posted May 24, 2005 pretty sure im gonna buy it, it has a clifford intake, a header, front air damn, whale tail, its manual, its not a 2+2, holley carb..........basicly everything i want, i am selling my car now, but i dont think u'd b interested-cuz its a 2+2 280ZX. I just need the strut that bleach is sending, and then the car will b in a running driving condition. Im lookin to get 1200-1500 for it, if anybody is interested send me a PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JAMIE T Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 Nah, I need an S30. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savageskaterkid Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 thought so, but i actually have a line on a fully restored 78 i think, i've seen it, so its not a bogus add. Its at the shop of an old mechanic of mine, its been sitting in the shop for 2 years, and i talked to one of his mechanics-the car had been sitting for like 6 months w/o starting, he hopped in, gave it a bit of gas, and BAM, ran great, looks great too-its like a Hunter Green type color i think. He wants 4500 for it, but for 5500 he'll waranty it for 1 year. Its in GREAT CONDITION, the only defect, is a cracked dash, everything else works.........and it can b drivin away easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savageskaterkid Posted May 26, 2005 Share Posted May 26, 2005 well, i looked at the 280Z tday, the body isn't anywhere as great as mine on the ZX, niether is the interior, but i like how it has a holley 4 bbl carb, a header, and exhaust, and a hot cam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loy Posted May 27, 2005 Share Posted May 27, 2005 If you look around in Maryland there are a few first gens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93anthracite Posted May 29, 2005 Author Share Posted May 29, 2005 well, i looked at the 280Z tday, the body isn't anywhere as great as mine on the ZX, niether is the interior, but i like how it has a holley 4 bbl carb, a header, and exhaust, and a hot cam. so, did you get it???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savageskaterkid Posted May 30, 2005 Share Posted May 30, 2005 did not and probly won't, i looked at it, i think its awesome, but its gonna need sum body work, its gonna need a new windshield, and its gonna need a new side view mirror. I don't mind the body work, its just time and effort rite now. My 280ZX has a much straighter body then that, and i was gonna pay for the new Z by selling the old one, and i haven't got it sold yet, i have a potential buyer, but the problem is that my car is still in the shop. I plan on doing an RB swap, and from wht i've looked into-it seems to b a bit easier to do the swap into the ZX, besides that, alot of the suspension stuff seems a bit easier to install.........all this mixed with a better steering setup-yah, seems like it would b a nice setup for an RB. Well, my car should b out of the shop in about a week and a half, or less(doubtfull)....so u could come by a give her a spin. PS. dont forget the supra...ahahahah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93anthracite Posted May 30, 2005 Author Share Posted May 30, 2005 sounds like a plan. Just lemme know when it is out of the shop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savageskaterkid Posted June 16, 2005 Share Posted June 16, 2005 well, i think my car is gonna be out of the shop tommorrow, everything is done, except i need my brakeline made. And for the first time, its getting an alignment, i wonder what that is gonna feel like? Only problem, i may not have the car for a few weeks, the damn mechanic is costing me a little over $600, and i could have done the work myself for $600 less. But the car is pretty much done, should b out tommorrow, or the beginning of next week, not too sure if my mechanic will bill me or withhold the car. It could b a few weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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