Haven't found a BMW that fits my liking. I did find this today, looks in pretty good shape. What can the collective minds of DMF tell me about a 280Z?
http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/2566855075.html (http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/2566855075.html)
JM
Light and nimble.
Can be hopped up as much as you'd like it to be.
If you don't want to sink a bunch of time and money into the native straight six, you don't have to.
The engine bay is wide enough to accommodate a Chevy small block. And juuuuuuuust long enough to accommodate one with a supercharger on the front.
Or so I've been told. [evil]
Also, if you use an aluminum block and relocate the battery to the trunk, you only add about 40 lbs to the front end.
Oh dear. I didn't need to hear how easy it was to make it go faster. I like quick and good handling vehicles. I have e-mailed about mileage so see if it's a tolerable number.
JM
Funny..one was in front of me at the light yesterday with an AZ "Classic car" plate on the rear.
This one is in A LOT better condition. Would be fun to take on all those back country roads and the dragon JM!! [thumbsup]
i've always loved the look of this car... a well restored one looks amazing.
found this link, should give you a decent idea what you're looking at if you're looking to restore it at all.
http://zhome.com/Classic/Refresh/Refreshing72Z.htm (http://zhome.com/Classic/Refresh/Refreshing72Z.htm)
and here is a 240 that was factory restored in 98
http://www.themotoringenthusiast.com/240z (http://www.themotoringenthusiast.com/240z)
Quote from: IZ on September 02, 2011, 07:50:25 PM
This one is in A LOT better condition. Would be fun to take on all those back country roads and the dragon JM!! [thumbsup]
I like "fun" handing/driving/riding vehicles. I think I should at least look this over in person, depending on the mileage. I mean, I ride a M750. That means in the straights, I'm on the throttle stops, but in the tight stuff I'm not working hard to keep up. That's what I want in a car too.
JM
If it has the same guages as my '74 260Z then the odometer resets at 100K so true milage may be hard to conferm. People have done just about anything to a Z car that you could think of. Check out hybridz.org to get an idea.
Make sure you double check for rust, don't take their word on it. Rust on Z cars gets pretty out of hand, they can rust/rot literally anywhere on the car. No experience with the 280Z, but I did a pretty extensive build-up on a 240Z years back. Check the usual suspects... frame rails, floor pans, trunk, rear hatch, rockers, shock towers. Rusted out shock towers or window frames would be a deal breaker for me, pretty much anything else can be fixed with a judicious application of fluxcore and Benjamins. Just depends how much $$ you wanna throw at it.
I'm currently working in Asheville. I could take a look at it for you if you like.
Quote from: Timmy Tucker on September 03, 2011, 11:05:46 PM
Make sure you double check for rust, don't take their word on it. Rust on Z cars gets pretty out of hand, they can rust/rot literally anywhere on the car. No experience with the 280Z, but I did a pretty extensive build-up on a 240Z years back. Check the usual suspects... frame rails, floor pans, trunk, rear hatch, rockers, shock towers. Rusted out shock towers or window frames would be a deal breaker for me, pretty much anything else can be fixed with a judicious application of fluxcore and Benjamins. Just depends how much $$ you wanna throw at it.
I'm currently working in Asheville. I could take a look at it for you if you like.
Yep, you could almost hear them rust while driving. Often the cosmetic rust is repaired but not the structural components.
Quote from: howie on September 04, 2011, 12:01:21 AM
Yep, you could almost hear them rust while driving. Often the cosmetic rust is repaired but not the structural components.
I'll swear I saw them in showrooms back when...with rust on them
Datsuns and Toyotas were always notorious rust buckets at least up here in the northeast
Hondas somehow didn't suffer the same issues as readily
Talked to the seller today, going to see it tomorrow. I specifically asked about rust, mentioned I knew these cars were prone to rust problems. His response was "It really doesn't have much, it's really a good, solid car."
JM
Here's the results of an in-person look.
1) Owner is deploying as a private contractor and wants EVERYTHING gone (280, F150, Camper, etc) within the next week because he leaves Sunday.
2) Didn't bullshit me about anything I could tell about. If he wasn't sure/didn't know, he stated so (the fact my wife was asking about the color of the exhaust right at startup & the first thing I did was hit the pavement with a flashlight checking the underside for rust probably helped in that area).
3) To his knowledge it hasn't flipped the odometer back to 0. Looks of inside the engine bay and the overall tell me this is likely an accurate statement. That means it has an original 87,000 miles one it. Condition is really good from my inspection.
4) There is some rust, but it seems to be confined to body panels more than structural stuff. Shock towers front look good, rear suspension mounts look good too. I checked inside and out/under with a flashlight.
5) Some rust/small amount of bubbled paint at base of driver & passenger door, but we're talking a thumbnail sized area that is bubbled and a similar size that is showing rust
6) It has been painted at some point. The paint was flaking around the headlights showing a slightly different white underneath. Not done in the ownership of the current owner, so no info on when.
7) Carbed, started fairly quickly (spun for about 3 seconds, caught, died, hit switch again caught almost immediately and settled into a nice, even idle). Took throttle easily not stutters on blipping the throttle
8) K&N filters installed, aftermarket ignition installed, recent plug wires. Based on smell of exhaust runs a tiny bit rich if anything.
Pics:
Intakes for vents, ZERO rust underneath
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/0905111343a.jpg)
Front corner of driver's door:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/0905111343.jpg)
Upgraded ignition:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/0905111335.jpg)
K&N filters with insulating cloth over exhaust manifold (some rust on collector, but no major rust on visible exhaust parts:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/0905111342a.jpg)
Not sure what this is, but it was the only part of the car that had any grease buildup on it. Just under intake filters:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/0905111342.jpg)
Not sure purpose of clamps, radiator seemed securely mounted. Might have been a mounting aid. current owner didn't put them there & doesn't understand why they are there.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/0905111337.jpg)
Driver's floor pan, minimal rust, passenger side similar:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/0905111344.jpg)
Wheels, just because I really like them:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/0905111342b.jpg)
Is offering $2500 out of line?
Thanks
JM
Looks like a good car, just in need of a paint job. I assume there are no major dents? Did you take it out on the road at all? or just fire it up? That would give an indication as to the tranny and rear end.
I'd offer 2500, with the intent of going up to 2750.
I didn't drive, it was POURING the rain and I didn't think it was the best idea to drive it being unfamiliar with it. It also has the glass T-tops, and according to him after driving it in two different light rains, they didn't leak.
Turns out the wheels are Konig Rewind best I can find.
My thoughts were offer $2300 or $2500 and see what he said.
JM
Gotta give 'er a test drive before you drop down cash.
Right. I figured I'd contact the seller with definite interest, let him know I had cash ready pending a test drive. I'll see what the tranny feels like. The motor idled smooth & took throttle just fine in the carport so the tranny & load tests are all that's left AFAIK.
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on September 02, 2011, 06:43:02 PM
Oh dear. I didn't need to hear how easy it was to make it go faster. I like quick and good handling vehicles. I have e-mailed about mileage so see if it's a tolerable number.
JM
OK, this is the equation: More power/less weight= fun/better mpg due to the fact that the engine is not hauling a big chunk of Detroit ... but something half the weight !!!
If you like it, go for it, if it feels right during test drive, go for it; I personally don't like T-Tops unless being worn by someone with a C cup ...
Quote from: Darkmonster620 on September 05, 2011, 07:51:12 PM
If you like it, go for it, if it feels right during test drive, go for it; I personally don't like T-Tops unless being worn by someone with a C cup ...
My grandma has a camaro with t-tops... does that count [thumbsup]
Quote from: Punx Clever on September 05, 2011, 08:14:57 PM
My grandma has a camaro with t-tops... does that count [thumbsup]
Red or Black IROC-Z with the 5.7L and leather interior in black? >>> if so, it''s one of the few cars I do 'accept' to have t-tops ...
If the pics here show the worst of it, I'd jump all over it. Your price sounds about right to me, but I'm a tightwad. What kinda shape was the interior in?
And sorry I didn't get out there to look at it yet, my work schedule changed at the last minute. Won't be back in AVL till tomorrow.
Seems like a pretty good deal if you can snag it. [thumbsup]
Rust looks minimal, but keep in mind there's usually twice as much in a spot as you think there is once you start tearing into it.
Quote from: Darkmonster620 on September 05, 2011, 08:16:52 PM
Red or Black IROC-Z with the 5.7L and leather interior in black? >>> if so, it''s one of the few cars I do 'accept' to have t-tops ...
Damn, Granny's gettin no attention then. White '98 SS. I personally think t-tops are the shit. Much better than a convertable.
Quote from: Punx Clever on September 06, 2011, 07:16:39 AM
Damn, Granny's gettin no attention then. White '98 SS. I personally think t-tops are the shit. Much better than a convertable.
One way or another she's getting attention .... A granny on a Camaro SS is something people will turn their heads to ... ;D
Can't speak about the 280, but I had a '72 240Z. It was a ton of fun, and I could outrun Corvettes and Camaro IROC-Z's on the backroads. They would catch me on the straights though.
I cut the exhaust pipes after the headers, and brought two it back as a true dual exhaust (no catalytic converter required back then). Tuning was uber-easy, I could set valve clearances with simple tools. It was an absolute blast to drive and I definitely got my $2,000 worth of fun out of it before my brother seized up the engine.
There is one caution that I would have about buying one of these cars again. Others have mentioned it... rust. My floorboards rusted through, and so did the right front frame rail. The outer passenger side rocker panel also rusted through. By the time I saw bubbles on the outside, the metal was so corroded that I could push my finger through (it started resting from the inside out). I did not catch the frame rail until it started cracking and the front tire started wobbling during braking. The rust was not visible because it was covered by a layer of undercoating. Again, the rust started from the inside out.
Had a right hand drive grey market imported 260Z...absolutely LOVED that car. The previous owner had put an aftermarket intake, Holley carb, header and straight pipe to a Y pipe into a pair of Supper Trapps...sounded like a full blown early 70s Indy car on the boil. Had no problem running down a lot of modern stuff (at the time) and shocked a lot of folks.
Was black guts but mostly white with some multi colored stripes on the front fenders ala Corvette Gran Sport stripes.
Very similar condition to what you are looking at there and I sold mine with destroyed rear end for $3500 in 97.
Quote from: Timmy Tucker on September 06, 2011, 04:49:31 AM
If the pics here show the worst of it, I'd jump all over it. Your price sounds about right to me, but I'm a tightwad. What kinda shape was the interior in?
And sorry I didn't get out there to look at it yet, my work schedule changed at the last minute. Won't be back in AVL till tomorrow.
No worries, I'm fairly certain I'm making a $2500 offer on it pending driving it of course.
Interior: 95% stock and in very good shape. Shift boot is a little rough, but intact. Dash is eithe covered or doesn't have cracks. Aftermarket CD player installed with a switch to activate the power antenna that still works. Aftermarket 6x9 speakers mounted in the rear deck.
BONUS: Triple Mikuni side-draft carbs which I understand was a popular performance upgrade!
JM
Made an offer of $2500, pending driving it.
JM
congrats
Offer accepted, driving it Friday afternoon. Unless something is wrong with the tranny, it's coming home.
Floor pans are in really good shape, as is most of the structural stuff. A bit of bodywork will be in order, but for $2500 I can afford to do a little body work.
JM
Quote from: Darkmonster620 on September 05, 2011, 07:51:12 PM
I personally don't like T-Tops unless being worn by someone with a C cup ...
I've got that covered too, with extra going spare, my wife likes her t-tops!
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on September 06, 2011, 06:29:04 PM
Made an offer of $2500, pending driving it.
JM
Good luck! Congrats on your purchase.
I hope it drives well, that thing is sexy. [thumbsup] More pics, please...
I'll have it home tomorrow evening! More pics then if there's light when I get home! I'm hoping the triple Mikuni carbs make it a lively ride!
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on September 08, 2011, 04:05:24 PM
I'll have it home tomorrow evening! More pics then if there's light when I get home! I'm hoping the triple Mikuni carbs make it a lively ride!
JM
You sound more excited than an expectant father... [thumbsup]
Yea, I'm pretty excited!!! Probably won't sleep tonight either!
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on September 08, 2011, 04:22:14 PM
Yea, I'm pretty excited!!! Probably won't sleep tonight either!
JM
like the day before the first day with the school's cheerleaders captain?
Pics!!! It needs some TLC, but is in pretty good condition. A few rust spots to take care of and some tuning is in order. Seems mechanically sound though. Good motor & tranny best I can tell. It's in need of a good bath too, but there are some rust spots around.
Body
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0084-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0085-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0086-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0088-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0089-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0090-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0091-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0105-1200.jpg)
]\
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0100-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0101-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0103-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0096-1200.jpg)
Interior:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0092-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0093-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0094-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0095-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0102-1200.jpg)
Engine bay:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0097-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0099-1200.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/the_journeyman/280z/DSC_0098-1200.jpg)
JM
Doode, congrats on new toy, love the wheels ...
Enjoy you new car ... but, don't forget Molly ...
Congrats! What are you plans for her?
Quote from: sugarcrook on September 09, 2011, 07:02:49 PM
Congrats! What are you plans for her?
-Wash
-Bust rust
-Tune carbs
-Spank it like a bad monkey
-Strain cheek muscles from a combination of g-forces and too much grinning
Quote from: Buckethead on September 09, 2011, 07:07:35 PM
-Wash
-Bust rust
-Tune carbs
-Spank it like a bad monkey
-Strain cheek muscles from a combination of g-forces and too much grinning
That sounds like a very very good plan ...
I've always had a soft spot for those.
That's awesome JM, congrats!!
[thumbsup]
Quote from: Buckethead on September 09, 2011, 07:07:35 PM
-Wash
-Bust rust
-Tune carbs
-Spank it like a bad monkey
-Strain cheek muscles from a combination of g-forces and too much grinning
That's about it. I'll make some minor mods to improve acceleration a bit and the handling, but no crazy mods in mind.
Molly is my commuter & weekend bike, so she's not going to be forgotten
JM
They are great driver's cars and great looking....
I can understand how you saw the potential here
Someone has done a lot of work already on the interior, about the only thing that *needs* replacement is the shifter boot & the plastic tip on the choke lever.
A little bodywork & paint will go a long way too.
As far as the motor goes, I really think the carbs need a little work & tuning. I'm going to pull a couple spark plugs to see what's they look like. It seems to be a little rich because putting your foot in it doesn't get great results until after 3500RPM.
JM
Good luck with it.
Should be fun.
I've gotta learn how to work on much larger Mikunis now!
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on September 10, 2011, 05:59:29 AM
I've gotta learn how to work on much larger Mikunis now!
JM
Probably pretty similar.
Are they vacuum operated slides?
Quote from: duck soup on September 10, 2011, 06:01:37 AM
Probably pretty similar.
Are they vacuum operated slides?
Not sure, I've got to locate me a manual or schematic or something. They've got an accelerator pump, and that's about all I know so far. I've expecting more parts, and everything just being bigger.
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on September 10, 2011, 06:06:34 AM
Not sure, I've got to locate me a manual or schematic or something. They've got an accelerator pump, and that's about all I know so far. I've expecting more parts, and everything just being bigger.
JM
After looking at the pics again...
they're throttle plate carbs...no slides.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on September 10, 2011, 05:59:29 AM
I've gotta learn how to work on much larger Mikunis now!
JM
FYI, if you've worked on Webbers, you can work on these ... If not mistaken they do have some vacuum hoses conected
The vacuum hose that's on the carb closest to the firewall is for the vacuum assisted brakes. The other stuff on top of the carbs are fuel lines.
Never worked on a Webber, or any automotive carb for that matter. I found the original Mikuni service manual for them online, so I've been reading through that.
JM
Cool ride, enjoy!
BTW, did you get the bumpers too?
i've owned two 240Zs and a 350Z. the older Zs are very cool imo and fairly easy to work on, but it's just as hard on your wallet as a bike, if not harder, when it comes to buying parts and wanting to mod/upgrade.
Quote from: Speeddog on September 10, 2011, 11:23:18 AM
Cool ride, enjoy!
BTW, did you get the bumpers too?
No, those are long gone. I'll keep an eye out for some of the early ones. This one would have had the giant shock absorber bumpers, so I'd rather have the smaller chrome ones.
Oddly enough, the original compact (meaning deflated with collapsable sidewalls) spare & the can of compressed air are still there!
JM
I learned to drive in this car (mom's car) and got my first ticket. 198?, after impressing my date with the Datsun. IH-35 north of Buda,Texas. Texas Highway Patrol 5.0 Mustang, checked me at 103 MPH at 2:00 AM, pulled me out of the car at gunpoint. Oh those were the days.
It's fun to drive. I'm driving it to work tomorrow. I made some fueling adjustments and need to see how it affects the black plugs.
JM
Don't forget...
this car has likely been sitting without much use.
The fuel might be old, and the plugs might be black from the PO just starting it for prospective buyers to hear the engine and then shutting it off.
Drive it before you do too much.
My old 240Z had dual carbs and having a carburetor calibration and balancing tool was invaluable. Here is a link to one... not the same one I had, but it will do the job.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TMT-TS-71/ (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TMT-TS-71/)
This tool might also be of use, for Kayuco and Molly,
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/65/21455/ITEM/Tecmate-Carbmate.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/65/21455/ITEM/Tecmate-Carbmate.aspx)
+
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/65/21456/ITEM/Tecmate-Carbmate-4-Cylinder-Adapter.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/65/21456/ITEM/Tecmate-Carbmate-4-Cylinder-Adapter.aspx)
Quote from: duck soup on September 14, 2011, 04:06:03 AM
Don't forget...
this car has likely been sitting without much use.
The fuel might be old, and the plugs might be black from the PO just starting it for prospective buyers to hear the engine and then shutting it off.
Drive it before you do too much.
Yea, I added some Lucas fuel system & carb cleaner to the tank and am going to drive the tank before I spend any money on anything. The fuel pressure adjustment was needed and free, so I went ahead and did that.
JM