Any original 240/260Z owners buying a new 350Z ??
09-03-2002, 09:48 AM
#1
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Any original 240/260Z owners buying a new 350Z ??
As a former owner of a 1970 & 71 240Z and a 1974 260Z, I wonder if there are any other "oldtime" Z owners buying a new 350Z ?? If so, I wonder whay you ordered and if you have it already, what do you think of it compared to the original.
Thanks
Steve (k2we) Dobbs Ferry, NY
KY0/Touring/6MY/Side air bags/mats
Ordered 2/12/02 #1 from my dealer
Thanks
Steve (k2we) Dobbs Ferry, NY
KY0/Touring/6MY/Side air bags/mats
Ordered 2/12/02 #1 from my dealer
09-03-2002, 10:00 AM
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I also had a '72 240. I ordered mine is Corpus Christi, Texas. It hasn't come in yet but it seems like everyone else in Corpus has. I have seen one in person and the interior is very similiar to the 240. The cars lines also remind me of the 240 and the 300. Hope you enjoy yours.
09-03-2002, 01:13 PM
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I still have my 1978 280Z that I purchased new. I am looking forward to my 2003 Chrome Silver Touring 6 sp next month so I can do the 25 year differences comparison! 
09-03-2002, 01:34 PM
#7
This is my second 350Z. My first car was a '72 240Z that I bought in '79. A couple years later it wasn't running "so well", so I had a Chevy 350 V8 dropped in (just happened to coincide with the receipt of a small inheritance) 
. The car was a rocket and should have been the death of me. I even had 350Z on the license plate. Fortunatly, I was able to crash it and walk away. That was 20 years ago...
. The car was a rocket and should have been the death of me. I even had 350Z on the license plate. Fortunatly, I was able to crash it and walk away. That was 20 years ago...
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09-03-2002, 01:46 PM
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240z owner
I was the original owner of an orange 240Z bought in 1972, kept until 1982. Sitting in the 350Z did remind a bit of that great vehicle. I can't wait !
__________
CS- Performance; everything but Nav. and Aero.
Tracking #: yes
Vin: Not yet.
__________
CS- Performance; everything but Nav. and Aero.
Tracking #: yes
Vin: Not yet.
09-03-2002, 03:58 PM
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I was the proud owner of a Datsun 1983 280ZX.
It was a hand me down from my father for graduating from high-school in '92.
It had well over 100k miles on it, but I loved it and it ran like a top. And not a spec of rust... After putting about another 50k on it I wrapped it around a tree driving around in an ice storm in Lubbock, TX.
Oh well... That was the first and hopefully the last car I totalled. This was an important year for Datsun/Nissan that was the last year they used the Datsun name plate, and it was also the last year of the 280...
It was a hand me down from my father for graduating from high-school in '92.
It had well over 100k miles on it, but I loved it and it ran like a top. And not a spec of rust... After putting about another 50k on it I wrapped it around a tree driving around in an ice storm in Lubbock, TX.
Oh well... That was the first and hopefully the last car I totalled. This was an important year for Datsun/Nissan that was the last year they used the Datsun name plate, and it was also the last year of the 280...
09-03-2002, 04:33 PM
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Had a 1976 280Z, bought it new, really loved the car but it had problem with rust. Had 1990 300zx, great car,loved to drive it. Now have 1993 RX-7 twin turbo also a great car,really fast. Will keep this to compare with my Performance 350z super black with areo package 6MT. 
09-03-2002, 05:15 PM
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Havent been lucky enough to own a 240 or 260. I do own a 86 300zx and owned an 85 300zx before that. I am currently waiting for my Chrome Silver 6sp. Enthusiast.
09-03-2002, 05:46 PM
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'70 Z Silver to '03 Chrome Track
I'd sum it up this way. To be really excited by the original 240Z you had to compare it to the truly horrible, marginally reliable "Sports Cars" available in 1970. It was rock solid reliable, roll-up windows, good heater and had 150 hp when a 100 was considered good. It was the FIRST respectable, Japanese Sports Car, priced aggressively. The predecessor, the Datusn 1600 was essentially a mildly disguised English Sports Car.
On the other hand if you compared the 240Z to a 911 or XK-E, they were a lot nicer cars. (of course they cost more) Although the press made those comparisons, trust me, they were a stretch. (Did you ever see the "quilted" stuff they pasted over the 240Z rear shock towers? Not the stuff of automotive legends!!)
Today the new 350Z is so good that the real comparison is to much more expensive cars. It doesn't suceed because the other stuff is junk. I like the car better than the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, Boxster S, M Coupe and M3. I know the 911 is probably nicer, but $80,000 cars for most of us aren't daily drivers. I don't think you get a noticeably better driving experience with the high priced spread.
The new Z belongs amidst the priceier rivals. If you parked them side by side, and didn't know the price and make, the 350Z would seem to fit in well. In my mind the new Z is a giant step forward relative to its marketplace vs the 240Z and its marketplace.
On the other hand if you compared the 240Z to a 911 or XK-E, they were a lot nicer cars. (of course they cost more) Although the press made those comparisons, trust me, they were a stretch. (Did you ever see the "quilted" stuff they pasted over the 240Z rear shock towers? Not the stuff of automotive legends!!)
Today the new 350Z is so good that the real comparison is to much more expensive cars. It doesn't suceed because the other stuff is junk. I like the car better than the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, Boxster S, M Coupe and M3. I know the 911 is probably nicer, but $80,000 cars for most of us aren't daily drivers. I don't think you get a noticeably better driving experience with the high priced spread.
The new Z belongs amidst the priceier rivals. If you parked them side by side, and didn't know the price and make, the 350Z would seem to fit in well. In my mind the new Z is a giant step forward relative to its marketplace vs the 240Z and its marketplace.
09-03-2002, 06:31 PM
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I bought the 280z pictured below 7 years ago, and there has been NO replacement!! I tried to drive a corolla (economy), civic (economy + pep), maxima (sports sedan), 300zxt(attempted replacement), sunfire (given to me)...and no new car appealed to me (except the horrendously overpriced/overweight Z32). I have been at an impasse for 7 years as I continue to drive my 280z.
But now, I truly believe that the 350z will finally be a car to replace the early gen. z's. It has come, with its promise of performance and affordability. I am STOKED! This is the best NEW car out on the market since 1979.
of course, the 911 has always been a choice purchase, but its not affordable.
But now, I truly believe that the 350z will finally be a car to replace the early gen. z's. It has come, with its promise of performance and affordability. I am STOKED! This is the best NEW car out on the market since 1979.
of course, the 911 has always been a choice purchase, but its not affordable.
09-03-2002, 07:07 PM
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1970 ZZZZ
Bought my first Z from my dad, A 1970 240.
One of my favorite cars and the first of four,
1972, 1986, 2003.
Almost ordered the LeMans beacause this first car was burnt orange (origin of LeMans). But the chrome silver just works best with this car.
had a ride in the 350 today!!! It may be ahead of its time again!
In2Gems
One of my favorite cars and the first of four,
1972, 1986, 2003.
Almost ordered the LeMans beacause this first car was burnt orange (origin of LeMans). But the chrome silver just works best with this car.
had a ride in the 350 today!!! It may be ahead of its time again!
In2Gems
09-03-2002, 08:01 PM
#15
I dont own a 350Z but I have driven one (Track model) and this is my feedback as compared to my 70 240Z.
Granted neither of my cars are stock per-say.
Handling and performance wise the 350Z felt similar to my 240Z.
Granted my 240 is pretty much set up for the track. Coilovers, 12.1 Disc brakes, Corbeau seats, Strut bars, Adjustable struts, Big Swaybars etc.
I did dyno my 240 and it dynoed at 139RWHP and weighs probably right at 2100 lbs maybe even less
Also note the 240Z is almost as maxed out as you can go with the exception of a Turbo (Which is on the way)
My Project 240Z
When I first got in the 350Z it did remind me alot of my 240Z the way the Dash is, Small steering wheel etc. However the short throw shifter did throw me off a bit
Now dont ask me to compare it against my 93 300ZXTT.
Actually the 350Z would kill it in Handeling but not pwr..
Bang for the Buck I think Nissan did a great Job with the 350Z.
And yes I see a 350Z in the works for ZDriver.com and StrictlyZ.com
Granted neither of my cars are stock per-say.
Handling and performance wise the 350Z felt similar to my 240Z.
Granted my 240 is pretty much set up for the track. Coilovers, 12.1 Disc brakes, Corbeau seats, Strut bars, Adjustable struts, Big Swaybars etc.
I did dyno my 240 and it dynoed at 139RWHP and weighs probably right at 2100 lbs maybe even less
Also note the 240Z is almost as maxed out as you can go with the exception of a Turbo (Which is on the way)
My Project 240Z
When I first got in the 350Z it did remind me alot of my 240Z the way the Dash is, Small steering wheel etc. However the short throw shifter did throw me off a bit
Now dont ask me to compare it against my 93 300ZXTT.
Actually the 350Z would kill it in Handeling but not pwr..
Bang for the Buck I think Nissan did a great Job with the 350Z.
And yes I see a 350Z in the works for ZDriver.com and StrictlyZ.com
Last edited by GodZilla; 09-03-2002 at 08:12 PM.
09-03-2002, 10:54 PM
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240Z
I got my first 240Z almost exactly 15 years ago. I owned 3 240 Z's over the following few years. progressing as follows:
1) restoring a stock orange 1971. I paid $600 for it and it didn't run. It was rusted and needed a lot of work. It was my dream car though and I slaved away at a labor of love. I ended up painting the car a bright blue similar to the new 350Z daytona blue, and it looked great for a stock Z.
2) sold the one above and bought an basic auto-x car with tri-webers and some racing suspension mods. That thing got terrible gas mileage. lol It was fun and made me lust for even more power to combine with the great handling.
3) sold the above tri-weber car and bought a broken down 1972 240 with complete Nissan Competition suspension; threaded struts for quick ride height adjustment and track-adjustible sway bars, etc. It also had a body kit with wide fender flares and a more aerodynamic front end. I took this combination, sold the existing straight 6 in it, and put in a balanced 327 V8. Unlike most V8 conversions, I was determined to have a manual tranny, and I pulled it off, using a close-ratio transmission from an early camaro. That car was my ultimate Z when complete, and I hope my 350Z will be just as much fun but more refined than that crazy car!
1) restoring a stock orange 1971. I paid $600 for it and it didn't run. It was rusted and needed a lot of work. It was my dream car though and I slaved away at a labor of love. I ended up painting the car a bright blue similar to the new 350Z daytona blue, and it looked great for a stock Z.
2) sold the one above and bought an basic auto-x car with tri-webers and some racing suspension mods. That thing got terrible gas mileage. lol It was fun and made me lust for even more power to combine with the great handling.
3) sold the above tri-weber car and bought a broken down 1972 240 with complete Nissan Competition suspension; threaded struts for quick ride height adjustment and track-adjustible sway bars, etc. It also had a body kit with wide fender flares and a more aerodynamic front end. I took this combination, sold the existing straight 6 in it, and put in a balanced 327 V8. Unlike most V8 conversions, I was determined to have a manual tranny, and I pulled it off, using a close-ratio transmission from an early camaro. That car was my ultimate Z when complete, and I hope my 350Z will be just as much fun but more refined than that crazy car!
09-04-2002, 05:12 AM
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I was the proud owner of a Datsun 1983 280ZX.
It was a hand me down from my father for graduating from high-school in '92.
It had well over 100k miles on it, but I loved it and it ran like a top. And not a spec of rust... After putting about another 50k on it I wrapped it around a tree driving around in an ice storm in Lubbock, TX.
It was a hand me down from my father for graduating from high-school in '92.
It had well over 100k miles on it, but I loved it and it ran like a top. And not a spec of rust... After putting about another 50k on it I wrapped it around a tree driving around in an ice storm in Lubbock, TX.
. This also happened in Lubbock, TX, in about 1989. When I first read your post, I thought you were my brother for a moment, but my brother lives in a trailer park in Lubbock, and better not be buying a Z until he pays me back for my 280 My 2nd Z was a Fairlady I bought while in Japan. Don't know the year, but it was a 260, I think, and I loved it.
09-04-2002, 11:09 AM
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I had a 74 260Z and an 88 300ZX. Both great cars (although the 260 did have some issues!), and the gauges on the 350Z really brought back memories of my 260Z. My car doesn't arrive until October, so I can't compare driving impressions.
09-04-2002, 12:40 PM
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I purchased a 1974 260Z off the showroom floor 28 years ago--$4,000! I loved that car, although I can remember it was tough going on cold mornings. The twin carbs and manual choke made me feel like I was firing up an aircraft engine. My exwife made me sell it and I resented that and her ever since. It was my current wife who encouraged me to order the 350Z at the first opportunity. And guess what---It's HERE. I am going to pick it up today! Boy am I glad I married such a cool lady.
09-04-2002, 12:55 PM
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I owned a '72 240 which I bought in 1977 for around $3K. Drove it until '81 when my wife got broadsided. She was OK, but the car wasn't. Since I was in college, I didn't have the cash to rebuild it, so.. I ended up selling it to another avid Z fan and he rebuilt it beautifully.
Anxiously awaiting my PPW Touring model in October.
Anxiously awaiting my PPW Touring model in October.