240/280 Z vs 240sx

[chaosnite]

what do you guys think based on handling, comfort, reliability, and overall "goodness." I want to swap in an RB motor but not sure what to pick as my project car.

Well, let the games begin..

[Rockenreno]

it depends... if you get an old enough Z you don't have to worry about smog

Then again, if you don't care that's a different story. RB swaps have been done with both cars, I'm sure you could find a lot of good info on them, unfortunately I know very little about the old Zs, so I can't help you any more than that

[themadscientist]

an old Z with a GT-R motor is a ruthless combo. With it's age you should get less flak at inspection time too because a properly tuned RB26 will run cleaner than the carbed L24-L26.You should expect to get a lot of bodywork done as finding a rust free example will be tough.

[nocomedown]

my friend has a '76 280z, and its pretty cooli still like my 240 better though

[chaosnite]

so you guys all favor the z over the 240sx for the RB swap? any particular reasons? I'm assuming weight and the fact that it's a classic car.

[themadscientist]

easier to pass inspection due to it's agepower to weightI've seen one in the steel and it is like:jawdrop:

[krazy skwerel]

yes very classic styling oh so nice. :batman

[Bubba1]

My preference is in the following order:

1. 240sx (handles better, is anemic stock, and is not a collectible by any stretch, so it may be worth a bit more when you're done if you did a good job, and is still going to be cheaper to maintain when you're done. Best chjoice

2. 280z/280zx. Are not slouches performance wise now, so you won't see as dramatic a difference. Plus they're not as collectible as a 240Z. Not a bad choice either

3. 240Z are worth far more if you DON'T mod them. They're collectibles now. You may improve the performance, but will likely lower it's value, not improve it.

Good luck

[chaosnite]

hmm so as far as maintanence (sp?) do you guys think that a 240sx would be cheaper to maintain than a 240 or 280 z?

[yeswepromise]

there was a thread posted by Buudweiser about the Z car meet in SoCal....in that thread i believe there is a picture of a s30 with a RB26DETT motor. i am too lazy to search for it but i figured i would tell ya about it.

[jEzTeR]

I love the old school 240z and 280z's.I think that all of the post so far are right.You need to decide what you like and go for it.If it were me I'd get an 240z or 280z and do a motor swap after restoring the body.It's a big project but thats what I would do.The 240sx's are awesome also.You cant go wrong with either choice. Good luck and take lots of photo's.:jester:

[chaosnite]

hmm.. such a tough choice dammit! I really like both cars but I guess in the end it comes down to which is easier on the wallet. what do you guys think? which platform is easier to build on?

[[Zero-S]]

My friends got a 280ZX for sale for 1k...looks like I'm gonna be the proud owner of a new project car soon. I'd say 280 if you wanna drop a RB into it, but then again I'm really biased.

[Bubba1]

hmm so as far as maintanence (sp?) do you guys think that a 240sx would be cheaper to maintain than a 240 or 280 z?

Yes, in general. Think of the age difference of the vehicles. Parts wear out. Unless the 240z was restored at some point, odds are a 30 year old 6cyl 240Z is going to need more things replaced/repaired than a 10 year old 4 cyl pickup truck engined 240SX. Of course much has to do with the maintenance record and how each car was treated over its life.

[jEzTeR]

I have seen many 30 year old cars that are in great shape.Most of which are somewhat rare such as the 240z.look for all of the above then when you run into one of any of them that is in good shape and is a good price go for it!Keep an open mind.

[240canuck]

remember if you do an engine swap and are shorter on cash a Ka24de engine is easier to sell for some pretty good cash to a wrecker or rebuilder. now I don't know but doesn't a 240z have a solid rear axle???? suspension in the 240sx is definitly better aswell as interior. If the 240z has a solid axle then it will handle like crap with that much power.