what's the difference between the 240z and 280z's body

[virgindrifter]

i was reading a mag and i came upon a 240z. that thing was beautiful. i said to myself: "now that's i car, id rather put money into". so i searched and searched, and came across a 280z. imo it looks exactly the same, but i just wanted more experience people's opinion. all comments would be good. thanks and yes i'm a noob to this classic z phase

[evildky]

the bodies are the same, the bumpers, valance, tail lights and hoods are the only visual differences, the door skins are the same but the latches are different and the quarter panels on the 240z have indentions for the tighter fitting bumpers, early 240's also had small vents at the base of the hatch where all other models have vents in the "C" pillar

[virgindrifter]

thanks, i was talking to a buddy of mine and he actually told me that the 280z is longer. anybody confirm that?

[evildky]

the only addition tot he length is the bumpers, all the external body panels are interchangable with minor mosds for things like bumpers and door latches, same wheelbase, you can swap suspension parts between all years, the 280 parts would raise a 240 but the 240 parts lower the 240, believe me I've been through more of these than I care to mention, they added a few unseen pieces to the 280 chassis that makes it stronger but heavier, bottom line a solid car si better than a rusty one, if you can find a solid 280 but only rusty 240's get the 280, some 280's even had factory 5 speed and factory air

[TWISTEDSIX]

I own several years of the z's.....and the general shape is indeed similiar, but there are MANY subtle differences between years.A stripped chasis( bare can) weighs in differently between years due to differences in reinforcements and steel thickness's.The sheet metal fenders on the 280 are the same except for bolt holes for the valances.The 280 lower valance is different due to turn signals being relocated to the grille zone.The 280 rear valnce is differing due to different bumper configs.The door latch/strikers are completely changed as are the doors...they don't swap.Cowls,hoods,hatch,glass and many underpinnings will all swap with ease or little modifications. Cheers,Vinny

[DemonZ]

The door latch/strikers are completely changed as are the doors...they don't swap.

Actually, some do. I have a 72 240 with an early (probably 75 or 76) 280z passenger door. The door is a bit heavier than the 240 door, and has the same door latch as the 240. The majority of the 280Z's do have different door latches and are not interchangable. I just lucked out and got a door from an early enough model that the latch is the same. The main difference again is the weight due to stronger construction, and on the majority of the 280 models, the difference in the latches.

Then of course there's the heavy bumpers and mounts on the late 260's and 280s. Different turn signals, Tail lights, 2.8L motor, Fuel ingection, EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT and lots of other little things.

The first gens are all BASICALLY the same, but there are lots of little differences from year to year.... There are even a number of differences between the 70 - early 71, late 71 - 72, and the 73 240's. There are also two versions of the 260Z, and a number of very small differences in the 280z's(such as the change in door latches).