Replace the T/C rod bushings and that tendency to dart over bumps will go away entirely. I just went with rubber bushings used by SCCA back in the day and I don't think my 280 has ever tripped over a bump since.
The 240/260/280z is top of my bucket list. The are such fantastic looking cars, not too big, moddable, not silly money (although they're heading that way), straight six...love them. Not yet had the chance to drive one though.
Good to see you put something on for bumpers. They look like a project car with the bumpers missing especially in the back with all those holes in the rear valance panel. I disagree with the "california emissions strangling the motor" You probably had the original fuel injectors that were worn out and a stretched timing chain reducing power. The car was rated at 170 gross hp but only had 110-125 hp at the wheels.
I spent many a miles in a blue 1978 280z 2+2. My uncle bought it new and then years later he gave it to my cousin as his first car. Oh the craziness that we got into as teenagers
Beautifully shot opening sequence. I am really looking forward to driving a Z one day (although I will probably use the steering wheel as intended ;) ).
Now this is class simply gorgeous wouldn’t change a thing brilliant conversion so glad he’s got the right wheels on it and not bloody put it on airride which I hate this is top notch 👌🏻👌🏻
I had a 1974 260Z with 240 Hitachi carbs - awesome sweet revving engine and Janspeed Exhaust - Being a twat I sold it. Felt like you were sitting on the back wheels - one of those cars that gives far more than expected.
I had lots of 260's and 280's in the early 80's. Sold them all and didn't buy another until 1998. I call it my midlife crisis car. Still have it today and glad i kept it. Its a very nice 78 california car.
Ha ha Carl has hit the nail on the head with that comment!!! Just goes to show you don't need to take on a second mortgage to have an absolutely cool head turning sports car 🙂 , great video Jack 👌👍
Rewatched after 5 months.I noticed again the tires were way to big for this chassis.And as a road car everyone builds an over built car...then faults the car design. With proper parts selection.. These cars are a blast. Build it to extremes in any direction...that is far from the the cars fault. Considering the car won lots of off road races around the world in rally and safari driving....the car can be built successfully for dirt roads .Fitting a subaru LSD is a common racer mod that is idea for rwd rally work , in vintage classes. Or if you live on dirt roads. Even then they rallyed them on 205 75 14 tires. Im building a low resto mod street 280Z and an raised off /on rally 240Z both for road use no racing . They are fitted with 15x 7 rims 205. 50 15 on the lowered car and 205 70 15 A/T all terrain tires for the rally Z. Rally Z a 4barrel carb and manifold. The street lowered Z triple 40mm for the "song" of driving. Both have subaru lsd and L28 motors the rally has a four speed like the factory rally cars did and the low Z has a 5 speed. Its about pure driving fun. Did you see that smile on his face driving a Z for his first time? All Z drivers get that ....like the owner here........smiling on the inside...
Well, XXVII, the opening sequence, all fifty seconds of it, is simply sublime. The remainder is more of an acquired taste. However, if two old farts talking bollocks is your cup of tea, then you'll be in heaven. At least, XXVII, you know how to hold a steering wheel; your partner's driving technique is simply horrible. Stick with your Frogeye, it's far better than this curate's egg. As usual, an excellent video that's swept along by your infectious enthusiasm, and a stunning opening. I'm sure you do the opening shots simply to piss-off Cletus, who claims to be a camera wizard, although, apparently, only in porn films. Clovis was his fluffer, that's how they became such firm friends.
10 inch wide all the way around.. 7in wide is what the racers in the 70s and 80s ssid were the max. Width for that chassis. That would take care of steering
“The paint is flat, the dash is cracked, but it is rust free.” Sounds familiar, my E28 which I picked up in Spain fits that description too.😁 Brilliant Datsun, must be a hoot to drive.
You hit the nail on the head with your comment about how important steering and a good gearbox are in making a car stand out as special. Hence my hatred of transaxle Alfas! :)
I’ve always loved these cars, especially with the flared wheel arches, which I’m not always a fan of. They look great on the 280z and also the Mk1 MR2. I don’t suppose I’ll ever be able to own one though.
@@elviseleven11 lol I forgot about this comment update I guess car runs but no work put into it at all I got a e46 bmw been loving that want to fix the Z but just don’t have the $ for it for a 21 year old me and my dad want to fix it but don’t have the $ well I do but I invest more then Try to spend make when I’m 30 I’ll own 3 240z😉
Agreed. I thought I was the only one 😂 I'm thinking about buying a 280zx, but the way the steering wheel is, I can't rest my thumbs to hold the wheel properly, so maybe I'll swap it.
In the 80s in California you would spot 10 on a quit day. Best thing about US 260 and 280 they were 2 seaters, in Uk 240z was last 2 seater z car uk 260 looked a bit boat like as 2+2 and longer wheel base. They were more than 80bhp, more like 120,uk 260 had 150 and flew, buckets of torque lovely long second gear,friend had one in 80s, rust killed them here, made Italian cars look solid, Datsun 160j boot skin would peel of with rust, funny