So those of you that know me, know it has been a long while since I had a 240.

Since I went back to school, I've been driving my truck back and forth from St. Pete to Tampa.
The fuel bill for my truck is kicking my ass.
Between student loan refunds and tax returns, I have a little bit of cash to play with. I was thinking of getting another car to drive back and forth to school.
The last 240 I had wasn't too far from stock, basically just dual cam, 5 spd, intake, exhaust, and lowered, that's pretty much it. And I was getting 25-28 mpg pretty consistently and I didn't really hypermile it or anything like that.

So far, the numbers work out that I save a pretty decent amount, even with having to pay insurance on the 240.
(gotta work the numbers again to make sure)

What do you think? get another one, or go a different route?

 

I say go for it. But would you get rid of the truck to do so? What about your other project(s)? Sounds like gas mileage would be a selling point if you dont boost it right away. It would be cool to see what you'd come up with for a combination. If you could get one soon...the Dragon might be calling.

In getting one you would know what you could expect for costs. As far as another route?? Not sure...maybe get the 280z thats been up for sale for a while, that could be fun.

 

Look at the reasons why not to get one. Parts are very abundant no matter the aspect and for the most part, parts are fairly cheap. It's a no-brainer. If you're just going to use it, (if you decide to get one) for a daily, just keep it N/A. No modifications, no major problems.

 

Why would you want to buy another shitty old car that's going to break all the time?

 

Why not buy a real sports car?

 

I'd be keeping my truck too. That's what I'm in the process of figuring out. Would the money saved on gas be enough to actually save anything once I have to pay insurance for both the truck and the 240. I've had to rearrange some of my other projects. Decided to invest those funds in some business ideas. They are still gonna happen, just on a different time frame.. I don't think i'd boost it. Maybe if I kept it for a long time I might. I'm thinking just simple na power, decent chassis/suspension and a/c. Just a cheap, entertaining daily driver. it would be fun to hit some of those roads. I never did get any of my old cars up to the dragon. Always wanted to. That's kind of what I was thinking and why I was leaning towards a 240. it seems like a bit better option than some of the other options in the same price range. Like an old civic. I just don't know if I could handle that. Lol. Which is why I'm so hesitant. Lol. I will always have a soft spot for 240's and so far I've been pretty lucky as far as reliability goes. If I got one, i'd start with a shell, tear it down and build it back up from there. I would, if the budget was there. I'd probably get another 300zx but, those are money pits themselves. And anything else i'd want to get, isn't going to happen for 2 grand ish. Unless of course you know someone that's just dyin to get rid of their 350z.

 

If you keep it NA with just the usual bolt ons it would be enjoyable and dependable since you dont thrash your rides around like a drift oriented TR 240sx owner might.

I like the time line for boosting if you hold on to it for a while. I subscribe to that frame of mind myself...lol.

My plan is to get up to the Dragon from April 19-22. There is going to be a Mazda Rotary Rally event that weekend. A group of rotary guys are driving up from the Bay area and I plan to join them.

Let me know when you start looking for a shell seriouly and I'll help you source one out. If my shell was good for anything but a missile I would donate that to the cause my friend.

-Royce

 

I'm looking for a missle..... (;

 

april 19th huh... don't know if I could make that happen in time.
I'm still up in the air about getting one in general. If I do, I would wanna rip it apart and start from the ground up, so the end of april would be cutting it close.
But, ya never know. I might get lucky and find a really good one, that is good to go, for a decent price. Maybe.

If I get a 240, I'm thinking I'd go the high compression route. Since I would want to tear the engine apart anyway, figure it wouldn't be too much more to toss in some sohc pistons and run the higher compression. high compression, with bolt ons, ought to make for an enjoyable drive. Hell, if I get bored with it, strap a bottle of nitrous to it and see what happens. lol.

This is quickly becoming a built for fun build, instead of a, save money on gas car. lol.
Guess it all depends on how much I can make it all happen for. Gotta crunch the numbers, and see if it is even a reasonable goal. If I don't buy a 240 and throw some money at it, then that cash will be thrown at my truck and our 300zx. The downside to that is I'll still be getting crap gas mileage in the truck, and she'll still be driving the Z. lol.

Buy Rhart's!
Do It!

 

Phil,

You always do that. I am, however, happy to read through your rants!! ~Mmmm high compression...mmm...splitting open the engine for more power~...lol. Your "vision" might keep you from doing this all together.

Here is what I suggest. Find a cheap, good running s13 and work on your suspension stuff. Pick up the best set of grippy tires you can afford. Then rather than playing with engine internals, go find a good VLSD. Make it handle and get a short shifter so you can throw gears at it quickly and smoothly and keep it in its power band.

If your looking to keep it simple and efficient then that would be the best way to go. Gosh...think minimalist chassis...strip it out, lighten it up...then throw some horsepower at it, when youre no longer worrying about gas mileage as much.

awaiting your response....