lordbiotree

What do you guys think? Personally I think Hyundai is junk. According to this that is just a false statement. Kinda reminds me of the early days of Datsun. Just the only thing is that Nissan clearly never had any drive train problems. I found the article very interesting. I still dont like the thought of buying a Hyundai. -Brandon

By Martin Wolk MSNBC It was only a few years ago that Korea’s Hyundai was considered a second-tier auto brand, inferior in quality to better-made Japanese and American models. advertisement Those days are rapidly fading into history, according to a survey that ranks Hyundais with Toyotas and Hondas as the most reliable cars sold in America. Hyundai rose from No. 10 last year to tie for second place with Honda, slightly behind perennial No. 1 Toyota, according to the J.D. Power and Associates survey. The three companies easily outranked No. 4 BMW and No. 5 General Motors in the study, which measured problems reported in the first 90 days of ownership for 2004 models. Just six years ago Korean brands, including Kia and Daewoo, struggled against a reputation for poor quality, with owners reporting an average of 2.7 problems per vehicle in the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power. That figure has dropped 57 percent to fewer than 1.2 problems per vehicle. For Hyundai brand cars, the number is close to one problem per vehicle, comparable with Toyota and Honda. The comparison is not exactly fair, because Hyundai sells a relatively limited lineup of U.S. models, while Toyota, Honda and the Big Three carmakers each market several dozen "nameplates" under multiple brands. And Hyundai owners reported more problems in the crucial engine and powertrain areas, said Brian Walters, senior director of vehicle research at J.D. Power. Still, Hyundai's performance is "nothing short of extraordinary," he said The improvement in the Korean brands is part of an overall improvement in auto quality, according to J.D. Power officials. Overall, complaints about initial car quality dropped 11 percent in the past year, and 76 percent of models showed an improvement from the 2003 to 2004 model years, according to the survey. Among individual “nameplates,” luxury brands Lexus, Cadillac and Jaguar stood at the top of the list with less than one problem per vehicle on average. But a high price paid was no guarantee of a worry-free automotive experience. Owners of General Motors’ super-heavy Hummer brand sport-utility vehicle that lists for $50,000 and up, reported an average of 1.7 problems per vehicle, the most of any brand. Volkswagen and Porsche also ranked poorly in the study, although the Porsche 911 still ranked as the top premium sports car, ahead of the Honda S2000 and Nissan 350Z. Porsche was hurt by its introduction of the Cayenne sport-utility vehicle. Carmakers often encounter initial quality "bugs" in new models. The Toyota Corolla was the top-ranked compact car, and the Hyundai Sonata, with a base sticker price of $16,000 was No. 1 among so-called entry-level midsize cars, ahead of the Oldsmobile Alero and Chevrolet Malibu. GM's Buick Century was at the top of the competitive "premium midsized" category, outranking the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and other models. The Mercury Grand Marquis and Dodge Stratus Coupe were among other top-ranked American-branded cars. Among pickup trucks, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Toyota Tundra and Dodge Ram HD were all tops in their categories. The J.D. Power study surveyed 51,000 people who bought or leased new 2004 model year cars and trucks. The study is one of two major vehicle quality surveys produced annually by J.D. Power, which sells the data to car makers. The other survey measures problems reported in the first three years of ownership, which is considered more important factor to prospective buyers than initial quality. In that study, released last July, Porsche ranked No. 1 for the 2000 model year. Toyota, ranked first among companies with a full lineup of vehicles, followed by Honda and Nissan.Korea's Daewoo and Kia were at the bottom of the list.Daewoo models are no longer marketed in this country. Found at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4854302/

Say your post yesterday, was unable to replay at the time. Sounds like you've done your studying. Not much we can tell you. Since your not very mechanically inclined you might want a fellow Canadian ClazzicZcar club member to help check out the mechanics. You not only need a mechanic, you need a Z car mechanic if you can find one. If your unable to fine a Mechanic, listen to the car. Anything that sounds different/weriod to you note it. Note When how at what speeds you are noticing this ect. Then post it to the club. I have a Z with head light covers. Yes, they requires drilling but they look SO GOOD. As long as you've got full documentation. Cant find any rust any where you should be fine. Make sure you feel the paint to see if rust isn't forming underneath. Look for rust on the hood, door area, around the wheels. On the latch of the back hatch (Tailgate), Around the battery. That sounds about it. I hope your happy with your purchase. -Brandon

Great

I'm fully aware of the story behind the turn around of Nissan But, where could one read this book. Could you post an isbn# and author of the book?

I think the guy is full of crap. He probably thinks it's got a really high market value due to it's age/o what he has done to it. Well, it doesn't. Been sitting for 8 yrs. It'll need 2K in just general work to get it "road worthy" The car is wrath about $1500 as is. It'll need new rubber hoses, belts, fuel lines, brake work........Plus an immediate 200-400 for tires. If the car has custom tires, low profile tires are $450. It's hard to fetch 5k for a 1970 240Z in that condition. Fiberglass is extremely heavy once it's been hardened. If the car hasn't been taken care off, probably cracks underneath let him sit on it. I would just say forget about it. For $5,000 you can but you a hell of a nice Zed. IF you really like the car. Let him know what the market value is, not only voice it to him give him websites to looks at and cars sold similar as his on e-bay. Here's what you would really want. Carl Beck does great write ups on the Zcar mailing list every not and then when a question of "how to buy" or "what do I want" comes up. I'll look through my archives and see what I can fine. www.Z31.com has an online archive. In the mean time I'm sure fellow club members should be able to get you an educated market value of the car. -Brandon

Welcome Some of us are long time Zers. I hope you are happy with you purchase. It's always great when you get what you've fallen in love with. As for me I've got 3 1971 240Z with the desire to have more. Problem is I've got no more space for any. The longer you own your Zed the more you'll fall in love with them....5-6+ years owing my first Z now. The love is what keeps me glued to our club and the site. -Brandon

I agree with you 100%.... People who use NOS are all a bunch of phonies. If you want respect from me build your engine up from scratch to match the HP you want. Heck you can even go the better root Buy a car thetas got what you want. If you want power. Go with a turbo, much cheeper in the long run. Back to the subject. It's much better to build a 2.7 stroker out of your L24 engine and then run the P*** out of it. After a few shots of NOS with your current set up you will have major problems. Now if this engine is 30+ years old, never had and overhaul engine rebuilt. Your just asking to make a total arse of yourself. If your willing to spend the above I would highly recommend a Rebello built 3.2 for around 5,000. For much cheeper you can easily build up a L28T up 300HP by just adding intercooler bigger turbo, oil cooler with more boost. Personally I would love to have a Rebello 3.2 but a turbo fits my wallet. -Brandon 1971 240Z Orange 1971 240Z Silver-Parts...going to be stroker/turbo project. 1971 240Z Gold&black series I.. Triple Webber's, racing cam, Efan, T-5, duel point dizzy, Nissan racing suspension- major pocket rocket- unknown horsepower

So what is the price and or supplier of these seates? In USA would E-bay be the best bet? -Brandon

I'm Bothered by this. What's the point in messing up such a perfect pristine 1970 240Z? I ask this because your unable to get your hands on good non molested 1970s any more. Do as you please. I would recommend a 72 or 73 parts car. -Brandon

Welcome to the board. Take your time. Get to know everyone. We are a great bunch. I personally don't own any 240K's or skylines (Someday) but I've got 3 240Z cars. We are probably able to answer any question on any Datsun/Nissan you have. -Brandon

Hey guys, I live in north Florida (Tallahassee) off of a large swamp. In my spare time when not tinkering with the Z, I'm running my air boat (Sled with a big fan in the back-like a hovercraft.) I'm very trained in catching and handling Alligators. Having said all that I have Never seen an Alligator Cross a Highway. Carl was very lucky to see a 12 foot alligator. Due to hunting, poaching, and the sale of Alligator hide etc. Alligators almost never reach 12-14 feet long in the wild. Not to mention almost all people are scare of them As mean, nasty, scary, deadly they might look I take lots of enjoyment watching them in the wild. -Brandon P. S there's not enough alligators in Florida to have Alligator crossing signs. Most of Florida's wetlands are becoming very developed. Waterfront land is wrath lots of money.

Nope, it's like a floor mat

All the Body panels are interchangeable between the 240 and the 280. The 280 is slightly wider by about 2 or so inches than the 240. The only difference with the front is the 280 had a vented which can be very easily switched to a 260-240 style hood. Where did you but your Air dam? Who makes it? What does it look like? If Possible Post a picture of the part. what cars got the best reviews and are the best to buy. It depends all on what you want and what you can afford. My best advice is by the most expensive (Best) car that you can afford. Do not try and be stingy-it'll hurt you in the long run. Rust is the killer to all Z's. Have a knowledgeable Zer look over the car your going to buy. I say knowledgeable man cuz he'll look for things your unable to find out online. -Brandon

Datsun-Fever, There's not much you can do. Patch it up, keep it out of sun light, put a cover on it. Make sure you don not park your car under direct sun light. If you can afford restore your dash do it! -Brandon 71 240Z-small crack in dash

Yes, Victoria British sells a Black polyester dash protector. Page 39 in the spring edition. You should be able to pull this up at www.victoriabritish.com. Costs $39.95 for a Z and ZX's. I have not yet purchased one but it's been on my dream list for quite some time (Years.) Need parts before cosmetics. -Brandon 71 240Z

Is there any way you could post a picture of these belts that secure with the aid of a magnet. I'm a little curious, How do they work or how do you use them. I've only used clip type belts and pull-up style seat belts. Man the magnet must be strong enough to hold up a bowling ball. -Brandon

Well, I'm at work unable to give you a well thought out replay. I'm sure someone els will. In my opinion the best Z is a 1970 240Z E-31 head with twin chokes. It goes down from there. Every year after they got heavier and slower. Personally I dot like any 2+2 model Z (not ZX). They just look weird. Well I got to go -Brandon

I've got on in my shed. Never liked the way they looked on the dash. I Used mine for a small time. I just let it sit to cover my dash from the sun. I wouldn't recommend any one using heavy glue. You'll never get it off. Last note. I would never pay $50. -Brandon 71 240z

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Alan it's much easier to click on Direct URL's that to search an Entire site. I've been flowing Komiya san's Project on Zparts.com for quite some time. I would love to read a complete write up from start to finish. With enough evidence for a fellow Zer to undertake the same project. According to car-parts.com you can buy a Q45 engine and all accessories for 3,000...Sounds like feasible plan for a guy who's got the accessibility to fabricate everything....... Personally I would much rather have a 1995 VG30DETT under my hood. Having said all that WOW BEAUTY are the only words. -Brandon

Nice to see an old thread come back......I wonder where all those people went. Funny how you never notice when a member leaves the site... some of those guys I haven't seen online in months. I'm All stock. 3 Z's nothing added.........I want a stroker or turbo. -Brandon

There are several of us in The USA south I'm in Florida.....There's about 5 or so active members who are from Florida also. I would also consider Arkansas As south as it gets. Remember the civil war? Arkansas supplied the confederate army with the most troops. billramsey2002- Not the only Arky, My hole family lives in Little Rock. I visit every summer along with all the holidays. A good two thousand mile round trip 2-3 times a year. -Brandon

HOLY CRAP A magnet to keep you in place. Man on man Now I know where people believe it's safer "Not" to use your seat belt.

I'm in need of a 240Z 5-speed gear shift knob to... I've been using an old ragged 4-speed wooden one for years. I don't car the condition. I don't even car if it'll screw in place. I would just like to place one on the stick. The plastic 5-speed disc. I don't car if the knob is cracked or in poor condition. As long as I can see 5 numbers and the thing wont fall apart. A fair-new knob probably would be out of my budget. -Brandon