Mark

ONE MORE SUGGESTION -

Why not post WHERE in VA you are. We have LOTS of sharksters in that area. Maybe one (or some) of them could spend some time with you and help you to evaluate all of your options. They can also help to check out any potential deals you find.

LethargyTM

So Flott, how about like
1) http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6187
2) http://search.ebaymotors.com/search/...082309&skip=30 is the list of it.

Would i able to change lights on the Datsuns??


Fairfax county, Vienna

Lizard928

Leth have you looked at the 968 (not 986 which is the boxster) go to 968.net

bcdavis

Some of us 928 owners started out with Z's.
Check out my old Z's:

http://www.thedeathknight.com/280Z/ZCar.html

They can be fast, fun, exotic, and all for so much less money...
Check out the links to Arizona Z car, etc...
All the parts for hot-rodding, and repair are so much cheaper than the 928.
And yes, there are a lot of ways to change the look on a Z car...



Back to that festering 928 widebody...

I was thinking some more...
$600 is a pretty good deal for the body kit, and the parts that are there.
Someone on the list should buy the car, and strip off all the fenders,
and any decent parts from the car, and then junk the remainder.

But there must be a need for some of the suspension,
the intake, block, transmission, etc...

Those flares would work nicely on someone's track car,
and allow them to get a lot of sticky rubber underfoot...

Mark

DAMMIT BC - DON'T TEMPT ME!

(THe neighbors would just LOVE ANOTHER junk shark in the driveway!!)

Garth S

LethargyTM,
You've already got lot's of great advice, some of it directing you in what not to do: summary, don't buy a bucket of parts and try to make a running 928.That's a challenge not to be wished even on an experienced mechanic!!
For your $3-5K, get a good running 944 - have a daily driver, learn about Porsches, take everything apart-twice, three times!! (one of the Members quotes, "if it ain't broke, fix it 'till it is". Everything you learn can later be applied to 928's.
In the meantime, you've got 'wheels', a rolling laboratory, probably some coin left over, and an opportunity to learn about Porsches.

parrothead

Leth, I bought an 81 928 that runs, the body is in fair condition, and the inside needs an overhaul. I'll probably have 2k into it before trusting it enough to get tags on it I'll sink another 4-8k on it before I'll want to take it on an extended drive or a night on the town.

That said if anyone on the list buys it for parts let me know. I do have a wish list getting longer everyday.
Eric

Flott Leben

I know this is a German car site but because it was asked I will give a little advice on Z's. (Admin.- please be kind) As bcdavis said, many of us started on Z cars. (by the way, bc, nice video of your flight!) My first car was an '81 280ZX, Black/tan leather. It was fun to drive, work on, and modify. I currently still own an '81 ZX and a '72 240Z (project cars).

My preferences: stay away from the 2+2 if you can (ruined the roofline on the car), definitely get a manual, the early 70's 240Z are beautiful (in my opinion) twin carbs, quick, agile and light. The 260Z is a pretty rare model with a slightly larger engine (on the earlier cars the numbers correlate to displacement, i.e 240Z = 2.4 liter engine, 280 ZX = 2.8 liter engine, etc.)

The 280Z's still have the early look but with a more modern engine (fuel injection, etc). The 80's 280ZX's are much more refined and more of a GT than a bare bones sports car, i.e., cat, good a/c, cruise control, plush interior, etc. And I loved the T-tops. So 80's!

Engine is easily accessible, suspension is fairly simple, transmission is easily dropped, headers and cat removal show real results on these cars, parts are plentiful and there are great sources of info for perfomance parts and mods. Just watch out for rust - the main enemy of early Z cars, especially underbody, wheel wells and bottom of the doors.

Last note, the newer body style 300ZX's (the rounded ones) are very refined, have exceptional ability to generate a lot of horsepower (especially the twin turbos) and are more modern looking, even for today - if that is important.

P.S. Look within driving distance for whatever you are seeking. You should see & drive before you buy. Plus, shipping will cost $500. If you are still thinking Z on ebay go for an Arizona, Texas, or Southern Callifornia lifetime car (can't stress it enough - rust will kill you on these!)

P.P.S. Nissan has reinvested R&D and $ on bringing the Z car back and supporting it. And that must be a really nice feeling for old Z owners. Wish Porsche were headed that way. But there is always hope!

Good luck!

LethargyTM

Mark: Do you know any source where I could get it? or do they sell it in Porsche dealers?

Mark and/or BCdavis: What are you guys drooling about? Are the wide ones rare?

Garth: I do not have "wheels" but I help my friend's 1980 Mustang. We stripped the interior and found some rusts on the floow so we are going to work on that and clean the engine, ect... Does that count??

So you guys agree on the suggestion that i should start with a "Z" or the 968s?? For the Z which year is the best and the model??

-Leth

GlenL

Good point. A little more reading and I'd have spotted that, too.

John Struthers

Leth,
Buy it for under $800.00 and part it out on Ebay or here for that matter,
Hood, glass, heads, block, electric panel, instrument pod ...
That should put you a lot closer to a sHARk in better condition or at least several hundred/thousand ahead of the game.
I have what I consider a great sHARk, GOOD CONDITION!
Yet I've had persistant electrical glitches ... they are a royal pain and would drive lesser men to a geographic spot somewhere North of wrist slitting though considerably South of binge drinking.
Your project should be to buy cheap and sell dear.

bcdavis

The 928 you were looking at is not normal.
It has a body kit on it.
Body kits for these cars are expensive, and hard to find.
Not to mention the work it takes to cut the fenders, mount the kit,
and get the wider wheels and tires. So if that car was anywhere
near decent, it could be a pretty unique 928...
But it looks like a bit of a money pit.
Therefore, it seems smarter for someone who already
has a running 928, or a track car 928, to buy this one,
and take off the fenders, and put them on a good car, that
already has a good drivetrain and interior. Then part out
the remaining components, and throw the rest away...



As far as Z cars go, the 240s are lighter.
But they are older, slower, and they have finicky carbs.
260s have crappy carbs, too many misdesigned smog components,
and not enough power. The 280s have a lot more power, and fuel injection.
But they have REALLY heavy impact bumpers,
and smog components in some cases. So I think
it works best to get a 280, and rip off the bumpers,
and put on fiberglass ones, or 240 bumpers.
And also remove the smog gear. As others
have mentioned, on a small, light car like that,
you can be really fast, without huge changes
in power. Headers and exhaust, and a larger
throttle body, will make them pretty damn fast...
Removing those bumpers alone, saved hundreds of pounds,
and made the car significantly faster...

And as I mentioned before, the parts to hot-rod a Z,
and to modify the body, are 75% cheaper than Porsche
parts.

Headers for a 928: $600
Headers for a 280Z: $220

Cams for a 928: $2,500
Cam for a 280Z: $600

Same for almost all the modifications you might want to do...
Not to mention repair and maintainance parts are cheaper...

Nicole

Remember that God gave you two feet. Use them to walk away from a bad deal!

Get one that is at least in decent condition and runs well. Otherwise you are just creatng yourself a nightmare - not just financially...

Ron_H

Lethargy:

I owe you an apology. I assumed you are not financially able to absorb the cost of this car's restoration. I also assumed that you could not gain from the pain of learning from the experience. Sounds like you have arranged your priorities and need an indulgence. Mark Twain said: " Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambition. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." If it's something you have to have, go for it. Then you can change your name to Elation.

It also sounds like John's idea has some merit and will put cash in your pocket, to ease the pain of the busted knuckles from the disassembly. Then you'll know for what not to look when you search for your "keeper
928"

The only other caution: Watch out for the Porsche bug. Once it bites, you are hooked. I once spent TEN years without a car of any kind trying to shake it. Aw, as someone once told me...why not lie back and enjoy it?!

Wolfmaniser

If I may beat a dead horse here,
the complexity of this car cannot be overemphasised. From personal
experience, I used to be a mechanic, and having worked on practically
everything but a 928, my limited knowledge became apparent quickly.
Torque tubes, dual clutches, toe correcting rear axle, 7 foot timing belt,
I don't think anyones trying to scare you away, but we've all been through
the "morning after" driving it home. My advice, approach it as you would
raising a wild animal. The car will teach you what it wants. And it wants
quite a bit!