Datsun 240z

[Mase]

I saw a show on TLC or whatever where these 2 teams bought two 1970's Datsun 240z's. Their goal was to install performance upgrades before a certain deadline. Afterwards, they were to drag race for pink slips.Periodically though the show, they'd flash back to the old days when the 240 was THE dominant track car. They focused on speed and agility in the promos. Well the teams, from what I remember, replaced the carb, upgraded the fuel system, ignition system, installed racing headers, and a fully custom exhaust. I'm sure it cost a couple thousand to for all the parts.Well, I got kinda pumped up and really wanted to see what those things could do. Thoughts of huge burnouts and roaring engines were going through my head. When they finally finished, they took it to the LACR 1/4mile track (where I usually race) and put them up against eachother. Sadly, neither car could even get below 17's and they would trap in the low 80's . Needless to say, I was very disappointed.Now excuse my the ignorance of my youth and lack of experience with older cars, but to me if you spend that much money on a "sports car" then it should be faster than today's economy cars. Whenever I run at that track, I get mid-low 15's. I'm sure stock Civics would get better times than those 240z's. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Has technology really come so far that what was considered fast and sporty years ago is now considered equal to today's economical, daily driver performance? Has anyone personally owned one of these?

[SCVibe]

Yes technology has come a long way. Those cars were great handlers for their time but not all that quick by today's standards. By the 70's pollution regs. and gas prices were taking a toll on all cars, heck if I recall correctly 1974 Trans Am S/D with a 455 C.I. engine had only 190 hp (but lots of torque). We are alot better off today, engine wise; decent hp, good gas mileage and reliability. Even minivans have more than 200 hp.

[Raven]

One of my best friends has had a 1971 240Z for approx. 25 years, 4 engines and 3 paint jobs. It was never blistering fast but he could scare the crap out of me with the cornering capabilities. You have to remember these cars were only about $3,500.00 when brand new and you can still get one in excellent condition for about $10,000.00. That leaves lots of room for engine mods because the suspension doesn't need much. They were and still are beautiful cars to look at.