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  #11  
Old January 17th 06, 05:57 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
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Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site

In article >,
"Chris D'Agnolo" > wrote:

> Pat, are you telling me that we share an affection and an ownership history
> of Datsun Z-cars too?


<butting in> I'm sure you meant to type "affliction"...

I joined the U-Joint Of The Month Club, too, when I bought a new '71 in
pale yellow. Ripped off the smog pump and installed headers/duals,
Gerhaty (sp?) carb and timing kit, home-brew cold-air induction, milled
0.060" off the head--would pull redline in 4th @ 140 mph. Konis,
spoiler, sways, yadda yadda. Great fun. Unlike the 260/280, the early
240s with SU carbs were actually quick. The Z started going downhill in
'72, when Datsun raised the suspension a couple of inches to meet new
bumper height regs.

> I really don't think the Z was ever as much fun as I've had with
> these lil roadsters.


No way, 'cause it had a roof. The cheap strut suspension was also not
nearly as forgiving once you dialed out the understeer--never, Never,
NEVER lift in a hard corner! Oh, and did I mention the way it ate
U-joints?

Let's not talk about the rust. It broke my heart when the rear fenders
rotted through the second time.

--
Lanny Chambers
'94C, St. Louis
http://www.hummingbirds.net/alignment.html
Ads
  #12  
Old January 17th 06, 06:16 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
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Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site

Lanny Chambers wrote:

> <butting in> I'm sure you meant to type "affliction"...
>
> I joined the U-Joint Of The Month Club, too, when I bought a new '71 in
> pale yellow. Ripped off the smog pump and installed headers/duals,
> Gerhaty (sp?) carb and timing kit, home-brew cold-air induction, milled
> 0.060" off the head--would pull redline in 4th @ 140 mph. Konis,
> spoiler, sways, yadda yadda. Great fun. Unlike the 260/280, the early
> 240s with SU carbs were actually quick. The Z started going downhill in
> '72, when Datsun raised the suspension a couple of inches to meet new
> bumper height regs.


Hey-Hey, that was stock.
I had also upgraded the intake, exhaust and suspension of both my 1976
and 1978 280Z's. The heavy bumpers were off of both cars before I ever
owned them. The 280Z cars were at least as low as a stock 240Z. Keeping
up with my friends in their 240Z's was never a problem.
They did have fun constantly adjusting their SU carbs while I never had
a single problem with the fuel injection.

> No way, 'cause it had a roof. The cheap strut suspension was also not
> nearly as forgiving once you dialed out the understeer--never, Never,
> NEVER lift in a hard corner! Oh, and did I mention the way it ate
> U-joints?


I still think you got unlucky with U-Joints. Either that, or they made
them stronger on the 280Z than on the 240Z. I put at least 80,000 miles
on the two cars together and replaced one, maybe two U-Joints during all
of those years of driving. This was on cars that already had many miles
on them.

> Let's not talk about the rust. It broke my heart when the rear fenders
> rotted through the second time.


No argument whatsoever. Cheap Japanese steel of the time and bad
painting process.
Unless your Z-car lived it's entire life in the desert, it had rust.

Pat
  #13  
Old January 17th 06, 06:18 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
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Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site


"Lanny Chambers" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "Chris D'Agnolo" > wrote:
>
>> Pat, are you telling me that we share an affection and an ownership
>> history
>> of Datsun Z-cars too?

>
> <butting in> I'm sure you meant to type "affliction"...
>
> I joined the U-Joint Of The Month Club, too, when I bought a new '71 in
> pale yellow. Ripped off the smog pump and installed headers/duals,
> Gerhaty (sp?) carb and timing kit, home-brew cold-air induction, milled
> 0.060" off the head--would pull redline in 4th @ 140 mph. Konis,
> spoiler, sways, yadda yadda. Great fun. Unlike the 260/280, the early
> 240s with SU carbs were actually quick. The Z started going downhill in
> '72, when Datsun raised the suspension a couple of inches to meet new
> bumper height regs.
>
>> I really don't think the Z was ever as much fun as I've had with
>> these lil roadsters.

>
> No way, 'cause it had a roof. The cheap strut suspension was also not
> nearly as forgiving once you dialed out the understeer--never, Never,
> NEVER lift in a hard corner! Oh, and did I mention the way it ate
> U-joints?
>
> Let's not talk about the rust. It broke my heart when the rear fenders
> rotted through the second time.
>
> --
> Lanny Chambers
> '94C, St. Louis
> http://www.hummingbirds.net/alignment.html


All these years I thought it was my driving style that ate u-joints. I
bought a BRG Z in early '71, did the Gerraty(sp?) and added a tow hitch to
flat tow my 356 Porsche hillclimb car.
I also went through shocks about as fast as u-joints and added a front
splitter to help tame the understeer. The best mod was a 5 speed trans from
a 2000 roadster and the rear end whine disappeared when I swapped in a 4.10
rear. In '81 it was sold because rust made it unsafe to drive, an auto Xer
bought it.


  #14  
Old January 17th 06, 06:24 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site

Chris D'Agnolo wrote:
> Plenty of humor around here! I love it.
>
> Pat, are you telling me that we share an affection and an ownership history
> of Datsun Z-cars too? That's amazing. I owned a 73 240Z starting in 78 and
> later owned a ........mmmmmmm.....76 or 77 280Z. The exact year doesn't
> matter I wanted a 78 so's I could have the five speed! A friend of mine had
> a car I've always coveted, he bought a wine colored 78 280Z, 5-speed of
> course. Sweet car!
>
> Oh, those were the days.....seems so long ago but I feel so
> young.......mmmmmm. I think the miata helps on that front. I really don't
> think the Z was ever as much fun as I've had with these lil roadsters.
>
> Chris
> 99BBB


Did your Z-cars eat up U-Joints? Or is this a Lanny thing?

I had quite a few friends with Z-cars during and right after high school
and I just don't remember the U-Joints going out all the time on any of
the Z-Car models.

Pat
  #15  
Old January 17th 06, 06:34 PM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site

I didn't have that problem but it sounds like Chas did also so
unfortunately, we can't put the full blame on Lanny ;-)

I'll have to dig out my pics (see if I had an air dam) cause I know for a
fact mine became very very light at the front end at about 120.

Sorry to the original poster for highjacking this thread!

Chris
99BBB

"pws" > wrote in message
...
> Chris D'Agnolo wrote:
>> Plenty of humor around here! I love it.
>>
>> Pat, are you telling me that we share an affection and an ownership
>> history of Datsun Z-cars too? That's amazing. I owned a 73 240Z starting
>> in 78 and later owned a ........mmmmmmm.....76 or 77 280Z. The exact year
>> doesn't matter I wanted a 78 so's I could have the five speed! A friend
>> of mine had a car I've always coveted, he bought a wine colored 78 280Z,
>> 5-speed of course. Sweet car!
>>
>> Oh, those were the days.....seems so long ago but I feel so
>> young.......mmmmmm. I think the miata helps on that front. I really don't
>> think the Z was ever as much fun as I've had with these lil roadsters.
>>
>> Chris
>> 99BBB

>
> Did your Z-cars eat up U-Joints? Or is this a Lanny thing?
>
> I had quite a few friends with Z-cars during and right after high school
> and I just don't remember the U-Joints going out all the time on any of
> the Z-Car models.
>
> Pat



  #16  
Old January 17th 06, 08:00 PM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site

In article >,
"Chris D'Agnolo" > wrote:

> I'll have to dig out my pics (see if I had an air dam) cause I know for a
> fact mine became very very light at the front end at about 120.


Scary, wasn't it? I would've said "over 80." I did three things that
resulted in rock-steady tracking all the way to 140:

1. Koni struts. 'Nuff said.

2. BRE front spoiler.

3. Bushing tweaks: I added shims cut from an old radiator hose to
preload the soft rubber steering rack mounts; where the front trailing
arms bolted to the chassis, I cut a bit off the inner sleeves so the
bushings would compress more. I love free mods that work.

Aside from the rust, I sold the car at 80k in 1977 (for $2000) because
the driveline clunks were making me crazy. My mechanic said there was no
single cause, just accumulated wear on everything. It was starting to
burn oil, too. The poor car was just worn out. Hopping it up and driving
the bejeezus out of it might not have helped...

--
Lanny Chambers
'94C, St. Louis
http://www.hummingbirds.net/alignment.html
  #17  
Old January 17th 06, 08:54 PM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site


"Lanny Chambers" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "Chris D'Agnolo" > wrote:
>
>> I'll have to dig out my pics (see if I had an air dam) cause I know for a
>> fact mine became very very light at the front end at about 120.

>
> Scary, wasn't it? I would've said "over 80." I did three things that
> resulted in rock-steady tracking all the way to 140:
>
> 1. Koni struts. 'Nuff said.
>
> 2. BRE front spoiler.
>
> 3. Bushing tweaks: I added shims cut from an old radiator hose to
> preload the soft rubber steering rack mounts; where the front trailing
> arms bolted to the chassis, I cut a bit off the inner sleeves so the
> bushings would compress more. I love free mods that work.
>
> Aside from the rust, I sold the car at 80k in 1977 (for $2000) because
> the driveline clunks were making me crazy. My mechanic said there was no
> single cause, just accumulated wear on everything. It was starting to
> burn oil, too. The poor car was just worn out. Hopping it up and driving
> the bejeezus out of it might not have helped...
>
> --
> Lanny Chambers


The air dam I used could be felt at 60 mph. I went through a number of them
due to thank-you-ma'ams and wildlife. A friend worked for a local fiberglass
moulding shop and would slip me a new one when needed.
I used Koni struts but wore them out. The guarantee required the worn struts
to be returned, leaving the car useless for weeks, so I used another brand
that could be warrantied by the local parts store.
The steering rack got the rubber shims too. I had 155K on the chassis,
changed the engine at 120K cause the head cracked after being welded 20K
before, when I sold what was left after rust for $1000.


  #18  
Old January 18th 06, 12:48 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site

Lanny Chambers wrote:
> In article >,
> "Chris D'Agnolo" > wrote:
>
>
>>I'll have to dig out my pics (see if I had an air dam) cause I know for a
>>fact mine became very very light at the front end at about 120.

>
>
> Scary, wasn't it? I would've said "over 80." I did three things that
> resulted in rock-steady tracking all the way to 140:
>
> 1. Koni struts. 'Nuff said.
>
> 2. BRE front spoiler.
>
> 3. Bushing tweaks: I added shims cut from an old radiator hose to
> preload the soft rubber steering rack mounts; where the front trailing
> arms bolted to the chassis, I cut a bit off the inner sleeves so the
> bushings would compress more. I love free mods that work.
>
> Aside from the rust, I sold the car at 80k in 1977 (for $2000) because
> the driveline clunks were making me crazy. My mechanic said there was no
> single cause, just accumulated wear on everything. It was starting to
> burn oil, too. The poor car was just worn out. Hopping it up and driving
> the bejeezus out of it might not have helped...
>



To spare the miata owners further Z-Car discussion, I have started a new
newsgroup.

r.a.m.d.o.f.d.z.c.

This, of course, is :

rec autos makers datsun old farts discussing z cars :-)

I am afraid that the main topic of discussion will be how much metal is
left on the body of your car.

Pat
  #19  
Old January 18th 06, 02:25 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site

"Chris D'Agnolo" > wrote:

>I'd seen the yellow one before. If you look closely, and you should!, it's
>got fender flares and such.


You are absolutely right. Obviously Mazda figures that the adverse aerodynamic
effects are not much of an issue for a yellow Miata, as they would be for a
faster white one. And if you prefer yellow Miatas, you probably also like
fender flares. These are things that leap out at you (versus the refined beauty
of a classically-shaped white Miata, say.)

Leon

> I didn't realize that it had become a reality in
>Japan, looks like it may have.
>
>Interesting,
>Chris
>
>"Leon van Dommelen" > wrote in message
.. .
>> "Iva" > wrote:
>>
>>>Jimmy wrote:
>>>> here is the JApanese site for the Miata coupe. Hope they
>>>sell it here in
>>>> the USA.
>>>>
>>>
>>>Try this one: http://tinyurl.com/7owd7
>>>
>>>Iva & Belle.)
>>>'90B Classic Red.)
>>>#3 winkin' Miata

>>
>> It seems to be a good looking car, but the ROOF is frozen!!!!
>> Does it come with a saw?
>>
>> Leon
>> --
>> Leon van Dommelen Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
>> http://www.dommelen.net/miata
>> EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)

>

--
Leon van Dommelen Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
http://www.dommelen.net/miata
EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)
  #20  
Old January 18th 06, 04:38 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.mazda.miata
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mazda Roadster (Miata) Coupe site

Come on Leon, no Z stories?

Chris
99BBB

"Leon van Dommelen" > wrote in message
...
> "Chris D'Agnolo" > wrote:
>
>>I'd seen the yellow one before. If you look closely, and you should!, it's
>>got fender flares and such.

>
> You are absolutely right. Obviously Mazda figures that the adverse
> aerodynamic
> effects are not much of an issue for a yellow Miata, as they would be for
> a
> faster white one. And if you prefer yellow Miatas, you probably also like
> fender flares. These are things that leap out at you (versus the refined
> beauty
> of a classically-shaped white Miata, say.)
>
> Leon
>
>> I didn't realize that it had become a reality in
>>Japan, looks like it may have.
>>
>>Interesting,
>>Chris
>>
>>"Leon van Dommelen" > wrote in message
. ..
>>> "Iva" > wrote:
>>>
>>>>Jimmy wrote:
>>>>> here is the JApanese site for the Miata coupe. Hope they
>>>>sell it here in
>>>>> the USA.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Try this one: http://tinyurl.com/7owd7
>>>>
>>>>Iva & Belle.)
>>>>'90B Classic Red.)
>>>>#3 winkin' Miata
>>>
>>> It seems to be a good looking car, but the ROOF is frozen!!!!
>>> Does it come with a saw?
>>>
>>> Leon
>>> --
>>> Leon van Dommelen Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
>>> http://www.dommelen.net/miata
>>> EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)

>>

> --
> Leon van Dommelen Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
> http://www.dommelen.net/miata
> EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)



 




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