z28 w/ 350 tpi as a daily driver

[evasion]

Hey guys. I'm new here, so let me introduce myself before I start asking my questions <br /><br />My name is Adam, I live in Toronto, and I'm 18. Currently in school to become a mechanical engineer. Right now I drive a 1995 240sx. I'm thinking of selling it and buying a 3rd gen z28 with a 305 TPI. Then rebuilding a 350 TPI myself or getting a shop to put one in for me. I want it to make around 350 hp. Then if the z28 I buy doesn't have nice paint give it a paint job. Add springs, shocks, bigger sway bars and some nice rubber. <br /><br />My question is: Is this a smart idea for a daily driver for a student? What kind of mileage is this going to get for city driving? What about reliability? Another idea would be to keep my 240sx and buy a really cheap z28 and build it on the side over the next couple of years. <br /><br />Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[Smasher]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by evasion:<br /><strong>Another idea would be to keep my 240sx and buy a really cheap z28 and build it on the side over the next couple of years. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /><br />That's a good idea. I wouldn't buy a cheap Z28, a good one(85-89) will run you anywhere from $2500-4000.<br /><br />DONT give up your newer reliable car.

[Newsance]

Smasher is right. If economy is an issue, stay with the newer car as a daily driver. I daily drive my formula, and it gets me about 15mpg city/24 highway. Not horrible, but not great either.<br /><br />How mechanically inclined are you? If you are going to be driving a 10-20 year old car to work/school everyday, it will break down. I spend about $50 a month in general maintenence, and about 10 hours of my time. If you don't have the time, or don't know how to do the repairs, expect to budget $200 each month for maintenence, and expect it to be in the shop for 2-3 days out of the month.<br /><br />Here's a list of stuff that has broken in the last 6 months on mine, to give you an idea...<br /><br />1. Fuel pump $80 <br />2. Tire blowout (100+ dollars apiece plus mounting)<br />3. Worn A-arm bushing $15<br />4. Water pump $25<br />5. Heater hose $3<br />6. Intake manifold gasket $20<br />7. 2 oil changes $10 each<br /><br />And this weekend, I need to do shocks, and change the trans fluid. The work listed would be closing in on $1500 if done by a mechanic. As far as reliability, this car has done well, but it does require maintence and a close eye to spot problems.<br /><br />Am I trying to discourage you? No. These can be GREAT cars. But you do need to know what you are getting into.

[Newsance]

Also, if you want a 350 motor, do yourself a favor and buy a 350 car. The price difference normally isn't as much as it would cost to swap, not to mention the time involved. Just buy a 350 and enjoy it right off the bat.

[evasion]

The reason I wanted to do the swap is to have a manual tranny.<br /><br />I guess you guys are probably right, I'll stick with my 240. Although I'm longing for some v8 power :\

[87DJP2001]

Daily Driver. :) :)

[GR8LT1TA]

Well man, if you sell that 240 your going to get enough money to buy a really nice under 70K mile 91-92 350 Z28. That should not trouble you to much.