[LeonV]

I may as well introduce myself now that I've actually started posting. My name is Leon and I'm located in the SF Bay Area. I'm a mechanical engineer, basketball coach and have been a gearhead since birth. I've been into classic Z-cars since 2007 and have owned a '71 240Z, and now have a different '71 that is torn down waiting to be restored as well as an orange '74 260Z that comes out to play once in a while.

My current DD is an '01 5-speed Accord Coupe which I've enjoyed having over the years, but I'm ready to "upgrade" to something with much more sporting characteristics. I've been salivating over S2000s for many years, and now finally have a chance to get one. I've recently began seriously looking but haven't found the one, yet.

I've been in a dilemma over what to get, and it's between the S2000 (likely AP2, although I don't rule out the AP1) or a '99-'00 BMW M Coupe. The M Coupe really draws me, but the S2k makes a little more sense since it's more reliable and gets better mileage. Plus, the Honda is much easier to find. Don't get me wrong, I love the S2k, and it has made this decision a difficult one! At this point, it's a wash between the two and I'm bound to buy either one if the right opportunity shows itself. I've been browsing CL and the classifieds here and have looked at a few AP1s, but looks like the road ahead to ownership may indeed still be long. I will say that someday I'll be the owner of an S2000!

On to the pics of my current stable!

My DD (I know, not the best pic)



The Accord has been known to transport engines!



My First 240Z (it was a 25 footer )




My current restoration project 240Z





My weekend car, the 260Z

[dwight]

Welcome and good luck with your decision process and subsequent search! As far as reliability goes, I don't know much about M-coupes but the S2000 is pretty solid and there are tons of people with amazing technical knowledge on the forum. So, I'm sure that someone of your education of experience would find an S2000 very reliable and easy to maintain.

[LeonV]

dwight, on 27 January 2012 - 06:23 PM, said:

Welcome and good luck with your decision process and subsequent search! As far as reliability goes, I don't know much about M-coupes but the S2000 is pretty solid and there are tons of people with amazing technical knowledge on the forum. So, I'm sure that someone of your education of experience would find an S2000 very reliable and easy to maintain.

Yes the S2000 is definitely more reliable, sorry if the wording in my post was confusing! Reliability is a really big PRO for the S2k.

This post has been edited by LeonV: 27 January 2012 - 06:47 PM

[Trackforged]

Welcome to the forum!

[Knella15]

Welcome!

[LeonV]

Thanks!

[jonner]

and welcome....

[LeonV]

Looks like I may be picking up an S2000 on Monday!

[Vince1234]

welcome, I love your 260z, my buddy has a 280z, but she can no longer drive ( horrible car accident). I've always loved the body lines of the classic Z's

[LeonV]

Vince1234, on 03 February 2012 - 11:00 PM, said:

welcome, I love your 260z, my buddy has a 280z, but she can no longer drive ( horrible car accident). I've always loved the body lines of the classic Z's

Damn, that's very unfortunate to hear.

Thanks though, and I love the body lines. They will never go out of style.

[Vince1234]

She wasn't even driving, but we're working hard to see if she can one day.

Yeah they never will, just wish they weren't so hard to work on sometimes.

[LeonV]

Vince1234, on 06 February 2012 - 03:16 AM, said:

She wasn't even driving, but we're working hard to see if she can one day.

Yeah they never will, just wish they weren't so hard to work on sometimes.

I wish your friend the best of luck in her recovery.

The Z is probably the easiest car I've ever worked on, though! You can almost stand in the engine bay while gripping the oil filter with both hands! I've gone over the majority of my 260Z, including a complete suspension rebuild, total cooling system overhaul, triple carburetors, header and exhaust, rear diff (soon to swap in LSD), seats, center console, wheels, fixing electrical issues, and so on. As soon as I get my garage back, as we've been doing a lot of work to the house, I'm swapping to a late 280ZX 5-speed, installing a lightweight flywheel + new clutch, and 4.38 CLSD. It's a labor of love!

On another note, I am acquiring my dream car today!

[his_s2k]

welcome!

[LeonV]

his_s2k, on 06 February 2012 - 01:52 PM, said:

welcome!

Thanks!

[LeonV]

After years of waiting, and what seemed like torture, I finally have an S2000!

Bought my 2004 Silverstone yesterday and couldn't be happier. Of course, I made the first drive with the top down, even though it was 7pm, 55 degrees and a 30 mile highway drive!

I'll be detailing it, getting a few dents popped out and doing some general maintenance. The only pics I have now are from the owner's ad. I will take some once it stops raining, which seems like it won't happen until tomorrow. It's a dream come true!