Ok.. I've about given up on the idea of getting a model report done. So I spoke to my mate in Japan today and plenty of '95,'96 SWB's around and few Slicktops.

So I've given him the task of finding one with under 35K cert. miles on the clock.

 

I Like the idea of getting the more rare Slicktop... but it's a hard decision to give up the benefit of T-Tops on days like we are experiencing now... I've never driven a slicktop... so not sure if I'm making a fuss over nothing..

 

Do they drive like 2 different cars ??? or can you hardly notice the difference out on the road??

 

*I do have a Roll bar that I can put into that may add a bit of stiffness?

You won't notice any difference, it's just a bit of weight saved as far as I know.

You are comparing unrelated things....

 

Better to compare slicktop/t-bar or LWB/SWB.

 

Slicktop is meant to be lighter and more rigid - so better handling, but you lose the amazing British weather.

 

Or LWB/SWB this I have heard many conflicting reports....

 

Maybe go to a meet and ask members with different types for a passenger ride to see for yourself?

Ok.. I've about given up on the idea of getting a model report done. So I spoke to my mate in Japan today and plenty of '95,'96 SWB's around and few Slicktops.

So I've given him the task of finding one with under 35K cert. miles on the clock.

 

I Like the idea of getting the more rare Slicktop... but it's a hard decision to give up the benefit of T-Tops on days like we are experiencing now... I've never driven a slicktop... so not sure if I'm making a fuss over nothing..

 

Do they drive like 2 different cars ??? or can you hardly notice the difference out on the road??

 

*I do have a Roll bar that I can put into that may add a bit of stiffness?

I currently own a SWB and I have driven a slicktop (one that AndyZ had for sale).

 

I can confirm that the slicktop does handle very well, you really notice the rigidity (certainly compared to a LWB). They are also lighter but I didn't really notice that when driving as I had Andy in the car - no I'm not saying he's fat!

 

The SWB that I have now does have the targas but it also has TEIN coilovers all round which has firmed it up a lot. It feels great, like a go cart. I would not want to drive a LWB again!

 

Boomin - You already have a very quick zed and you want the SWB/Slicktop for more of a daily driver? is this correct?

 

I would say you only NEED to focus on slicktops if you want to build the ultimate drag/race car. If not then a well sorted SWB will do the job.

 

I hope that helps, Mike...

I currently own a SWB and I have driven a slicktop (one that AndyZ had for sale).

 

I can confirm that the slicktop does handle very well, you really notice the rigidity (certainly compared to a LWB). They are also lighter but I didn't really notice that when driving as I had Andy in the car - no I'm not saying he's fat!

 

The SWB that I have now does have the targas but it also has TEIN coilovers all round which has firmed it up a lot. It feels great, like a go cart. I would not want to drive a LWB again!

 

Boomin - You already have a very quick zed and you want the SWB/Slicktop for more of a daily driver? is this correct?

 

I would say you only NEED to focus on slicktops if you want to build the ultimate drag/race car. If not then a well sorted SWB will do the job.

 

I hope that helps, Mike...

 

My LWB has a complete roll-cage welded firmly into the frame from in front of the foot well to well be behind the seats..and feels pretty rigid ( my intention is to tune it more and keep it for a "very occasional drive" but mainly for Track day car. It is a pain to get in and out of as the cage goes past the seats at Thigh level.

 

This SWB is going to be my every day driver. I'm driving a '96 Skyline GTS-T now and it is just soo boring on the inside... feel like I'm in a Vectra..

 

Call me a big fan of ZED's.

Thanks! I sent an email to my mate to find me he nicest SWB T-Top he can. Give me a few months and I may have something to post.

I have a SWB Targa NA for a daily drive and a SWB TT Slicktop for fun (albeit having a big build at ZworX at the mo)

 

Believe me, the Slicktop is by far a superior handling Z, I just cant say by how much, I have a more comprehensive suspension/chassis set up on my targa and my Slicktop would still piss all over it round bends.

 

Basically, Ask any of the guys that ive taken round Bruntingthorpe (Boldy, MantaV8, Madhammster, Peach, The Dark Warrior) and they will tell you the same.

 

Slicktops rule :D

I have a SWB TT manual slicktop with uprated suspension, and having driven a LWB TT targa also, believe me there is a very noticable handling charactaristic, the SWB is inherently a far superior handler as its more compact, rigid and lighter.

 

If you do go for a SWB TT slicktop, go for a manual.

You still got your car ??

 

Could do with picking your brains.

 

Would you contact me at : zoobcheck@hotmail.com ???

 

Ta

awaits slick pete he loves these posts :rofl:

awaits slick pete he loves these posts

 

Ahem!! You called???

 

TBH i've never driven a 2+2 so I have no idea what the difference is.

The only thing I do with 2+2s is cut them up for spares for my slicktops.

im not interested in any sort of 2+2 sports type car and personally I hate the Targa concept with a vengance.

i just see the Slicktop as a modern version of my 240Z.

soon 350Z prices will be coming below £10K and I will then be looking to add one of these to my collection.

That will complete my "perfect garage".

240Z - 300ZX Slicktop - 350Z.

But we are all different in our perceptions and needs.

So enjoy yer Z whatever sort it is!

and here he is right on que :rofl: :rofl:

Ahem!! You called???

 

TBH i've never driven a 2+2 so I have no idea what the difference is.

The only thing I do with 2+2s is cut them up for spares for my slicktops.

im not interested in any sort of 2+2 sports type car and personally I hate the Targa concept with a vengance.

i just see the Slicktop as a modern version of my 240Z.

soon 350Z prices will be coming below £10K and I will then be looking to add one of these to my collection.

That will complete my "perfect garage".

240Z - 300ZX Slicktop - 350Z.

But we are all different in our perceptions and needs.

So enjoy yer Z whatever sort it is!

yep me old mate the crazy pharmacist has posted :tongue:

Ive got a slicktop and to be honest thats all i wanted i didnt like the look of the 2x2 looks too long . Some people will say the swb looks wrong ,Ive not driven any other zed but mine handles well with the tein flexs fitted .

yer all talking *****x ......................targa top 2+2 the Only way to travel in true style in the summer ....all 3 days of it !!!

 

if i wanted a tin top i would have bought a 240z at least they look correctly proportioned ...........350z like an audi tt with hunched back and a flat nose

 

ok ok keep yer hair on ...................just kidding .........

U got any photo's of ur slicktop ??

i cant wait to get my slicktop back on the road,been driving a 2+2 at the moment...i hate the targa's and its like a big bus,in my opinion the slicktop should have been the only Zed and it makes the 2+2 seem like an NA.

 

all in my opinion of course :tongue:

 

Paul.

I drive all varietys on a regular basis and the most noticable differences come from suspension setup. My Modified 2+2 NA would run circles around a stock slicktop , but with all things being equal the slicktop would have the advantage.

 

Any zed on standard worn suspension feels big, lardy and soft..and thats 80% of the zeds out there !

I've said it a million times......massve differences...no! Its in your heads !

 

I drive all varietys on a regular basis and the noticable differences come from suspension setup. My 2+2 LWB NA would run circles around a stock slicktop !

 

Any zed on standard worn suspension feels big, lardy and soft..and thats 80% of the zeds out there !

 

i have to disagree bud, my slicktop was on standard old suspension and running standard boost,the 2+2 on koni shocks blits springs running 1 bar with a decat etc and my slicktop was faster,tighter through the corners,and its not just the 2+2's that have the lardy problem,i've had plenty of SWB t tops and they are just as bad,

 

the only thing i would say the 2+2 is better at is when the rear loses grip in the slicktop its nowhere near as smooth to bring back,however the limit is way beyond that of a targa top.

 

i've had 9 300's in all shapes and sizes and different states of tune and can say hand on my heart a stock slicktop will be faster along a country road than a 2+2 running 1 bar of boost and kybs etc.

 

Paul.

I have owned about 15 300ZX's, and have driven every variation, apart from the convertible. Comparing a LWB 300ZX and a slicktop 300ZX is like comparing a Supra with an MR2. In other words the slicktop feels and drives like a smaller car. It feels a lot lighter, is quicker and handles much better due to its rigidity. The only reason to choose the LWB is if you prefer to just "cruise" in comfort, or if you like taking the targas off. And of course its always nice to have the "rarity" factor of a slicktop.

Funnily enough I have my one for sale :) :) See cars for sale section.

...a favourite of mine:

LWB are more stable at high speed.

 

All 300ZX Z32 used in serious motorsport were LWB.

 

SWB can be harder to get certain parts for too.

 

But yes, SWB are lighter, accelerate faster and are nimbler.

 

 

 

I'd agree with Legrath - the state of the car is very important and can make more difference than which variant it is.

...a favourite of mine:

This should start a war. :slap:

 

But yes I agree, the SWB looks soooo much better. :nana2:

Any 2+2 zed feels big, lardy and soft..and thats 80% of the zeds out there !

 

:D :D :D

 

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

To me it seems weird when someone says "I like the slicktop because it's rare"

 

Kind of like saying I prefer the 'thin' Giant Panda bears because they're rare.

 

I think everyone kinda knows that the slicktop has the rigidity to handle better and swb is lighter therefore quicker than lwb. As CD pointed out though the LWB has the better stability at speed which is why the LWB was used in motorsport. But is it really that important? If you wanted a car for track days the z probably wasn't your best bet anyway.

 

If you can't feel the difference though thats fair enough (no idea if I would I've only driven my lwb targa'd na!).

 

But I originally wanted an mr2 targa but wanted 4 seats. So I ended up buying this one because it's got 4 seats and its got targas.

 

But the main overriding reason that I brought this car whether its slicktop, targa, swb or lwb, is that its a DAMN COOL CAR!!!

 

And hey we've all got one! Aren't we cool!

..targa top 2+2 the Only way to travel in true style in the summer ....all 3 days of it !!!

 

Your wrong mate, the only way to travel in style is 300ZX convertible, top down, of course.

If your going to have a Z you may as well have the rarest and best looking of them all :D

 

Keith

Your wrong mate, the only way to travel in style is 300ZX convertible, top down, of course.

If your going to have a Z you may as well have the rarest and best looking of them all :D

 

Keith

 

back to the drawing board!