First project car in years! 280z
 

Been several years since I took on a project car, so I decided to dive back in with one I've had my eye on for a long time. Found myself a decent 78 280z that's been sitting for years. From the outside the car isn't to bad, but it does have its typical rusting areas in the floor boards and under the battery tray. Apparently the car ran when the previous owner got it, but stopped and would only crank. Car ended up set to the side and owner bought a 370z instead.

Going to check it out.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...ps0y0kozz5.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...pshu3nqtd4.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psofmkh4ca.jpg

Picking it up!
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...pshtqkcfir.jpg

Dried up and dirty.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...pss63ntb9f.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psymbnbhwr.jpg

Old rusty.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...pshvykhhlq.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psnghjvlls.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psozuq0rdp.jpg

Stupid dealer add on sunroof!
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psxi8bojua.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...pscwnaiu7k.jpg

Short term goal is to get it road worthy and just be able to drive it for the next couple years. Then when I get a place with a better work area, I'll tear it down and replace the rust areas and throw in a L28et.

Right now my next step is to give it a tune up, replace fuel and vacuum hoses, then see if this engine is still good to go!

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

If anyone has any experience with these old Z cars I'm open to tips and suggestions! Also if anyone has seen any of these in there local salvage yard I could use some help sourcing some interior parts...

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Looks like a fun project. Always wanted one of these

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

I scraped all of my plans for a tracked evo and had decided on doing an old s30 as well. I'm still in the market for that perfect chassi to start with...

So what's the plan man? Staying true to the datsun/nissan powerplant or going the usual small block route? The inline 6 they came with were pretty stout and were considered to be bullet proof engines.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

I'm going to stay true with it... Fix up the L28 for now, then when I put it away for all the major work I'll upgrade it to a L28et. Such a strong motor, and the et can make the power I want easy enough!

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

+reps

Man, it's such a releif to hear you say that. I was really hoping that you weren't going to toss a v8 at it lol.

Good find, I hope you keep us all up to date. I'm really interested to see this thing come together.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

It will be a slow build thread, but I will be sure to keep it updated :thup:

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

i love these cars

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

If you want to stay Nissan but want more power than the L28, VG swap it. Also, if you go with a fuel injected L28 later, looking into doing the Z31 conversion for the engine control electronics. Also, if there are any parts off of a Z31 you want for it, let me know. My brother or I likely have them. I know there are some parts from the Z31 the S30/S130 guys like to use, just not sure exactly what.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

I'll have to research and see what parts can be used for what and possibly get back to you. And actually my L28 is already fuel injected, they made the switch in 77.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Very nice sir! And yes, VG swap it and buy my VG30 when the LS goes in this winter ;)

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Oh, cool, let me know. From what I've heard, you mostly need the ECU, MAF, and maybe distributor. But either way, let me know, we've got tons of Z31 parts sitting around.

I meant VG30E, not a DE. The DE is too big, would look funny in a S30. :p Would probably be a lot more work to swap in too.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

I have no will power!! After drooling through google images for a good while, I made some inquires on fender mounted mirrors.... Saw a used set priced decent and jumped on it! I was really trying not to buy looks enhancing parts until I had it in the road :(

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Haha, I know how that is. They should look good though, pretty unique around here too. I'm not sure about f'burg, but of all the S30s and S130s I've seen around Richmond, I don't remember any with fender mirrors.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Between work and getting wedding stuff ready, I haven't had to much time to make any progress. But today I made some time to take care of some little things. Dropped the gas tank, removed the front and rear big ugly bumpers (got a slimmer 240z front bumper on the way), and installed fender mirrors.

Next I'm hoping to clear up some time and replace the vacuum and fuel lines. Then hopefully see if it will crank over!

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psmavkxdvs.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psts9o6thh.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...ps1xhvfhjn.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psy9svgtcz.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psepbxws2o.jpg

And while I was poking around under there I found this bad boy!

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...ps0zxmjwjf.jpg

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

what a sexy fairlady! Any updates???

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Trying to get your 15 posts aren't you?

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Not to much to update on. I finished replacing vacuum lines, and found some wires that were cut and redid those. That led to getting it started for the first time! Next step is taking apart the suspension and brake system components to see what I can clean up and use and what needs replaced. Car is still stuck out at my dads so I don't get to mess with it as much as I want :(

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

apprently he/she is. just commented in a post I started 3 months ago fuckin noobs

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Nice looking project! I picked up an 82 zxt that I am using for parts, it's pretty beat up. I am probably keeping all of the stuff you would really want but if you need any parts I am just over an hour from Fredericksburg.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Beautiful car with the fender mirrors, always loved it better than the door mirrors. Have a 82 280zx myself. Looking forward to seeing the project come along.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

You going to do the Z31 computer and MAF conversion?

Edit: Ignore that if you want, I just went back and saw I sort of mentioned it already.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Lol. At this point it's get it on the road as is, then major motor swap.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Looks like I'm going to have to sell this...
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...psrj17n69s.jpg

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

I'll start the bidding. $5.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Sell the money pit beside it and finish it.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

I'll drop the baller bid right now. $100!!!

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Lol. That boat isn't worth enough to finish. Actually my wife is taking up travel nursing, so a lot of travel is in our future. All the big toys have to go, z/bike/boat.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

So what`s the deal on the Z? How far along did you get and what did you find on the way?

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

I took the interior apart to verify the floor board rust. Took the stock bulky bumpers off. Fixed some cut wires in the engine bay and got the car started. Determined sunroof to be dook, so I got a whole other Z roof to weld in a replacement. Going to try putting in some clutch fluid and see if the drive train all goes.

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

Double post

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

I have a lot of experience with the old Z cars. I had a built engine 280ZX, then got a 72 240 that had sat in a garage for 13 years. Swapped drive train from the ZX to the Z, and a couple years later swapped that out for an L28ET. Did most everything myself except the shop work on the build N/A motor.

Tips... It might be common sense but remove the fuel tank and get it cleaned ASAP. I was a kid back then and I didn't do this... The old gunk in the tank caused me a ton of problems. Nothing else really comes to mind, the car was always super easy to work on and the swaps, both of them, were as straight forward as they come. I'd be glad to answer specific questions or what have you...

Re: First project car in years! 280z
 

ahhh.. such a beauty, one of my dream cars :D