1977 Datsun Z-Series

280z Coupe

6 - Cyl.

Manual

HLS30

Clear

Gasoline

1977 Datsun 280z Allow me to begin by mentioning that I am listing this car for a friend who has joined the Navy and no longer has the time to finish it. This project has been underway for approximately 5 years and is very well documented. I have possession of every last receipt spent on paint, parts, labor and interior work. I am aware that this car will sell for far less than what was put into it, it was never intended to be sold. I don’t not know every little detail about this car, but I will mention all that I know. Engine: Original 2.8liter straight 6 with Weber carbs. It was pulled from the car first, sent out for machine work (mill, pistons, bearings, seals, valves, seats, guides, etc.) and was picked up as a long block fully assembled. The block is outfitted with flat top pistons, new mains, rings, gaskets, seals, timing gears and chain, tensioner, and so forth. Everything that could be done was done by the machinist. The head is its aluminum color while the block was painted with the same color as the car. As you can see, there are several other silver accents of other parts added to the mix to break it up such as the oil pan being painted silver. The Webers were purchased new and were not cheap. I believe they are the 40mm bore. They will need some adjustment by a professional. The engine runs good both at idle and under a load, I believe the carb adjustments will make a huge difference. Perhaps a quick check of the valves may also be in order b/c its been run to operating temperature a few times. The headers are long style ceramic coated and exhaust system was completely custom made and hugs the car well. It doest look cheaply done. The Ignition is MSD electronic with coil and all new secondary’s (IE plugs, wires, cap, rotor, distributor, etc). The cooling system has no leaks however the HVAC does not produce heat. There may be an air pocket somewhere. The upper and lower hoses show good pressure and both get equally hot indicating good flow. The water pump, thermostat, seals, hoses and gaskets are all new. Also purchased was a new aluminum radiator with electric fan. Transmission: Was removed from a 1978 280z and is a 5-Speed. It was not rebuilt being as the car it was removed from only had 50 thousand miles on it. It does not leak, and was run/tested before its removal. The clutch is a Centerforce, but I do not know which type. It was also purchased new along with the slave cylinder, master cylinder, lines, and steel braided line. The bearing in which rides on the input shaft is also new. Suspension: Was completely removed, blasted and painted. New polyurethane bushings were installed everywhere they could be. Swaybars are a higher performance version with urethane as well. The differential was not rebuilt (came with the transmission), but is mounted with urethane on the mustache bar and an aluminum mount for the center support. Nearly all bolts were replaced or re plated. Eibach 1” lowering springs with KYB struts were installed and purchased new. It should handle quite well. New aluminum strut bars were also installed. Interior: All pieces were removed and sent to a professional who sent back a combination of swade(sp?) and Toyota leather. It was all baseball stitched together with silver threat to match the cars colors. The owner specifically asked the interior guy to use a Ferrari type dashboard to replicate. Yes, the dash and center consul are wrapped in leather. In the rear hatch area, all the plastic pieces near the strut towers were also wrapped. No piece was untouched and makes a 280z’s interior the way It should be rather than the cheap rattling plastic. No remember this car was not finished. So you will need to put some very minor work into the interior. It looks as though the dash is missing the piece that holds the center vents and possibly the chrome bezels that are located behind the inside door handles. The speedometer is also not working yet, but doesn’t seem to be installed all the way so perhaps its not connected yet behind the dash. Body: The right rear quarter panel is new from the gas door down. The inner wheel houses are intact and coated nicely. It is obvious that this car was painted as a shell to begin with. The color does seem to match all over. There is no rear hatch lock cylinder. it’s a shame because the key set is new from Nissan (Ign, door locks, keys). Installed was a front air spoiler and rear hatch spoiler, both fiberglass and painted. All the panels look straight and do have some minor imperfections that look easy to fix. I used to be a collision technician and know for a fact that it wont take much. They arent that obvious to see otherwise. I photographed all imperfections so email me if you want pictures. The cars color is Cosmos Black Metallic a BMW color for the E36 M3’s. Extra paint is included. Underneath there was an “X”brace welded in to add strength for track use. Also for a possible future roll bar. Overall in theory the car should drive down the road just fine. It runs good, steering seems straight and if your wondering the wheels are 17” Konigs with BFG KDW Tires. Both are new. As you may have noticed there was a lot of money poured into this car and Im sure whoever ends up with it will have one very nice driver. This car is also a good starting point for track use. There are a few small things I noticed missing. Antenna, rear hatch lock, rear hatch weather strip, some of the stainless moldings around the rear window. There are also some things you may notice missing in the pictures. The mirrors I have (not painted). If something concerns you, just ask and Ill be happy to respond with what I know. I do work all day 5 days a week, so responses may run into the evening. This car has been sitting for a while now so it may need some cleaning where the dust has found its way. Ill do the best I can to clean it up before pick up. The car is sold as is with no returns or warranty coverage. Buyer is responsible for transport, but I will comply to aid the effort when picked up. I have a box full of misc. parts and pieces that will accompany the car when picked up. Because nearly all parts were replaced in this car with OEM or aftermarket upgraded parts, I will include the top three suppliers used: Black Dragon Automotive/Victoria British LLC, Motorsport Auto/Zcar Parts, Zcar Source.