Greets all,
I am looking for something that is a fun car and sucks less gas than what I've got now ('99 318 Dodge Dakota, '69 455 Olds Cutlass) and I have found a cheap '81 280ZX for $600. Went and looked at it today, the undercarriage is really clean and rust free (It is a Seattle car, has only been here in Wi for about 2 years) It has had some damage, passanger side front fender was replaced but never painted, it is now showing some surface rust, and the pass. side quarter has been hit and mangled. The seller will include a full replacement quarter with the car. It is a Nonturbo car with a 5 speed. It started right up and ran fine from what I could tell. Idled smoothly and quietly with no audio signs of a valve knock. Clutch felt good with no slip. Interior was pretty beat and the odometer shows over 200k miles on her. I guess I want to know what problem areas I should check out. Like I said, frame rails and floor pans are solid and appear to be completely rust free. Is something like this worth $600? The guy is moving back to Seattle and needs to get rid of the thing, talked him down from 800.

Thanks for the input,

-Joe

 

I also just bought the same car 81 280zx sounds like the 2 are in the same condition except mine probably has a little more rust and less damage I paid 500dollars and so far I am having a blast fixing it up. Let me know if you get it

 

I bought one also a 81 with a 79 parts car to boo for 500. I already own a 78 so I say go for it you will not regret it. I have had 13 Zs in my life and plan on owning a lot more. they are a blast to drive. And extremely fun to fix-up.
Good Luck on your purchase.

Gotta get my Z's

 

Hey Guys,
I ended up buying her today, now have to figure out where to store her...We bought a house but don't close until the 23rd! And the 4 stall garage is already full! :-( Not cool. Anyway where should I start? I am going to go through the brakes ASAP new pads, turn the rotors, etc. And then replace the damaged rear quarter and do some body work (thank God my GF's Uncle is a body man and will hang the quarted for a case of beer!) After that I don't know where to start...Cam? Intake? Exhaust? Redo the suspension? What's the best route to generate HP without a rebuild?

Thanks,

-Joe

 

Cool, buncha ppl with 81 Z's in this thread. I just got mine for free!!! Dude i work with gave it away, and only real problems are the interior is completely destroyed, and there's a little rust in the right rear panel around the gas tank fill port. Sorry, just had to add that. To answer your question, the cheapest, easiest way to boost HP without any major engine work is to add a performance air filter setup (K&N has the best setup),header and 2 1/2 inch exhaust. Won't give you a huge boost, but you will be able to tell the difference.