Was looking for a project car to hold my interest when I came across this old Datsun on Craigslist.

1982 nissan Datsun 280z

Went to take a look in person and it seems clean, didn't notice any oil or other fluid leaks and it does turn over/start and idle easily enough. Seems like it's not running on all cylinders- whether that is due to the P.O. misinserting the spark plugs or something deeper is at fault is hard to tell.

Interior is well kept- no original radio and the instrument cluster does not respond when car is idling. Sounds like a wiring issue?

My question is what parts resources are available for these cars and does this seem like a good introduction to the Datsun/280 world?

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Looks clean, and a good price.
There are many resources for the 280zx, start with downloading the FSM (see my auto-welcome PM) and check our Tech Tips area.

 

Downloaded the FSM, looking forward to diving into it tomorrow on my day off. In the CL post the seller says it's both a 280z and a 280zx, what are the differences between the two?

*rather new to the Datsun/Nissan world and would like to understand as much as possible!*

 

They are completely different bodies, but share the same engine / transmission.

S30 chassis = 70-78 240Z-280Z
S130 chassis = 79-83 280ZX

 

I notice that while surfing CL all the time. I usually end up looking like an a-hole while emailing the poster "that's not a 280z, its a 280zx. Insert history and years and differences here" and rant about it for a bit. Then, if they repost it the same way a few days later, I flag them. I'll also flag the Tue he ck out the Honda guys selling Honda tail lights (or other absurdly non-280zx part) when they use the "cloud keyword method"


Apologies for the typos, my phone is acting up.

 

^^^ lol. I do the same thing.

 

I thought that ad looked familiar. So you live in the Phoenix area, what part? Anyway be leary of the wiring being messed up in the column. I seem to be a magnet for picking up Z's with screwed up wiring. lol Try to talk him down some....negotiate. Good luck man. Oh and welcome to Zdriver!