i just bought a 1982 datsun 280zx 2+2 fastback with a
3 speed automatic transmission. i plan on fixing it up, turbocharging or supercharging it, dropping the tranny and putting a 5 speed manual in. etc.
i was kind of curious what kind of engine is in this car, is it a L28?
what came stock in it? the original engine that was in it blew up, they pulled it out and had it replaced. i think replaced with the same engine but not exactly sure. the engine now only has 20k on it. anyways is there a way i can find out what kind of engine it is? through a VIN number or something on the engine? its a inline 6 cyl. thanks -jt.

 

do you have pics?

if it looks like this it is a L28e

 

wow dude, thats the exact same engine! exept for the yellow top. lol.
i posted alot of questions on www.nissanforums.com and waited weeks n got no answer. first night i signed up here i got a answer! thanks.
how manny HP you reckon' this engines putting out? its non turbo stock.
130 or so?

 

Read the label on the block; it should say F54 if it's an '82 motor IIRC and the head should be a P79.

 

Specs say about 145. If you look up a few threads on these boards you'll see the 280ZX Specs thread stickied. It's got a whole bunch of info.

Or better yet: https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/zx-specifications-15404/

 

uuhhh, well if your very optimistic 145 is the best you can hope for but if your a realist probly around 110-120 if that...

i have herd of 240z's wich were rated with almost the same HP as a 280zx be dyno'ed today at 95 hp

its still a good engine and if you want to up the power ask any one but me cause im just trying to get my engine back to original for now, but hey, that power comes from an 25 year old engine thats only a N/A with a 8.3:1 comp ratio

 

^^^ Just an FYI: 145hp is the factory rating at the flywheel. When you dyno at the wheels it will be less.

 

yeah, and? just shows that our(well my) stock z is slackin

 

Maybe YOUR Z needs a tune up.

 

^^^^^ i did one, a good one

i just screwed up on the timing

 

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/turbo-swap-ticking-people-off-since-2003-a-19638/

Underneath spark plug #1 (front of engine) there will be a head number stamped in there. P79 is the correct engine for your car. N42 would be an engine from an older Z. Still L28, but the older one has slightly less power.

In 1979 the way horsepower was rated changed. Has something to do with SAE standards or whatnot.
240Z says 150hp
280Z says 170hp
280ZX says 145hp but really in 1981 they had more than the 280Z back in 1975
I had a 280ZX NA dynoed at 140whp with only a filter and exhaust done to it. It was in really good shape with strong compression.
Most will put down 120-135whp stock

The 150hp 240Z will commonly dyno at under 100whp.

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19638

 

dont forget being an auto will suck more power from the wheels too

 

alright, well the engine isnt firing up, got spark, compression and its sputtering but it sounds as if the fuel isnt going from the injectors to the combustion chamber. its getting fuel to the fuel rails but when you spray starting fluid in it, it starts for a second and dies. so its not getting fuel for some reason. the injectors are constantly getting power, should they?

 

to check the injectors they say you have to have one of those oldschool gauge amp meter things but i just used a little digital meter and cranked the car, if i got any kind of reading from the injector harness i knew it was good...

jet some injector cleaner, throw it in the tank, new plugs wires mabe even a coil, dist. cap, all the goodies... that shouldnt cost but mabe $80-$90 at autozone or something of the like, and if the car dosent start, well then you atleast got a tuneup out of the deal

how long has the car been setting? also check the fuel pump voltage or whatever, i have trouble remembering the electricity terms

 

If it has been sitting for more than a year, you'll need to dump the gas. Old gas = problems.

 

the guys said it was sitting for a few months.
and the gas did seem a little old but i mixed a gallon of fresh in it.

 

still put some of the injector cleaner that has a little extra octane in there...

should help a little

 

well, i put some of the old gas in the intake and it still didnt fire up. even tho i can put ether or new gas in it and it fires right up. so i think thats the problem right there, the old gas isnt igniting. that and the weak yellowish spark. i didnt know if it would start or not, as to the battery blew up all over me because i connected it wrong.

 

dont waste the old gas, sell it to some tourists at the local truck stop...gota make money some how