Lightening the 280zx
06-12-2002 | 01:19 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lightening the 280zx
Hey guys....I've been pondering the thought of lightening my 280zxt. I know I could get fiberglass parts and be done with it but are there anything that I could take out other than AC etc? I think I can handle not having powersteering but what else can you remove without sacrificing it's daily driven status? Thanks all.
06-16-2002 | 04:38 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Lightening the 280zx
Been There -- Done That...
Lightening the 280ZX is not hard or expensive...but is very time consuming and tedious
I have:
- replaced both front and rear crash bumpers with fiberglass bumpers, by buying the MSA aero kit and cutting off all but the bumper.
- replaced the crash shocks with hand made aluminum brackets. I have watercut patterns for the rear bumper.
- removed center console
- removed the lighted "alert" system and wiring
- removed the clearance lights and wiring
- removed the cruise control, wiring, control box, etc.
- removed dash speakers
- removed all trim and badging
- removed the rear storage bins
- removed the rear wiper, washer, wiring, controls
- replaced 280ZX power mirrors, with 240 Z mirrors
- replaced stock intake filter with K&N setup.
- removed the map light system
I have now reduced my 1980 ZX's empty weight by over 300#
Future plans are:
- Manual window lifts from a 79 model
- Manual steering box from a 79' model.
- 75' model intake manifold
You can see my ZX at:
https://www.zdriver.com/rides/detail...x=16&vehId=109
or under "rides", then 79'-83' , mine is on 4th or 5th row
LOL
GerryG
Lightening the 280ZX is not hard or expensive...but is very time consuming and tedious
I have:
- replaced both front and rear crash bumpers with fiberglass bumpers, by buying the MSA aero kit and cutting off all but the bumper.
- replaced the crash shocks with hand made aluminum brackets. I have watercut patterns for the rear bumper.
- removed center console
- removed the lighted "alert" system and wiring
- removed the clearance lights and wiring
- removed the cruise control, wiring, control box, etc.
- removed dash speakers
- removed all trim and badging
- removed the rear storage bins
- removed the rear wiper, washer, wiring, controls
- replaced 280ZX power mirrors, with 240 Z mirrors
- replaced stock intake filter with K&N setup.
- removed the map light system
I have now reduced my 1980 ZX's empty weight by over 300#
Future plans are:
- Manual window lifts from a 79 model
- Manual steering box from a 79' model.
- 75' model intake manifold
You can see my ZX at:
https://www.zdriver.com/rides/detail...x=16&vehId=109
or under "rides", then 79'-83' , mine is on 4th or 5th row
LOL
GerryG
06-17-2002 | 03:36 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Lightening the 280zx
OK, I understand that you wantee to lighten your Z, but why didn;t you just buy a 240z? ... I mean, the whole purpose of getting a zx is the extras, its the luxury Z ... If you just got a 240z, you'd probably cut about 1,000 lbs ... now I'm not an expert, and i dont actualy know all the weights, but as i recall, the old 240's were 2,000 and something lbs, and I know my 280zx was around 3,300, why dont you just give me your car since you dont seem to appreciate the effort the tefchnicians put into the car ... its kinda like going to a restauraunt, and ordering spaghetti and clam sauce, then taking tomato sauce and meatballs from a jar in your backpack, and putting that on the meal, why didnt you just order spaghetti and meatballs? ... anyway, not dissing you, just saying its kinda silly
zstone
zstone
06-17-2002 | 12:14 PM
#4
The Evil Twin
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,296
From: Seattle, WA
Re: Lightening the 280zx
Because some people prefer the "look" of the 280ZX over the 1st generation of Z-cars. Also, his modified turbo engine and wiring is already in the car, and its a lot of work to transplant it. The 280ZX has t-tops where a 240Z doesn't. (although t-tops weigh more)
Same thing witht he Z31, some people just want to have one instead of an older car, and they would like to work with what they have. As for me, I like my 280ZX, but I'm packing in the weight with extra comforts, mods, sound system stuff ect. I don't expect it to be the fastest, but it sure is nice cruzing to work in.
Same thing witht he Z31, some people just want to have one instead of an older car, and they would like to work with what they have. As for me, I like my 280ZX, but I'm packing in the weight with extra comforts, mods, sound system stuff ect. I don't expect it to be the fastest, but it sure is nice cruzing to work in.
06-17-2002 | 12:54 PM
#5
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7
From: Ashland, Ky
Re: Lightening the 280zx
I was going to say what bleach said, some people like the ZX better. BTW your way off on the weights, the 280ZX is around 2800lbs the 240Z is around 2200-2400. The number on the door jamb is not the actual weight of the car, its the weight the vehicle should be fully loaded.
06-20-2002 | 10:04 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Lightening the 280zx
You can also replace a stock fly wheel with aluminum one -- victoria british sells it.
www.victoriabritish.com
www.victoriabritish.com
06-20-2002 | 10:35 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Lightening the 280zx
If you look at gerry g's ride it's pretty damn nice. I myself much prefer the first 240z's as oppose to any other and i think the Gnose is the best piece of body kit you could get for the car but hey everyone likes something different and besides a stock 280zx Turbo is quicker than the earlier Z's. I myself want a 280zx Turbo engine in my 240z as I think it will make it the ultimate road car but if u cut down the weight on a ZX it could be a formiddable car.
Gavin,
Melbourne
Australia
73' Datsun 240z
Gavin,
Melbourne
Australia
73' Datsun 240z
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