Hello Z enthusiast. I've been saving some money to start a project car. I'm looking to do a 280z with the L28ET motor. I was wondering should I look for when purchasing a 280z and how much should I spend on one?

 

Rust would be my number one, virtually everything else can be dealt with using basic tools and knowledge, but extensive rust repair is beyond many people and can be prohibitively expensive to deal with properly.

Price is subjective. You can find a car with a great interior and paint with no rust, but a shot drive train (best case scenario for you, but also unlikely), or you can find a car that runs like a champ but is full of rust.

If you are in CA or AZ, you may find a car with a decent body for $1500 or so, while if you live in NY or PA, you could easily pay twice that.

If you are really lucky, you may find a suitable project for under $1000.

 

I agree - S130's are relatively cheap which makes rust repairs not worth while. A rust free car is difficult to find but they are around. #1 for sure is rust. You can always/easily swap in a turbo...

Now were you looking for a 280Z (S30) or a 280ZX (S130)?

 

I looked at both S30 and the S130. I like the S30 body style but i would like to find the L28ET motor. While i was reseaching I found that the L28ET motor came in the S130. Could i order an L28ET motor or are there options for S30?

 

L28ET motor was an option for 81-83 280ZXT's.
I'm not sure where you plan on ordering a 30 year old motor from... Just find a 280zx turbo donor car. FYI, we have a Classifieds / For Sale section with several available turbos right now.