280ZX (S130) Forums Dedicated to 79-83 ZCars

Newbie here with basic questions

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Old 03-05-2007 | 02:45 PM
  #1  
Ryan280's Avatar
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From: S. Fla
Newbie here with basic questions

New to the Z world, but by all means not new to car & performance mods.

I've read many posts etc. and I'm not familiar with some of the engine codes etc...Please help.

I was just given a 79 280z 2+2 m5. Runs smooth, no smoke, shifts nice though stick is real sloppy (ordered bushings). Every electrical option works.

Where should I look for other rust problems? Floor, frame...where? It's got several bad areas. Mostly the roof where the windshield is and qtr window.. Are there body pannels out there to fix this?

How about the dash? This one looks like Moses parted the Sea on. I saw the older 280s with a cover, any on the 79+?


I found the Z store will definitely get the MSA body kit. I will dechrome the body and flush the lines and maybe tail lights.

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks

Oh my other baby is a 97 WS6 6sp with 432 rwhp so I'm looking for a clean, and smooth quite ride.
Old 03-05-2007 | 02:57 PM
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NismoPick's Avatar
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Welcome to ZDriver!

Originally Posted by Ryan280
Where should I look for other rust problems? Floor, frame...where? It's got several bad areas. Mostly the roof where the windshield is and qtr window.. Are there body pannels out there to fix this?
Check EVERYWHERE. Everything on the bottom half of the car is prone to rust, AND all seams, joints, bends, etc anywhere on the car.
For body panels:
www.thezstore.com
www.blackdragonauto.com
www.jcwhitney.com
or your local aftermarket body parts supplier.


Originally Posted by Ryan280
How about the dash? This one looks like Moses parted the Sea on. I saw the older 280s with a cover, any on the 79+?
MSA & BDA both sell covers, as well as some other universal suppliers.

PS... what's your location?
Old 03-05-2007 | 03:16 PM
  #3  
snwbrderphat540's Avatar
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From: lemont, Illinois
best not be utah... come on IL.... i need a Z buddy, haha. and F-body, ewww..... lol jk.
Old 03-05-2007 | 07:40 PM
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Ok. I am Lost. But 2+2 M5?
Old 03-05-2007 | 07:45 PM
  #5  
NismoPick's Avatar
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From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
Originally Posted by FubarI33t
Ok. I am Lost. But 2+2 M5?
I think that's his way of saying "manual 5 speed."
Old 03-05-2007 | 07:50 PM
  #6  
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Ahh. Cause i was lost.
Old 03-05-2007 | 10:02 PM
  #7  
Ryan280's Avatar
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From: S. Fla
Thanks for the replies. Yes M5= 5spd

I'm in S. FLA and car spent most of its life on the beach close to the water. I assume that is the reason for the rust. I spent some time in the U pull it and found a couple of 80 280z coupes with 6-10 84+ Zs. I got the plastic side molding I needed but forgot the roof is shorter thus they don't fit well on my 2+2 but it is better than looking at the empty space between the door and qtr window.

The floor on the left seems ok but plenty of work ahead.

What is the gear ratio in the dif? Feels like a low 3.xx

I put in 4.10s with my 6spd in my TA, I also converted it to manual in Dec and LOVE IT. This is one of the reasons I like the Z with a m5.
Old 03-05-2007 | 10:42 PM
  #8  
skittle's Avatar
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From: LOST VEGAS
This Is Just A Sugestion But Take Out The Drive Train From The Ta And Slam It Into Your Z... Lol Jk Keep It Nissan.
Old 03-05-2007 | 11:03 PM
  #9  
NismoPick's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Ryan280
What is the gear ratio in the dif? Feels like a low 3.xx
http://www.geocities.com/z_design_studio/
Old 03-06-2007 | 08:00 AM
  #10  
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Skittle, I thought about it. I've got a Auto and a short block sitting at home. But I don't want to kill myself in it.

Thanks Nismo, I thought it was like a 3.40-3.60 ended up with a 3.70.

What is the engine, I know 2.8 but what is the code?
Old 03-06-2007 | 08:32 AM
  #11  
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From: Phoenix, Az
Originally Posted by Ryan280
Skittle, I thought about it. I've got a Auto and a short block sitting at home. But I don't want to kill myself in it.

Thanks Nismo, I thought it was like a 3.40-3.60 ended up with a 3.70.

What is the engine, I know 2.8 but what is the code?
N/A = L28E

TURBO = L28ET
Old 03-06-2007 | 09:13 AM
  #12  
skittle's Avatar
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From: LOST VEGAS
if thats the case send it to me i'll toss it in my 78.
Old 03-06-2007 | 11:49 AM
  #13  
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From: lemont, Illinois
yeah, but its auto tranny. theres no real fun in that, smash gas go smash gas go... i dont see the fun.
Old 03-06-2007 | 01:44 PM
  #14  
Ryan280's Avatar
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It was more like get, sit down, shut up and hold on...It was a built 4L60E with a shift kit, moded valve body and stall. Reason I wanted the 6sp is for more range of rear gear and hwy speed. Though it's got 4.10s @ 75 its like 2300rpm. Hooking up is a different story even with 305 35 18s.

I can't imagine that kind of power in the Z. I want a bit of power but I want it to be smooth and quiet. I've got the TA for fun and speed.
Old 03-06-2007 | 09:34 PM
  #15  
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From: Miami, FL
Originally Posted by Ryan280
Thanks for the replies. Yes M5= 5spd

I'm in S. FLA and car spent most of its life on the beach close to the water. I assume that is the reason for the rust. I spent some time in the U pull it and found a couple of 80 280z coupes with 6-10 84+ Zs. I got the plastic side molding I needed but forgot the roof is shorter thus they don't fit well on my 2+2 but it is better than looking at the empty space between the door and qtr window.

The floor on the left seems ok but plenty of work ahead.

What is the gear ratio in the dif? Feels like a low 3.xx

I put in 4.10s with my 6spd in my TA, I also converted it to manual in Dec and LOVE IT. This is one of the reasons I like the Z with a m5.
Hey man, where in S. FL are you? I have a spare ZX and if you need some parts, let me know.

Oh, and welcome to ZDriver!
Old 03-08-2007 | 07:39 AM
  #16  
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From: S. Fla
Sweet! I'm in Pembroke Pines. You?

Yeah I do need a couple of small items. Mainly the left qtr window for the 2+2.H Willma took care of that. The u pull it up here has 2 280s 80-83 tons of 84-86s. Thought about using an 85 2+2 rear qtr window to give it a modern look especilly since I need to repair the swiss cheeze around the window anyway.

What is your parts car?

PM me with your # and we'll talk.
Old 03-08-2007 | 09:00 AM
  #17  
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From: Southaven Mississippi
I love to see more 2+2 owners. The least desired Z of them all. and some of Ya'll cant stand them. But a Z is a Z never the less. And mine still kicks ***.(for a stock N/A)
Old 03-08-2007 | 09:46 AM
  #18  
Ryan280's Avatar
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Mine was a freebee so I had no choice. I do like the lines of the coupe better than the roof extention that the 2+2 has. However, I like the seats in the back. With 2 kids I can't see my self enjoying the car without them or wife in it. This is the same reason I have a TA and not a Vett. That said I feel if I redid the lines a bit especially on the side to move along with the longer roof I could make it look like the coupe lines. Example, I'm toying with the idea of putting in a qtr window from an 84+ They are longer than the 280s and could give that look. I'm not afraid to cut it up a bit since there are rust issues there anyway. I also planned on a dechrome for a smooth modern look with classic lines. I would fill any areas behind the chrome trim. This includes the windshield. I want it flush. I'm not trying to go FOOSE or anything but love clean lines. I know the windshield part is going to be very difficult.
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