Hi everyone!
I am new to the site, and I wanted to get your feedback. I have found a car (1982 Nissan 280zx Turbo) with an auto transmission but oh well... I wanted to see what you guys think before I purchase it... Here is the craigslist link:

82 280zx turbo REDUCED PRICE MUST SELL...runs but needs little tlc

I managed to talk the guy down to $500.00USD. It seems to have a little rust on it, especially the hood as you can see in the pics. However, the frame is solid and I am a pretty good welder so I believe I can fix the rest. But my question to you is: I went and saw the car last night, and it runs. However, she's got a BAD exhaust leak coming from the intake/exhaust gasket. I do all of my mechanic work myself, so I'm not worried about labor costs. I just want to make sure that i'm not going to have to put a ton of money under the hood to get her running right. I would like to be able to save all of the money for the cosmetic work that she needs. What do you guys think? I am thinking of purchasing it tonight, so any advice will be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks,
-Chris Warren

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Yes, $500 is a very good deal for a running turbo. I'd jump on it right now before it's gone.

 

Thanks NismoPick! Before I read your comment, I almost had myself talked out of purchasing it. You've sealed the deal for me! Were you able to look at the pics of the car? If so, did you notice that the dash was cracked? I have done some shopping, and found some dash "caps" for cheap. Does that actually replace the outer look of the dash, or does it just snap over the current dash? I'm not one to just cover up a mess. (Maybe I should start doing that, I'd probably save more money lol).

 

It's literally a dash cap. You just put it over the top of your cracked dash. Several people have fiberglassed the dash. Gets rid of the cracks, and makes it easy to paint / customize. Or you could opt for a fabric (carpet) dash cover.

Just make a list of REAL priorities and budget. Take things one step at a time... starting with a full inspection and getting it running correctly. Then you can work on some of the cosmetics.

 

The plan for this coming up weekend is to take the engine out and replace gaskets/cracked hoses/belts/etc.. Maybe clean up the block with some engine block paint and just little honey-do stuff... Once she's running good, then i'll start worrying about interior/exterior stuff.. I just hope the intake/exhaust gasket is truthfully ALL that is wrong with her... Thanks for replying!

 

Screaming deal. Do it!

 

Both NismoPick and FricFrac have given me a lot of great advise on my rebuild.

Heres the link. https://www.zdriver.com/forums/280zx...rogress-35949/

I did not go with a turbo swap like most have said I should, but these guys have put a lot good info on here including parts for future power increases and I recomend at least a look-over.

 

Thanks guys! I bought the car last night, even drove her a few feet to get her on the trailer! Apparently the driver's side door won't open - Have any of you guys ever had this issue? I'm sure it's as easy as taking the door panel off and working the linkage a bit, but I wanted to see if this is common? Or is mine just a little shy Thanks for the replies; I really like this forum so far! Should have joined here a long time ago when I did my RB25 swap in my S14 240sx.....

 

w00t!

It's a simple push rod setup to pop the doors. What's not so simple is getting everything put back together... having teeny tiny jazz hands would come in "handy" for that.

Be careful when you remove the door panel. The plastic clips like to rip right out of their seats. Use a door panel removal tool (Y tool) if available.

 

I have the opposite problem with my drivers door. The piece that holds the door open in 2 positions is missing do if I'm not careful it will fly open and hit something or damage the door/panel.