So I inherited a 280z that has been sitting for 25 years

I replaced the
fuel pump
six injectors
water pump
starter
relined the gas tank
brake booster
master brake cylinder
rear shoes
charged up a/c system (works great)

I drove it 200 miles 0 problems. The last 50 miles i had power problems trying to get up hills brought it straight home and parked it. I checked the spark plugs which are golden brown (looking really good).

Replaced the fuel filter. The car starts right up first time, every time. Does anyone know why its doing this?

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Have you checked the timing?
Checked fuel pressure?
Checked the efi wiring for all sensors and grounds?
Checked / tested the coolant temp sensor, AFM, and TPS?

 

Thanks Nismopick

The fuel pressure is great. Temp sensor is moving accordingly.

I'm not to familiar with working on cars. My friend actually did the timing for me originally. Which was three days before I started having problems. I cranked everything down though so it couldn't move once timed.

I'm worried it is timing because thats one thing im not good at. I considered it an art.

Thanks

 

I know Im over reacting but i feel like the motor wants to pop.

I had a small problem before finishing the car up to drive. My timing chain cover had a small hole in it so when I tried to fill up the radiator. I filled the whole motor up with water. I cleaned it all out and then drove it the 200 miles no problem. Today I pulled the air filter off little did I know it was holding residual oil and water which left a puddle in the air canister. It was obviously screwing with the MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR.

The car idles at 1000 rpms if I try to drive; the car sputters and I'll drive a little and try to get it into my drive way (slight incline with the whole distance of about 50 feet) the car has a really hard time doing so.

Also Ive checked the vacuum lines with the smoke test and carburetor cleaner. One of the vacuum solenoids pushed air out of the bottum. Is that normal?

Loss of power under load
Compression issue?

 

Static timing is not an art. You set it to spec, and that's it. Going more advanced that stock does require a bit more understanding. The L28E n/a engine really likes 12-15* timing, but will fail emissions at that setting.

Shiza! Did you start the car with it full of water? I can only image the amount of problems resulting from an engine full of water. I've had several friends dunk cars / trucks in lakes... the engine is never the same after that.

Did you swap on a new valve cover then? And yes, compression check should be first on the list...

 

Yeah swapped the cover with my spare. I put it all together and my friend timed it, then I drove it for over 200 miles no problem.

My back passenger brake cylinder broke. I replaced it now the car has been pitching a fit. i.e. sputter when I give it a little gas, the exhaust is choppy when it idles.

 

So after changing the fuel filters and toying with the idle screw and MAF spring and timing the car is running BEAUTIFULLY. I hit 103 m.p.h. yesterday passing some cars. This thing does not want to go less than 70 and its such a smooth ride.

Thanks for all the help guys.