Brake & clutch master cylinder swap?
 

I need some advice. Will the clutch and brake master cylinders (both new) from an '80 280ZX turbo fit a '76 280Z? I'd like to get some use out of a wreck given to me.

Brake yes, clutch no well at least not without drilling new mounting holes in the firewall.

Should have also said that it is a prefered upgrade as the brake master has a larger bore, the front calipers can also be used as part of a brake upgrade using 84 300ZX vented rotors.

You might want to check the year in a different forum we determined the turbo did not come out until 81. but the conversion for the brakes is the same. Something else you might want to consider is braided brake lines. I have them on my 78Z and you get an extremely better brake feel. And a lot less play with no fade, and a very firm pedal to boot. it is an upgrade that is worht the money. if you are going thru all this other brake conversion why not.

Good Luck

The turbo part of the equation makes no difference. The 1979-81 front and rear brake calipers are all the same on the 280zx and turbo models. The 1982-83 280ZX turbo and non are of a different style.

As far as swaping calipers from a 280ZX/rotor from a Z31, you might want to check into that. I don't think its a bolt-on, but lots of custom conversions can be done.

As for the master cylinder, as far as I know all 280zx's '79-83 are the same size.

I thought the clutch master cylinder was the same for all Z-cars at least 1970-89. I might be wrong, but I looked at them before and they looked the same. Even matches a 1978 Datsun truck and 1989 240SX!

To do the front brake conversion you have to drill out the caliper mounting holes on the front strut with a 15/64 drill (the ZX calipers mount on the other side and are threaded), trim a bigger hole in the dust cover, use 84 300ZX non turbo rotors and have them turned about .250" smaller in diameter. Depending upon your front hubs the caliper will have to be spaced out using hardened washers to center the caliper over the rotor. All in all not hard to do and you get vented rotors and larger brake pads (less fade) for the trouble. Just did it on my 240 and it was an easy upgrade.

At some point, I think at the ZX the clutch master mounting bolt holes changed from 12 and 6 o'clock to about 10 and 4 o'clock making them a not easy swap, other than that I believe they are the same.

A BIG "THANK YOU" for everyone's help; I really appreciate it!Sorry for taking so long to get back, but was out of country.