I just inherited my first Z Car (an '82) from an uncle. It's in decent shape, but everything works (except for the a/c) and it's a blast to drive.

Of course, once I get it in my driveway, I'm gonna want to start doing some maintenance and modifications, but I have absolutely no idea where to start. I'd like to stay with the straight 6 that's presently in there - I've heard that you can build custom turbos for them...is that true?

What other mods are possible?

BTW - I'm presently a 1st gen MR2 nut. I've got 3 of them and my daily driver is a lightly modded Supercharged '88.

suggestions welcome!

runabout

 

You could drop in the turbo motor from turbo zx's, this will give you a fair bit more power. It is pretty much a straight drop in

Alan, Australia

 

OK - dumb question....but I'm still a Z-car virgin. The car that's now in my driveway is a ZX. What's the difference between a ZX and a 280 Z?

 

Heh Heh!!! Welcome! Your gonna love it, I've never talked to anyone that ever owned one that didn't love it, I know when I got my first one in high school (an 80 2+2 in '91) I fell in love. Sold it about a year and a half out of high school and missed it immensely, but I just got my second one about 2 months ago. You now a own a piece of history, they're just a hard car to beat, classic styling with lines that still turn heads even today. You've got a car that is relatively easy to work on yourself, can be a headache at times, but even during the headaches you'll still be wanting to come back and work and work until she's back on the road again. Mine's an '82 as well, and is gradually making its way back to good dependable driving shape. As far as being a blast to drive...its tough to find cars as easy to work on and as cheap to own that will do the same things. I've seen lots of mods, and think they look really cool, but myself personally, I like the lines and distinctness of the orginal shape, like with mine, the outside, short of a good paint job, will stay virtually stock, but underneath I intend to do a little: header, cam, 2 1/2" exhaust, stiffer struts, and eventually rebuild the front end. Have fun and enjoy yourself.

p.s.
You've also come across the best Z website and forum on the internet, as far as I'm concerned, bar none. The folks here are always good to help and have lots of wisdom, wrench time, and bloody nuckles to support their suggestions.

Jamie Shelly
kd5izq@msn.com
ICQ - 159705433
IZCC Number is #12402

 

Thanks again guys....this is the best site I've become a member of since the MR2 site that I also belong to. It's kinda neat to find a 'second home'.
For obvious reasons I'm gonna start by trying to correct some of the neglect, which means a bit of engine restoration, part replacement, and bodywork. I'll worry about modifications once I've got her up to speed again (no pun intended).

Are there any engine differences between the Z and the ZX? (unfortunately I did not inherit a turbo).

 

There arn't much engine differences between the 280z and ZX but when you talk turbo the block and head are slightly differnent.


Gavin,
Melbourne
Australia
73' Datsun 240z

 

I have owned every year Z from a 70 to a 81. Currently I daily drive my 81, and love every minute of it. I also have a 78 that is a little bit more powerful. I drive her when i want to do nothing but hang corners and break every spedd limit law available. I have had the engines rapped well over 6000 ant both motors are stock with over 200,000 on them. The 78 I like because it is a lot lighter, I have also modified the motor a bit. New intake, 21/2 exhaust, struts, brakes. I am currently building a second motor for racing applications only, and one for more mellow driving. These cars are the best all around vehecle to own. It just depends on what you want to do.
Enjoy the hell out of it.

Gotta get my Z's

 

hey i could hook you up with a ac if you need one?Mark

 

i have a turbo zx motor for sale for the right price Mark