the_journeyman

So, I've got a 1978 280Z. Only real rust issue is the base of the rear hatch. Likely from improperly sealed up holes from the louvers being installed. Otherwise the body is really solid. Suspension is original too, so the ride is a bit rough.

It's basically a drivable project, since it need paint and some other minor work. A PO at some point swapped out the motor & striped a lot of stuff. It's basically prepped as a track car or similar. No A/C, no power steering etc. Basically, you like the hood and you see nothing that isn't required for the car to run.

As it sits, it's got a F54/P79 motor (from '81-83) and likely the 5-speed tranny that was originally with the current motor. It's got a triple Mikuni intake.

Odometer reads 89,000 but is likely 189,000 but no real way to know. No telling how much is on the current motor & transmission.

Currently it runs fairly well, but I've worked and worked with the Mikunis and can't get them quite right. It runs great if you drive it like you stole it, but doesn't run so great at small throttle openings. The motor also seems tired, maybe needing rebuilding soon, and the stem seals leak (little blue smoke on startup). I'm actually also wondering if it's running dished pistons with the anemic feel and if the motor was originally a turbo or something it could be.

I can find running motors for $300-$500 all day long. So I'm going back and forth between rebuilding what I've got, replacing the engine, buying an engine, rebuilding and then installing etc. I've got decent mechanical skills, but have never attempted a rebuild on a car engine. I have done top-ends on 2-stroke singles, but that is a lot easier than a 6-cylinder.

I don't have a huge budget, so a killer build isn't in the cards. I've even considered selling it, as the body is pretty good overall and someone that had the shop space & skills could really turn it into something for a small investment.

I can't decide what to do with it.

JM