Hey everybody. Hows it goin? First off I wanna say what a great forum you have here. Seems like a pretty cool place.

I have a couple of questions though and was hoping someone could help.
While driving home today I spotted an 83Zturbo 5sp. It has 116,000 miles on it and seems to be in good shape. No rust and the interior was perfect.
I was just wondering if there was and specific problems with the 83? Head gaskets, tranny trouble you know the usual things to look out for.
He's asking $4000, that seems a little high to me but the car was in good shape and they are hard to find in my area.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Barrett

 

I'd say it's worth it, I just bought one for cheap but in bad shape. In my opinion it ends up being cheaper and easier to just spend the extra money on a car thats in good condition already. And it's a turbo!

 

If it's an 83, it might have the hydraulic lifters in the head, designated P90A. They are not replaceable as Nissan doesn't produce any parts for them anymore. That'd be the only thing to check, their condition. Other than that, there's the typical rust areas like the right rear spare tire well, and underneath the battery tray.

 

Ok so did these things come with aluminum heads? Because this one looks like its almost brand new. Even the head gasket looks like it was just replaced. Its still blue not burnt or old lookin. Maybe the previouse owner had the head redone??? Hmmmm the more I think about it the more I want it.lol

Whats the aftermarket like for these cars? My previouse toy was an 89 Firebird Formula. Had gears,exhaust,intake ect. It was my baby. Had to sell it though to pay for my honey moon. Anyway back on topic.
I know these cars arnt as popular but can these kinda things be found?? Because theres no way I could keep it stock for long.lol

Thanks for all the info so far guys!! Keep it comin.

 

Yes, both the non-turbo and turbo have great aftermarket support.
It does sound like the head was cleaned and the gasket replaced.
Gears: You can swap in different gear ratios from other Nissan Z's to suite your fancy. Even a rare LSD unit. (rear gears)
The 280ZX turbo uses the standard Borg Warner T5 with a special Nissan bellhousing so it bolts up to the L28. All gear or syncro upgrades available for a T5 will work on that transmission.
Exhaust you pretty much get done cust made by a shop. There's nothing that bolts right on. But most of the time that is even cheaper than a bolt-on exhaust.
Larger turbos do fit on the stock manifold to a certain point. (400hp or so)
Intake can be ported slightly and there is a throttle body size increase that you can install.
There is lots of room up front so pretty much any intercooler can be strapped on.

 

and the block and heads are cast iron...the intake is aluminum...
stay with the cast iron...you dont want that aluminum **** when you start modding it up or drastic results may occur....ever see those cars at the drag strip blow???

lets just say that an aluminum engine with 500+hp is not recommended, yes its lighter, but would you like to pay for another engine? esp when these things are capable of 10-11s Qs?

just imagine your block melting and everything inside going KABLOOIE!!! its not pretty the least bit..i once saw this dragger go and it was literally raining engine parts..

 

Ookkkk....... those engines flying apart at the drag strip are most likely running two or three times 500hp.

The head is aluminum on the L28. A 300hp turbo is probably enough for most people. At that point, even with an LSD you'll be running into traction problems. Just trying to get the power to the ground without doing burnouts at 60mph will be difficult. :burnout:

 

oh i understand...i was just giving a scenario in which the aluminum just can t hold like cast iron..
i was told the block and head for the L28 is alll cast iron, ill have to talk to someone about that then...
thnx for the info...

 

Z Heads are aluminum. Another one of the reasons the Z was so ahead of it's time.

How many $3500 domestics do you know of that had aluminum heads back in 1969 when the Z was finishing development?

And yes, 400hp is hard to put to the ground, even with sticky 245/45/16's!