so i just got my 280zx and just joined this forum and just started to get into these cars(and cars in general)
i dont know what to start with to improve performance.
i know basic stuff about engines
i already rebuild my motor and got new OEM 8.8 spark plugs
what should i get next
and where should i get it?
thx

 

There's lots of threads on here about modifying your motor... so feel free to search. You should also read some books about basic engine modifications & also Datsun OHC specific mod's:

 

i cant find any websites that has cold air intake for my model
79 280zx
and does 2+2 mean four seater?

 

yes 2+2 is four seater, and make your own intake. its retarded easy. i made one for my dad, i got a 1992 camry intake off ebay cut off a small piece and bolted right in into the stock place right up in front of the radiator like stock location. i made mine but that was a required thing and its actually mor of a short ram intake, but that engine bay is soo open up and its infront of the motor so its gonna be seeing only warm air if that any ways.... remember its not really the intake pipe material that does you anything its the filter and diameter/bends of the intake but even then, it wont really do much of anything for an N/A car. get some headers and a custom exhaust made up or do what i did and just make your NA motor turbo, but thats a little bit of work and lots of dickin around.

 

alright cool
whats N/A mean?

 

Check it... http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/PFFC12/11-2932


n/a = naturally aspirated ... turbo = turbocharged.

 

sicckkkkk
thanks for the info and the website
i already did the spark plugs
i wanna do intake and exhaust
what should i do after that
my car isnt turbocharged yet but i want to make it turbo charged
but i need to find out what to do to my engine first
suggestions?

 

Do what I said in this post above:


Use the search button on here... type in "mods" or "modify" or something like that... it will bring up threads that have already been over "how to modify your motor" so we don't have to type it all over again. Then you can read some basic mod books...

In a nut shell... for more hp:
-header
-port intake
-better ignition
-adjust AFM
-add a potentiometer to the CHTS
-shave the head
-bore cylinders
-mild or hot cam

yada yada yada... the list goes on & on...

 

learn.... alot, about turbo's how they work, the dangers, the plusses, how to manage them, and the differences in the turbo and non turbo L28 motors.... then learn how to wire learn how to access all your parts and then.... .go from there i guess.... start building. if i get megasquirt in the very near future i have a feeling i can have it in there in no time at all.... the only thing i still am not sure about on that damn setup is what sort of crank angle sensor i can use or if i can wire up the stock one.... and of coarse im a n00b at tuning but i got many people that can show me how to do that.....
anywho if i do i can sell you my turbo parts, minuse the exhaust mani and turbo and down pipe... maybe the turbo and downpipe if i upgrade...

 

oo okay thx
whats a potentiometer? and a CHTS
and an AFM?

 

^^ CHTS "cylinder head temperature sensor" AFM "air flow meter" Oh and welcome to the best Z forum out there. And friendly to boot.

A potentiometer I am not sure of, but somebody will tell you. I still am learning about turbos lol.

 

Really... SEARCHING does help. REALLY... they invented GOOGLE for a reason.

CHTS = Cylinder Head Temp Sensor

AFM = Air Flow Meter

A potentiometer is a variable resistor that can be used as a voltage divider.

 

haha
google
got it

 

if you want to just buy an intake and install it, go to ebay. you can get one that will take the place of that blue air cleaner in front of the radiator. I got one for 41 bucks, with shipping and everything. and its chrome. My headers made more of a difference than the intake though.

by the way, is your '79 a four seater or a coupe?
do you have pictures?

 

i got some headers i can sell you... youll need a Y pipe though or just get a custom exhaust made up

 

The Volume **** on your guitar is a potentiometer....duh!! That's why they call it a "pot".....duh!! lol

Welcome to Zdriver jockopastorius your screen name is gonna be hard for me so I am gonna call you Jo...cool? If you plan to go "turbo" you will be told that it is easier to just swap in an "L28ET" and honestly I am sure that is the easiest way to go. "L28ET" refers to your engine, yours is an L28E...the turbo is an L28ET. Here is a break down from a sticky thread (L- engine code or family, 28- engine displacment [2.8L], E- electronic fuel injection, T- stands for Turbo and is only on the turbo engines)

If your non turbo '79 is running correctly it should be pretty quick and can be made faster with before mentioned parts and mods. However, the differerence between the non turbo and the turbo zx's is night and day stock for stock. The turbo is pretty darn fast and I was surprised when I got my beat up '82 turbo. Find yourself a complete turbo engine and wire harness and swap them. You will not regret it.

 

alright i might want those headers
but it wont be till next week thats when i get paid
my 79s a two seater by the way ill upload pictures tonight

 

how much would it cost to get that? i might not even turbo my car yet im still deciding whether i want to make it all motor or not

 

Just make sure you get a 2 1/2" exhaust and a good muffler.

 

yeah, and these dont have an O2 sensor but 79's dont either right guys? so this should work for him, and remember, you need to buy a Y pipe section for these because they are a 6-2 header, or get and exhaust shop to custom make you one and junk, should be no big but it will give you a nice jump into mod'ing the ZX.... and going turbo is a hassle for someone not really really damn educated on them. ummm... i say 60 dollars shipped i guess for the headers? that sound fair guys? i'll have to find a box though lol

 

you may really want to read my sticky at the top of the tech page for "how to do your intake gasket" aw heck heres the linky https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/how-do-your-intake-exhaust-gasket-18779/

follow this and make sure you have a factory service manual handy, or a haynes manual. you can also get a cold air intake from ebay for 15 dollars, its way cheaper than msa, and works the same.

 

Anyone suggesting a turbo on a 1979 should remember the steering box sits right where the turbo would sit.

To turbo the 1979, you would also need a crossmember, rack, lines, and steering shaft goodies in addition to the turbo conversion goodies needed to do this to a rack equipped Z car.

 

that i didnt know^^^

and do we have a thread on here about megasquirt? like AT ALL! because if not, im going to start one since im pretty much set and serious on going that route...

 

i hjave the manuel in my car
so turboing(?) my year car is pretty much a byach huh
i worked major overtime hours last night so i couldnt get clear pictures of my car since it was dark
so today forsure

 

LOL, you have a Spanish pool guy in your car???? J/K

Check it out...you have a '79 you should have a 5-speed, if so it's pretty good gear wise so stick with it. It doesn't hurt to go all motor so you may want to look into this:

Head - 3 angle valve job, port and polish if possible
Cam - MSA stage two kit (Cam Kit)
Header - Snw has a good one
Exhaust - 2 1/2" no cat - good quality muffler
AFM - (Air Flow Meter) Adjust it
Timing - adjust for cam
Vacuum Lines - Replace with new lines
Electrical connections (engine compartment - injectors, TPS, CHTS...or whatever else) - clean thoroughly
CAI - Cold Air Intake, Ebay - Cheap

This should hold you for a bit, you may want to update/upgrade some fuel components for the cam also. If you type this in the search on Ebay you will find all you need, type this 280zx and hit search, you will see what I mean.