Well, I finally did it. I bought a 1979 280ZX. It's a really nice car, and about to be an official classic, so it's pretty cheap to insure and licence. There's just one small problem. I'm a Mustang guy, and I have no clue about the L6 engine or drivetrain, so I have some questions if y'all can help me.

1) Can I port and polish my intake and heads like I did on my mustang? ( I just used a dremel tool and had a lot of patience) And if so, how much and how should I go about doing it?

2) What's available for the drivetrain? Can I put in a Ford 8'8 with the L6? I know all about the Ford 8'8, but I have no clue what gears and driveshafts and stuff is offered for the Z setup.

3) I am going (at least for now) for an all motor car, so I need any advice I can get on how to soup up the engine.

4) Finally, I am looking for some wide fender flares for the rear, and a new set of wheels, I want something with really wide and big tires in the back, and more of a slim look up front. (Kind of a 32' Ford roadster setup. I figure it will help with straight like and handling performance.

I hope y'all can help me, cause I have no clue what I am doing with this car, but it's my new toy none the less.

 

I don't know much about Ford drivetrain stuff, but if you goto www.hybridz.org there is a Ford section which I would like to hope would be able to help you. If there is anyone here that can help, please feel free.

 

The rear diff in the Z car is pretty stout as long as you have the RD200 model. From what I've heard, it can handle the power from a warmed over chevy small block with no problems. I'd stay away from porting and polishing on a stock engine unless you're going to put a radical cam in there. I think that you can get the best bang for the buck with a 3 angle valve job. Check out Victoria British and Motorsport Auto for restoration and performance parts. What are you planning for your Z? Drag racing, autocrossing, daily driver?

 

It's purely a weekend toy I'm going with all motor, so a port and polish is needed, and a radical cam.. I want a pure weekend thrill ride.

 

Chuck,
I believe port and polishing is fine. Intake and heads. It's great for smoother air flow. I'm taking out my intake and heads so it can be p/p.