anybody know of any cars with similar fans that would fit into a 1980 280zx?
there's a pick-a-part not too far away and I was wondering if anyone ha ventured down this path before?

 

Most people delete the clutch fan and put on a eletric fan with or without a shroud on it. Cant say off hand what will fit on a 280zx. Best bet take a measuring tape with you.

 

Since there's only ~3" from the radiator to the water pump pulley, most stock fans won't fit. So yes, take a measuring tape.

The easiest solution would be to buy SPAL or Flexlite fan. Just make sure to get a high CFM, and buy name brand... the cheap ebay knock offs are cheap for a reason.