Twiggs280zx

Im new to the 280zx but not z's (Ive had 2 300zx's)

The motor is all stock and has 235,*** miles and runs but needs a rebuild. The compression in cylinders 1,2,3,5,6 is 120psi and cylinder 4 is 90psi and has notta for power.

What I need to find out is; would it be more cost effective to rebuild the existing motor or just order a rebuilt 1 (from Datsun Parts LLC $1800 for a long block) and drop it in? I am not planning on upgrading to a turbo or trying for any unrealistic HP gains. As of now I am just working on restoring.

I am also planning on having a shop do it (if I can find a good 1) because I don't have all of the necessary tools or time.

Thank you ahead of time for your help.

NismoPick

Welcome to ZDriver!

The cost is all dependent on what deals you can find... shopping around can save hundreds. You can get your motor rebuilt for under $1k, but it's the motor pulling & reinstalling labor that will really cost you (what I'm saying is... if you pull & reinstall your motor, you will be saving yourself several thousand dollars). Since a shop will be doing the work, plan on $2k-$4k for the entire project... which hopefully is done correctly (I don't have much faith / trust in the average Joe mechanic shop).

Twiggs280zx

Thanks for the timely feedback.

Looks like this guy will be in the market for a few new tools... I am all about saving $$$$ but if quality starts slacking I would rather take longer to do it right.

NismoPick

You'll really only need a full metric ratchet / socket set, screwdriver set, rubber mallet, maybe a cheater / breaker bar, impact gun, compressor, and an engine hoist. I'm sure you could borrow half that stuff from a neighbor or friend if you really needed to.

Make sure you download the FSM for free from www.xenons130.com/reference

Twiggs280zx

Thank you. I will update when I get this party started.

FricFrac

Swap in a turbo motor....

NismoPick

You speak the truth.

Twiggs280zx

This might sound stupid to turbo lovers but I'm focusing mostly on restoring and would like to keep the matching numbers, and of course, with a few upgrades.
I priced out the work at a shop here in northern Nevada and its going to be low end $2800. So, I will be doing it myself.

PredatorZ

A numbers original car isn't a bad thing, your kinda bucking the performance trend on these cars, but even an NA is still a fun car to drive and own. The Turbos just add a nice dose of HP, you could add a turbo to your car down the road and still keep the NA block, because the non turbo motor has higher compression, you will get a bit more power from that setup. Build a car you are proud of, that's the most important thing, enjoy it, and post some nice hi res pics when you get the chance, I'm always adding them to my desktop slide show.

NismoPick

If the car lived on a Nissan showroom floor for 30yrs, and has 25 miles on it, then matching numbers might be of value... $10 worth... Really the only time matching would matter is on a ZXR or 10th AE. So matching numbers is only really going to matter to you.

Twiggs280zx

All well played statements and after considering the "value" part of a matching numbers set up, Datsun Parts LLC's engine is looking pretty good. I can keep the original and rebuild it over time. This car will end up as my daily driver once it is up to par. I really appreciate every post you guys have, as i read just about every post I can (till my head hurts).

And, I will be posting pictures before, during, and after the rebuild. I do have some up in the gallery.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

FricFrac

It all depends on what you want from the car of course. As NismoPick pointed out a numbers matching doesn't mean much at this point in time (who knows maybe in the future it will but it hasn't for the last 30 years) for the 280ZX.

We just push the turbo swap because it's the best performance bang for the buck. If you're happy with stock then there is no reason to go down that road.

If you are rebuilding the engine get this book.

Get a gasket set and new ITM pistons (because they are cheap, well balanced, hypereutectic, come with rings and wrist pins all for around $30 a piece) and Cleavis bearings for the crank. Get the pistons once you're ready to put them in - eg block is honed or bored as required so you order the right size. I quick refresh on an L28E will take you another 200,000 miles. Deglaze the walls, change the gaskets and valve steam seals, lap the valves, mic everything to make sure it's in spec and you're good to go. You can do a refresh for cheap cheap.