Top Speed?
#101
From 1979 Nissan shows records of the automatic 280ZX 2+2 hitting over 112mph, and the 5-speed 280ZX 2+2 hitting over 124 mph. Don't forget this is in 1979 when the ZX also had the 8.3:1 compression ratio, then in 81 got the F54 block and Heads on the non-turbo with the 8.8:1 compression ratio and was making more power. So I'd say 130 on an auto non-turbo is definitely plausible, and a turbo should be even faster. I got the speeds from that Datsun 280ZX book that Nissan issued in 79, or was it in 78? Either way, that's not bad for 23+ year old cars. Not to mention they look damn good doing it too.
#102
I've hit around 115 in my 81 2 seater when it was NA. I couldn't verify it personally though. That is going by what my brother said we were doing from his Mustan following behind. I had my 130mph speedo in but had the wrong speedo gear so the speedo was way off.
#104
Originally Posted by RodMoyes
The original owners manual for my '80 states that top speed in 4th gear is 128 MPH... However, it then states that top speed in 5th gear is the same 128 MPH.
Rod.
Rod.
#106
Yeah but with that C/R you're making more power than than a stock 81 which made more power than a stock 80 so... It's all about having the gearing to go with the power and being aerodynamically invisible to the wind If we all coated our cars with cooking spray we'd be able to hit 200mph no problem cause the car would cut through the air like butter.
#108
in my 280zx 1982 turbo 2+2 manual tranny i was able to hit at least 160 mph yellow lining it 5,900 rpms.. i wanted to puish it all the way but i love my 280 and i woulnt do anything to abuse him... i think a turbo automatics top speed is 140 due to higher gear ratio...3 speeds compared to a 5 speed go figure u know... p.s. i did this on a freeway and i told the state troopers i was gonna do it..i had one right behind me just ot make sure.. =-) i love it when you are a cook and u cook for the police at night time =-) hehehhee
#110
Yeah I think that is almost mathematically impossible to achieve with the gearing and redline you mentioned. At those RPM's the most you could hit is 157mph with the tranny and rear end gearing of the 5 speed turbo cars. In addition to that a stock 280zx, even turbo, is going to be hard pressed to hit that kind of speed. While it's coefficient of drag is not horrible it's not too great either and 180hp (to the flywheel, not the wheels) is really not enough. 5th gear is made for cruising, not accelerating.
That is a speed not easily achieved by even some of our modern day sports cars making twice as much power if not more.
That is a speed not easily achieved by even some of our modern day sports cars making twice as much power if not more.
#113
sounds like you guys go too fast too many places, wait till you right off one of our special unicorns, or yourself, oh yeah, where can you do those speeds with out traffic? around here if there is no traffic, its too bumpy to speed does he have anything painted funny colors, that adds hp too.
#114
I hit 115 on a two lane back road in NE. There's a particular stretch thats straight as a properly constructed arrow and flat as a... anyways , it goes on forever. We took advantage of this opportunity to pass a tractor hauler. we started gunning it about a 1/4 mile back from 75mph and we kept going until the flat started to come to an end. When it was all said and done my brother called me and said we were doing about 115 when he last looked at his speedo before we started slowing down. And that was an NA lightly modded. It was like a 5 mile drag strip And not a car in sight other than that hauler. 160 though Thats just exceeding the safety of your tires, suspension and just your car in general.
#116
with nitrous and jet fuel (okay not really but...) - 160...that is really fast in a Z, well atleast to me up here at 6,500ft (on average) above sea level where altitude sucks your power away (I think it's 30% power loss)
I think I've done only about 110 - if that, but then again the whole 85 mph speedo thing throws everything way off (also, i don't have a radar detector and I am not friends with cops...etc) I think I was doing about 4200 rpm in 5th gear (1983 N/A)
...speaking of 85mph speedos, has anyone ever tried to add another gauge somewhere that goes from 80mph+ ? is that even possible? cause I have an aftermarket radio deck and it would be pretty sweet to have another speedo gauge down there... you know just for the look, never to be used....
(I know going fast you don't want to look down there and stuff)
I think I've done only about 110 - if that, but then again the whole 85 mph speedo thing throws everything way off (also, i don't have a radar detector and I am not friends with cops...etc) I think I was doing about 4200 rpm in 5th gear (1983 N/A)
...speaking of 85mph speedos, has anyone ever tried to add another gauge somewhere that goes from 80mph+ ? is that even possible? cause I have an aftermarket radio deck and it would be pretty sweet to have another speedo gauge down there... you know just for the look, never to be used....
(I know going fast you don't want to look down there and stuff)
#118
The 280zx turbo certainly limits something.
This is easily evidenced when you put in a 4.11 r200 from a 200sx turbo in place of the stock 3.54 because you easily run into a limiter with that gearing and it's obvious that it is a limiter at that point.
This is easily evidenced when you put in a 4.11 r200 from a 200sx turbo in place of the stock 3.54 because you easily run into a limiter with that gearing and it's obvious that it is a limiter at that point.
#119
Originally Posted by PooFlinginMonke
The 280zx turbo certainly limits something.
This is easily evidenced when you put in a 4.11 r200 from a 200sx turbo in place of the stock 3.54 because you easily run into a limiter with that gearing and it's obvious that it is a limiter at that point.
This is easily evidenced when you put in a 4.11 r200 from a 200sx turbo in place of the stock 3.54 because you easily run into a limiter with that gearing and it's obvious that it is a limiter at that point.
#121
Originally Posted by PooFlinginMonke
Then that would mean it has a rev-limiter.
#122
Originally Posted by jfairladyz
That 79 camaro would need some power behind to go over 135, or even go 135 period. That car is so aerodynamically challenged as were most older muscle cars. They got plenty of grunt, but at high speeds they hit a brick wall. The Z has a much lower CoD and creates far less lift than an old camaro, so you would probably take him top end no problem. I he did hit those speeds, he'd probably lose control of his car,especially if he tried to take a turn with those leaf springs.
The hp difference is not that great between the 1978 Chevy 305 and the 280ZXT in fact the ZXT may have a little more but the 305 has more tq and taller gearing and when put up against each other near stock for near stock, yes the Camaro from 1978-1980 is going to take the ZXT whatever through 1983 top end. Off the line is a different story. But who is going to be doing top end runs all the time? I like my cars to be faster light to light so I would be happy if my car only went 100mph as long as I win the race...hooowhaaaa!
#124
Originally Posted by PooFlinginMonke
You did read my profile, right?
#125
I don't think there is a rev limiter in the 280zxt. You can rev freely past 6500 all day long without a load on the motor. Under load you'll hit valve float around 6400rpm which feels like a limiter. Upgrading the valve train will allow you to rev past that. Ask a guy named TonyD on the zcar boards. He works with land speed z cars on a regular basis. He should be able to confirm if the limiter exists or not.