Hello again everyone. Unfortunately i got into a wreck recently with my 82 280zx. Quite heartbroken over it. But luckily i work in a body shop and my boss is being generous enough to allow me to fix it My cars damage is located in the front, the hood is trashed, as is the air cleaner, radiator, fan shroud, and the core support it bent. There are couple parts cars that i know i could pull the necessary body pieces off of, but both are 83 cars while mine is an 82. And i was simply wondering if there were any differences between the two years so that i dont run into any surprises down the road.

 

Here's a quick breakdown:
79-81 is version 1 (zenki): Simple package, chrome bumpers, black "wing" hood vents, etc.
82-83 is version 2 (kouki): Delux package, voice warning, painted bumpers, NACA hood ducts, digital dash option, etc.

2seater vs 2+2 differences are from the A-Pillar back... so everything from the windshield forward is the same. 2+2 doors are longer, hatch is shorter, hatch interior trim is not the same.

So to answer your questions: 82 and 83 engine bays are almost identical (assuming non-turbo to non-turbo, or turbo to turbo).