Ok, so to start off, My name is Connor, I'm 15, i own a Vw bus, and i am buying a 1979 280zx NT. I am fairly new to The Z cars, and i am needing some pointers, i am buying it from a good friend of mine that has a little wreck in it, It is in great mechanical condition, it just needs ( if i admit defeat on the bodywork) the front 2 fenders and a hood. And it has no rust as well. I am wanting it to see numbers or 200 to 220 whp. I know the basics of what i need to do, I am planning a 4 barrel conversion(maybe), A higher lift cam, polished and ported heads, 3-2 headers to a Borla muffler, And A/c Delete. Are my numbers likely with a naturally aspirated motor? If not what could i do to get to that? i want this as a daily so i can spend a lot of my time and money on my full time project. I know this should possibl be moved to the performance section but it was kinda an intro as well, so pics of the car...(before the wreck) sorry i have no pics of it after.

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Good find! Looks to be in great shape, and with the right love, you could mend that L fender straight again.

We have lots of threads on performance work to the 280zx that discuss all the things you mentioned, so feel free to search.

But to answer your questions in a nut shell, 200-220hp on the n/a motor is obtainable, but quite costly. Your time and money would be better spent on a turbo motor L28ET swap.

You should also state how much $$$ you are willing to spend. At 15yrs old, spending $10k on an old car might not be the wisest choice.

 

You own a VW Bus?? Sweet!! Any pics?