Hello, I have a 1983 280ZX Turbo. I just got it recently and it has not been used much. It has about 42K miles on it. When I go to start it, it turns over, but does not ignite immediately. I hold the key until it ignites, then let go immediately. The RPMs will either start about 1200 to 1300 or around 500, during which time it will stutter. If I let it warm up, and settle into a good idle, it will run fine, not perfectly, but without problems. If I do not let the RPMs reach a good number, 700-800, and shift into anything but neutral, it will stutter. I haven't driven more than six inches with it like this, I have always waited for it to reach 800 or so RPMs.

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Check the basics:
-Fuel pressure
-Spark plugs
-Air regulator
-AFM & plug
-TPS & plug
-ECU & plugs
-Timing

 

How do I check those, also, can I drive with my engine this way for about a week, if I let it warm up correctly? I probably can't check these until next weekend.

 

I take it you are fairly new to cars, or at least mechanical work?

Not a problem. I suggest picking up a 280zx Haynes manual from your local parts store, or you can download the FSM from www.xenons130.com/reference

 

Like Nismo said get the Hyanes or download...look at the basic stuff first. Remove one spark plug at a time and visually inspect them one at a time. On the back of the book you will see what a normal burn spark plug should look like. I would also check the rotors can dist caps in basic.
I wonder if oil pressure has anything to do with this??

 

My oil pressure is usually very low when it does this. (Starts at about 5psi and goes up slowly, as the stuttering evens out, but at 1/2 pressure, it still "surges")

 

I'd check the secondary ignition, cold enrichment circuits and injector, and Idle air control first.

 

What does all that mean? :P

 

It means this.

 

definitely buy the haynes manual, cause it will show you step by step how to check things, that way you can eliminate variables, but start off with the easy things, like spark plugs fuses loose harnesses etc.

 

The factory service manual can be downloaded for free, and you won't outgrow it. The Haynes may be better if you need cartoons and pictures though. It's been a LONG time since I looked at a Haynes supposed manual, the idea of it makes me nauseous.