Greetings! I've been perusing these pages on and off for years but this is my first post. I figured I should quit being a stalker and introduce myself. I bought this 280zx in 2007 or so.


I had fun with it for a few summers and then blew a head gasket. Ugh


I took the "opportunity" to rebuild the engine, a project that is not yet complete because I got distracted with other projects including rebuilding this WRX because I needed a new daily driver


...and I needed something to have a little RallyX fun in


Anyways, back to the Z. Its time to get back on this project again. I had originally just planned on rebuilding back to stock but I'm now reconsidering that. The engine is currently 100% taken apart. I haven't bought new pistons, rings and bearings yet because I haven't been to the machine shop to get everything checked out. However, I've already purchased all the other parts I need (gaskets, head studs, water pump, etc, etc). I bought all the parts so long ago that now they seem like they were free! Which means I can spend more money on it . So now comes the task of deciding what to do. I'm Looking forward to combing through all the info in here to help me decide what direction to take.

 

Perfect time to install a turbo, when you have it out and all apart, it is the cheapest way to make Horse Power on these cars, you can spend a lot of money trying to get much out of an NA motor, find a wrecked turbo car in your area and buy it, or get the ECU and all the turbo stuff, intake, down pipe, exhaust, etc. Add an inter cooler and you have a sweet ride.

Welcome to the forums by the way, I too delayed my project for a while, but have her back on the road.. somewhat anyways, I still need to register and license it.

Good luck with your car !!

 

I haven't considered going the turbo route yet but I'll look into it after I'm done researching my N/A options. I do understand the greater power vs money benefit but I'm not necessarily interested in big horsepower goals. I'm more interested in just having a nice solid platform even if its not the fastest car on the road. I suppose if the machine shop says I need a new head then that might change my tune.

 

You might be able to find a good running L28 locally, I know my craigslists have a few motor trany options. Another option too is get a second parts car, I am always on the lookout for them, sometimes you can get them really cheap, some cars are rusted out but still have solid engines. Just a thought. Would be nice to have a freshly rebuilt engine. One reason I really want a second car is so I can mod the engine,with a second engine for parts, you could do all the intake mods while driving your car, swap over parts as you get them ready, do things like port and flow the intake, that will give good returns to any engine, turbo or NA with benefit from better air flow, a lot of the basic De-burring and polishing is very doable. Good luck with your car, and welcome to the forums.

 

There are lots of NA L28Es around. I really like the turbo swap idea myself. Think about what you want to do. The L28E once you've worked out any neglect from previous owners in my experince is a very reliable car/engine.