I just got my first car, its a 1982 Datsun 280ZX 2+2 This car is in amazing condition and i got it for an unbelievable price. When we got it we couldn't get it running, but my brother timed it perfect so now it starts right up.

My only delema is that when it revs up at all it skips a lot and we cant figure it out... any ideas?



Its making me mad that i've been working on it for weeks and im not making any progress with the skipping

 

well, you said perfect, but the timing may still yet be the problem.

basic over view of the tune up you need to do on a car that hasn't been running is:

check compression, and make sure you have oil pressure

then, replace spark plugs, wires, and dizzy cap and rotor. remove, clean, and replace ALL connections that you can get your hands on. then see if you still have a problem.

 

do that ^^^ if you havent already, also get a new o2 sensor and a coil, and poshibly a fuel filter if you can lay a little more cash down , it will make the motor run like new, or close to new

most of that will bring your z back to that 145hp # and give you smooth revs

 

the lady i bought it from brought it to a machanic and they couldn't get it running, but it has all new spark plugs all new wires, and a new fuel filter. We checked it it has compression too. Also great oil pressure. But ill look into the other stuff you said thanx (oh if its helpful my dad has a 1979 Datsun 280ZX sitting in the garage he said i can use any parts off of it i need) his doesn't run at all

 

It's most likely a problem with either an electrical or vacuum connection. Check/replace all your vacuum lines and pull every electrical connection and clean it with electrical contact cleaner then seal it with dielectric grease to protect it from corrosion in the future. It's very time consuming and tedious work, but it'll fix nearly every performance problem these cars have beyond a basic tune-up.

 

When you say it "skips" when revving it up, do you mean that it runs good at low RPM's but then when it gets to say... 3K to 3.5K it starts to stutter???

If so, check the connection for the TPS (Throttle Position Switch) as it is either dirty, wet, or not connected properly.

A quick search here will lead you to a more in depth discussion on the TPS as well as pictures pointing you in the right direction.

 

Make sure you dont have "Bosch" plugs and wires, they make any japanese car run like doo doo, make sure plugs are gapped right too. Dito to everything every one else said. FYI some of that suff from 79' wont cross over to an 82'