Joining the Club Tomorrow!!!!!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 78
Joining the Club Tomorrow!!!!!
Just bought a 1979 Nissan 280zx and picking it up tomorrow evening! What a treat!!!
Can't wait!!
A lot of questions to ask first:
1. What is the difference between 280ZX and the other 'standard models?
2. Are all the power breaks, power steering, power windows standard in this model?
3. Are the straight sixes real Gas guzzlers (14-19mpg?)
This is the actual car!
Can't wait!!
A lot of questions to ask first:
1. What is the difference between 280ZX and the other 'standard models?
2. Are all the power breaks, power steering, power windows standard in this model?
3. Are the straight sixes real Gas guzzlers (14-19mpg?)
This is the actual car!
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
Welcome to ZDriver and to owning a 280zx! 
Not sure what you mean by "standard models" that differ from the 280zx... you mean what are the OPTIONS of the 280zx? Or do you mean what other models of the Z are there?
*Brakes, not breaks. Vacuum assisted brakes are available on 99% of the cars in the USA. The GLL and Turbo models have all the accessories. Only the 79-80 base models had manual options (roll windows, no ps, etc).
Nope. A quick google search will tell you the EPA estimated MPG of ALL cars legally driven in the USA. The 280zx gets between 18-25mpg normally, higher if you are light footed and know the mpg secrets.
Nope. A quick google search will tell you the EPA estimated MPG of ALL cars legally driven in the USA. The 280zx gets between 18-25mpg normally, higher if you are light footed and know the mpg secrets.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 78
Hehe. Will think twice about that!
Anyways, the Nissan is a right hand drive car. I'm not sure if it's a Euro Spec or Japanese model. However I think i've seen some japanese writing near some fuse box or serial number. Maybe that would insicate to a better conclusion. Not sure though.
The car also comes with a bonus of 'smoked' front light lenses that i'm in debate if they actually enhance the cars' appearance or not.
Last but not least, is it normal to have two stereo systems right next to each other on the centre console and two tow hooks just on top of the front bumper vailance?
If I install the lenses on top of the existing front lights, how could I use the washers for the front lights? Woudn't it fog up and 'smudge' the lense from inside?
What I meant by standard models is: What is the difference between a 280z and this 280zx?
Last edited by carfanatic; Oct 29, 2009 at 10:39 PM.
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
Two stereo systems? Gotta clarify more...
Maybe you mean the radio and tape deck?
Should look like this:
And you wouldn't need to use the headlight washers if they have the headlight covers...
Maybe you mean the radio and tape deck?
Should look like this:
And you wouldn't need to use the headlight washers if they have the headlight covers...
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 78
Is anyyone aware of what car gives better mileage?
A 1986 Nissan Silvia S12 Turbo or this 1979 straigth six 2.8ltr datsun 280zx?
Thank you for your replies.
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
If you are truly worried about mpg, I suggest buying a 1.0L 3cyl Geo Metro / Suzuki Swift.
I daily drive one and get 50mpg.
The Evil Twin
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,297
From: Seattle, WA
280Z and 280ZX are two different cars. 280Z was made from 1975-78 and the 280ZX from 1979-83
I dont think I have ever averaged less than 20mpg in a 280ZX. Usually 21-22 overall. Depending on how the car is geared, 27-30mpg highway.
I had a non-turbo Pulsar with the CA18DE. It certainly got better millage. Averaged 27-28mpg
Both the Z-cars and Pulsar were 5-speed manual transmissions.
I dont think I have ever averaged less than 20mpg in a 280ZX. Usually 21-22 overall. Depending on how the car is geared, 27-30mpg highway.
I had a non-turbo Pulsar with the CA18DE. It certainly got better millage. Averaged 27-28mpg
Both the Z-cars and Pulsar were 5-speed manual transmissions.
Dunkin' Donutz
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 283
From: Los Angeles, CA
WOW! you have a lot of question and sound very excited...WELCOME TO ZDRIVER!!!!!
Love the shape the car is in, more picture please (when you get it).
I have a turbo and I am very heavy foot on the pedal, I get about 17-18 mpg combine (city/highway).
On the smoke fog lens, I would say sell them to those who want to modify there original, I like the car as original as possible. If you do decide to install those then you should not and need not use the head light washer.
That was my 2.78888 cents, keep us posted!
cheers!
Love the shape the car is in, more picture please (when you get it).
I have a turbo and I am very heavy foot on the pedal, I get about 17-18 mpg combine (city/highway).
On the smoke fog lens, I would say sell them to those who want to modify there original, I like the car as original as possible. If you do decide to install those then you should not and need not use the head light washer.
That was my 2.78888 cents, keep us posted!
cheers!
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,053
From: Southaven Mississippi
Yeh i am only pushing about 12-14 mpg on my N/A engine. i have to really go over my engine when i get home. although it's been the same for both engines that's sat in the car. 18 gal tank(2+2) and i am only gettin about 220 miles out of it.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 78
Told you i'd join you guys! 
Here's some quick pics of the Nissan. It was a bit dirty and their night shots so there's not so much detail...
My soul is telling me to keep this car forever. Wonder why
When I get in it and fire up that straight six the feeling resembles to a guy jumping from an aeroplane
Still retains the japanese labels in the engine bay. Guess the 80,000 on the odometer are genuine...
Here's some quick pics of the Nissan. It was a bit dirty and their night shots so there's not so much detail...My soul is telling me to keep this car forever. Wonder why
When I get in it and fire up that straight six the feeling resembles to a guy jumping from an aeroplane Still retains the japanese labels in the engine bay. Guess the 80,000 on the odometer are genuine...
eff good grammar
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,578
From: Deadford OR
yea i'd say that 80k is accurate, looks about the same as my car but its a little cleaner since its a JDM vehicle and wasnt sprayed down with this funky gooey stuff to seal the car for overseas shipping, stuff is nasty and all over, both my nissans/datsuns have had it in the engine compartment and under the body, and no i'm not talking about the undercoating.
whats funny is its got the better speedo converted to MPH and some other things done to it but they didnt take the exhaust pipe that runs to the oppisite side of the car off, its a bit of a restriction there since it makes a 90 degree bend right at the back of the car twice, one to go across and one to go out. oh well.
atleast it was stored better than mine (faded interior from hell).
oh and that washer bottle infront of your battery that you said was empty, if its cracked it looks like the same one on US cars so i dont think you'll have much of a problem finding a replacment if need be
whats funny is its got the better speedo converted to MPH and some other things done to it but they didnt take the exhaust pipe that runs to the oppisite side of the car off, its a bit of a restriction there since it makes a 90 degree bend right at the back of the car twice, one to go across and one to go out. oh well.
atleast it was stored better than mine (faded interior from hell).
oh and that washer bottle infront of your battery that you said was empty, if its cracked it looks like the same one on US cars so i dont think you'll have much of a problem finding a replacment if need be
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 78
yea i'd say that 80k is accurate, looks about the same as my car but its a little cleaner since its a JDM vehicle and wasnt sprayed down with this funky gooey stuff to seal the car for overseas shipping, stuff is nasty and all over, both my nissans/datsuns have had it in the engine compartment and under the body, and no i'm not talking about the undercoating.
whats funny is its got the better speedo converted to MPH and some other things done to it but they didnt take the exhaust pipe that runs to the oppisite side of the car off, its a bit of a restriction there since it makes a 90 degree bend right at the back of the car twice, one to go across and one to go out. oh well.
atleast it was stored better than mine (faded interior from hell).
oh and that washer bottle infront of your battery that you said was empty, if its cracked it looks like the same one on US cars so i dont think you'll have much of a problem finding a replacment if need be
whats funny is its got the better speedo converted to MPH and some other things done to it but they didnt take the exhaust pipe that runs to the oppisite side of the car off, its a bit of a restriction there since it makes a 90 degree bend right at the back of the car twice, one to go across and one to go out. oh well.
atleast it was stored better than mine (faded interior from hell).
oh and that washer bottle infront of your battery that you said was empty, if its cracked it looks like the same one on US cars so i dont think you'll have much of a problem finding a replacment if need be
The water bottle was only empty!
Getting insurance on the Z and hoping to get it out this weekend! Can't wait!!
BTW, why does the centre check engine light keep on red? When I push the button inwards, a battery indicator comes flasing, than it turns solid red again.
User Friendly
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,045
From: Formerly Atlanta, GA; now Central FL
I believe you are referring to the radiator icon (not the battery) on the warning display. Check your water/coolant level and fill as needed, then see if the red light disappears. When pressing the warning display button, the icon should turn green, then disappear.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 78
Hey Z Car barbie, nice Z you have there!. When I press the display button, it shows a blinking battery, then after five seconds it comes to a solid red again...
