Hey guys, I am new to the forum and to Z's in general. IMPLUSE PURCHASE. I was just on vacation in California last week and I picked up a 1981 280zx 2+2 NA with a 5 speed for less than $1000. Here is the issue: I live in Philly. I am wondering if you guys think it will be worth shipping home (costs about $1000) or if I should just sell it.

Now lets get to the condition: the body is straight and has no rust, it needs a hood (dent). the t-tops are great, most of the interior is there (dash, gauges that work, ripped front seats, good back seats, console, door panels, window switches that work etc). The car runs pretty rough, I think I will need to rebuild the head and get a new exaust, plugs, wires etc.

I dont want a race car, nor am I looking for an "investment" I just want a good drivers car.

Little help? Tell me what you think.

 

cant find one next to where you live?? cause 2g's for the car and to get it to your house is to expensive for me... and then you gotta spend more money to work on it when you get it back....

 

Most of the 280zx's out here on the east coast met the rust monster long ago. The few survivors are way overpriced.

I have a daily driver (2007 Dodge Charger-don't hate, my brother works for dodge) so I wont need the car to get around and I can take my time with the restoration.

I know it would be like getting the car for like $2k, but I dont know what else to do. The car is at my brothers in Cali, so it is safe there for a while.

PS. that kit on your car is hot, who makes it, if you dont mind me asking?

 

Z's are cool cars. I love mine and paid 2000 for it. but all it needed was a good fuel system cleaning and it ran great. Find out for sure whats wrong with it so you can meake a good decision. they're fun cars, but don't pay more then you want to.

 

I believe it is the MSA Type II body kit for the 280zx 2 seater. From motorsport auto. (thezstore.com) Although the front and rear airdams should work on a 2 + 2.

 

A Z car could be one of the most fun cars you'll ever own but it sounds to me as though this one might not be worth the money you will have spent just to get it close enough to work on it. No matter what you decide, definitely don't live the rest of your life without a Z car. Try to find yourself one thats closer to home and you'll be infected with the Z bug no doubt. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

I doubt the head will need rebuilt. Unless the car took some serious abuse, it probably just needs a tune-up and maybe a new sensor or two.

Being from Ohio I know how much harder it is to come by these cars in good condition at a low price. $2k doesn't sound like a bad price to me for a good clean body out over here in the Northeast. Alot of people around here who have cars in decent condition want alot more than that.

 

i second duowing, it might need a new gasket but while you got it off you might as well ribuild it but you are in a rough situation being that far away though