So just recent i bought 79 280zx non-turbo and i'm having trouble as to where to start on either the suspension or the engine, but i'm having to think that i should start on the suspension first. any idea where to start ?

 

how is the rust on the car? if you have rust, deal with that first.

if no rust, does the car run?

 

hmmm not really but that was one of the things on the list to do.... and yes is does run in fact i've took it to big bear over here in southern cali and handed very well on the 38 as i was going up and down

 

We need more info...

Are you restoring the car to stock?
Daily driver?
Track car?
How much $$$ do you have to spend?
How much mechanical knowledge / skill do you have?
What kind of engine work?

 

sorry
I want to upgrade it another word from having the stock parts. In a way it is a daily driven car since it is my first car. I would like it to be a street driven car just with a little power. Well spending a lot in to this car. ahh very low experiences but i do a lot of research before i start... having the stock engine but adding new tech in to it and see what i can put out... nismo if i added a new/upgraded fuel rail in would i have to config it knowing that i took out the old one or is it bolt on ready to go ?

 

I would recommend the same usual upgrades for suspension in order

stainless steel brake line
poly bushings
upgraded struts
thicker swaybars

 

If you want more power - turbo swap. You'll never really be happy with the little performance gains you get from the NA upgrades for what you're spending. My personal exception to that is the exhaust because I like how it sounds in addition to the performance gains. Your best NA upgrade is a full tune up...

I would agree that the suspension is one of the first things you want to take care of on these cars. Springs and struts to start and new urethane bushings (but not in the TC rods - use new rubber bushings there).

Stainless brake lines - nice but not really necessary unless you want a more responsive brake. Good for auto X not so sure about the need on a DD...