WildmaN's 1982 280zx, Transformers: Decepticon "Wreckless" conversion
Okay..I have been doing some searching on the web for suspension. I think I am going with KYB shocks, and struts. With the Eibach performance springs. Should run me less than $500 or so. I need to replace the fronts especially, because it bounces when I hit a small bump. lol So I should have a nice smooth ride, when I get it running.
Also I am looking to change my wheels and tires. I would like 15", but will go as high as 16". If anybody has suggestions or where to look for those. I am also trying to find wheels, that will go with my whole Decepticon theme. So more than likely, a brushed chrome, or a nice black. Chrome, if it looks right. Let me know, by posting here. And thanks in advance.
Also I am looking to change my wheels and tires. I would like 15", but will go as high as 16". If anybody has suggestions or where to look for those. I am also trying to find wheels, that will go with my whole Decepticon theme. So more than likely, a brushed chrome, or a nice black. Chrome, if it looks right. Let me know, by posting here. And thanks in advance.
Anyway here are a couple wheels I like, that are on Ebay right now. I would like to put 205 60r 15 tires on them. Would that work good? Any feedback is appreciated.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
Theres the xxr 501s
http://www.nlmotoring.com/XXR-501-Wh...p/50157082.htm this place has them pretty cheap
http://www.nlmotoring.com/XXR-501-Wh...p/50157082.htm this place has them pretty cheap
Well..I am looking around. And still thinking about the NISMO metal head gasket for my '82. Is there anybody else out there. That sells it for less than $150? I can only find it at motorsport auto. I really do want to put a metal one on my Z, when I get the head finished. If not the metal one. Which ones would you suggest? Any tips or feedback is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
On another note....I am just about ready to pull the head off, and have it checked. I just need the block of wood to do it. (which holds my timing chain up, and keeps the tension on it) I will get that later today. Then probably have the head off Monday. Because I am off work. Then I can proceed with checking for warpage and such. Wish me luck everybody. And feel free to comment.
On another note....I am just about ready to pull the head off, and have it checked. I just need the block of wood to do it. (which holds my timing chain up, and keeps the tension on it) I will get that later today. Then probably have the head off Monday. Because I am off work. Then I can proceed with checking for warpage and such. Wish me luck everybody. And feel free to comment.
And now I have a stupid question. Well, it is annoying, but I need to know exactly. What is the sensor that controls the temperature gauge in my Z? I need to know what it is, and what color the wire is. I am going to order a new one, when I get my tune up parts from RockAuto.com. Thanks in advance.
^ That's allright, no problem, I can deal with it later. Anyway update, or should I say heavy update. lol I got the cylinder head off successfully. Now here is some pics of the inside of the engine, and the condition of the head. Let me know if everything appears to look good. Thanks in advance.




Looks like your making some good headway! BTW idk if you have a Dollar Tree store near you but they carry a cleaner called "Awesome!" and it works great for cleaning off the grease and stuff. a raged soaked in it helps loosen gaskets a little too
Yeah very funny. lol
Anyway I showed the pics to a friend of mine. Who has rebuilt many engines in his life. Although he really didn't tell me something, that I was thinking already. He was telling me, that a couple of valves look burnt. And it would be better to rebuild the head. Or get another one. Also, to get that antifreeze out of my cylinder walls. As soon as possible. And wire wheel the pistons, with oil on them.
Anyway: Yeah I have dollar stores near me. I will get some of that stuff, when I go there here soon. Thanks for the tip.
On another note: The 280zx is officially my second favorite car behind the Lamborghini Countach. I am sure not many people have said this. But I have really fallen in love with these Z cars. I always think about them. I miss them, when they are down, and not running. Or whenever I am not driving one. These cars have really grabbed me. And are one of the main reasons. I got into working on cars. And the whole passion in general. Z fanatic for life.
Anyway I showed the pics to a friend of mine. Who has rebuilt many engines in his life. Although he really didn't tell me something, that I was thinking already. He was telling me, that a couple of valves look burnt. And it would be better to rebuild the head. Or get another one. Also, to get that antifreeze out of my cylinder walls. As soon as possible. And wire wheel the pistons, with oil on them.Anyway: Yeah I have dollar stores near me. I will get some of that stuff, when I go there here soon. Thanks for the tip.

On another note: The 280zx is officially my second favorite car behind the Lamborghini Countach. I am sure not many people have said this. But I have really fallen in love with these Z cars. I always think about them. I miss them, when they are down, and not running. Or whenever I am not driving one. These cars have really grabbed me. And are one of the main reasons. I got into working on cars. And the whole passion in general. Z fanatic for life.
Wire wheel seems a little harsh for aluminum pistons. Maybe a brass one but I think some carb clean and a good rag will do the trick.
You know I didnt notice I made a pun lol
And I agree with you the Z cars are just amazing.
You know I didnt notice I made a pun lol
And I agree with you the Z cars are just amazing.
x2
any wire wheel you may hit the walls and or put some good scratches in your piston top too. clean what you can with maybe a green pad and some carb/brake cleaner and if you still want it cleaner sea foam the car later or something
Ok: I will keep that in mind. Well he was telling me. Just do it easily not hard. Like lightly wire wheel it. I know he has done many engines in the past. But anyway, I do have the awesome stuff, that blue was talking about.
I am going to let him do that delicate stuff. He is coming over in a few minutes. Will let you know, how it goes. And thanks for the tips. Keep them coming, they are much appreciated.
I am going to let him do that delicate stuff. He is coming over in a few minutes. Will let you know, how it goes. And thanks for the tips. Keep them coming, they are much appreciated.
Check out my new head from Ebay. I should have it here soon. I just have to pay for it. Probably this weekend.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT
Update....I still have some money coming to me from Unemployment. And yes, it is in my own account. When I wasn't working, and trying to find a job. I have been working since the middle of June.
Anyway....I will have enough money, and then some. To get my Z back on the road within a couple weeks or so. I plan on working on it, Saturday most of the day. And get what I can done. While waiting for the money, and parts.
Once I get him running and such. I will proceed with pulling him over to the other side. Where my carport is, with a concrete driveway. And put him up on stands. And work on the under part of the car, that needs done. I'm going to fix the front end wobble. Which I am pretty sure, are wheel bearings. Because I replaced the the rack and pinion, and tie rods, brand new. Also I will change my rotors, and inspect my brake pads. Replace the master cylinder, then bleed the brakes. And whatever else needs to be attended to.
Will keep you all updated. I will try and get some more pics of my progress. Hopefully soon. I should have my card by Monday. So I can go to the bank and withdraw the money.
Anyway....I will have enough money, and then some. To get my Z back on the road within a couple weeks or so. I plan on working on it, Saturday most of the day. And get what I can done. While waiting for the money, and parts.
Once I get him running and such. I will proceed with pulling him over to the other side. Where my carport is, with a concrete driveway. And put him up on stands. And work on the under part of the car, that needs done. I'm going to fix the front end wobble. Which I am pretty sure, are wheel bearings. Because I replaced the the rack and pinion, and tie rods, brand new. Also I will change my rotors, and inspect my brake pads. Replace the master cylinder, then bleed the brakes. And whatever else needs to be attended to.
Will keep you all updated. I will try and get some more pics of my progress. Hopefully soon. I should have my card by Monday. So I can go to the bank and withdraw the money.
I got a quick question about my blower motor. I am pretty sure it is shot. My question is....when I turn the climate control switch on. (manual type) And I hear a click. Does that mean it has power to it, and is fried? If so, I know I have a good one in my '81. Just wanted to know. Any information, is greatly appreciated. And thanks in advance.
Also I am charging the battery, and have power to the car. Thank the Lord. Anyway going back out in a few minutes, to get the blower motor out. And maybe get the other one from my other Z. Also thinking about changing to a better dash wiring harness. Because I know it is much better, than what is currently in there.
Also I am charging the battery, and have power to the car. Thank the Lord. Anyway going back out in a few minutes, to get the blower motor out. And maybe get the other one from my other Z. Also thinking about changing to a better dash wiring harness. Because I know it is much better, than what is currently in there.
Okay....after trying different blower motors. And getting none of them to work. I decided to hook them directly to the battery. And what do you know...all 3 of them are good. So I tested the wires. (there is one main one, and a another spot, with 2 seperate wires.) Checked all those, only getting milli volts. So....I am thinking the climate control switch could be bad? But....why am I not getting power to the wires? And I did check the fuses, and the relays. Seem to be good. That is where I am puzzled at the moment. If all else fails, I could hook the blower motor directly to the battery. By using a switch, and go through it later.


