Power problems
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2
From: Tempe, AZ
Power problems
So I'm finally getting my first Z tomorrow -- a black '82 280ZX (non-turbo but oh well). I've worked with 280's before and I know a fair amount about cars, but I'm looking for some outside opinions on this.
It's got the 2.8liter straight-6, and on a light little two-seater like this it should be like a bat outta hell, but it's got practically no pickup. There was something wrong with a fuel injector but that's getting fixed. Is this a common problem on Z's?
It's got 187k miles on it but it's in pretty damn good condition and it drove all around town fine.
It's got the 2.8liter straight-6, and on a light little two-seater like this it should be like a bat outta hell, but it's got practically no pickup. There was something wrong with a fuel injector but that's getting fixed. Is this a common problem on Z's?
It's got 187k miles on it but it's in pretty damn good condition and it drove all around town fine.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,045
From: Formerly Atlanta, GA; now Central FL
If you're comparing a 280Z to a 280ZX, then the ZX is gonna feel like a real slow poke. It has a lot more weight, which is the main contributing factor to to its pokiness. If it seems to be running fine otherwise, then you might want to replace the spark plugs and/or wires, air filter and fuel filter.
If you know of anyone else who has a 280ZX NA, then see if they'll let you take it for a spin. That would be a better method in comparing and determining whether your ZX might have a problem.
If you know of anyone else who has a 280ZX NA, then see if they'll let you take it for a spin. That would be a better method in comparing and determining whether your ZX might have a problem.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 293
From: south georgia
Too bad you don't live in Ga., because I feel the same way about my '83 being slow. My last car (also an '83) seems faster than the one I have now. The motor and tranny was swapped out from the first one to this one, so the motor setup is the same in both cars. I am wondering what may have changed in the swap, or if the rear end is different? That is a good suggestion, to drive someone else's and compare.
Head Muckraker
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 9,221
From: Bay Area
Originally Posted by 3XAZOWNER
Too bad you don't live in Ga., because I feel the same way about my '83 being slow. My last car (also an '83) seems faster than the one I have now. The motor and tranny was swapped out from the first one to this one, so the motor setup is the same in both cars. I am wondering what may have changed in the swap, or if the rear end is different? That is a good suggestion, to drive someone else's and compare.
280ZX 81-83 Automatic all (3.545) (R180)
280ZX 81-83 Turbo - all (3.545) (R200)
280ZX 81-83 MT (3.9) (R200)
Head Muckraker
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 9,221
From: Bay Area
Actually, maybe not.
I actually put the 3.545 rear-end back in my turbo. The 3.90 rear-end was making 1st gear in my T5 (3.5:1) nearly useless and it made me have to make an extra shift at the end of the 1/4 mile.
The 3.545 rear with the Quaife LSD should give me great launches with drag radials and allow the turbo to stay in boost longer than the 3.9 allowed and avoid that last shift at the end of the 1/4 mile..
I actually put the 3.545 rear-end back in my turbo. The 3.90 rear-end was making 1st gear in my T5 (3.5:1) nearly useless and it made me have to make an extra shift at the end of the 1/4 mile.
The 3.545 rear with the Quaife LSD should give me great launches with drag radials and allow the turbo to stay in boost longer than the 3.9 allowed and avoid that last shift at the end of the 1/4 mile..
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