What would you do? 1978 280Z

mikejet · #1 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 04:41 PM

So I might be getting my hands on a 1978 280Z from my uncle. He's buying a new car soon and he was going to restore it but I said I wanted it. I think he will let me have it as long as I promise to keep it in the family, which is my plan.

Now which direction should I go with it? It still runs good and the body is in great shape it just needs cosmetic help.

Should I got for an authentic restoration or go all out with fender flares, headlight covers etc.

I was also considering a swap with the engine from a 280ZX so I can get the turbo :)

So what direction would you go?

GD3_Wagoon · #2 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 05:14 PM

ooh, congrats on the Z!

personally, i would go for the whole nine. suspension, wheels, fender flares, chin spoiler, etc. i'd probably skip the turbo L20ET and go SR20 - parts are easier to come by on the SR20 and i've read that the L20 requires lots of maintenance to keep running.

JDMxGE8 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 05:52 PM

^ I agree with Charlie. Go big or go home.

Chad T · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 05:54 PM

I would leave the body stock looking. I would probably mod the engine suspenion though. Sweet car!! Those look great with just some tasteful wider wheels on them.

mikejet · #5 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD3_Wagoon

ooh, congrats on the Z!

personally, i would go for the whole nine. suspension, wheels, fender flares, chin spoiler, etc. i'd probably skip the turbo L20ET and go SR20 - parts are easier to come by on the SR20 and i've read that the L20 requires lots of maintenance to keep running.

I've read that using the SR20 gives the car a nice 50/50 weight distribution. The only problem is that it will take custom mounts and ECU.

I'll take pictures of it on Thanksgiving. It's the factory Orange. If I paint it does it become salvage? I want it that deep forest green.

JDMchris.com · #6 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:23 PM

drop a RB25 or RB26 in that thing!

I think something subtle and clean like this:

dela · #7 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:27 PM

hey mike. congrats on the Z

personally i would restore the body/interior and mod the drivetrain/suspension to modern tech... but thats just me... i say.. its ur car.. do what u want/whats best for you... :)

I know a guy that lives near me that has 4 datsun Zs... all different... two with the 3.5 V6 from the 350z (one FR one MR), a built L28 show car, and one on a 4x4 chassis with a 5.0 mustang engine... crazy guy...

kenchan · #8 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:29 PM

yah, i agree with JDM. wat i'd do is get rid of all the dings and blemishes and first restore it to new factory look.

then work on the suspension drop it subtle using coilovers to
balance the car, then wheels/tires. i would not go all out
modding the Z. they are beautiful cars in stock form. :)

mikejet · #9 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:33 PM

The body is in great shape is just needs a new paint job. I forget which rims are on it.

I kind of want to get those slits that cover the rear window.

All the parts are there. it just needs some loving.

kenchan · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 06:37 PM

yah, i remember those slits... old RX7's had them too. they make cleaning the glass kinda tough tough. :D hahaha.

Chad T · #11 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikejet

I kind of want to get those slits that cover the rear window.
.

Louvers.

Sounds like a great project! Doesn't take a lot to make one of those looks sweet!

TurboManGT · #12 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 02:13 PM

Yeah keep the exterior clean but beef up the engine and suspension. Congrats on the car I've really grown to love that style Z in the past few years.