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?

Here's pics of the car!

 

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 agree with Charlie. Go big or go home.

 

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.

 

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.

 

drop a RB25 or RB26 in that thing!

I think something subtle and clean like this:

 

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...

 

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. :)

 

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.

 

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

 

Louvers.

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

 

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.

 

Gonna take pictures of the car this Friday! Will post them when I get home.

 

Devil Z or nothing at all

 

Can't wait to see...man, those are secksy cars.

 

Four words Evil Small Block Chevy. nuff said. There are enough of them out there that the swap is old hat and companies make the suspension braces that bolt right in. 2500 lbs and 480 HP = love

 

First post updated with pics of the car!

 

Congrats with the Z. Nice pictures huh...

 

ls1 or vq35

 

383 Stroker with Dart heads and forged internals. 125shot of nitrous for when the uppity broker in the new Z06 gets fiesty. And i would mini-tub it so I could shoehorn some 335 section width tires under it. Vicarious projects are the best kind LOL Looks real good from the pics, nice solid foundation.