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I am pondering purchasing a 1982 280zxturbo to tinker with. I have limited hands on knowledge about turbo's, just the basics. I would like to build a turbo vette in the future. I cant work on my CE's engine thanks to the smog police but for a little over 1K I can get a Z turbo and learn on that car. I owned a 77z before the vette so I am familiar with the car. The ZX is an UGLY car but I think I could learn alot and not have to invest so much money learning on that car rather then a vette. What do you guys think?
Re: Thinking about buying a 280zxturbo (TJKirby82CE)
I have an 83 280ZX non Turbo. Fun Car. It is pretty much stock and I enter it in a few shows. A friend has an 82 280 ZX turbo, which has done some work on. Quick Car. They are easy to work on (you can change the spark plugs without getting your hands dirty) most parts are available, although some interior plastic items are not.
Wait if memory is serving correctly, is that the one with the extented roof line??? if so I agree they are ugly ones. However the ones with the shorter roofline is rather cool. I have a 92 240sx, So it's the 280's little brother. However I am in the middle of making it about a 400hp street menace.
Re: Thinking about buying a 280zxturbo (TJKirby82CE)
My neighbor directly across the street from me was selling a 94 300Z with 40K miles on it. Asking $8K for it. Probably would have taken less. Its gone now, so, too late, but gave it serious consideration.
Re: Thinking about buying a 280zxturbo (TJKirby82CE)
From a stlying perspective, I prefer the original Z cars: 240Z thru 280Z. But the ZX Turbo has a LOT more get up 'n go. Don't try restoring a beater, however. Parts will bite you...hard!
Re: Thinking about buying a 280zxturbo (TJKirby82CE)
Check out eBay. There are usually a ton of them, and for not a lot of money at all. Plus, there is a huge aftermarket for these cars, which makes parts costs not so bad.
I have two Datsun Z's. One of which I bought of eBay. I have a '74 260Z, green on tan, with an aftermarket turbo. I also have a '79 280Z brown on tan, stock. I'd like to give you more info on these cars, but I have yet to actually drive either of them farther than thirty yards (from the trailer to the garage).
They are both in decent shape, but need a little work (head gasket, etc) to be good runners. I actually bought the '79 (for $250) for its engine, to put into the '74 (which I bought off eBay for $700).
Just the same, on my list of cars to have, an early Z was nearly at the top, after my Vettes and my '83 GTI (I bought one last year). So I'm with you on this one. They are great looking cars. A local guy has a '74 that he threw a small block in. I've considered this, but I really like the straight sixes. Not as much power, but real smooth, and different.