77 280Z Suitability question

[zuper8]

Hey guys,

My sister saw a 280Z on Ebay that she fell in love with. She would love to have such a unique ride. However, she knows NOTHING about cars, can't even change her own oil. While I will help her as much as I can, I live 3 hours away from her and can't be there all the time. If it is as clean and well cared for as the ad claims, would this be an okay car for someone who is clueless? Of course she would have regular oil changes done, etc. I am unfamiliar with this drivetrain, is it reliable/ economical to repair and maintain?

Thanks in advance

[KiMbRoZz]

I have a 78 280zx, the one your sister wants is the next gen. The inline six that the car is equiped with is a very reliable motor nd very easy to work on. The only problems you'll come across is finding parts for the motor (i mean in terms of manifolds, transmission sometimes, headers, linkages, etc.) also most of these parts have to be taken off of a used car so finding a good condition car is stressful, that's why alot of people sell parts car z's. I have a magazine that sells reproduction parts for the z if you need one, let me know. Turbo-ing this vehicle is a migraine in the works so think it over before adding this feature, and good luck trying to find a turbo motor for this model year z.


Modified by KiMbRoZz at 12:21 AM 5/29/2008

[Mr1der]

they're quite stout motors when cared for.

the biggest concerns she'd have however is that due to it's age, things on it WILL break often.

the L series in it isn't as cheap as a small block chevy to repair..but it's not on the level of a Mercedes or Infiniti Q45.

a big plus for the cars however is that there's more than one company that stocks/makes about every nut and bolt needed to restore/repair them.

if she's further north, hell, or just Kentucky or higher...I CANNOT stress enough how important it is to get under the car and look for rust on the frame rails and bubbling in the paint.

[usafdarkhorse]

72 280ZX? Never heard of such a thing...

For Z's, you will have days where you love the car, and days where you will want to set it on fire. Usually the former, but the latter still happens.

[needmydatsun]

what i can think of is im guessing its a manuel cause i havent really seen many auto's so if shes fine with that... also these cars dont have power steering they have rack-and-pinion, its really not that bad though, unless your in a tight spot and you have to turn the wheel before you start moving, but even then its still not bad. also if she does get it tell her to stay under 120mph, not sure with the 77s but my friends dad took out his 72 and the front wheels came off the ground at 130. also insurance might be high but i dont know cause i dont have any , im too poor. also before you buy it check for rust on the floorpans, frame rails, shock towers, battery tray and wheel wells, and also the hatch.

oh and to kimbrozz, what are you talking about? theres no such thing as a 72 280zx, and the 77 is still the first gen body, except for the lights, and the turbo l28et from the 81-83 280zx turbo bolts right in with the exception of the M.A.F but thats easy, and parts are actually quite simple to find if you look for about five minutes, go do some research.

[KiMbRoZz]

oh and to kimbrozz, what are you talking about? theres no such thing as a 72 280zx, and the 77 is still the first gen body, except for the lights, and the turbo l28et from the 81-83 280zx turbo bolts right in with the exception of the M.A.F but thats easy, and parts are actually quite simple to find if you look for about five minutes, go do some research.

Sorry my bad, my car is a 78......typed the **** wrong. FYI, I live in Texas. Finding turbos z motors that are in good rust free condition is a monkey football-fuking session ain't gonna find one cheap and accessible. Might as well drop a 350 in it and get it over with. That's all their good for. Ditched mine for a 240sx. I did my research! FTW

[NSR_s30]

Sorry my bad, my car is a 78......typed the **** wrong. FYI, I live in Texas. Finding turbos z motors that are in good rust free condition is a monkey football-fuking session ain't gonna find one cheap and accessible. Might as well drop a 350 in it and get it over with. That's all their good for. Ditched mine for a 240sx. I did my research! FTW

[needmydatsun]

alright, i didnt mean to sound like an a** or anything, but the 78 is still just a 280z, the 280zx started in 79, and where i live, turbo motors are pretty common