I'm new, with a few questions

[2plus2turbo]

So, I have been very fortunate, and given my Father-in laws 82' 280zx turbo 2+2. He is the original owner. It's never been in an accident It has 220,000km's, it has been well taken care of. It has been sitting in his garage for 2 years, and hasn't moved or started.

I know for some, these are "collectible" cars, but I don't consider myself to be a collector. I like the car, but don't love it.

I am thinking of stripping/gutting it to make it a drag car. I know, and have read that these engines are great. I am thinking of putting a roll cage into it, and trying to lighten it up even more, and just make it a cool project car to see what I can do with the motor and turbo.

I will try and take some pics of the car over the weekend, and update the thread, but am wondering what the board members might think of my situation.

Thanks,
Mark

[2plus2turbo]

This is NOT my car, but an image I found on the web. This is the same car and colour as mine. Exactly. same wheels even. Yes the body of mine is in this condition as well. I can't tell from the pic if it is a 2+2 or not, but mine is.

[gmac708]

Hello Mark and welcome to NICO

I personally would not consider that car a collector car. The fact that the car body is in good shape would be reason enough to prep it for racing. I would get it running first. Then make small modifications and learn as you go.

Keep us posted as you you proceed with the build.

Gord

[djwarner]

You might discuss this with your father-in-law first, just to keep peace in the family. Z's kept that long are loved and he might cherish it more than you - or he - realizes.

Assuming he's cool with it, http://www.BalckDragonAuto.com sells a Racing Rollbar that is SCCA approved. It has the engineering done for it's designed use and includes attaching hardware.

But be forewarned it is a rollbar and not a roll cage.

As for collectability, these cars are not rare and have little potential for increasing in value after restoration - but heck, people restore '58 Chevies.

220K km is not alot for a Z engine and transmission. After some re-conditioning, you could use this car as a daily driver for several years and enjoy it while it's still here.

[evildky]

that pic is a 2 seater, and if you want to build a drag car it makes sense to use the lightest chassis which would be the 2 seater. The good nes is the L28ET si pretty easy to get power out of. You'll start to knock right around 10 psi of boost on unless you add an intercooler, once you add an intercooler you can run 15-16 psi and make 230 ish whp. Upgrade to APR headstuds and a metal headgasket and you can crank up the boost some more but you'll max out the fuel at around 300 whp, stock turbo maxes out around 350 whp both of which kinda need an aftermarket ecu to handle.