Not quite road worthy

[DrJeff]

I am in the process of getting a 78 280Z road worthy. I have done the interior in a black leather and it looks great. I notice that the cabin is a little leaky (water). I put a sunroof in it - maybe a mistake here in Florida, but I had one in my 72 240z and liked it. The engine just doesn't seem to be running right yet - it's like it isn't 'breathing' well. It seems sluggish when I think it should be accelerating faster - I'm not racing at lights or anything, but when I step out to pass, this baby should get right to it and it doesn't seem to have that zip I remember the 240Z having and I am expecting a little more from the 80. Any suggestions for getting more performance - even some performance out of the AC unit? The old 'squirrel' inside the fan may be weak. It doesn't move much air at all. Has anyone gone to a local AC place or do we need to get the kit from Motorsport? Are there any inexpensive chasis upgrades? Sorry for so many questions on my first post. All help is appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

[240ZX]

Welcome Jeff! When was the last time you did a complete tune-up?

[=Enigma=]

Welcome to the board Jeff.

Some things to consider: As an older car, the 78 280Z received more smog equipment than the earlier versions, resulting in a decrease in power in at least one case(smog pump). To compensate for that and other things, the engine size was increased to 2.8L, up from 2.4L for the 240Z and 2.6L for the 260Z. Along with the additional smog controls and bigger engine, came more weight as well, including some in the body and accessories. Not nearly as much as the 280ZX, but enought to feel it in the seat of the pants according to some.

In any event, this sluggishness could be due to any number of factors starting with bad spark plugs, spark plug wires, dizzy cap & rotor, poor ignition timing, dirty or worn fuel injectors (assuming you still have them), dirty mistuned carbs, or just too many miles and a loss of compression due to worn rings and/or valves.

Start by checking the more obvious things (plugs, wires, cap & rotor, fuel filters, ignition timing) that can be easily and cheaply fixed or replaced. Next run a can or two of fuel injector cleaner through the system or clean up the carbs. If you have carbs, clean and tune then or get them tuned. If necessary get the valves adjusted or do ityourself. And if all that still doesn't help, I'd do a compression check to determine the overall condition of the engine and determine what needs the most attention and proceed from there.

I hope this helps,

IMHO,

Adam