differences throughout 280z production

[rebelgt]

i was wonder what majior differences there were between the 75 and 78 280z...

any knowledge or thoughts would be very helpful.

[280~Master]

Alot more than you would think. The 75 and 76 are just about the same just a few minor things between those two. 77 and 78 are very different than the 75 or 76. Fuel tanks, emissions, head castings, clocks. For instance the wires under the center consol are different in a 76 than in a 77 or 78, the turn signal switchs are different, There are many differences those are a few things off the top of the head.

[76Datsun280z]

The bumper styles are slightly different like the rubber ends, steering wheel horn pad is different...

[rebelgt]

i did not think there would be that much difference...

thanks for the information...

i just bought a 78 and i was looking into a service manual but the on directly for the 78 from nissan was allitle pricy, ifound one for a 75 and another for a 77...

[Neumeier]

Hello,

Have a look at the following website http://www.zcca.org/pages/ZCarsZhistory.htm

Apparently, the 1977 and 78 have 170 hp rather than 149 for the 76 and 75 model years. Also, a 5 speed overdrive was available as an option.

I just bought a 1978 myself, a few weeks ago. Was not really aware of the differences, but apparently this is a good model year. Some say it is the best. Between 1979 and 1984 I had a 1973 240Z. My 280Z has much of the character of my old 240Z.

John

[sblake01]

78 was the final evolvement of the S30. It was also the first year of the internally regulated alternator. I've seen those pages before and I'm not sure of the accruacy some of the info. As far as the 'Z legend' goes (I think that's the term they used) it ended with the advent of the 280ZX. I wonder why the 350Z wasn't named the 350ZX. Forget legend. The only connection the 'new Z' has with the S30 is coporate marketing. But, I digress. rebelgt, if you want a 1978 FSM, pm me with your address and I'll mail you one.

[rebelgt]

thanks for all the help guys...

[Neumeier]

Here is another site that lists the z-car evolution, with some more detail:

http://www.triadzclub.com/index.asp?inc=zhistory

In the 70's, manufacturers had major problems meeting emission standards while maintaining horsepower. You can see this in the changes from 1972 onward. I had a 1973, as I mentioned before. They changed the carbs and some other things on that model. The carbs were really awful, and I finally swapped them out with those from an earlier z. The improvement was huge.

Looks like your 1978 is a nice find!