Buying my first z today!!

[sblake01]

Oh! I wonder what % of those two model years had 5s?

Not really sure about 77s but most of the 78s I've seen (including mine) that weren't automatics were 5 speeds.

[olzed]

Put in a diff from an auto car. Higher ratio which will lower your revs.

Makes for a nicer drive IMHO. You would need to swap the speedo drive on the gearbox for a different one to correct your speedo reading, but that is very easy done.

I have a diff from an auto 3.54-1 ratio in my 72 and it does 3000 at 60 mph in fourth. I never use fifth.

Edited March 14, 2011 by olzed

[esmit208]

The fuel smell could very well be the rear weather strip. Either it has been removed or it is rotted. As you drive along the car creates a vacuum behing it sucking the smell of the exhaust right into the car. A BIG WELCOME. I echo what everyone else says about modifications. Get it road worthy and ultra reliable first and then knock off one improvement at a time. May you drive many miles with a BIG

[LostxSoul]

Congrats and welcome to the Z family! I have a 77 280z, original paint was green on mine but it looks like someone took a paint brush and a bucket of interior paint to it before I bought it.

[az240z]

http://www.desertzassociation.com/

http://desertdatsuns.freeforums.org/index.php

These are the two z clubs here in the valley. Desertz is the older of the two and the members are older, more of a social group with lots of events. The other is limited to cars older than 1984. A much younger group that is more tech oriented.

Check them out as they can provide a lot of information. DesertZ costs $30.00 a year but gets major discounts at the dealerships for parts and service.