Hello all. I've owned my 78 280z for 8 years now, and I still get a huge grin everytime I open the door. The car was in great shape when I bought it, and I've tried to maintain it over the years. Last spring I parked it with almost 200,000 on the odometer, and began the ultimate tune-up. I pulled the engine, which still ran strong but was obviously showing its age. Long story short, Everything in the engine that required replacement was done so with parts from Motorsport, rings, bearings, pumps, clutch, timing kit, etc. I had to send the head out to a machine shop, for surfacing, valves, and that broken exhaust stud that's so common...Assembly went well, again using Motorsport parts to replace everything that needed it...gaskets, seals, boots, mounts, ignition components, exhaust, belt, radiator, and hoses...

With the car parked I took the opportunity to go through everything else, transmission, diff, drive-shafts, brakes, etc...servicing and replacing where necessary. It was a fun project.

I'm still in the process of breaking in the engine, only at about 200 miles, but I can't believe how much stronger it is. I'm looking forward to the 500 mile-mark when I can retorque the head and do a final valve adjustment...then take the car out for a good drive. And of course the ongoing projects...My new seat covers and foams are putting the carpet and door panels to shame, the car must have a target on it somewhere...parking lot dings, so when the weather shapes up I'll launch into a little bodywork. I've also begun the 240 bumper swap, they just look so much better than those giant battering rams...I can easily bolt everything back to stock, so no harm...but what an improvement!

And tomorrow...new wheels and tires! Those 15x7 Konig Rewinds have been calling my name...so the steels and hubcaps will go into storage...

Sorry to ramble on, but I'm pretty into it...looking forward to this forum, keep 'em on the road...

Ramble on man, thats why we're here . Let's see some pics when you get a chance.

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like things are coming along nicely. I"m sure you'll find plenty of useful info here. Now let'd see some pics of the engine work? You did take pics didn't you?

having some issues making an album/uploading photos...here's my facebook album link, until I can get something on here.

my album is up, deleted the facebook link...

Edited January 27, 201015 yr by inmocean
my album is up, deleted the facebook link...

I like the Fairlady emblem - From the horror stories I have stopped the Fram filters (although I have never actually heard or or seen one that has actually failed)..

Great looking ride though.. What were the hardest parts of the rebuild?

congrats on the project, it is always a great feeling of accomplishement to be able to work on these cars, so ramble on, we do not mind.

I like the Fairlady emblem - From the horror stories I have stopped the Fram filters (although I have never actually heard or or seen one that has actually failed)..

Great looking ride though.. What were the hardest parts of the rebuild?

I have been using Fram filters for about 25 years now, and never had and issue, should I stop now?:paranoid:

I also have never had an issue with fram oil filters...i'm sure there are bad ones out there, but I've been lucky so far...

The rebuild was very straight-forward, the engine mounts were tricky to re-align, and the MSA twin pipe kit required some finnessing, but all in all the project was a breeze.

The new wheels have been delayed til wednesday...and I'll get on a photo album here soon.

Thanks for the warm welcome, this forum seems a better fit than that other one...

I think the only reason people are leary of FRAM filters is because of people saying not to use them, i.e. the 'horror stories' mentioned above. I generally don't buy them because of hearing that so often, but I've never seen anything definitive as to why either......

I have used Fram oil fitlers in all my rigs for years. My '77 280Z, no probs. My '99 Ford F250 Super Duty 7.3L turbo diesel, which I use to pull a 4 horse trailer (12,000 lbs loaded) not to mention the weight of the truck (probably over 9,000 lbs)... no probs. I guess it's kinda like the old wive's tale about not using Pennzoil. I personally don't use Pennzoil, but if it's good enough for NASCAR, then I don't think there's any problem with it. I would draw the line on Walmart generic oil & filters...........

Photo album is up, more to come, I'm sure.