Refreshing an old 280Z's EFI

[Jaymanbikes]

I have a 77 280Z,  the car runs fantastic but the EFI looks really tired. The exterior of the car is pretty well complete along with suspension being rebuilt.  So at some point I would like to refresh the EFI, get the old parts that were Cad plated re-plated, replace all the hoses,  have the intake powder coated etc. etc.   I have taken a ton of pics to help with reassembly.  I also have essentially a complete extra EFI intake with much of the hardware. 

One of the things that scares me a bit is, will I be able to get the intake and exhaust manifold off the car without shearing one or more of the studs.  Any thoughts on that other than trying to soak everything with PB Blaster? 

I also have a header that I was considering using, I plan on leaving the engine stock at this time so not sure the header will provide any performance benefit, thoughts? 

 

 

Edited January 19, 2017 by Jaymanbikes

[S30Driver]

The fasteners are 40 years old, exercise caution.  I would not be surprised if one or two of the manifold studs are not already broken off.   (number one & six)    Upgrade Blaster to Kano Kroil and let it sit.   The header will look nice, probably not a noticeable gain.

[Jaymanbikes]

Thanks for the tip and you are correct, one of the studs, #6 I believe is gone.

[Dave WM]

and with that stud prob the engine hoist mount.

 

[gwri8]

Yep, +1 on the caution.  Let them soak like suggested.  I also heated my studs (just the stud, not the head)  with a propane torch and used vise grips with some tapping with a hammer. Go slow and they will come.

[wheee!]

Also consider if you are doing a "refresh" and doing any performance mods that you will require an aftermarket ECU to tune the engine. The stock unit will not work outside of the stock performance parameters.

You can still add "shine" and cleanup the rat's nest on the intake without altering performance...

[Zed Head]

77 still used the three part fuel rail, consider using a 78 or a ZX rail, or aluminum.  Search "heat soak" and/or "hot start" problems before you get too far along.  

You might break some thermostat housing bolts also.  They tend to rust in place and break in the middle though.  Injector mount bolts break too.  And exhaust pipe flange studs.  Lots of breaking and stuckness.  Check the manifold surfaces for flatness.

Consider just having another complete engine ready to swap in.  With a 5 speed.  Just an option.

[Zed Head]

77 still used the three part fuel rail, consider using a 78 or a ZX rail, or aluminum.  Search "heat soak" and/or "hot start" problems before you get too far along.  

You might break some thermostat housing bolts also.  They tend to rust in place and break in the middle though.  Injector mount bolts break too.  And exhaust pipe flange studs.  Lots of breaking and stuckness.  Check the manifold surfaces for flatness.

Consider just having another complete engine ready to swap in.  With a 5 speed.  Just an option.

[Jaymanbikes]

Yep, I do have the 3 piece fuel rail and the one piece is on my list of parts to get. I have an extra intake and plan to block off the EGR if I use the header. A second motor probably not in the cards..


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[the_tool_man]

+1 to all of the above. When I replaced the injectors on my '77, three of the injector bolts snapped off. I would think manifold bolts will be worse. My car is a time capsule. So at the time I felt it was important to preserve its originality. But now I'm thinking I should have at least done some cleanup mods, like a one-piece fuel rail. If I have to touch it again, I probably will.

[siteunseen]

If he still has it, @rossiz, has a complete efi system to sale.  He went to carbs on his '78.

Non egr intake, new injectors, all the good stuff.

[Jaymanbikes]

7 minutes ago, siteunseen said:

If he still has it, @rossiz, has a complete efi system to sale.  He went to carbs on his '78.

Non egr intake, new injectors, all the good stuff.

Great, I sent him a PM to see if he still has it and or is interested in selling it. 

Edited January 20, 2017 by Jaymanbikes