resurrecting a 1977 280Z

[MM569457]

1 hour ago, Zed Head said:

It's probably like having half of a shroud.  You won't know if it's a problem until you're sitting in traffic on a hot Texas day.  But you'll have a possible improvement to add if it does overheat.

Yea, that’s what I was thinking. If it works, sweet. If not, I’ll get one that works.

[MM569457]

I just installed the drive shaft. Shouldn't the car go into gear if in neutral? It shifts into 1st, 2nd, and 5th…But not 3rd, 4th, or reverse.

wondering if the drive shaft isn’t fully forward.

[Zed Head]

157 posts before that one.  Too many to go back and try to figure out the history of the transmission.  3rd and 4th use the same shift rod.  

Are you shifting with the clutch pedal down?  Rolling the car a bit? 

You said "shouldn't it go in to gear if in neutral".  Doesn't make sense.  Neutral is not in gear.

[MM569457]

I think I got it. Clutch hasn’t been bled yet. Probably should be able to go third/4th once it’s bled.

[MM569457]

Ordered some parts and waiting for delivery. Took the valve cover off, will douse with oil to get ready to crank up.

 

plan on replacing spark plugs for new. I’m going to try the old ignition coil, but I think it’s best to replace it.

[MM569457]

Why does it need to be cold tomorow?

parts came in. Looking at the wiring harness (1977 280Z), it doesn’t match up to the engine (prepped for 1973 240Z wiring harness) 

 

I’ll need an ER-EF adapter for it to work, and purchase a new negative battery terminal as the original disappeared.

there is a plug above the reservoir I believe may have been connected to the condenser at one time. 

[MM569457]

Busy day.

Able to drop oil and additives into the engine today. Installed the starter/carbon canister.

 

now to finalize the hosing and wiring later down the road to fire up for the first time.

[MM569457]

Connected the battery to test electrical:

1. front left signal is burned out.

2.reverse lights do not work (unless car needs running)

3. center console light is off in both off/on position but is on while toggling between the two.

4. antenna motor not working (father said it’s not connected)

5. parking brake light stays on.

 

I’ll be installing a new alternator that connects straying to the 280Z wiring harness.

fuel pump did not turn on, I’ll need to wire a relay to support it.

Edited February 16, 2023 by MM569457

[MM569457]

Updates:

 

Lighting…. Some issues I’m believing comes down to relays. A relay under the passenger seat is causing the parking brake light to stay on. Dad told me he had that issues before he garaged the car. Front Side markers are intermittent, and when hazard lights are on both front signals turn on opposing each other, not simultaneously.

the alternator is no good, returned it. Waiting on Napa to bring in the correct one (hoping the parts system for them is correct).

wired the ignition coil, cleaned up the resister, and connected the distributor. It is a pertonix distributor so I went ahead and bypassed the TIU and Terminal block, connecting the distributor direct to the coil.

Slow going to say the least.

[MM569457]

Once this alternator is squared away….. I’ll wire the fuel pump. Then I’ll see if it will turn over after fuel and fluids are added.

[MM569457]

Removed the transitor ignition unit and taped off connections.

[SteveJ]

The photos look familiar...https://www.zcar.com/threads/wiring-ignition-with-rebello-carbureted-l28-into-a-77-280z.424085

Are you sure you trust that joker who told you what to do.