New 280Z Owner

[Pace]

Hey, everyone. 

I've been lurking on here for a few months researching and utilizing info toward restoring a recently acquired '78 280Z and wanted to say "thanks". We're still in the earliest phase of putting things together for a restoration, but even improving the little things in the meantime adds up to the big picture. I've had roommates and friends that have/had S30 projects throughout the years, and have owned a Z31 turbo for nearly a decade, so this 280Z isn't completely strange to me. But I am a bit "rusty" when it comes down to certain details. ?

We picked up this low-dollar 280Z last spring in anticipation of a long-term restomod, but were surprised to find out after the fact that it is/was a Black Pearl edition car that came with the special appearance package: louvers, mirrors, and stripes. The stripes have since been removed/painted over with only a small remaining piece in the passenger door jamb to remind us. I had originally planned on an NA RB30 hybrid build and non-factory paint job, but this (along with my wallet and some common sense) has led me to reconsider a simple L28E build and factory black repaint instead.

Currently, the short-term goal is to get the car street legal and "safe" to drive on the roads again. It's close: just needs a few brake-related things, some suspension pieces swapped in (ST springs/Tokico Blues), and the exhaust manifold replaced. Then we'll probably drive it to a couple Z car club meets before parking it and starting the restoration on the body. Unfortunately the car bounced from shop to shop over the past decade, so it sat outside frequently and has some rust in the typical places - floor pans & rocker panels. 

This also give us time to finish a few projects on our Z31 and clear up space in the garage. Then the actual restoration will be underway.

How the 280Z sits now:

 

[siteunseen]

That's a great start!  Glad you've shared with us on classiczcars.com.  you'll find more info on here with helpful folks than the other sites IMHO. Black Pearls are going up, lucky you!

Ask anything,  you'll get many replies I promise. 

Welcome to the forum. 

Edit: 99% of the problems are old fuel. Put a a cheap clear Fram G3 fuel filter right out of the tank before the fuel pump. 

 

Edited October 9, 2018 by siteunseen

[Pace]

30 minutes ago, siteunseen said:

Edit: 99% of the problems are old fuel. Put a a cheap clear Fram G3 fuel filter right out of the tank before the fuel pump. 

 

Thanks for the welcome. And right you are!

I forgot to mention that we originally bought this as a non-running car. However, when I arrived to meet the tow truck, the shop had started it and drove it around from the back lot. So it did run, just not well. Turns out the fuel tank was rusty and the shop did nothing to help that by removing the fuel filter (!) and replacing a seized fuel pump. We've since added fresh premium fuel and some HEET, replaced the fuel filter, plugs, wires, distributor cap & rotor, and a few other small things. So basically a small tune up. Driving it around the storage area helped to also burn through some of the crud in the meantime. Eventually we'll have the injectors cleaned or replaced.

With that said, I do have the inline filter on my short list. Keeps things cleaner and helps us to see how things are until it's time to drop the tank and do work.

 

 

Edited October 9, 2018 by Pace

[siteunseen]

That's fantastic!  Keep up with this forum as much as you can and you'll be surprised at what you learn, whether you like it or not.

My most helpful info, thanks @240260280

http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/

 

[grannyknot]

@black gold man is the member you want to talk to. Congrats on your new toy and welcome to the forum. Hope you are going to update us with pics of the transformation  back to original.

[gwri8]

Add me to the welcome committee.  Looks like you've got a good start!

[jfa.series1]

Here's another welcome aboard!  You've got a great rescue and we'll be looking forward to following your efforts.  There are several Black Pearl members lurking about, you'll be able to get some quality advice as might be needed.

[rcb280z]

Great find! So glad you are considering taking it to original. And she looks nice and straight which is a plus. It also has the typical rust places so there is a lot of good repair info here. Good luck and keep us updated.

[Captain Obvious]

Welcome aboard. Looks like a nice car for a project.

If I'm ever in the area, you can kick my butt at Cricket.  Just make sure the Z is out of the way!     

[Pace]

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice, guys. This forum has already helped out with a number of things, so I plan on sticking around and utilizing it to get this BP back to the condition it deserves. May see if I can eventually contribute to the knowledge here and there. ? 

I've started a thread archiving the progress we've made up til now. Be sure to check it out: 

Edited October 11, 2018 by Pace

[Pace]

On 10/9/2018 at 9:14 PM, Captain Obvious said:

Welcome aboard. Looks like a nice car for a project.

If I'm ever in the area, you can kick my butt at Cricket.  Just make sure the Z is out of the way!     

You're welcome to join in if you're ever in the area. We always make sure to move the Z's before playing. 

I would rather put holes in the wall than add more to the S30.