MDyer

I used to have a 260 2+2 (actually Dad did). Though I prefer the 2 seater, had it not been for the 2+2, I probably would have never been exposed to the Z (since we were a family of 4). When I was in high school, I used to CRAM 5 or 6 people in that thing to cruise around partying... talk about Cop-bait. Enough of the ZX bashing(!), I've seen some SWEET ZX's. Cars change, and the Z had to as well. Remember the Camaro's and Firebirds? The entire decade of the 70's and into the early 80's they only changed the bumpers and lights; by 1985 EVERY OTHER car on the rode was one of those things... it was nauseating. I felt bad for the people that had nice ones; you didn't even notice.

I'm certainly no expert, but I've asked some folks w/ a lot more expertise than me, and they lean toward wider is better when considering all around performance. Ever seen an Indy, F1, or NASCAR on VW bug tires?

Does the "buzzing" in the shifter / shift knob indicate the need to replace (or absence) of these bushings?

Most shifters knobs come w/ installation kits that include several different sleeves to match the outer diameter of your existing shifter "shaft(?)" and the i.d. of their product. The knob will bottom out when you slide it over the shaft/sleeve, then you just tighten up a few set screws to center it. (I looked at a few different knobs, and they all seemed like the same installation). It's dirt simple, and the whole job took less than 5 minutes... MOMO shifters come with the appropriate allen wrench.

What causes the steering wheel to shake when braking? Typically does it when slowing from over 35mph.

I'm w/ jpac (Jeff) on the tee. I'd buy the baseball cap if it's the soft panel on the front. Button up in denim or darker solid (maroon, forest green, navy, black, etc)

If your seats are structurally in decent shape, I'd suggest having them done by a GOOD reupholsterer. They can "rebuild" the cushioning, which provides unbelievably better back and rear-end support. I had been wrestling with the transplant idea, as well as Recaros and Corbeaus, etc. I decided that the folks that designed the Z obviously have a feel for style and scale; I just updated the look (consistent with my "vision" for my 77; albeit mildly customized). See my post, which is only a couple before yours. I'm thrilled w/ the outcome. Great support, firm yet comfy. No wrestling/modifications to make something fit. If you're interested, I can get you in touch with the professional that did mine.

Last angle

another angle

Try this again... didn't check my camera settings, nor file size.

Just installed on my 77. I looked at several different options (ie. Recaros, Corbeaus, transplants from other compacts, etc.). I decided that the folks who designed the Z know a little about style and scale. I opted to give my originals an updated look, without bastardizing the balance. Furthermore, no wrestling with trying to make brackets and sliders work (regardless of what the seat mfg'rs say, I know it would be a sweatfest trying to get non-Z seats in). Whattya think?

Hello, I'm new to the club, and recently became a Z-owner again; just turned 40..., had a 74.5 260 2+2 while in high school (Dad's)..., my wife swears it's an early mid-life thing. I live in Waynesville, OH (20 min from Dayton, 40 from Cincy). 2 great kids, 8 year old daughter and 5 year old son. Great wife, even though she's going to be running out of patience w/ my "new" 77 280. I love golf, music, and generally screwing off. (I can't believe that I cut this deal: One year leave of absence from golf club for 280Z) Oh, the car: Originally purchased in Cleveland area, then went to Texas at about 3 years of age. Came back to central OH in '93 with 77K miles. Been primarily garaged until now (87K miles). Exterior is blue and rock-solid, paint is sh*t. Has one spot of rust on the inner front fender well (behind the head light bucket). Interior is in the process of being converted from cream to black. I'm using SEM vinyl die, and its EASY and looks fantastic. Carpet's in decent shape. Seats need reupholstered or replaced. I'm going to put a MOMO steering wheel, shift knob, boot, etc. in a blue and black coordinated interior. Mechanically, the car runs very strong. Some cold air induction and header are probably the extent that I'm going to fool with from a performance standpoint. Rear end has a "clunk" if I'm abrupt w/ the clutch. In time, I'm going to replace the 4spd w/ a 5spd. Although I love my current 1st and 2nd gears, the 4th gear at 65 mph for extended periods wears me out. Suspension / steering could probably stand tightening up. It's certainly not an unsafe vehicle though. Electrically, this car amazes me. The ONLY electrical miscue is the right front indicator does not intermittantly flash in the hazard mode... works normally when acting as a turn indicator... go figure. I'm only $3500 into it, and I'm afraid I'm at least $5000 more from finishing it. My wife's gonna wish I stayed focused on my golf handicap! I'm dead meat.

Any prep work required before applying Extend? (I guess I could figure that out when I purchase it)

I've found one rust spot on my entire vehicle; inside the right front headlight "bucket(?)". It's viewable when the hood is open. Is this part of the bucket, or an "interior" wall that is isoloated from the bucket? When I tap on the bucket from the outside, it sounds solid. Can I take a Dremel and grind it out/paint it/and be done with it?

The black speedometer drive pinion comment pertains only to the T-5 (or all)?

My 77 280 is equipped w/ the 4 speed, and I would like to replace it w/ a 5 speed. I live in a semi-rural area and get on the highway to go anywhere... the overdrive would sure be nice. Questions: are there good sources for the transmission? Am I opening a can of worms?

Looking to add some "racy" seats to my 77. I like the colored looks available in Europe by Recaro, but they're not available in the US. Sparco has some that are close, but not exactly what I'm after (black sides w/ blue down the middle) Any other sources?

I would like to know what the largest diameter rim with low-profile tires will go on my 77 280Z, WITHOUT toying with the suspension. The vehicle will not be raced... I just want it to look like it. Can the wheel wells be filled w/ an even bigger combo with MINIMAL suspension mods?