AndysPlit

I have no problem withdrawing my support from Middle Eastern oil. However, I am slightly skeptical that this is just a ploy to have more consumers purchase Sunoco gas. I'll do some more research to verify the information provided. But, you'll never get me to have my car run on Arco. Hmmm......or is just another myth.

Thanks for all the tips so far guys. I'll be picking up a socket wrench before the weekend, and I'll try not to screw in the plugs too tight. And of course I will use only NGK since my engine is stock. I just got word that she'll be ready by Friday. I had to take her back to the body shop and have some areas touched up recently. They are not charging me because there were a few spots that showed some flaws in their workmanship. Hopefully this it. I'll get the new tires this Saturday and follow that up with some of the advice given thus far for the tune-up. Any more suggestions, I'm here. Thanks!

I just found out that the MSA part IS aftermarket. Some of the thier other parts such as thermostats, hoses, etc are not OEM. For these parts though, I don't think it'll matter.

I am about to do a few things on my own to prepare the car for the roadtrip. They are very basic questions, as I am a novice under the hood. I have done the starter, alternator, theromstat, and oil on my own. So I guess this is the next step. :squareeye -When changing the cap and rotor, are there any parts that need to be greased? My Haynes manual seems to indicate that some is needed here and there around the distributor. -What should I be aware of when installing new spark plugs? Do I need a particular wrench? For reason I am weary of this. I know this may sound ludicrous to some of you. -Is an air filter and air cleaner the same thing? I'm going to purchase the major tune-up kit from MSA. I'm not even going to touch the valves on my own. Thanks!

Before I started addressing the fume issue, my girlfriend use to tell me I smelled like exhaust everythime I walked in the door. Nice.

.....The Tokyo Highway patrol did in the 70's. And Tomica has toy cars of it. Pretty neat.

Will do. Come to think of it my upper radiator hose could use a change. Had that on for years too. OK, I'm making a list now. Thanks so far for the advice from everyone.

Thank you. I will definately have some shots of the Z. Z-ya.

Thanks! I felt the last avatar I had was a little vulgar. Z-ya.

Great. I just copied a bunch of this for for my Z notes. I am curious though; Has anyone had good luck with the BRE spoiler eliminating or reducing the fumes? I noticed Carl B. mentioned this.

What did you do?

I've replaced the tail light gaskets, extended the tail pipe (same muffler as yours), redone the weather stripping, and so on. These things have helped, but the fumes are still there. I'm at the point where I really think there is only so much that can be done. It's a flaw in the aerodynamics, and that's that. However, I am going to try to seal the inside of the tail gate with some silicone and see what happens. I've read that recommendation before. .....Or has anyone COMPLETELY eliminated fumes?

I will send you a Private message. Thanks!

"Oh my God!"......I'm quoting myself as those were the first words to leave my mouth. Wow, that is wonderful, although still a pleasent surprise! Now, only if we could get a 260Z 2+2 to be sold at that price.

The most I've ever heard for a 280 was 15K.

As far as I can tell she is running strong despite the high mileage. Yeah, I've been keeping up with her standard maintenace, however, I will change the theromstat. It's been years since it's been changed! The coolant was changed fairly recently so I think that is covered. I'll have to see when the fuel filter was done. Could be when I had the valves adjusted, but that was a while ago too. Thanks for the small tips here and there. I'll do everything I can do ensure we all make it home in one piece. "Treat her like a lady and she'll always get you home." I can't wait for the journey. I am looking forward to the driving aspect more than anything else. I'm excited about the ET Highway in Nevada. But, you guys are right; Only I know. Well, I have faith that she'll make it again. "Your 280 will go anywhere", were the words of encouragement from Sunrise Z in Glendale. That's my shop of choice. I'll be leaving March 22nd. I'll be sure to post some pics upon my arrival back home. Boldly Go, Andy ps...Please excuse the avatar.

Once upon a time someone told me that Z's were popular in South Africa. Tough little cars.

My Daily Driver (86 ZX) is out of commission for the moment due to transmission issues. I have a roadtrip planned for the end of this month that will tour the Southwest region of the US. Originally I was going to take the ZX for a couple reasons. Now I am contemplating taking the 78 Z for the trip. Roundtrip the drive will be about 2,000 miles. We plan to drive to Death Valley, the ET Highway, Vegas, Grand Canyon, and then Phoenix. The 78 has 299,900 miles on an unrebulit engine. However, the top end (head gasket) was done about 50K ago. The manual tranny was rebuilt around the same time. She runs fine. I only take her out once or twice a week. All I think I need are 4 new tires, and a brake job to prepare her for this adventure. If I cannot get the ZX repaired ontime I am considering taking my beloved Z for this journey. She got me from Los Angeles to New Orleans and back 5 years ago. Although my 5th gear gave out leaving Texas, I still got her home in 4th with no problem. That issue was resolved shortly after the that trip. So, as you can probably tell I am slightly apprehensive in taking her out this far. She has served me well for over 10 years. The last thing I want is to lose her. I have faith, but I am also trying to be realistic. Is this old girl up to the task? I told myself I wouldn't do something like this until the engine was rebuilt. I may have my garage give her a once over, but still I am concerned. I know these are tough little cars, but what do you guys think?

Ummm.....I think "ugly" is overstating it. I've seem much uglier cars. At least the 2+2's still look like a Z.

hehe. thanks.

...extra fee for the fortright description.

Hmmm....well, I don't drive the Z everyday as the ZX serves that purpose. Perhaps I can afford to have summer tires on the Z. Knowing me, I'll probably settle for H-rated simply because I'm a cheap bastard.

Wow. Glad I do my own oil.

Agreed. Bet it won't sell this time.

I've always settled for H-rated tires because I never plan to exceed 130mph. However, I am realizing that tire ratings do not apply solely to speed. Hmmm.....something for me to consider since I want a good handling tire.