gmoney

hey guys it's been a few months since we last chatted about upgrading suspension. Well last weekend I completed the front and rear shocks, spring, and strut replacement in addition to changing urehane bushings on frnt & rr sway bars and front tension rods. the car rides and handles like the soports cars it was designed. I appreciate all of the suggestions, and you guys were right, did not have to replace steering rack. I will post pictures of my 83 ZX in a couple of days. The car is about 85% complete, restored interior, 16" BSA rims w/Bridgestone Eager 225 50 series tires, Tokico HP struts and shocks, Tokico lowering coil springs, Alpine 200 watt stereo, Viper alarm w/electronic door openers, leather shift boot and grant leather shift knob, and of course fresh silver metallic paint job, I can go on for a few paragraphs with all the original and aftermarket parts changes. My next upgrades will include engine dress-up and heating and airconditioning components.

Great Idea on changing out steering rack bushings, the only problen is, I have not been able to locate them. MSA only has stock rubber bushings for 1983 ZX (power steering rack), any of you guys know where I can get a set. Also reading manual on change out, and the book says that you need to lift engine to replace rack, but do you need to lift engine to replace bushings?. Another question I have about bushing set for the whole suspension (urethane), where can I locate a set. I'll be changing front brakes and rotors this weekend and I was told that I could disconnect caliper and not have to disassemble caliper unit, (need to support caliper with something until rotor replaced and pads changed) have any of you guys do it this way. Once again Thanks

I met a guy at MSA Nationals recently that swapped engines from standard 280Z 1978 engine to fuel injected 280ZX motor. he did say that he had someone else drop motor for him, but from what he said motor mount and tranny were no problem. You will need to do some work converting from automatic to manual transmission. Clutch linkage, pedal, and hydraulic lines, but not to discourage you it can be done. He also mentioned that he purchased the majority of the parts from Z dismantler, but since you have both cars to get needed parts you'll zip through it with a breeze. Sorry can't give you any technical help on this one, I've only done them on a Chevy and Ford vehicles.

Fellow Z riders, I have a problem with my 1983 ZX. When I'm cruising around 3000 rpms the engine studders like it's not getting enough fuel. When I increase gas I don't feel it anymore. If I drive the car very aggressively the problem seems tranparent but in stop in go traffic or city driving I have this problem. Help, I've changed all 6 fuel injectors, fuel filter, air regulator, and tuned up car (plugs, rotor, cap). I was told it may be fuel air mixture causing problem. Does anyone have or had this same problem and what did you do to fix it, other than that the car runs great

Thanks guys I appreciate all you help with the questions. In reply to what I mean by Hi-Po suspension is after market better that stock i.e. Eibach springs, Tokico shocks and sway bars. One question I have is does the sway bars have to be changed or can I use stock bars with urethane bushings to improve handling. One other note from the quote that i forgot to mention is that AltZ recommended replacing steering rack, I've seen MSA rebuilt racks for $439 w/out outer tie rods, should tie rods be replaced when steering rack changed out or change bushing on stock ones ?. One reply I rcvd suggested replacing frnt/rear components separately will this be a good idea since I will need wheel alignments on front and back after change-out & with lowering springs what about the ride (uneven height)?. Also any special tools needed other than spring compressor to complete the job.

I have a question for Late model Z owners, I have purchased 1983 280ZX in April and after taking the car to ALTZ I was quoted over $2500 to replace stock suspension with high performance equipment. I paid $1800 for the car and it does not make sense to spend this kind of money on the suspension. Can anyone give tips on how to replace componets by myself or suggest a reasonable mechanic to perform the work. I'm trying to keep the job around $800 for parts and labor, Thanks in advance