S30Driver

Very, very, nice! If mine were not in good shape, I would be all over those, especially with today's sale. Probably cheaper than getting the originals re-chromed.

Dennis is correct. The national speed limit of 55 went into effect in 1974 as a response to the oil embargo shortage, and was not rescinded until 1986. many of the auto manufacturers changed the speedometers to reflect the low speed. I remember driving in those days well. Took forever to get from upstate NY to western PA.

The 79 thru 83 main instrument clusters are all the same except the 79 is the only one with the 130 mph speedo. You can change just the speedo. Also, the sensor for the cruise control needs to be moved from the 82/83 to the back of the 79 if you want to retain that. The only other difference with the turbo instruments is the boost gauge instead of the clock, and an oil temp gauge. You will want to replace the stock boost gauge, I put in an autometer boost/vacuum in its place. Should be able to find the voice module fairly easy from any 83 parts car, most of which are GL models. It is in the passenger side spare tire area, in the front of the wheel well area. Had a couple a while back, like a little mini whurlitzer jukebox inside, has a little record with betty's recordings on it. "your lights are on" "your fuel is low" etc. Have to look and see if I still have one of the records. You are right, the wiring is there on all models. The amp is under the passenger side dash & interfaces to play thru the front radio center speaker. You can still hear betty faintly without the amp & speakers. Most owners put in an aftermarket radio and didn't bother or couldn't hook poor betty up again.

Hey Sarah I agree about the ZX seats, they a very basic & I never liked them in any of the turbo Z's I have owned, (3). Miata seats are a popular conversion. As for the speedo, easiest to do is swap the entire gauge cluster from the 79, it will plug right in. You can change just the speedo as well but it is more work. Betty comes with the GL models (grand luxury), which unfortunately all have the digital dash. I don't think you would want the digital dash, speedo is 85mph & the tach is basically useless. Swapping the digital to analog is not a trivial job, not sure if you can retain Bitchin Betty after you do that. james

Don't know about the seats, but I'm guessing the rails were modified to get them in. It does have the speedo swapped to a 130mph one from a 79 ZX. Much better than the stock 85mph unit. Since it has the analog dash as opposed to digital, it should also have the manual climate controls. Looks like it has not run for a while, hopefully the price is very negotiable. I'm guessing Sarah, that you are not actually interested in that actual car, and just wondering if the S30 seats will fit one. james

What a terrible situation with that reconditioned head. Good that you caught it early though, before major damage. Best of luck getting it all sorted out.

Sarah, if you do go the S130 turbo route, make certain it is an 82 or 83 model with the analog dash & manual climate control. It is not a trivial job to convert the digital dash & automatic climate controls in the GL models back. On the plus side, you get power steering, power windows, rear disc brakes, cruise, etc. I vote you keep your beloved 78z. james

Looks like the pipe for the Exhaust Gas Re-circulation Valve. Tough to find a used one that is not already broken. I'm sure it could be welded. Many people delete it, as the parts parts can be expensive, a bolt in the threaded hole of the exhaust manifold & a block off plate where the EGR valve is.

Doug's advice was right on. I would have had a local to the car member assist with the sale before commitment to the deal.

Very nice Scot! Added those to my winter project list.

Those are stock ZX Iron Cross wheels. Came on the 79 & 80 ZX's. I think you will find that they are 14" rims.

I have owned three 83 turbo zx's. The Crank Angle Sensor for 82 & 83 is located in the bottom of the distributor. Mine would fail while driving, probably after it heated up. Replaced it with NAPA module, about $100. No problems after that.

Great looking chrome front bumper. May have to rethink my re-chrome of the rear bumper this winter & just buy a new one.

Looks absolutely beautiful. Great color. How did you find him?

Can't go wrong with Exedy, have had 2 of them in my turbo ZX's with no problems. Nissan went up to 240mm in the turbo because of the extra HP & weight. Be sure to have your flywheel re-surfaced if you are keeping it.

For about 30 bucks, why not put in a silicone liquid filled gauge for dampening. This is the one I have, over 5 years, still accurate.

Thanks Jonathan, I may give 918 a try.

Optima Red Top 4 + years

I have done some minor rock chip repair, sanding, POR15 on the front lower valance and bottom of the fenders. My car is 110 red, which is really persimmon - orange, does anyone have experience with the color match from automotivetouchup.com? For 1977, they do not show 110, but they do for the 72 & 73 240. I suppose I could call them. 9

Matt Does a new set of hardware, bolts come with the Fidanza flywheel to prevent embedment of the bolts? Hope your motor gets to you soon.

Ship it to haZmatt in Colorado, the rust repair would be a mornings work for him - like Ed on wheeler dealers. He is waiting on his Rebello motor anyway. Just make sure when you sell it, it goes too a true Z enthusiast so that the car is saved & returns to the road.

I have used both Nissan & Paraut filters. Very high quality, made in japan, and they appear to be the same filter. I get the Paraut's from Autopartswarehouse.com, about $16 currently. Just replaced the filter a month ago, didn't keep it or I would cut it open. Also use Paraut's water pump, high quality & finish, cast impeller (no stamped steel on these babies).

FWIW I just put new wiper refills on original arms (I don't know why, it never rains here) and found NAPA 18" refills. They are NAPA 60-1898 $5.59 for 2 blades in the pack. I had to close the tangs a little where the new blades slide thru the original arm retainers for them to fit securely.

Went to the monthly Caffeine & Gasoline Saturday morning. Huge turnout of cars, probably 200 + Only other S30 was a very clean stock lime 73, very nice.

Really well done! Like reading Road & Track in the 70's ...