280chaser

love those rims

well thank you and i appreciate it. You've definately helped me stay level headed and see the car for what it is, not what i am dreaming it up to be.

I dont mind spending another 3k to get a car to that point. That is about what i have in mind to spend upgrading it. I dont expect to find a finished z around 3k, thats just unreasonable. What i keep seeing are cars with original engines that have 130+k miles on it with dirty lines and origional uncleaned gas tanks and it worries me because i feel if i go with those i'll end up spending more than 3k in the long run. The car he showed me runs, well. All a voltage regulator interacts with is the battery so thats how it has 80 miles on it (battery requires manual charge without it.) But that does raise the question, has it been like this since he got it or was it removed? I am concearned with lights for the simple fact that its an electrical issue and there seem to be a lot of questions and little answers for issues with the lights. Listen i really appreciate your guys advice and i'm sorry if i came off the wrong way. I'm terrified of buying an all origional car that "runs" and its going to fall apart 1 piece at a time or one thats got a $400 dollar paint job over rust. I'm sure you can relate at least to some extent to my concearns? that being said, if he can replace the regulator and get the lights working and prove to me that it's a reliable car i'll probably purchase it. If he's not willing to do that then that would mean there is more to it than he is saying. ( as you have been hinting at ) and i'll keep looking. Thank you for your advice and please keep me in check. here are some videos of the car: these are the current modifications to the engine: 81 280zx turbo motor rebuilt Jsk fuel rail with gauge 75 280z intake manifold 81 280zx turbo transmission New injectors k&n intake and breathers Front mount inter cooler HKS blow off valve Msd ignition Walbeo fuel pump Custom down pipe (zstore)

not my intention to blow you off, or your advice, you just kinda came of as condescending. I dont know alot about these engines, I only know what i've read and been told.

i realize this, but i plan on adding power steering. the engine was just re-built(should perform like a new engine from the factory, not like a 30 year old engine) and has aftermarket intercooler, blow off valve to reduce backlash when shifting and a few other modifications that the engine didn't come with stock. Are you sugguesting that nobody should run more than 8psi? I spoke to a few nissan mechanics and they said that the engine was built to handle up to 15 origionally. Its my understanding that this engine with a few modificatoins was overbuilt to the point that it can handle up to 350 hp, 300 reliably. All the lines have been cleaned, gas tank was acid washed etc.

I just got back from looking at it, its in great shape. No rust, body work is done (other than paint.) I'd need to dino the engine to adjust the psi and the turbo (it currently at stock settings) but all the parts are either new or re-built. Its in great shape just needs some cosmetic work and the alternator is in but its missing a voltage regulator and the break/blinker lights need some re-wiring. I'll be getting an entire car harnass and a power steering bracket with it and a bunch of other parts. I should be able to talk him down on the price too, i could probably get this thing for 3k. All the things i just mentioned i could easily fix and in Texas, because it older than 20 years old they don't do the emissions test. ( just remembered) but for about 420 dollars i could get an exhaust and get it welded on. I reconginzed a lot of the parts from zstore, which seems to have a good reputation. I think i'm gonna go with this one.

the turbo'd 75 i'm looking at today has only has 80 miles on the rebuild still needs an exhaust which is around 380 dollars, the tail lights re-wired, the alternater bolted on (new) and the speedometer installed (used) and a new (quality) paint job. <- most expensive part. Will the 81 280zx turbo engine pass an emissions test with just a downpipe? If not that's the first thing i'll be installing.

how does this one look on first glance? http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/2811639144.html its got the turbo engine rebuilt. Mileage uknown and apparently needs a few (what look like minor) parts. Left a message with the seller, not sure if they still have it. edit: they still have it, but are slow to respond, i'll keep you guys updated on the condition etc once i can get ahold of them. Looks great in the pictures though!

ok update: I looked at this car today listed for 3800: http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/2821572654.html It runs fairly well, it has rust under the wheel wells, the entire exhaust is rusted from head to toe, it needs some body work and a repaint, the seats need to be ripped out and it needs a completely new dash. The rest of the interior is in good shape and it needs a re-alignment (shakes while driving). The worst part is the salvage title, which means his insurance company totaled it. After some research i found out he was paid 3600 already for the car by the insurance company. It needs some body work here and there.I offered 2,000 he said he doesnt think he could go below 2,800. Its an automatic, thoughts? this is another one i'm looking at that is about 3 hours away. Looks like all it needs is a restore on the interior but its a zx so the bodystyle is less appealing. He wants 3500, but i know i can talk him down to 3k. http://houston.ebayclassifieds.com/classic-cars/houston/1979-datsun-classic-you-need-to-see-it/?ad=12708536 I've yet to see or drive this vehicle.

Hey guys, I'm a young SSgt in the Air Force stationed in Texas. When i was young my mom owned a 1977 280z that was going to become by first car. Well, she wrecked it before i turned 16 and it was impossible for us (very poor) to restore. Ever since then it has been my dream to own a 280z. I'm in love with the car. If anyone is getting rid of a 280Z i can afford to pay 3,000 for it ( shipping will cost me around 1,200.) I wish i could offer more but with 2 kids that live 1600 miles away it costs me over $500 each time i want to visit them, so I dont have a lot left over. I've been saving here and there for the past 6 years and I assure you if there is anyone who would appreciate the car i certainly would. I'm looking for a daily driver and I would like to one day hand it down to my son. My mom and I had a lot of memories in that car, thanks for the read and wish me luck!