ecp48

Hey guys, Just another question, if the crossmember is modified per the instructions in the link, previously discussed, do you still use the spacer or does that become overkill? ecp48

Thanks, Zed & Mike, I appreciate the info. ecp48 Ed Palmer (':classic:')

I just installed a set of prime 5 spoke wheels on my 280Z. They had never been mounted, because the original owner screwed up on his back space calculations. He had 15x7 wheels with 215/60-15 tires. They fit fine on the back, but not on the front (needed an additiional 7/8" offset. I dropped the size to 205/60-15s on the front and with a 1/2" spacer, it worked fine. However, The track appears significantly wider in the front, than the back (1/2" per side). Will this effect the handling and should I install the same spacers on the rear to equalize the track? It appears to drive fine, street speeds, etc. Any thoughts. ecp48

Someone had a posting I saw a while back, as to using Mitsubishi?? wheel studs in place of those ridiculously expensive Nismo 40MM studs. Anybody remember the specifics of the thread? I don't want to buy $32 worth of studs (4). Thanks, ecp48

Hey, I need a set of 280Z lowering springs, any one have a used set? I have a set for a 240Z (yellow) if anyone is interested. Located in Athens, GA. thanks ecp48

Zed, Is it possible to get a copy of the page which deals with the cross member mods? Either email, fax or snail mail is super. ecp48 Ed Palmer 330Providence Road Athens, GA 30606

Pete, I was looking at it from three directions. Cutting/shaving the N42 head appx .060 and using with the dished pistons; or shaving the P79 head .080 and using the existing ZX bottom end, as stated in the article; or putting the stock N42 head on the ZX bottom end (flat tops) with the 2MM head gasket, for appx. 9.6-9.8 CR. The article relieved my mind on one point, and that is the benefits or feasibility of the P79 head with the exhaust inserts. Apparently they work well, if you blend them to the valve seat. I may try it. Purely going to be a street engine, but I want at least 200 HP and it appears that this will provide it. I have a clean good running N42 rebuild and a low mileage 83 ZX engine, with an extra head for each. Oh the possibilities! The flow rate for the P79 exhaust was my real question and apparently it works fine. Ed Palmer

Thanks, Gavin/Beandip, Got It! Ed Palmer

Beandip, thanks guy, ecp48@yahoo.com I may have stumbled over the same thing, going through old threads last night. thanks again, Ed Palmer

Hey Beandip, There is still something wrong! I am getting "Sorry, the page you requested was not found" I tried clicking on your link and pasting it into the browser. Thanks. ecp48('')

Accidents happen, but they sure do modify your thoughts and approach to life. Happy to hear you are home and getting better. ecp48

I have been watching eBay daily for the last 6 months. the majority of cars for sale are West or Left coast, a large portion of which are SanDiego or LA. Most sellers have been very cooperative about giving locations and adding pictures or answering specific questions about corrosion and condition. Check it out! eBay Motors (I use 240Z, 260Z 280z, as the search words and modifiy the parameters to any of the above) I know there were some San Diego cars recently, can't recall it still listed. ecp48

Thanks, It gives me a statting point. I think I'm going to have to invest in a burette. Ed Palmer

Tanny, I had a 75 with the four speed, but I didn't change the gear on it. However, I installed the rearend from a ZX 2+2, which is a 3.88:1 and used the gear from the 2+2 tranny in the five speed I had swapped in. I don't think there is any difference. I don't remember the color. Try the 2+2 gear as 3.88 vs. 3.9 is pretty close. Let me know hat you work out, because I am putting in an 83 2+2 Rear end in my 78 280Z fairly soon and will need to change the gear. ecp48

javascript:smilie(':stupid:') I have noted a number of comments on the site about not raising the compression beyond 9.0:1 due to fuel considerations. In the past, with American V8s, the rule of thumb was, that you could raise the CR by one point if using an aluminum head. Why doesn't that work with a Z head (L-6)? Further, does anyone have a rule of thumb for how much the compression goes up on a N42 or 79 head per thirty thousands (.030) cut/milled off head surface? I read on another site, that an eighty thousands cut on a P99 would raise it to appx. 10.0:1, but this is the 81-83 head with the larger combustion chamber/raised deck (8.3:1 to begin with). Also, when using a high lift/longer duration cam on the L6, I am told you can go with a higher compression. My last experience with Zs was a 1975 280Z Coupe, only Mod was a header. (A big throat was beyond my budget at the time. Starving Student with a Formula V habit. Amazing how far the GI bill would stretch!) (2nd in Class, beat by a 240Z in the 1980 Bay Bottom Crawl.) Anyone have any thoughts on the compression issue?

Thanks for the help, I think I remember the Mulholland springs being red, had a set 20 years ago! Thanks again, ecp48

Anyone remember who made yellow after market springs. What the drop was etc. ecp48

Super_ Ford, Did you get into this? Was it an improvement? Ed Palmer

Look at ebay. I was looking in the SE for months. I could find almost one every other day in Washington State or Oregon. ecp48

Send me an address, which do you need or both? Ed ecp48@yahoo.com

The 78 280Z has two different wiring harnesses. I found out through trial and error. The post 5/78 builds use a harness that is similar to a 79 280ZX, 2 fuel pump relays and a separate fuel injection relay. I have this schematic, not in electronic format, but could send it. I was informed by a Datsun Technician, that the others, 75 - 78 are almost the same, for all practical purposes. I have a factory 75 schematic as well. Ed Palmer

Hi, I was considering this myself and did some research. The harness for the fuel injection will work, as long as you use all of the relays, etc. You need to open the requisite hole in the firewall to bring the ECU into the passenger compartment and install the Fuel Injection/pump relay under the drivers side dash area. The pump bracket will fit. I know you need the 280Z tank for the fittings. Breather line, pump supply line and line from pump to injectors and need a second fuel line for the return to the tank. I liked the idea because you get the light body with the smooth fuel injected engine. Didn't procced because ther was too much rust in the early 260 I was going to use. Hope this helps a little. Ed Palmer

Has anyone tried using a 240Z strut on the 280Z. I have struts from a 72 or 73 with Yellow lowering springs. I guess the question is, will it lower the car too much!javascript:smilie(':stupid:') javascript:smilie (':stupid:') Ed Palmer

Apparently their was a change on cars built after 5/78. they have a system like the 79 280ZX. There are three (3) relays replacing the original one. the first is a fuel injection relay, 2nd is a Fuel pump relay (1) and 3rd is a fuel pump relay (2) or control relay. I got help from a shop owner, former Nissan Factory Mcechanic. Mitchell had the schematic in their wiring update for 1978 and the dealership had a 1979 ZX manual with the test procedure. According to the mechanic (Bob, owner of Autotek, Athens GA), there was only a few of these (comparatively, imported. Most were sent to Australia where the 280Z lived for an additonal two years (1980). He remembered only one at the local dealership and didn't think the 1978 Factory Manual even included this change! Thanks again, Ed Palmer

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. Most of the floor rail combinations I have seen are for the 240- early 260, not the Late 280 rail, which is higher and narrower. Thanks again, Ed Palmer