sblake01

I'd have to concur with SuperDave. A 1982 280ZX 2+2 is not that special, very common in the junkyards here in SoCal. It would make a good daily driver but I wouldn't go overboard with it. But it will also help you get familiar with the inner workings of the Z so that when you do get a S30 you won't have as much to learn. His advice is what I did with my 810 hardtop. It's a daily driver,semi-rare as the 2dr 810 was only made in 79. It's cleaned up, painted, it runs good, but it is not restored. And most of all, as in the case of your ZX, it's not a Z (S30)

My bad! I didn't realize it was a stock radio. I have a JVC head unit in my 78 and it has the above mentioned fuse. When it blows, everything that powers through the radio, the antenna, amp, etc., quits. But as far as a factory radio goes, I have no clue.

Most aftermarket stereos have an inline fuse in the harness that connects the unit to the cars system. It's a little black box made of plastic and it prys open so that you can change the fuse.

Also, the BCDD on the bottom of the throttle body could cause the problem you describe if it is out of adjustment.

Take a look at this scan. I shows the locations of the components of the EFI system. The California items are noted. This is however for a 78 and I am not sure how much or if it would differ from yours.

Do you know if your car was originally a California car? If so, you might be having a problem with the altitude switch. I had that problem a while back on my 78 and I solved it by adjusting the altitude switch as per the FSM.

A Ford what will work? All I read about in that article is a couple of guys Mickey-Mousing up a Z. As 26th-Z said, the smog stuff can be removed without 'messing up' things if it's done properly.

The question was actually answered in post number 4! And refferenced again in post number 12. THERE IS NO FACTORY WIRING FOR FOG LIGHTS IN A 78 280Z!!!!

Err, what kind of shape is it in. Running badly can be corrected. '73rd' Z would be worth something if it's complete and in any kind of reasonable condition, body and interior wise. Pictures???? (xray is apparently a faster typist than I!)

I've never had any problem with mine in my 78. It worked when I bought the car about 8 years ago and I've never had to change the bulb. I don't ever use the thing except to test it now and then to see if it still works.

Why not just order a new fan clutch assembly?

:tapemouth :tapemouth :tapemouth

I have that frame on the front of my Z. It fits the era in which the car was built.

Actually, Bruce Springstein wrote that song.

There are obviously some misplaced priorities here. Sex is sex and cars are cars. (Even a Z) If it ever came down to a choice between the two, I'd be walking!

What does that have to do with sonofzzap's 'custom exhaust?'

When I had my Z painted in 1998 I went to a highly recomended shop in Ontario, Ca. They removed all the trim, marker lights, etc., without breaking any of the pins, masked everything impractical to remove, including the muffler and tank, and used high quality paint with integrated clear coat. I paid less than half of what you paid and it still looks good today. In fact, when I bought the 810 in 2003, I also had it painted there.

Friend of mine had one of those some years ago. (AH 3000) I just remember how sweet that car sounded! He spent a lot of time working on it, however.

Not very familiar with Austin Healy Sprites, are you, Bill?

On my EFI cars, a clean cat, fresh oil, a clean air filter, a dose of Lucas fuel treatment, and they always pass.

Just giving you a hard time.

Well, we were talking about cars. I've use the mig to weld broken bed frames, wrought iron fences, and many other homeowner and hobby type things too. They are worth the cost if you know how to use them. All it takes is practice.

That makes for smoother rust.