AlbatrossCafe

INTERIOR: The interior is relatively solid. The driver seat has a small tear, and the shift nob is missing the "gear indicator" piece. The interior dash lights don't come on when the lights come on. The dash has some split seams but is otherwise OK. I was thinking of getting one of those covers to go over it: http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/50-2043 The seats could probably be re-stuffed but I am tall (6'2") and am close enough to the ceiling as it is. I'm afraid if I fix that sag I won't fit haha

ENGINE/UNDERCARRIAGE: Engine swap is clean. Looks like they replaced a number of parts when they did it in 2005. The fuel tank has been busted in a couple times... There is oil leaking from somewhere... not sure how to find the leak or fix it. It drips a few drops every time I park it. I tried to follow it up the engine and seems to originate around where the spark plugs are (see first pic): Boot on gas pedal linkage is gone: This is most rusted thing in here - think it is the exhaust coming out of the turbo: New-ish CSF radiator, and underneath is decent!

SUSPENSION/BRAKES: The boots and bushings and stuff are all pretty much toast. I plan to replace arms with some adjustable ones and get some new coilovers. I'll replace tie rod ends and "tension rod"? (don't really know what this does) as well. Inner tie-rod looks OK. Whatever is left will have all the bushings replaced at least. The previous owner swapped out the front calipers with 4-piston ones from a Toyota 4runner I believe. I think I'll leave those. I dunno if I should replace the swaybar itself. Seems like that item wears well. Coilover boot broken: Worn tie-rod and tension rod boots:

So I gave everything the ole' once over this weekend. Car is in pretty good shape, but a few things could stand to be replaced. Here are a LOT of pics. If you guys see anything weird and have any particular advice let me know! RUST: With the exception of under the battery tray, the frame, undercarriage, and floors are rust free. The rust spots are in the fenders, door, and rear bumper trim piece. I am thinking these are not too bad of a fix since they are mostly just sheet metal (correct me if I'm wrong). Dunno where to take it for a fix though. I can't do it myself.

Sorry, I assumed they were CVs. I don't have nearly any experience with a vehicle of this age. Thanks for the tip. Looks like something else I should probably swap out. There is a weird rubbing/grinding sound from the driver-side rear that happens when I get on it around 3-5k RPM, but not while coasting. Do the half shafts in the rear still spin with the car in neutral? Does the driveshaft spin? I would like to know where the disconnect is.

It is an L28ET from an '82 ZX. He kept the 5-speed manual tranny that was on the the on 280z and used the ZX ECU. He had been running the swap since 2005 (<2000 miles per year). The engine appears very strong, and I assume the bugs are worked out if it's been going for 13 years! Those tires start spinning around 4k RPM in first gear without slipping the clutch lol. I guess OEM size 10+ year old all-seasons are not the best. Unfortunately I don't feel comfortable pushing it too hard yet until I fix these clunks, noises, and the vibrations that seem to rattle the car at 5k+ RPM.

UPDATE 10/8/2017: Decided to make this my "build thread". Summary: I recently bought a 1978 280z with an L28ET swapped into it. The owner did the swap in 2005 and left the car almost completely stock otherwise while driving it 1k-2k miles per year. It is a perfect base car for a fun project! My goal is to make it drive/handle like a modern car and eliminate any weird noises. I don't know much about the Z's or older cars in general, but I have done a lot of suspension work with my Nissan Xterra and several motorcycles. Once I freshen it up and get suspension and looks down, I'll likely start adding to engine power. Key: [x] = Done [-] = In progress [ ] = Want [x] = Removed Exterior: [ ] Fix rust spots! [ ] Add rear spoiler [ ] Add front spoiler [ ] Add some cool decals or get a new paint job Interior: [ ] Fix/cover split seams in top of dash (use this cover?) [ ] Get new shift knob (the old one has the gear indicator thing broken off) [ ] Fix missing dash lighting when lights are on Wheels/Tires/Brakes: [+] 4Runner four-piston front brake calipers with stainless steel brake lines [ ] Disc brakes conversion in the rear with stainless steel brake lines [-] 205/60/R15 Sumimoto Tires [-] 15" wheels - XXR 557 (15x7 4x114.3 +15mm offset) [-] 1" (25mm) wheel spacers to fit wheels (final offset after spacers is -10mm) [x] Stock 14" wheels Suspension/Steering: [-] Stance Coilovers with Camber Plates and 5k/4k spring rates rear/front [-] Adjustable front control arms (techno toy tuning) [-] New tension rods (techno toy tuning) [-] Adjustable rear lower control arms (techno toy tuning) [-] Aluminum steering coupler (techno toy tuning) [-] New tie rod ends [-] New swaybar bushings in the front [ ] Power steering! Engine/Driveline/Exhaust: [-] Rebuild half shafts with new u-joints [ ] Mandrel bent 3" exhaust and downpipe [ ] One of those mufflers with 2 vertical pipes coming out the back (I like the look) [ ] Upgraded turbo + an intercooler + boost controller [ ] Megasquirt II (instead of stock '82 ZX ECU) Other: