Hi

[Blue 280zx]

Well my dad is the original owner of a 1982 280z that i now drive. I am only 17 years old but have a passion for learning about cars. I do not know very much about 280z's but want to learn more about them as far as the engine and possible upgrades.

[Darrel]

you can download a factory service manual on www.carfiche.com. They change the availability for down load every hour, so be patient.

Things to keep in mind, keep all connections clean and put dialectric grease on them. Corrosion is the enemy of old electrics.

Other than that, these cars are easy and fun to work on.

welcome to the board.

[Carl Beck]

Well my dad is the original owner of a 1982 280z that i now drive. I am only 17 years old but have a passion for learning about cars. I do not know very much about 280z's but want to learn more about them as far as the engine and possible upgrades.

Hello Blue:

I want to encourage you in your quest for more knowledge related to automobile mechanics. However I'd recommend first things first. Go learn to drive that 280ZX safely, and then learn to dive it nearer its limits. You'll want to do both under the experienced and watchful eyes of a professional.

Talk your Dad into attending one of the many fine Defensive Driving and Competition Drivers Training Courses offered by any one of the Drivers Training Schools in your area.

For example:

<a href=http://www.1800bepetty.com/SafeDriving.aspx TARGET=NEW> Richard Petty Driving Experience</a> Mostly the classes are in Atlanta, GA but also listed at the Kentucky Motor Speedway.

Track location:

Kentucky Motor Speedway

4760 Sparta Pike

Sparta, KY 41086

(888) 652-7223

Second - go find a well used 280ZX that you can buy for a grand or so - then learn on that one, before attempting anything on your Dad's ZX.... matter of fact, he might be talked into helping you pay for one... -vbg-

good luck,

Carl B.

Yes - I've raised two sons... now in their mid 30's...

[FairladyZS30]

slap on some good suspension and and tires and take yourself to a canyon and enjoy

[Blue 280zx]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Carl are these classes intended for teaching me to drive safely or competively. Im not too sure i could sell my dad on this one. As far as being able to drive safely in the roads i think im fine. I have never really pulled off anything too dangerous in the road. For the most part im a smart driver.

[Carl Beck]

Hi Blue:

Driving "safely" is one thing, driving "defensively" is another and driving competitively still another. They can all be viewed conceptually as being progressive in nature. Your Dad can teach how to drive safely, getting you to really comprehend why that is so important is another matter all together.

You may not believe it - but I was 17 once - it lasted for a whole year. For the most part I can remember very clearly most of the weekends -vbg- Let's face it, it seems to be human nature that we have to actually learn lessons by our own experiences. If that wasn't the case, history would not so often repeat itself.

I can tell you many different times, in many different ways, exactly what happens when cars in front of you on the Freeway CRASH at 70+ mph. How my car felt when it spun out of control in a panic stop and/or what specific counter measures applied to the steering and/or braking were needed and used. However, until you personally have that physical experience and practice those counter measures until they become automatic - all my teaching, talking, lecturing amounts to only that... talk.

I've been to several different drivers training courses and schools over the years. Most of them start with a course they name "Defensive Driving". In truth, Defensive Driving is about 50% mental preparation and 50% physical control of the vehicle.

If you drive on the streets for the next five years - you will not have the opportunity to actually learn nor in turn, train yourself, nor develop the instinctive reflexes required for a safe high speed off-road trip, a safe high speed lane change, nor the high speed obstacle avoidance techniques that you would by attending any of these courses. They are held at race tracks for the most part, because there on a closed course, in a safe progressive manor you can be first taught the procedures, then practice the processes involved in all the earlier mentioned maneuvers.

Physical control of the vehicle in turn, is really the the first part of competition driving. When you talk to your Dad, tell him that there are really two places a young man can direct his instinctive urges to compete; on the streets or on the special tracks/courses set up for that purpose. Personally, I took my son's to the tracks/courses provided by several local sports car clubs. There they associated with like minded individuals, that encouraged safe driving on the streets - and rigorous competition on the tracks/courses.

Like everything in life, energy has to be focused and directed for it to either destructive or constructive. The drivers training courses developed over decades by the professionals involved, provide the best focus and direction - - - - after that it's up to the individual.

kind regards,

Carl B.

BTW - many insurance companies offer greatly reduced rates for young divers that have successfully completed many of these courses.

[twsutt]

Hey Blue!

Welcome to the board, and more importantly, welcome to your dad's ZX.

I had an '81 blue/silver ZX that was very similar to that when I was 19. Unfortunately, I put it into the salvage yard because traffic came to a complete stop and I shortened the front end by 2 feet by sliding under an AstroVan - the van got a scratch on the bumper. Had I been travelling at a safer distance it wouldn't have happened.

Carl B. brings up some great points that you may want to seriously consider. In fact, you might just want to show Carl's response to your parents.

After all, you are thier son and what parent doesn't want to protect thier children - not to mention thier 280ZX and insurance premiums.

[=Enigma=]

Congrats on you newly acquired Z. You'll find lots of great info and people on here, but if you've been lurking around I'm sure you figured that out already. Carl has some great advice there too. I might even consider it after nearly 25 years of driving with only 1 minor accident. Never hurts to be prepared, especially with all the idiots and distractions we have on the road now.

[Blue 280zx]

That really makes sense to me and thanks for the concern. I could not agree anymore with enigma on saying there are a lot of idoits and distractions on the roads these days. I get a good insurance rate due to a prior driving school and good grades.