1978 Datsun 280z Resto-mod on 2040-cars

For Sale, 1978 Datsun/Nissan 280z.  Inline 6, 5 speed manual, rear wheel drive. 113,957.

I bought this car in 2008 shortly after it had been fully restored.  The restoration process included a full strip down, rotisserie rust removal, fresh paint and engine rebuild.  The engine had less that 100,000 miles on it when it was rebuilt.  I purchased the car with a bit over 100,000 miles on it.  I have put about 12,000 miles on it in the last 5 years.

I continued to improve on the restoration with performance (and other) modifications over the last several years.   These include Tokico Illumina struts and lowering springs,  a “big throat” throttle body and leather seats.  You can see in the pictures that the car has been lowered with struts/springs and custom camber plates.  This Z sits over 4 inches lower than stock.  No tire rub ever though.

I have not had the car dyno tested but I estimate that it is putting out around 45 hp over stock, maybe more.  What ever the numbers are, this Z is very quick, handles like a race car and is silly fun to drive.  

The car gets loads of attention everywhere I go.  Lots of looks, and thumbs-ups and I have even come back to it in a parking lot a couple of times to find people taking photos of it.

A full shop manual, car cover, bin of extra parts (including a spare starter, alternator, and fuel rail) come with the car too.

I’m selling the car because I just don’t drive it enough and I’d rather see it go to someone that is going to have more time to enjoy it.

I have really enjoyed owning this car, but now it is time to let it move onto the next guy.  It is a very reliable, and fast Z and who ever ends up with it will not be disappointed. It would make a great track day car or daily driver.

I have loads more photos including over 60 of the restoration process.  

Below, is a chronological list of all the work that has gone into this car.  

Everything that happened before I bought it is listed as 2007.

2007:

tear down

sand blasted and repainted all suspension parts

rotisserie body rust removal

custom sheet metal work

new rings

new seals

ported and polished heads

79 5-speed trans installed

urethane suspension bushings 

pickle x rust proofing

custom metallic paint

2008

FJ62 Totoya Land Cruiser 4 piston brake calipers

17 inch BSA wheels/spacers

Tokico Illumina 5 way adjustable gas struts

Tokico lowering springs

billet bump steer spacers (to maintain stock steering geometry)

MSD fuel pump

Parking brake cable

custom short shift lever (notched 240z 4-speed lever shortens the throughs significantly)

Nismo shift knob

Nismo grill badge

Spectre cold air intake

keyless entry, power locks

2009

Brake master cylinder

Toyo Proxes 4 tires

2010

new seat foam

new leather seat upholstry

Z logo floor mats

Momo Competition steering wheel

2011

K&N cold air intake (upgrade from the Spectre)

Big throat throttle body

Clutch master cylinder

Clutch slave cylinder

2012

rising rate fuel pressure regulator

new leather shift boot

billet Z logo door lock pulls

2013

Pertronix FlameThrower coil