1977 Datsun 280Z from North America

Summary:

A very reliable and inexpensive GT car with great looks

Faults:

Frame rails under cabin rotted out and needed replacement.

4 speed tranny went out at 185,000 / replaced with a 5 speed.

Drivers seat bottom only needed replacement.

General Comments:

The motor is very strong yet at 227,500-no rebuild needed.

Fairly powerful, but not overwhelming.

Comfortable on long trips.

In plain and simple terms, it is much fun to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th January, 2009

1977 Datsun 280Z from North America

General Comments:

There's lots of places to get parts... Motorsport Auto, Blackdragon,... just do some internet searches. Also, www.car-part.com is very useful.

I love my Zcar, so much fun to drive and amazing smooth at high speeds! I miss power steering, but I can live without it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th July, 2007

1977 Datsun 280Z 2+2 fuel injected from North America

Summary:

AWESOME SLEAK and FAST

Faults:

Corroded sensor connections, this is common on these cars and will make them run bad. It is easy to fix, and makes a world of difference.

Dash was cracked, common on most vintage cars, but it has been replaced and looks great now.

The rubber suspension bushings are dried out and will need replacing to improve the cars handling, but it still handles very good with the old bushings.

Watch out for rust, try to find a Z car that has been kept in a garage and has not exposed to road salt.

General Comments:

These are awesome cars, they are very fast even as left as stock, but many upgrades are available to improve the handling and power. I don't think that there are many vintage cars that look better than a Z. I will leave my 280z stock and only replace what is worn from age. I absolutely love it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th April, 2004

19th Mar 2005, 02:02

Ah, yes, the 280Z 2+2.

Got mine just before graduate school. Had no money. Looking back, what I did was really kind of funny. Here's how to make a Z-car really move for almost no money, if your State allows it:

1. Lose the US-mandated front bumper (handling problems miraculously disappear).

2. Bolt on a $100 aluminum header and cheapo "turbo" muffler.

3. Disconnect and plug all smog & vacuum hoses surrounding the fuel-mixture gizmo, and adjust the single mixture screw until the exhaust is relatively clear.

4. Turn (advance) the distributer a few millimeters so the car runs on higher octane.

Can't tell you how many fancy Beemers I dusted. Ran it up to 120 mph in no time, but chickened out. Girlfriend sure hated the thing. Had to change girlfriends, of course.

14th Mar 2007, 13:51

I Purchased my 76 2+2 in 1983. Did 140 in it and never went over the speed limit again. Scared me and the girl with me to death. Just got another and am loving it again. It just seems older now.

1977 Datsun 280Z Coupe 2.8, inline 6, L28series from North America

Summary:

A high Performance cruiser

Faults:

The car has been very reliable. Other than basic maintenance:

I have rebuilt the engine at 130,000 miles (by choice).

The tranny at 150,000 miles (starting to have problems).

Upped the gear ratio in the rear end at 170,000 miles (needed more torque)

Replaces the interiors carpet and dash.

Seats were worn when I got the car.

New muffler and headers at 180,000 miles.

General Comments:

You fit like a glove in these car as long as you are not very tall.

Handles like a dream!

You can get amazing power out of these little cars!

I have nothing bad to report about them except that they are addicting! lol!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2003

26th Nov 2004, 20:35

In regards to being tall, I'm 6'3" and the Z's are a good fit. Now mind you, I love them as much as you good people, so I just may be fooling myself.

I've owned 4, a 240. How I miss her! 2 280ZX, nice, but a bit on the big side.

Yesterday at a gas joint, I saw a 1977 coupe pull up and I spoke with the guy.

Turns out he moving out of state and has a 782/2 that needs a home.

Picking it up in a few hours, need tons of work, but so what. LONG LIVE OUR Z CARS!

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