BleachZee

I dont' know why they exclude the 2+2, but the suspension is the same. I put the ST (not for 2+2) kit on a 280ZX turbo 2+2 and it works just fine. I even think that particular kit had the rear up a little higher so you could always cut a small amount off the springs to bring it down further.

I put the Tokico "Advanced handling kit" on my 280ZX. Comes with four springs, front struts, rear shocks. Its low and more firm than stock for sure but that rear still sags on takeoff. My Z is all stock for the engine too. I'd say I'm not totally happy with the stiffness of the rear. its still a bit too soft. Looks like I'll deal with it for a stricktly daily driver, no track at all for this car. I do want to do coilovers on all four corners one day since the Tokicos are too soft and I'd like more caster on the front wheels for long distance highway driving.

It must have been the smooth rubber bumper covers that did it.

I'm the one that asked about them and the owner made some shortly after telling me they were the first set he sold. So you got a test set for free!? ...well, at least you were the one to make sure they didn't break. Are yours red or silver? I got a silver set and everyone else that I have seen buy their tension rods had red.

not to mention the full red interior... the 280ZXR had all black inside. If your Z has a silver paint job and all black interior, then that's at least a start.

Is this 1981 NA Z an automatic car? The non-turbo 5-speed in 1981-83 has an R200 3.9 rear The R200 3.54 from the turbo Z will have a slightly different shaped front flange that bolts to the driveshaft. This is to fit the turbo driveshaft in the 1983 Z that slips into the T5 transmission. Since you are swapping in the rear, driveshaft, and T5 transmission all at once it will all bolt in fine... as long as both cars are the same body style. 2 seats or 2+2 If one is a longer car than the other, then just the driveshaft length will vary.

Here are some oil pump prices for comparison from RockAuto.com

When I did a turbo engine swap, I had the same issue for a long time. It ended up being the injector holders/o-rings. The non-turbo metal style from an S30 would seem to be sealed but did not under boost. I changed them later to the full plastic style from the 280ZX and they sealed up fine and the car suddenly ran good under boost.

Take off the wastegate actuator. You can trim out a small chunk of the bracket that holds the actuator on and then bolt it back on. I've seen pics of this installed on the power steering type ZX. I did the 280ZX NA to 280ZX turbo swap. Here is a long, long thread you can read through. Has a lot of chit-chat but the good stuff is in there too. http://zdriver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15653

I kept one that I was going to throw away... a Canadian is actually going to pay me money for it! Toss it and put your license plate where it belongs

The T5 is notchy. Its an ok transmission and I use it because its already in my car. A shortened Mustang shifter is my preference and I bought a 2008 Mustang shift knob. http://www.bleachgarage.com/images/z/silverz57.jpg The non-turbo transmission you mentioned has the tallest 5th gear. Only slightly taller than the T5. It'll be some nice low rpm cruising but not too low.

If you're upping the power a bit and you want good rpms cruising on the highway I think you'll be happy with the 3.54 Even my stock turbo 280ZX feels pretty good with that gearing.

it helps to prevent but does not guarantee a seal forever. The stud kit is a good idea along with a good quality gasket and proper torque.

The Nissan ZXR wing and the Motorsport Auto remake of it are both no longer available. So if you have one, its rare. I got mine about 2 years ago off Craigslist. A guy was parting out a 280ZXR and I jumped on the occasion of course. The car itself was rusted beyond repair and was on its way to the crusher. I only bought the rear wing. The Porsche style turbo whale tail (larger than the ZXR I think) is $359 http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/7RSW1/50-1602 Here are Motorsport Auto's other 280ZX rear wings http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/7RSW1

I have replaced all four in a 2+2 280ZX. The rear I was able to fit 6" round just fine. It sounds like the 2-seater has the same size speakers. The front two in the dash were 4". I had to remove the dash to replace the center speaker. The right speaker can be replaced just by removing the glovebox.

Techno Toy Tuning has had these adjustable tension rods for about a year and a half now. I bought the first set in 2008 and have them on my car. http://www.technotoytuning.com/productdetail.php?p=791

I have a ZXR spoiler so I plan to put it on my car some day. I don't believe those are available anymore from Nissan or Motorsport auto. Motorsport does sell the BRE spoiler still. http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/7BSA05/50-1526 http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/7RSW/50-1527

They're not cheap http://www.arizonazcar.com/510brakes.html

If its not the AFM, then you probably have one or several air leaks. Are you able to get it to idle at or below 1000 rpm? since you are using the turbo ECU and harness, you did also put in a 280ZX turbo AFM, right? (and distributor)

The shape of those custom headlights look like you may be able to just use some 2006-08 350Z headlights.

I had a 280ZX 2+2 turbo for many years. I bought the Suspension Techniques set that said "not for 2+2" It bolted right in and fit fine. The ride was great. The rear sat a little higher than the front. Cut 1/2 a coil or so off to correct this. http://www.bleachgarage.com/images/z/purplez14.jpg

The "RB" section of this website should have some answers for you... http://forums.hybridz.org/forumdisplay.php?f=85

larger diameter rotors and larger calipers should be an upgrade. How do you figure you're going to get that setup working on a 280ZX?