LOST ONE

I'm looking at this advertised 1979 Non-Op run-out as a restoration project. I'm drawn to it because it appears to be rust free (Cen Cal), is a coupe (and not a 2+2), 5-speed (important on this car), and a hard top (already have an MR2 with a worthless T top). But despite the good bones, this old girl is packing 200K miles on a six-month coma, optional custom cracked dash, and crispy-fried electrics. I know ALL major (and minor) systems will need overhaul. It will be two years and many thousand dollars before she's ready for the prom again. My question to the community, am I alone in thinking $1500 is too much? I have a price in mind, but what do you guys think? Here is the complete ad link and description: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5264704671.html Thanks in advance for the input.

That sounds like the path of least resistance, thank you. After doing more reading and taking advice from this thread, it seems like the best fit for me would be to get an 81-83 n/a 5-spd and drop-in an r180 with a 3.54 rear end. That combo should yield a comfortable and efficient GT while being sporty and reliable at the same time.

I'm thinking about purchasing a cheap 1980 280zx in the neighborhood as a learning project. I'd like to turn it into a DD, cruising in GT comfort and economy while having something sporty and different. I realize I'm in the minority here and I like power, too, but sharp looks, efficiency, reliability, luxury, nostalgia, and uniqueness rank higher to me than ponies. One of my goals is to achieve 30 mpg, which to me is reasonable without being a hyper-miling nut. My question: Is it possible for the L28 to deliver my mpg goal or will a transplanted 4-banger be needed? If so, I've read the S2000 posts and that sounds do-able but pricey. Could the knowledge base here recommend any other (affordable) lumps that would put out at least180 hp, transporting me to work within my 30 mpg budget in a reliable fashion in the lightened 280zx? PS--I currently use a 1993 MR2 as a daily driver, 34 miles of mixed city/country, and get 31 mpg. The 5 spd MR2 is fun in a go-cart sort of way, reliable, and efficient. But it's sooooo small and hard to put on, plus it beats me to death as it rides like a brick. Sixty mph turns the tach to 3K and over 4K at a squirrelly 80 mph--way too busy and annoying.