[Who Daily Drives their s30]

Though an S130, I just had to post, because Ive been driving my zx for FOUR years as my DD.

The only things Ive had to do were the alt & the brakes. But other than that, my zx runs like a champ. Gotta love Datsuns for that.

[Damsel & Her 280zx in Distress!]

Hahaha naw BSD, I definitely DONT want to spend $4k on just the engine.

 

Okay, I get back from Spain in 3 weeks!! Ill be keeping you all updated with pictures & info aaaand probably asking questions along the way!

 

Much love my Z friends! And thanks again.

[Damsel & Her 280zx in Distress!]

I'm staying with my L28ET because I can still get like 28mpg with like 300 horse, and drive it in snow and rain.. * I know, my poor baby.. lol *

 

Hahaha DITTO. I guess that about puts it into perspective for me then since Im going to be driving my car in those conditions as well (Thanks WA for the crappy weather!).

 

swap in a turbo, get an intercooler, new fuel/intake/exhaust system.

 

Okay, so Im fully convinced now that L28ET is the way to go with some additions of course. Thank you guys so much, I hope none of you mind if I email you or add you as friends so I can shoot more questions at you later!

[Damsel & Her 280zx in Distress!]

Hey Jasper!

I looked on that site too, it looks like a pretty sweet deal to me. Isnt it for 240s though? Not all of the parts are compatible, is that right?

[Damsel & Her 280zx in Distress!]

Like previously stated, L28ET swap ftw!

 

Thank you!! You guys are awesome.

 

Just a general question: Have any of you guys done V8 conversions? Maybe 350s? Ive heard that those are usually the easiest to do because theyre so in abundance & there are so many performance pieces you can buy for them if you want to.

So L28ET vs SBC(350 for examples sake) : Which in your opinions is easier? (For all aspects: mechanically, monetarily, time, skill, all that)

 

Thanks again for everything guys!

[Damsel & Her 280zx in Distress!]

Really though you should do some reading here to get a better understanding of what you want. This way, since your female, I suppose, you won't get a billion ideas thrown at you.

Then you can ask more direct questions pertaining to what you want.

 

Haha Idk if the "I suppose" was to me being female or you suppose I wont get a billion answers? Im not going to worry about interior, paint, or body until Im done with the engine swap. And I have read a ton on here, its just that Im so newb a lot of either doesnt make sense to me, or its not what I am looking for. I just wanted some opinions as to what people thought I could do as far as money, time, skill, etc. This thread is helping more than most of the stuff that I have read! So thank you (everyone) for all your help.

[Damsel & Her 280zx in Distress!]

Other Washingtonians?! YAY! But OF COURSE its just my luck Im going to miss that event, Im in Spain until April 2nd. cryyyyyy.

We should just have our own BBQ. Haha.

 

Allright, book first. Im starting to lean towards a L28ET swap as well, as I definitely think its within my mechanical abilities. And my wallets. So Skib & Ferrari, did you guys use donor cars? Or what? Tell me! Tell me everything. Haha.

 

Have any of you guys been to Z Specialties in Clearview, WA? I know that guys got a lot of Zs, I havent seen too many on Craigslist lately.

[Damsel & Her 280zx in Distress!]

Yeah I know that titles pretty lame, but its true! Sooo heres my story:

 

I have read & read & read forums until my brain hurts. Pretty much everyone on here knows more about Zs than I will know in a lifetime, so Im hoping you guys can help me out by giving me some good answers.

 

I bought my 1981 280zx 4 years ago; I have used it as my daily driver ever since then even though my goal has always been to restore it (engine, interior, body, all that good stuff) but I havent done ANYTHING to it yet & I now I am buying another car so I can park my baby in the garage & get busy.

 

In laymans terms this is how I want my Z:

-I am not going to be racing it; though Id prefer it to be pretty fast. I dont need to run 10s or anything, but when some fool pulls up next to me at a redlight & revs his engine, Id like to be able to beat him. (Haha, who doesnt though?!)

-I want it to be loud. Obviously street legal, but a nice purr.

-Monetarily feasible. Im not loaded, but I plan to take my sweet time with this, buy the right parts, & do as much work myself/with my buddies. Starting budget around $5K?

-Reliable/an engine that isnt going to require constant maintenance.

 

Ok, so I think that about sums it up. I dont have any pictures other than my profile picture. Please excuse the absolute NEWBNESS of this post; but I just need some direct answers. Ive looked at a lot of information about "V8s" (yes, I know thats a relatively loose term) & turbo converions from donor Zs.

 

Any answers/tips/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!