Zolbar

L type engines are tough power plants and can be built up to produce 600 hp plus with the right combination of compon. Part of that equation is the exhaust and you can tackle two of your issues starting there. Mind you the original Nissan interior insulation was completely inadequate even with stock exhaust so that is your second target. Both of these areas won't make it handle better but will make it more enjoyable to drive, which will give you a better idea of what you want next. The third item I would address is that transmission. Nissan automatic transmissions back then didn't make a Z better they made it so anyone could drive a Z car. That said get ahold of a 5 speed manual (if you can drive a clutch) and swap that; you'll feel instantly more power even with a stock engine. From what I've seen you can use up to a 1982 transmission from a ZX (I swapped my 240Z 4 speed with the 82' ZX 5 speed with a little sheet metal work, $200 for all and it felt like a completely different animal) however there were many Nissans with those 5 speeds; do some research. That's the short easy (and way less expensive) direction for your build.... one last thing, replace all of your seals, doors, windshield, side quarter windows, hatch, cowl, all of them and you won't have that exhaust odor also. Good of luck and have fun IMG_7244.MOV

Take the 280 as the 260 may have severe torsional twist from an improperly installed V8. Unless, of course you live in California and then you'll want the older of the two as cars built in 1976 and before do not require smog checks and are easier to register and license. In either case have a shop do the normal inspections, breaks, alignment, compression check ect. before diving in to what will likely be an Odyssey.