i started off by reading most of
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/
gives a very good grounding how are car works.
-your cars is fuel injected, so read up on that,
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood-channel.htm
i can do basic stuff like changing the oil, spark plugs, learn by doing, quite easy in these cars, fairly simple
get a Haynes manual or similar, from local parts shop or ebay.
easiest way to get car on road, would be to replace the engine and trans, either by buying a parts car, (280zx) with a rough body but running well, with lowish milage, ask a local garage how much to replace engine and trans. shouldnt to be much, dont know the prices there, mybe someone here will chime in.
ps. are you able to register the car to get it road legal, here in new zealand, if the car is not registred for 12 months and/or put on hold, the car is not legally able to be driven, have to get new plates etc for car. figure that out first before spending any money on the car,
sweet as. laters.