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HybridZ

Maybe 280?


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Today I went to look at a 1976 280z, I've been looking all over Northern VA and the surrounding areas and it's been hard trying to find one that I could work with. The Z is currently owned by a guy who says he has had worked and owned a number of them. The reason I am writing this thread is to ask is if this project is worth it or should I wait for another? As far as I could tell the car has minimal rust, he replaced the floor pans and I couldn't see any around the battery, fenders, rockers, or pillars. The previous engine was turbo'd until the son blew a piston, then swapped it with a refreshed 280zx engine.

The interior is workable, new bucket seats, an updated stereo, new gauges and a new dash, no cap. The son lowered the car about an inch with aftermarket springs, and changed the hood to a pin set-up. The only thing that is bothering me is that it's plainly obvious that the wiring has been messed around with, it needs a completely new exhaust, and the car was sitting for a while. The car started up after some starter fluid was sprayed in, so the spark plugs will have to be replaced and the oil pan is leaking, although it could just be a gasket. He is also throwing in a turbo manifold, 2 headers, the old engine, and a misc bucket of parts.

 

So with everything listed above, do you think this would be a good project or should I wait for another?

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Whats the asking price.. Sounds like a good deal. It would be easy to rebuild or just swap in a fresh turbo motor if the car if the wiring is still in there from the turbo motor would make it cake to put it.

The guy is asking for 2k, but I can get him lower.

 

Does anyone know where I can source a complete exhaust for a 280zx engine? Also how hard would it be to install a/c?

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Just as an echo, to gve any decent reply we would need an asking price and optimally some photos. I would say that if therust repair was done properly and the othe areas truly are without significant rust, and if it runs and drives it woud be worth 2-3. Depends on availablity in your area, but if you're talking any more than 3 it may be worth it to findone elsewhere and ship it.

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  • 2 weeks later...

So even after getting the guy down to 1500, my dad is against it because the engine isn't stock and it had to be started up with fluid (never knew it was like crack for cars). Anyone know a good site where I can find one a decent price that needs body work?

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Whoo! After showing my dad all the photos and threads about people spending so much effort into repairing rust, he caved in and agreed that a small amount of rust and a rough engine bay is better than a decent running car with loads of rust. We should be picking up the car within a couple days or next week. Hopefully I'll get some pictures up soon, thank you guys for the replies.

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