The_Rookie Posted June 16, 2013 Share Posted June 16, 2013 Hey guys, I'm new here and new to Z's. I just got an 83 280zx passed down to me as a first car and need a bit of help and suggestions on some things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted June 16, 2013 Author Share Posted June 16, 2013 I want to know how I could convert the front to a 240z front, along with the rear. Can I just purchase the front bumpers or do I have to get them custom? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted June 16, 2013 Share Posted June 16, 2013 The body styles changed dramatically in 1979. They are defined as the S30 (240Z through 280Z) and S130 (280ZX). You have an S130. The only parts that are easily interchanged between the S30 and S130 are the engine, transmission, differential and half-shafts, and possibly the wheels. The easiest way to convert would be to buy a 240Z body and move all of your running gear over. www.xenons30.com www.xenons130.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted June 16, 2013 Author Share Posted June 16, 2013 I've kinda gotten attached to mine already, is there no other possible way? >_< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LanceVance Posted June 16, 2013 Share Posted June 16, 2013 I'd suggest you start looking at other S130s for inspiration, perhaps you'll find a front end setup that you like. S30 bumpers on an S130 will require a good deal of fabrication and custom body work (read: lots of money!). In the end it probably will look mismatched considering the more squared straight line styling of the S130's front end... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted June 16, 2013 Author Share Posted June 16, 2013 Well that sucks. I already took the whole bumper off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted June 16, 2013 Author Share Posted June 16, 2013 What would be the price range for a custom front bumper? Such as getting like a chrome bar across the front or fiberglass. Just as the 240z concept. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LanceVance Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 Take a look at the 30th Anniversary kit for the ZX, it cleans the front end up a bit, and in my opinion makes it slightly[\i] more reminiscent of the S30. Custom anything is expensive, especially something as time consuming as body panels. Learn to do it yourself, or buy what is already available. Or have deep pockets! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted June 17, 2013 Author Share Posted June 17, 2013 My pockets fall out my pants, I'm broke. xD But I'll check out the kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted June 17, 2013 Author Share Posted June 17, 2013 Ehh, don't like it. I kinda want to leave it open like the s30. Nothing else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluDestiny Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 (edited) Ok this is what you do. Slash your tires and get some decent sized wheels and tires, remove the bumper shocks. Then lower the car about an inch or two. Thank god you already removed all the fake "accessories" and the fog lights. My eyes were about to commit suicide. That shows you're on the right track. Go look at some build threads, both here and ratsun to get some ideas. Edited June 17, 2013 by BluDestiny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted July 23, 2013 Author Share Posted July 23, 2013 Lmfao!! Thanks man, I'll try that out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted July 23, 2013 Author Share Posted July 23, 2013 Also, the differential in this thing is either broken/non-functional. Should I replace it or upgrade? Is it an easy job or do I need professional work done?I'm wanting to do a 5 speed swap, where to start? What would I need to do? QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluDestiny Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 5 speed swap can be easy/hard depending on your knowledge. You need everything from the clutch pedal to the driveshaft jsut to be safe. How is the diff broke? it's an open dif, not an lsd. I can swap out a diff in about 2 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted July 23, 2013 Author Share Posted July 23, 2013 (edited) Ah, okay. Well there's SOMETHING wrong with it, when I try and drive the car I hear metal clanking and sometimes it just stops like I slammed on the brakes or something (but I didn't) and so it's just been sitting until I decide on what to do. Edited July 23, 2013 by The_Rookie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted July 29, 2013 Author Share Posted July 29, 2013 Might do a r200 swap and CV axles, found a guy selling both for cheap near me. Only thing is I don't know how I should do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluDestiny Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Is the sound coming from the front or the back? and why do the r200 swap, unless you figured out it was from the rear end. To do the r200 swap you need to lower the gastank, turn the rear diff bushing bolt 180* around and then put the r200 in. It's not hard, but it is time consuming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted August 1, 2013 Author Share Posted August 1, 2013 Yeah from the back. I already started, figured out something in there's broken after I took the oil cap out and there were shards of metal everywhere. Only problem is the damn mount, I have no idea how to get it out. It's got a screw in through the middle and then the sides so it's near impossible to take out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluDestiny Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 You remove the nut that's vertical, then if you're just replacing the mount, it's easiest to take the whole rear cover off and slide the entire thing down (after loosening the cover to mount nuts). If you're dropping the diff, then you loosen the driveshaft, axles, and the 4 long bolts holding the diff to the subframe, then remove the cover nuts and move the diff forward a bit, lower the mount straight down, then wiggle the diff out. Or take the cover off again. Thing is, removing the cover will be messy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rookie Posted August 2, 2013 Author Share Posted August 2, 2013 For now I just need to get a look inside to view the damage, thanks for all the tips!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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