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Hi everybody! I just bought my first car/ first z car and am ready to get to work on it. I have a 1976 280z which as far as I can tell is stock. The first thing I want to do to it is to fix/upgrade the suspension and handling. Being new to this I have no idea what to look for to make the 280z handle better and was looking for some tips or suggestions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Budget is the biggest thing.

 

We went with the Techno Toy Tuning suspension http://echnotoytuning.com/. Other option is Arizona Z Car http://www.arizonazcar.com/ .Pricey but will get all that you need.

 

Brakes are a big discussion. You can go to the toyota front caliper upgrade and the maxima rear caliper conversion. Or go with Techno toy tuning brake option.

 

Most of those have all been discussed in this website.

 

Welcome and let the hybriding commence!

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Welcome.

 

The answers to your questions will be found in the various forums.

 

Suggestions:

 

  • If doing a V8 swap buy the Jags that Run (JTR) book and read it at least ten times. Book is useful for any engine swap.
  • Buy books/manuals for the engine and transmission you want to use.
  • Download a Factory Service Manual (FSM) and buy a Haynes repair manual for your specific car.
  • Download electrical schematics for your car.  PDFs are easier to read than those found in books. Some are in color.
  • Buy the book How to Restore Your Datsun Z Car by Wick Humble. It will save you hours of searching for "how to" info.
  • Focus on searching Hybridz as 99% of questions have already been addressed.
  • Make a detailed plan with parts list including cost before starting a project. Plan every system of the car.
  • Start bookmarking Z car parts suppliers - there are many!
  • Remember these are 40 year old cars and will need restoration to be safe and drivable.
  • Join ClassicZCars.com website and search there as well.
  • Become well informed about modifications before asking questions. People will be more inclined to answer informed questions.
  • Search the forums.
  • Have some money. I stopped counting after $12k.
  • Read the new member FAQs.
  • The engine swap is the easy part. It is understanding the details like brake fittings, adapters, drive shaft angles, brake system, automotive electronics, wheels, suspension and etc. that makes or breaks a build project.
  • Recommend that you buy a running Z car and drive it stock for  awhile.  Do basic maintenance:  brakes, suspension, electrical etc. so you have a ready to drive platform when you finish the engine swap. You will learn a lot about auto mechanics and how the Z car functions as well.

 

 Useful Links:

http://zhome.com/

http://www.atlanticz.ca/

http://www.classiczc...com/index.html/

http://www.zcarparts.com/

http://www.blackdrag.../zZxCatalog.htm

http://www.arizonazcar.com/

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/index.html

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Welcome. You chose a great year of Z to begin your journey . Like others will tell you, there's really not much that hasn't been done here on HybridZ, so spend some time going thru the many threads from those that have been there/done that..... :)   http://forums.hybridz.org/forum/38-faqs/

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