80ZX 10th Anniv. Restoration: Need Advice, Opinion

[Gold80ZX]

First, is there a market for this Limited Edition car? 

In my restoration efforts, should I endeavor to keep it bone stock, or make improvements to the engine and drivetrain, interior etc., have fun with it? 

Or, should I try to restore it, keeping all the 1980 emissions intact, free of headers, etc?

3 groups/philosophies:

Of course there are the “purists”, that would pay top dollar for a perfect car. At the moment, I’m a long way off from satisfying those guys; due to paint and body, and undercarriage, floor pan. 

The next level down may be interested, because the car is “complete”, and in pretty decent shape, runs great. 

And  finally the next level, would be shooting for the group that only cares about the “ZX”, and NOT the limited edition 10th anniversary model. I could make sensible mods and upgrades: make it a fast, reliable, good handling, daily driver, and even quite a bit of fun at the track. 

I don’t necessarily need to sell it, unless it just makes sense to do so. 

If I keep it, I will probably want to make it a fun, daily driver.

I’m trying to decide between these three groups, because the car could  fit into any of these three groups.

This initial decision (“premium stock”, “as- is stock”, or “resto -mod”), will THEN determine where the time, and energy, and effort, and money go. For example, at the moment, I have removed the old rusty exhaust system from the catalytic converter rearward, and I need a new exhaust system; and so if I’m going to go with the headers and some engine upgrades, that will determine whether or not to abandon the “bone stock” idea. 

So you see where I’m going with this post. 

I have enjoyed restoring it up to this point, but I’m to the point now, where it’s running quite well, and I need to make these other, more comprehensive decisions.

Your thoughts?

[G-Tech]

I would say it's better to replace things like the exhaust with a better exhaust or replace suspension with better than OEM parts....the turbo model was the top notch option for zx's...if it was a turbo model and not already modified, then I would say it's best to keep it pure for resale value....the 280zx isnt getting alot of appreciation and unless its absolutely original, I dont see anyone paying top dollar cause its 10th aniv.

It also cost alot to make a zx pretty fast with horsepower and all that. So you wont get your money back.

I think someone will pay respectable money for a good running one with mild upgrades...

That's my 2 cents anyway

Edited June 7, 2020 by G-Tech

[Gold80ZX]

Thanks...totally agree!