Guest Anonymous Posted July 13, 2003 Share Posted July 13, 2003 I've had this 1982 280ZX n/a for the past 15-years and it's really just a 2nd car that rarely gets driven. But now I'm toying with the idea of taking it to some performance specialty shop to get a few upgrades for some increase in torque/HP. However, I really know nothing about cars. I'm in CA so whatever I do, it needs to be able to pass smog. How much do the typical street-mods cost? I was thinking maybe sinking $3,000 to $5,000 for some upgrades and am not sure if that'll do much at all. Any tips you guys can provide? Maybe areas I should concentrate on or upgrades that might be pressured onto me that I should avoid? I'd prefer to see gains in quickness and can care less about top speed performance...I'd probably just kill myself. Here's a link to a picture of my baby: http://members.cox.net/barking.pig/images/280ZX_1982.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudge Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 Get a turbo engine to throw in, or get a smog exempt platform to work with. Your "other" option is to stick a V8 in there with all the smog equipment from the donor vehicle, and stick with a mild cam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 I'm leaning towards dropping a turbo engine into my car. I have no clue who can do this in the San Diego area though. I would love if they can add a few extra bells and whistles to the engine as well and I'd be happy with 250 horsepower if that can be achieved. $5,000 would be the max I'd want to pay right now and am not sure if this would cover what I'm looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 15, 2003 Share Posted July 15, 2003 Anyone know who in the San Diego area can do this? The turbo engine rebuild and swap into n/a 280ZX? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zcarsmakemyheadhurt Posted July 16, 2003 Share Posted July 16, 2003 Damn, I wish I was on your side of the USA. I have a combination and would love to get my hands on that virgin ZX. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David K Posted July 16, 2003 Share Posted July 16, 2003 Anyone know who in the San Diego area can do this? The turbo engine rebuild and swap into n/a 280ZX? Plenty of guys up here in the LA area that would do it if you leave your z with them for a few days! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 16, 2003 Share Posted July 16, 2003 David, LA isn't too far of a drive for me. I'm in N. County...specifically, Oceanside. It's also a 2nd car, so I can be without it for a bit. If you can provide names and phone numbers I'd appreciate it. My e-mail is barking.pig@cox.net. I don't have the engine yet, so I can't have it done right away (unless the place can easily get hold of a turbo engine.) Before I find an engine, I have to know who can do this and who I think can do it right. Zcarsheadhurt, why would you want my "virgin" ZX? Do some people prefer the n/a over the turbo? You say you have a combo, does that mean turbo dropped into n/a...if so, did it not go well? -Steven Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zcarsmakemyheadhurt Posted July 16, 2003 Share Posted July 16, 2003 My combination works well, most of the time I do a turbo and fuel injection package that coveers all bases. I like the virgin car because it is a fresh start, never been tampered with. You can spend your money on the right parts and have lots of fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 16, 2003 Share Posted July 16, 2003 Zcars, I understand now. Yeah, mine is a complete virgin, everything stock. And I think the body is in better condition than most out there and why I want to keep this one but drop a new engine into it. Plus, the wife gives me the go-ahead! I'd love to hear the details about your turbo/EFI package. I'm two left-hands when it comes to engines and really understand little and the more advice and suggestions I can get from someone familiar with what I want to do, the better. I'd like to get 250HP and think I need upgraded EFI, Intercooler, Upgraded turbo (with adjustable boost hopefully, or running about 13-15 psi), Rising Rate fuel regulator and some work on the exhaust. I've spent a lot of time researching the many sites, but it seems there is no true "menu" of items that is needed or should be done that I can follow which really makes my head spin...there are just so many variations going on out there. All the help I can get is greatly appreciated. This will get done, but I hope it gets done right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 17, 2003 Share Posted July 17, 2003 I found a place that will drop a turbo engine into my NA 280ZX. However, he indicated the addition of an intercooler wouldn't be street legal in CA. Can anyone verify or debunk this? I'd like a little more boost than just a couple PSI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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