Whats it worth? 83 280zx Turbo.

[Guest jbbatten21]

First off I just wanted to say I have been hanging around this forum ever since I bought my 73 240z over a year ago. This forum helped me with many of the problems I have had with my Z and has given me many hours of contemplating and dreaming of what I should do next. Recently the engine in my Z, a stock 2.4 bottom end with some mild headwork and a fairly aggressive cam, had developed a tapping in the top end followed soon by what seems to me as a spun main bearing. I have been contemplating the idea of an engine swap and have found a donor vehicle. Its a 1983 280zx Turbo that is complete with some significant body damage. The engine and drivetrain are in running order and are said to have approx. 70k miles. My question is, what should I expect to pay for this donor vehicle given the parts I need for it consist solely of an engine transplant? My daily driver is a F-250 psd that runs from 0-60 in under 6.5 secs, and has turned me into somewhat of a horsepower junkie and I don't want to dump any money into rebuilding my L24 when I have the option of gaining more horsepower. I would also like to have the luxury of fuel injection as I am not much of a tuner when it comes to carburators. This car is not a daily driver, although it will see its fair share of streets when it is road worthy. I was also wondering what transmission and rearend was offered in this year 280zxt. Would this be a good candidate for an engine donor or should I just hold off on my horsepower desires and rebuild my L24? Thanks in advance for any knowledge you can offer.

[JSM]

If the body is shot then 3 to 500. No more in my opinion. It would make a great donor vehicle especially if it has the 5 speed.

[Ledphoot]

$300 sounds good. You can recoup some of your cash by selling off little things you dont use.. and if you ditch the idea, you can get your money back easily at that price. I'd have to question the true mileage 70k for a 24 yr old car doesnt seem resonable. It is possible but you would think the rest of the car would be nice at that low mileage. I'd also be concerned about how long it has been off the road. Engine seals and such as well as fuel systems deteriorate with age and require freshening up... this can be pricey when you statrt to apply the " Well, while I've got this apart I really should go ahead and do........" policy.

[VinhZXT]

yes 300 sounds really good but who the hell sells a complete 280ZXT for 300 now a day? especially if it's running and with 70K. Keep dreaming. I just sold mine for $1100 and it has 63K miles with some cosmetic problems.

 

The drivetrain and EFI stuffs could easily worth $500. Don't be too greedy. I have a guy locally here with 8 turbo motors sitting in his storage and he wants $1000 each and this is just for the long block without EFI stuffs.

 

My suggestion to you is between 500 to 700 get it. The most important thing is do a compression test to make sure the motor is still healthy. The reading should be in the 140's PSI. Good luck

[DCZ]

I agree with Vinh on this one. If the engine has good compression, good turbo and you can swap it without having to rebuild it then $500 would be a bargain. ESPECIALLY if it has the 5 speed (assuming you want the manual tranny).

 

I got very lucky and bought my complete turbo parts car for $200. I used the engine, trans, rear end, cv shafts, ECCU, fuel pump, wheels, and a bunch of little pieces. I would have come out happy even if I had paid $1000 for it.

 

I don't know the availability of these cars in your area but I think it would be foolish to wait a year or more to save $500. Once you get into the swap you will be happy to spend that $500 to make things easier and faster.

 

I say go for it - you won't be sorry!