Some questions

[Guest The_young_Z]

I have an 81 280zx 2+2, got it super cheap from a college kid that couldn't afford to restore it. Motor and trans run really strong, motor could probably stand a rebuild as I have no clue on what type of maintenance was kept.

Anyways, I've searched through a lot of the posts and only get pieces of answers to my questions. The only real issues that I currently have right now are as follows: Every external light in my car works with the exception of my tail lights. I thought it might be the light switch, so I went ahead and replaced it. (the old one was ... non existent anyways) still nothing. Checked my fuses, and they all seem to be in working order, but I don't have a fuse-box lid. so I'm not really sure what fuses are what. I've seen pics of fuse labels, but most seem to be for a 300zx. Also, is there a secondary fuse panel?

Moving on. I have the r200(?) automatic transmission. I have been driving stick since I started driving, and this is the auto I've ever owned. How hard is it to pull that auto out and put in a manual? is mounting the clutch pedal a pain? And will the transmissions from either a 280, 240, or 300 pretty much bolt right on?

The other question I have is about interior. I checked black dragon for part numbers to see if they match, and unfortunately they didn't have the parts I'm looking for listed. The interior panels for the hatch,will the interior from any other z car fit? our local pap has a 300zx, but I don't want to start tearing it apart until I know if stuff will fit, its a smaller pap, and he can get a little... nasty when he has stuff get torn apart for no reason! =P

So, tail lights/fuses, tranny, interior... OH! and bumper. My rear bumper mounts seem to be uneven. are they hydraulic? one side sticks out a little more then the other, and if they are hydraulic how do I get them even again. that should do it.

Thanks Guys.

Chris

[Hyuri]

First step: download a manual. PDF scans of the factory service manuals can be found at http://xenons130.com/reference.html. You're going to want to start with pages EL-65 and EL-66, wiring diagram and troubleshooting chart for rear and side lights.

 

Interior... If it's a Z31, the seats are a good fit; see this post for specifics. I've heard that the hatch area trim from a Z31 will fit an S130, but the one time I tried at PnP, the rear panel (around the latch) didn't fit properly. None of the other panels looked remotely similar. Might try the center console, if yours is missing/damaged.

 

Transmission is a pretty common swap, but you'll have to find a 280ZX or earlier: something with an L-series inline engine. Look at the ID plate under the hood, as there were both 4- and 6-cylinder Ls. Also be aware that earlier models are more likely to have a 4-speed. The other options involve adapter plates, which can be pretty spendy. Pretty much all the info you'll need is in the manual, with one exception: there's a plate between the crankshaft and flex plate on an auto, you'll need to remove that before you install the flywheel. Useful link.

 

(Caveat: except the interior stuff, I've never needed to do any of this stuff. There are likely to be gaping holes and glaring errors, but it's still a starting point.)

 

(Final note: the most important concept and most powerful tool on this forum is to search. Use Google. Try intentional misspellings. Go through all the results. Make your search more/less specific. Be aware of alternative names for parts. You will be graded on your search abilities. )

[Guest The_young_Z]

Wow! There are grades?! I think I'm gonna pull the panel, and try to fit it on at the junkyard, if it doesn't fit I'll put it right back. One other question I had was heater core... are they different for each model? different wiring harness or anything? Thanks for the info, and the searching commences!