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Things I wish I knew before I started! Next step will be to put everything back in place but leave the cover off the harness plug and do some wire-wiggling/tapping that way. Starting this way would have been the Pro-Move™ Live and learn...

I think all the regulars have missed you, Philip. I'm hoping you and Janet stay well.

Well done @Captain Obvious another one saved! I did the same with my August 1970 that languished in a garage from 1983 to 2018. Engine was seized and brakes stuck on. Dragged it home and rebuilt the suspension/brakes and got the engine going. I use it as my beach bomb to go windsurfing. One day I'll restore it but until then it gets used.

I'm loosening up in my old age

It does help! Thanks very much!

Come on now!!!😂

Dodged a major bullet my friend!

http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6836.jpg Frank’s 1978 Datsun 280Z features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, full suspension refresh, 240Z bumper conversion and Panasport wheels. Before we dive into the work let’s see how Frank found the right Z car… http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6791.jpg FRANK: My best friend (shout out to Mike Springer) in high school had a 77 Datsun 280Z and that is where my love affair began. I’ve owned a 260 and 510 back in the day and always told myself I’d have a really nice Z one day. Just before covid, I saw NASSTY Z (show below), driving around south San Jose and got a chance to ask the owner (James) where he had his work done. He mentioned Z Car Garage. Note to self. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6508.jpeg When covid hit I ventured out on my own and found a 240Z to start my project. Took it to Z Car Garage and got the worst news ever. Turns out the bones were no good and ended up losing money and the fire to keep going. About 2 years later the fire came back. I hit up Rob and told him I needed his help. We talked about what I wanted and we picked a car that Rob had in his possession for many years. A one owner, blue 1978 280Z with 58k original miles. Rob was waiting for the right person to come along…and that was me. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2530972371233137455.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN5760.jpg ROB: A few years ago I bought a low-mile 1978 Datsun 280Z from the original owner. I worked on this car since I was in my 20s and it sat dormant. Got it up and running and just kinda hung out here waiting for a friend, and that friend was Frank Moody. Let’s backup. I met Frank in 2021 when he bought a 240Z that was in bad shape. Even though we had not met before I told him straight up this isn’t the Z for you. Let’s move on and wait for the right one. Frank bought the 280Z and we started working on his vision. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screen-Shot-2025-07-23-at-10.43.01-AM.png Maybe it was fate, as Frank saw this 280Z featured in one of Larry Chen’s Autofocus episodes back in 2020. The video highlighted ZCG client Trevor’s 1978 Datsun 280Z , and soon-to-be Frank’s 280Z is examined as a great canvas to begin one’s journey as an alternative to the 240Z. Let’s dive in to the work performed to help Frank achieve his vision for the Z… Suspension http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RR-41719-148-e1563915079732-1024x591.jpg The suspension was refreshed with a full Techno Toy Tuning coil-over package done in ZCG black finish, with Koni dampeners , T3 control arms, tension rods, ball joints, rack bushings and new F/R wheel bearings. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RR-41719-155-1024x768.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9090.jpg Z Car Garage Big-Brakes We are proud to have several of our ZCG products on Frank’s 280Z. We installed our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) which have the been standard on numerous ZCG builds. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RR-41719-138-e1563913666121-1024x594.jpg As fellow S30 owner/racer Glenn C mentioned in his review, on top of braking performance, pedal feel is extremely important and our Big-Brakes deliver. This is a direct result of working with Stoptech to create a totally bolt-in solution requiring no M/C change or additional proportioning valve/adjustments. All fitting behind a 15″ Watanabe or Panasport wheel and retaining factory emergency brake lever! A few details below: Calipers: Stoptech ST42 4-piston front & rear race calipers (Alum 6061 mil-spec Type III anodized) Rotors: 280mm x 20.6 with Alum 7075 hats Pads: Stoptech 309 sport street pads Frank’s stock disc/drum brakes were removed and we installed our ZCG Big-Brake kit. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_8416.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSCN1081-1024x768.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSCN1119-1024x768.jpg At the rear, the factory drum brakes were replaced with our ZCG Big-Brakes. New OEM Nissan master cylinder and Factory handbrake functionality IS retained! http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSCN1080-e1571368581325-768x1024.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_8439.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6819.jpg 240Z Bumpers Frank wanted to clean up the exterior lines and replaced the large, factory 5-mph bumpers with chrome bumpers from a 240Z. We installed aftermarket F/R bumpers and our man William laid down some new paint. Side trim was also removed. Enjoy the before/after photos with more in the gallery below: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF1520.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6820.jpg Up front: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN3301.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6814.jpg Panasport Wheels http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6831.jpeg Complementing the new Big-Brakes on Frank’s Z are Panasport wheels! We installed 16×7 Panasports and Falken Azenis tires in 225/50/16. The Z was fully aligned, and you can also see the ZCG exhaust system below: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6847.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6848.jpg Engine We knew the car would be stopping and handling better than before, so next up was the engine bay. A Koyo race aluminum radiator with upper and lower hoses was installed to keep temperatures in check. Other than cooling and fuel system work, the engine was largely untouched to maintain factory reliability. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9105.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DSCN5838-1024x768.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2360.jpg We replaced intake and exhaust manifold gaskets with factory Nissan parts with a few ZCG tricks like our exhaust nut and exhaust studs. The exhaust manifold was replaced with a 6-into-1 header and EGR kit leading to our ZCG exhaust system with stainless resonator and slash-cut tip. The injectors were replaced and A/C system re-charged. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2374.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2380.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2370.jpg We refreshed the gas tank and replaced the fuel sender, did all the vapor hoses in the back: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2440.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2420.jpg Dyno Tuning http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_7036.jpeg With Rob’s dyno tuning the L28 with OEM EFI made 140hp/157tq at the wheels: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Frank-M-280Z-1.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9111.jpg VIDEO: Frank’s 280Z on the dyno and on the street, volume up and enjoy! Details http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN4055.jpg The hatch seals were replaced with new pieces: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN4041.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN4058.jpg Enjoying The Ride http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6856.jpg FRANK: She’s a beauty. Goes by the name of Bluezy. Rides like a dream. Stops on a dime. And every time I go for a ride I feel like a celebrity. I get a lot of smiles and a lot of thumbs up! And always a great conversation starter. Best memory so far was taking her on a couple parade laps as Sonoma Raceway. Also a couple months back my buddy Ryan who owns a 1600 Datsun roadster took our cars to the Cars And Caffeine car show. We were 2 of maybe 4 Japanese cars there. Felt good to represent Datsun. And was proud to show off my Z Car Garage product. Both Datsuns were highlights of the show. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_3635.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_4204.jpg The next step for Bluezy is for me to clean up the interior and install my stereo. Then I will need Rob’s help one more time. Would love to then my current motor into a 3.1L stroker. Originally I wanted to flare it out JDM style, but she is so original and so clean I can’t bring myself to cut her up. I want to thank Rob and his team for making my Z dream come true. I will be retiring soon and will enjoy every minute with my Datsun. And when the time is right she will be handed down. My 3yo grandson is already a die hard Datsun fan. I hope Bluezy stays in the family for a long time. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6796.jpg ROB: Frank’s 280Z is born again and so is Frank as he is really enjoying it. He goes everywhere and people comment on it. We just bought a set of Panasports for it so it’s got the full ZCG look. Guy’s got passion . The Datsun world keeps getting smaller and smaller as Frank is neighbors with Bob Hurst, who I worked with since I was in my 20s. Long live the Z! The Last Stop in Braking for your Z http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_0796-1024x768.jpeg Z Car Garage Big Brakes are one of the best systems available for your S30 Z Car with over 200 kits sold worldwide and unanimous positive feedback. See our ZCG Big-Brakes on client cars HERE and enjoy the photos below: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/18D8362F-72E3-4333-9B93-64E358D4D33A.jpeg.f9cd61f6ffd8cbe27b837d78019f54f6-1024x768.jpeghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/787F7E62-6857-4AC6-89E4-B590F5B87D08.jpeg.b70c94f803ef1c021fd5bbec0fa69716-768x1024.jpeg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/66092328_10156590931218985_3475992035666690048_n.jpg.0593296c59f1dde904f485f478cd1b79.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/127527193_10157769971936524_8801442945561963859_n-1024x1024.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/IMG-7110-e1554487563662-1024x1009.png http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/172935914_10158369126456559_6381675403823656815_n-1024x771.jpg Big-Brake Kits Available For DIY Install! Z Car Garage is proud to offer our Big-Brake Kit to Z-Car owners that want to perform the installation themselves. We can ship worldwide and each kit contains everything needed with a comprehensive installation guide. Blog posts documenting all of our customers running the ZCG Big-Brakes can be found HERE. Christopher’s beautiful S30 and his ZCG Big-Brake installation: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Snapinsta.app_435539721_943390077106990_3657023161802754354_n_1080.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/445227761_838943424947498_1127968786987435654_n-1.jpg Our ZCG Big-Brake kit ships with everything needed to install and retains the factory parking brake function. Chris successfully installed the BBK on his Z and they look great behind the 16×8 (zero offset) Watanabe wheels with 225/45/16 Toyo tires. Beyond ease of installation and quality components, our Big-Brakes perform by offering superb pedal feel…everyone that drives our demo Z confirms! This is a direct result of working with Stoptech to create a totally bolt-in solution requiring no M/C change or additional proportioning valve/adjustments. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RR-41719-129-1024x768.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8171-768x1024.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/06B545EB-01C3-4B95-B729-17DB74CE5144.jpg CHRISTOPHER: The car feels planted like never before. Our family also has a fully restored 73 240 that is an excellent OEM example. Where that car feels stable and drives well, there’s no denying the age of its component and it drives like a seventies sports car. The 280 feels like a modern sports car and inspires confidence. The brake pedal communicates exceptionally well and the balance of the calipers bring the z down from speed a rate well beyond most cars today. The light weight of the S30 and the size of the ZCG big brakes is an unreal combo! View the full article

It has been a serious while since I was able to put some actual work in the car. I had some urgent projects on the house to complete, and then I managed to injure my hands, but now I'm back at it again. First, I had to re-install my tank. Since I sold my new fuel tank including rubbers and straps at the Japanclassic, to help somebody get is car running again quickly, I had to wait for a new one to arrive from S30.world. Unfortunately, new straps are currently not available anymore, so i had to go through my set of existing straps to get the best ones for temporary usage: First i had the rubber insulator blocks installed on the tank: And then had it all wrapped to avoid scratches on my brand new tank: And then everything installed. Thanks to my new transmission hoist, this was a lot easier than last time. And last but not least, i had the drain plug installed, which comes with the tank: Next? Front end work. Ever since I had my wobbly bent EU spec front spoiler installed, I was wondering myself which route to go. EU-spec corner valances with the mounting holes for the spoiler, but no holes for the Lower turn signals or other way? After thinking about it for a while, i decided to take the best of both worlds. Some might call it sacrilegious, but I decided to go what appeals the most to my eyes. US spec lower turn signals, but EU-spec front spoiler (which also helps stabilize the car and is not just for the looks). My original thinking was that the US-spec corner valances need to be modified with that "loose-nut" mounting brackets for the lip, but when checking my EU-spec valances, i realized that on the corner valances (unlike the center valance) there is only a simple hole. So the modification of US-spec valances to fit the EU-spec spoiler is simply to drill a 5mm hole in the right place. To get the right place, i made a nice little template from tape. Transferred it from the EU- to the US-valances, and drilled / cleaned it. Unfortunately, I found that on the LH-side somebody had previously drilled holes in the wrong places, for whatever reason. Probably they had some different spoiler installed? I'll leave that to the bodyshop. So everything set to install the spoiler completely? Almost. As you can see, the brackets on my worn out spoilers are quite bent. Some were even completely missing or "fixed" with a bit of backyard-engineering: After I bent all the existing brackets in a more-or-less correct position and installed it back on the car, i have to admit it looks quite good, even though it's still just a completely temporary mock up. I also had my replica US-spec turn signals installed (I will look for some good OEM-ones, as these lack the mandatory E-stamps on it). Which made the iconic, but also a bit ugly, EU-spec turn signals obsolete. Even though I don't think the look is too bad, I always have the feeling that they were just slapped on the car in a hurry, and are held on the bumper with only one nut, so they always look a bit off in their position and are hard to get it right (see previous photo). So I had them removed. The US / Japan spec turn signals always looked much sleeker to me, fully integrated under the bumper. Like intended from their designers. So for the moment, I'll stick to this setup. But I might change back to full EU-spec, if required. During this work, I was also able to fix two previous issues with the front bumper alignment, which is great too. From my point of view, the front-end (everything in front of the radiator support) is completed now. Next I'll focus on some other points. My 2-do list is getting smaller, and I'm happy with every task I can check off. I expect DHL ringing on my door with some nice stuff from Japan every moment, and i have some more things on the way here, so expect another update soon.

I was very lucky to find a full set of 4 carpet clips in a recent parts haul. Never actually touched one, vaguely remember a thread here about them 74995-E4100 Qty 4 in the fiche. Three are nice enough to use, yellow zinc plating is pretty good, but one is a rusty mess. Usable, could just sandblast and spray yellow zinc. I see SS reproduction sets on some of the usual vendors. JDM-car=parts has a OEM refinished group of 7 for $99 USD. Asking $50USD for my set of 4 plus postage.

My mechanic really sucks. Look at the way he set my timing. He argues that everything needs to be subject to trial and error. I know i have a schneider 274f cam installed but 20 degrees?

Know this is an old thread. Nevertheless, while checking the su carb set ups and other things, i found out the last mechanic had set the timing as attached. I do have a schneider 274F camshaft. Shouldnt i have 14 degrees the most? I guess my timing is really out of spec. Mechanic set as as shown in the pic. Shouldnt it be lower?

Patrick Bateman's favorite song.

This was a huge help for me since I had no clue about the carbs. I'll also add mine was a hard start too until I adjusted the valves. That helped a lot.

I had one of my masters re-sleeved, due to pitting in the bore. Works great with new seals and been trouble free for over 4 years. I'd rather rebuild and refurbish original components if they can be, newer parts don't seem as well made. Thanks for checking your clamps, I'll go with what was on the Green 5/70 BAT 240Z as it was low mileage and relatively untouched.

Ball joint failure is a real thing. It usually causes major damage and loss of control. So the calculation is about how close a person wants to get to that catastrophe. Which also endangers other people on the road. But in this case, Nissan has given an inspection procedure. If it meets spec. why replace? What's odd is that they say that the ball joint cannot be disassembled, when, obviously, it can be.

This is a spread sheet of what I had couple of years ago when I tried to sell on Facebook. Not many left the building…..

Hey All, I hope someone can help me out, this is a rehash from another Z forum, but I'm spreading it in the hope of finding a solution. I'm in the early stages of restoring a 71 240z and thought a chassis jog would make life easier. As of now, step one is creating headaches, as described below. As of now i have built a chassis jig/frame and am in the process of bolting up my bent 240z to it. And here is the rub. I spent countless hours pouring over the only chassis dimensions document out there. That being the BF-3 204z dimensions PDF. As described previously I was thinking that the dimensions are wrong, or my car is very, very bent. With what I describe below, I don't think the car can possibly be 'that' bent. Some framing of the problem, with a crap pun: I have used four mounting points (described from rear to front): (1) Rear diff mount (not mustachio bar), (4 lateral bolts) (2) Front mount to the rear lower control arm, (4 lateral bolts) (3) Transmission mount, and then (two lateral bolts) (4) Front Strut Tower Top ("A" point). The dimensions (that don't work): (1) Reference point. (2) 465mm from ref. (1). this one is 15mm to short. (closer to 480mm) (3) 1427.5mm from ref. (1). This one lines up. (4) 2381.3mm from ref. (1). This one is 20mm to short. (closer to 2401.3mm) To my point......what the heck is going on here??!! Between point ref 1 and 2 my car is 480mm. In the BF-3 document, there is no reference to a 480mm dimension.... The car cannot be warped by 15mm, it's all structural mounting points. So, what am I missing? Moving on to the dimension between 1 and 4. Again, too short by 15 to 20mm... So, what is the actual dimension? All of the lateral dimensions are correct. I scratch my head. It's great though as it gives me something to talk with my wife about over dinner. Thank you in advance!

I'd love to have quick jacks, but I've used a set of standard plastic ramps for a couple of decades.

I've used common jackstands for years. )n the 280ZX in both front and rear there are obvious places which can support jackstands. In the rear, I slide a floor jack under the differential, lift on it and place jackstands under the places in front of the axle where the suspension bolts to the underbody. it's not hard to find stout places that can support the stands. What the factory manual says aren't the only places you can support the car if you're thoughtful about it. In front on my 280ZX, I slide the floor jack under the cross beam beneath the engine, then position the jackstands under the stoutest place in the frame rails with a chunk of 2x4 on top of each jackstand to spread the weight out. On my 280ZX I jack up the front first, then the back. It's low enough that getting much of an angle on either end makes it hard to access the other end. you may have to slide the jack in from the side, not the front or back. Lift carefully. Push on the car and make sure it's stable. Push on it after the jackstands are in place, and double-confirm that it's stable. Patience and thought will yield a safe result.

I love the claims about patents considering that design is very common.

Need both sides

Location and price of the turbo engine

Perfect thank you guys for confirming that for me. Just on the topic of "new" systems and "old" systems I'm currently limited to the Legalis R exhaust pipes product number 750-15414 from fujitsubo themselves and the super Ex headers (510-15037) just to make sure these are the ones that would fit as I didn't know there were older or newer version of the exhaust. see the images for reference

That was me that posted that photo to show him how a cracked or broken guide could cause an oil problem on one cylinder.