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Holy crap, literally... That will take a week to wash... but at least give it a scrub before it goes to the crusher.

Looks like it was stored under a heron colony.

I didn't really pay attention to the two ballast resistor part. Did you buy the car with the Mallory already installed? I could imagine somebody adding a resistor if they thought the module was overheating from too much current. But it's obviously not what the instructions call for. If it was mine I'd probably start from scratch and wire it up exactly like the instructions say, and make sure that all of the connections, including the distributor ground, were clean and solid. And also measure maximum charging voltage at RPM above idle speed. The external regulators can allow 15 volts when they're working correctly and I assume more if they get out of adjustment. Maybe somebody tried a bunch of stuff to fix/bandaid an overvoltage problem then never removed their attempts after they fixed the real problem.

You didn't buy it??

I've found most automotive electronics don't like being in the 9v range. And yes, conceivably, high resistance could lower the voltage significantly

There was one that sold for 13k this week. I didn't look at it close but if it was a decent driver that would be a good price!

I'm unfortunately working out of town for the past few and next few weeks so I have only weekends to address this issue. Mallory wants me next to my car when the give tech support which makes it difficult. Looking at my notes from last weekend I think there is an issue with a ballast resistor once it warms up. If you look at my sketch in a previous post as reference, with the engine running after making sure the Uni-lite drops its voltage to 1.4V when the sensor is blocked, the voltage into the top resistor (R1) is 13V and out of the resistor to ground is 9.5V. The output from R1 goes to the bottom resistor (R2). R2 shows 9.5V in and 5.9V out. After running the car and letting R2 warm up to 120F, the resistance of R2 is 45 ohms. It previously was 1.7 ohms. So if I measured it correctly (the terminals are a bit hard to get a good electrical connection), the resistance of R2 increases as it gets warm which would drop the voltage to the coil. I should of confirmed this but I can do so on Saturday. Could an increase in R2's resistance cause the voltage to drop to the point where it will not permit the ignition, specifically the Uni-lite, to operate?

I was contacted by a former client that a guy wanted me to look at his 72 that he’s owned since 73! I was glad to go look at it - especially being owned that long by the same guy . I was told he was ready to restore it . When I pulled up to his house I was like - holy $^!# that’s bad . The guy had it sitting in storage and needed to proceed with fixing it up since he was moving . He said a shop quoted him over the phone that it would take 1 year and 60k . I proceeded to let him down . He seemed indignant at first . I told him that sentimental value would be the only reason to even start on this car - and I didn’t think there could be any plausible reason to spend 60k . I also told him the reality that the car would sit at a body shop for 5 years . At the age of 72- he said he might be dead by then . I told him I couldn’t - in good conscience- tell him to invest any money in that car . I said with 60k budget you could buy two Z cars that were nice drivers . In the end he thanked me . He really had no clue about restoration and the reality of that adventure . It did have a crack free dash as best I could tell .

I sold the car and apparently the buyer is sending it to England for restoration.

http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3203.jpg Frank’s 1975 Datsun 280Z features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, full suspension refresh, 240Z bumper conversion and Panasport wheels. Before we dive into the work let’s see how Frank and Patty found their Z car… http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3202-e1760057053453.jpg FRANK: Our 1975 280z was affectionately nicknamed “Charlie” in 1978 when we became the third owners of the car. I was 22 at the time and my parents had promised to help me buy my 1st car when I finish college. My girlfriend Patty accompanied me down to San Jose to look at the car and test drive but more accurately she had to do the test drive of the manual transmission because I only knew how to drive an automatic transmission. I think I made up the story that the 280z was for my “little sister!” From that moment on that Datsun Z became part of our lives. A short while later we drove “Charlie” on a nice day trip to Monterey where I proposed and I even wrote Patty a note promising that if I ever screw up our marriage, the Z is hers. Talk about a unique prenup! http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_4053.jpg Anyway “Charlie” has always been with us often as a daily driver to school, work or sometimes to Sears Point to watch that actor race for Bob Sharp. Servicing was usually done at Z Doctor in Richmond or Hayes Auto in the city but as the years went by and these places closed we started to rely on neighborhood service station mechanics. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_4052.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5553.jpg Fast forward 37 years later, approaching retirement and a big move to San Diego one of my work colleagues who races Miatas asked me if I had ever heard of a fellow vintage racer Rob Fuller who does wonders on Z’s out of his shop Z Car Garage. After exchanging a few photos, Rob agreed to take on a new project. Luckiest day in “Charlie’s” life! http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5558.jpg ROB: Frank was a doctor at a SF hospital and his colleague (Matt) was racing Spec Miata as a newbie while I was racing full-time SCCA in 2022, no longer taking any work in. So through a racing connection I was able to take in their car. We performed extensive work on Charlie: injectors, header, ZCG exhaust system, all hydraulics, clutch, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, heater core, 240Z bumpers, full suspension and 16×7 Panasports. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3201.jpg Suspension http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5534.jpg The suspension was refreshed with Techno Toy Tuning parts done in ZCG black finish. KYB strut inserts with Eibach lowering kit, T3 control arms, tension rods, urethane bump stops, rack bushings, control arm bushings, ball joints , f/r wheel bearings, ST sway bars, mustache bar bushings…everything was powdercoated or zinc plated. Before/After: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6017.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5533.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_6883.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6016.jpg More chassis photos in the gallery below! http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5528-e1758128774892.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6283.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6296-1.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/2025/08/IMG_5627.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/2025/08/DSCN6298.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6011.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5550.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5590.jpg Z Car Garage CV Axles http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/10dd6a9c-56a7-4423-88b4-b1dce5e8b5f8-e1528320750655.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/cvstockvszcg-768x1024.jpg Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. We have over 250 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback. Frank’s ZCG CV Axles set #0047 shown below: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5628.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5629.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5538.jpg New motor mounts, tranny and diff mount. The differential was resealed: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6221.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5537.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3189.jpg Panasport Wheels http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5567-e1758519668800.jpg Complementing the new Big-Brakes on Frank’s Z are Panasport wheels! We installed 16×7 Panasports with 225/50/16 tires and performed an alignment: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3210.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3148.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3185.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5593.jpg Engine http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3178-e1755199810485.jpg We knew the car would be stopping and handling better than before, so next up was the engine bay. Once up and running we found the head gasket weeping. We replaced the head gasket, did the front timing chain set and refreshed the top end: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6352.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6358.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6381.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6357.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6378.jpg A Koyo race aluminum radiator with upper and lower hoses was installed to keep temperatures in check. The heater core was refurbished: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DSCN5838-1024x768.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3179.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6426.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6444.jpg Beyond cooling and fuel system work, the engine was largely untouched to maintain factory reliability. The intake manifold and all associated plumbing was cleaned up and injectors replaced. We replaced intake and exhaust manifold gaskets with factory Nissan parts with a few ZCG tricks like our exhaust nut and exhaust studs. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6387.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6424.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6114.jpg New alternator before/after: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6157.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6404.jpg New evap canister: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6152.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5549.jpg 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. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5540.jpg Engine bay Before/After: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6070.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3176.jpg VIDEO Frank and Patty’s 280Z in action on the street, volume up and enjoy! S30 World Fuel Tank We decided to start fresh with a new S30 World fuel tank. Great product from owners Gustav Oplasnik and Chris Visscher, Z enthusiasts/restorers. All the vapor hoses in the back were replaced and hatch weatherstripping to eliminate fuel smell in the cabin: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5528-e1758128774892.jpg Interior http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5587.jpg Recaro Specialist seats in leather are our favorite upgrade to the S30 interior: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3197.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3184.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3196.jpg Another upgrade to the interior of an S30 is our ZCG sound deadening package. The result is a less tinny sound and almost Germanic-like “clunk” when you shut the doors. All weatherstripping was replaced on Frank’s 280Z: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3236.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCF1385.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3237.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 after our man William closed up all the holes and finished the paint work. Enjoy the before/after photos with more in the gallery below. Rear: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6246-e1758519418102.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5597.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6248.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3199.jpg Front: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_3205.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSCN6249.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_7126.jpg Enjoying The Ride http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_4140.jpg We shipped the Z back to Frank and Patty in their new home down in San Diego. They were super stoked with the ZCG work performed and immediately began driving the car. Their first car show was The Main Street America car show in July put on by the Corvette Club of San Diego. Over 400 cars with a Datsun category. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_5582.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_4108.jpg FRANK: Rob and ZCG basically made our 280Z the awesomest most fun to drive ever. The list of replacements and improvements is too long to list but basically incredible upgrades with ZCG BBK, suspension rebuild with KYB struts springs, new bushings, ball joints tie rods control rods sway bar etc… and ZCG 2.5 exhaust system, ZCG CV axles, all new hoses, Koyo Race radiator with belts and so much more! Cosmetically a new head turner with 240Z style bumpers, beautiful bigger wheels with sticky tires and Recaro seats that are the envy. Again so many upgrades a long list but needed and appreciated. “Charlie” is faster, handles better, brakes with authority and what a tone! Patty and I will always be grateful to Rob for his expertise, Z enthusiasm, honesty and did I mention sweet singing voice. A true pleasure to work with. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_4141.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_4139.jpg Thanks for your support Frank and Patty. Long Live The Z! http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_4103.jpg 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

Well, for a watch in that price range it better be good.. ;)

There's no security problem and a chat bot has not taken over the site. lol Our SSL certificate expired the other day and was renewed within an hour. Basically, cert services can no longer offer automatic certificate renewals and must be manually renewed by yours truly. Our website runs all pages through secure (HTTPS) so none of your data can be viewed by a man in the middle. It takes manual intervention to keep a site like this online. :)

Says it sold for $38K.

Both XenonZcar and Nicoclub have downloadable factory service manuals.

It's fixed. Back to normal programming...

Auction ends in about two hours. Up to $33,333 at the moment. Almost to the $35,000 it didn't sell at before.

I guess you could rotate the switch and see if the blue wire powers up. I cant think of any other reason for it to power up.

I was thinking more about the Spiderman meme of multiple Spiderman’s pointing at each other. But you’re right. Maybe I am a bot….. Maybe you are a bot…… Maybe we all are bots living in the matrix!

Wait..... Mitchel0407... How do we know you're not a bot???? Can you prove you're not AI? Anyone remember the scene from The Thing when they are all standing around accusing eachother? Hahaha!!!

Haha! I doubt that has anything to do with it. I'm sure he's just a busy guy with a job and a family and a car to work on. I don't think he's hiding or has been replaced by an AI. ☺️

I think you rage baited him to hard by calling him out and now he’s too afraid to show his face. At least it’s another rage prone neckbeard AI bot gone from the forum.

I am in the process of restoring a 280z where i will be adding the Rocket Bunny kit. This kit adds 4 inches to the width of the car so i will be adding larger tires. I've been doing research and found a few articles about current builds with this kit and they are running 17x9.5, -15 off set (FRONT), 17/10, -25 offset (BACK). or similar with 16 inch wheels all with the stanard bolt pattern 4:114.3/4:4.5 I am trying to find options and basically cant unelss they are completly custom which i probably dont want to afford. I technically found a way to do it with 5:120 bolt pattern and a more typical offset around +25 but i would be running 50mm spacers which isnt the best idea. I do like the deep lip offset look of the tires which i would lose by doing this. any suggestions?

Forgot to say - are you sure it's really Mike? The chatbots stop responding also. Maybe it's too late. We miss you Mike. 😪

I don't mind the chatbots, I think that it's interesting to interact and see what happens. It would be nice though to have some acknowledgement that they're here. I see them on Youtube comments and people do get fooled. Overall though, I do worry about chatbots scamming people. We're probably on the edge of a big wave of chatbot scams. They already have the AI voices that sound like relatives from a few years ago. Somebody is going to ask an AI model "what's the best way to scam a Z car owner out of their money?" and they're going to get specific instructions.

I don't think that it takes much to lock up a 12 volt DC motor. There were probably a few rust spots sticking that got polished away once you got it spinning. If it was mine I would just use it until there are problems. If it's not making noise and it's pumping how would a new one be better? They're not really precision instruments, they just push as much fuel as they can according to how much voltage they see. The regulator controls the pressure. Should be fine, I'd guess.