The guy kept the starter on the car I bought so I pulled one from another z. If this one doesnt work, Im wondering if I could use a 81-85zx starter on my 76 z?

Up to '83 (the last of the L6 engines) should work. The newer ones are gear reduction starters that will do the job as well as the direct drive ones.

Up to '83 (the last of the L6 engines) should work. The newer ones are gear reduction starters that will do the job as well as the direct drive ones.

Don't forget the 84 Maxima. The 78-83 (84 if you include the Maxima) are gear reduction and actually do the job better in that they spin faster.