My 16 year old daughter just bought two Z's. The 79 to drive and the 83 for parts. I'm a restoration veteran but never on an older Datsun. It has set up for a couple of years but the previous owner was using it as a daily driver when he parked it. Other than getting some fresh fuel into it what should I look for to get it going?

Welcome to the club. You came to the right place. Lots of threads on "waking the sleeping beast" A couple of years really isnt that long of a time compared to most around here.

First you need the FSM which might be available here: www.xenons30.com then I would change all the fluids and filters(dont forget the fuel pump screen/filter), pull the plugs and try to crank the engine over with a wrench. I think its a 22mm on the older Z's, not sure about the 79 and newer.

If she turns freely I would leave the plug wires off and crank it a little bit to get oil moving around the top end. After that put the plug wires back on and keep your fingers crossed.

Good luck.

John

Thanks John. I still have to get the car(s) home first though. I need tires. Then I plan to rent a tow dolly.

What are the differences between the 78 and 79? I found the 78 FSM

I dont know the details but there are many. First of all they are 2 different body styles. The last year of the S30 was 78. Try www.zhome.com. They answer a lot of questions there.

John

What are the differences between the 78 and 79? I found the 78 FSM

The link that John gave is for S30's. Since your car is a 280ZX (S130), you need to look here for the 79 FSM:

http://xenons130.com/reference.html

The link that John gave is for S30's. Since your car is a 280ZX (S130), you need to look here for the 79 FSM:

http://xenons130.com/reference.html

Thanks Stephen. I need to work on my reading comprehension.:stupid:

the fact that you are going to be hooking up your daughter is awesome.