Davey G

Working away on the '78 Z. When driving I have 2 bothersome problems: accelerator is sticky, rather than smooth as I depress it with my foot speedometer is jumpy and erratic when cold, then just a bit jumpy Are these problems related to old cables? Davey G

Not on downshifting, but when going over bumps, etc. The pipe was not routed properly.

I have determined that most of the front bushings will be replaced, along with most of the rear (a few were replaced already). The springs are good (as I had surmised) but all struts are blown. Additionally, the exhaust was not routed properly, and the differential bangs it on the down stroke:ermm:. These items will be fixed within the next week, so I'll report on the differences.

Took possession of the '78 Z today:classic:. Drove it about 40 miles today and it only slipped out twice. I do not have to hold it there by hand. Cruising it was fine. I'll replace fluids all the way around including the differential and see what I've got. BTW, it runs much better now with new plugs and wires, new distributor cap & rotor, and new air regulator. Now I move to new struts (and maybe springs), then weatherstripping and vinyl work. Dash, etc looks great.

What bumper/air damn combo did you use to accomplish the weight drop?

I have this problem with the transmission where it slips out of 5th if I let off of the gas quickly:ermm:. Had this problem on a '69 VW also, but never fixed it. What causes this, and what's the fix? Thanks.

Thanks Jeff. I'll post what I decide...as well as the results. -dg

So, if I want good struts AND good springs do I need to go with new Illuminas and new Tokico springs as well? Would the KYB/OEM spring combo be a waste of money...if it were your money?

Jeff G - I get what you're saying. I do a lot of freeway driving in the Houston area, but when off the freeways it can get rough. Texas highways are very good, but backroads and city streets are a patchwork of concrete, asphalt, and the occasional RR crossing. I've already decided against the poly bushings. If I've got rubber will the Tokico strut/spring set be firm yet forgiving in the conditions I describe, or do I just want to add the KYB G2 to the stock springs? BTW - The stock springs seem to be the right height, no squatting, with about 1" of air showing above the top of the tire if you get my meaning.

Have most found the stock springs good with new Tokico or KYBs? Does the gas shock raise the car with a stock spring? What about the blue Tokico set that includes springs...any good? Do these lower the car? Are they typically very stiff? I want a good balance between good ride and good handling. Opinions? Strategies?

Looks great! About to start on mine. How did you do the seats, full reupholster or kit covers? What method did you choose to refurb the dash?

I'm new to Z cars, working on my first:D. This one feels like it's got '78 suspension parts...all of them shot to hell:ermm:. So refurbing them is first thing I'll do. What should I expect to replace/change to put it back to a good street ride, and what will it cost me? Anything weird to look out for or that needs to be better than OEM? I'll move to interior from there.