Patcon

I woulg with s30's suggestion. Copper coated, no issue getting them off in the future

This is doable with a 3 liter motor but it takes about 12k to do it unless you are a very gifted engine builder. The head work alone is about 2-3k of that. Rebello or Datsun Spirit build them all the time but the real question is "How fast do you want to spend?" Very difficult for a DIY'er to hit those goals. These cars don't really need 300hp, an honest 200-225 makes them move really nicely without tearing the drivetrain and chassis up

A drive train, a way to cool it, wiring harness, battery and a fuel supply

L28et and tranny is cheap at $1000. You will have way more than that in it trying to go turbo on an L28. You also need the L28et harness and computer or a standalone efi system. Stand alone costs more. Its just easier to buy a rusted out or crashed 280zx turbo and go from there. Unless you want big power, but big power can cost BIG. Watch Copart for a donor...

For a Texan that's right next door!

The barn find dirt actually seems to help the value on BaT. Cleaning it might make it bring less money. Sort of like restoring antique furniture. No harm in making a call if you think you might sell it.

5 1/2 from here

YES!!!

Like I said, it's a unicorn. Possibly the only 350 mile 280z in existence...

If you paid less than 30k you got a very good deal. I would sell it right now if it were me. The market is extremely hot and if the economy slows down, values will fall. Turn it into cash and shop for a really clean S30 of your choice. It wouldn't surprise me at all if you could sell the car for 50-60k in the current environment and the right platform. That is a unicorn...

You are better off money wise just sourcing a donor 280zx turbo. It's a much easier starting point.Take whatever drivetrain pieces you need. You will also be better off with the early 280z EFI fuel tank, which are getting scarce. I can't answer the driveshaft question. I figure that out once the swap is done. Maybe some one will know off the top of their head...

tries to roll forward? or bucks forward like it's in gear? or sort of like an automatic transmission sort of creep forward?

Yeeaaa... I am going with 350 mile car!

Love the man cave!

That was a good idea for a dial indicator mount surface!

I was a little surprised it went that high

It's now in North Seattle and they're getting more reasonable on the BiN $5400 But that rusty hatch suggests bad things! https://www.copart.com/lot/41357899

I thought this was pretty good money. Looks like a nice clean car https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-datsun-280z-20/

I love this forum! ?

I think a short voyage is a better idea!

That does not look like the typical California car

Me too! Best of luck Jim @Zup

Do all you can to document the miles. If it is a 350 mile car, it is extremely valuable for a 280Z. I might be inclined to assemble it and run it through a high profile auction (leave the dust on it!). Then take the proceeds and buy a finished car. or you could put 20k miles on it and it would still be a very low mileage 280Z but you need to be able to verify the mileage. Maybe hire an appraiser to help verify the mileage. It would be worth the extra expense!

That looks like the vacuum advance movement

couldn't watch the video. The play bar moves with sound but no video. I have used a match box dizzy with the standard tach.