I hear you like Datsuns? '76 280z
Discussion
Hey folks, I'm new to the forums after a friend mentioned my car had been spotted in the Yorkshire thread!
I've got a metallic orange Datsun 280z (USA spec) from 1976 running the stock L28 OHC engine and a 4 speed manual box.
I've had the car for a couple of months and have changed the wheels, and moved the mirrors from the fenders to the doors. Some bits of work on the interior and a good clean and polish as well as power steering.
Still a few jobs to do, there are two holes on each fender that are getting filled and painted next week, and the tracking is pulling slightly to the left - hopefully all will be done before the MOT is due at the end of April. Still need to find somewhere that won't frown on a straight through exhaust!!
Happy to answer any questions etc, and the car can be seen in the following Imgur links:
https://imgur.com/gallery/okZ7v - when I first got the car
https://imgur.com/gallery/0C25g - after a clean and drive this weekend
I've got a metallic orange Datsun 280z (USA spec) from 1976 running the stock L28 OHC engine and a 4 speed manual box.
I've had the car for a couple of months and have changed the wheels, and moved the mirrors from the fenders to the doors. Some bits of work on the interior and a good clean and polish as well as power steering.
Still a few jobs to do, there are two holes on each fender that are getting filled and painted next week, and the tracking is pulling slightly to the left - hopefully all will be done before the MOT is due at the end of April. Still need to find somewhere that won't frown on a straight through exhaust!!
Happy to answer any questions etc, and the car can be seen in the following Imgur links:
https://imgur.com/gallery/okZ7v - when I first got the car
https://imgur.com/gallery/0C25g - after a clean and drive this weekend
Rogue86 said:
Absolutely beautiful car - I've even been toying with the idea of swapping the FD for one of these. How do they drive? I love the interior but my biggest fear is that the 'go' doesn't match the looks!
Thanks man - I can confirm she moves 
That being said they are so easy to swap out to an RB26 or a V8 or other crate motor that it really shouldnt be a concern.
Jae-3soteric said:
Thanks man - I can confirm she moves
That being said they are so easy to swap out to an RB26 or a V8 or other crate motor that it really shouldnt be a concern.
Realistically though, how fast are we talking in terms of straight-line speed and how is the handling? I know RB/LS is an option, but not one I would fancy tackling on a 15-20k base car.That being said they are so easy to swap out to an RB26 or a V8 or other crate motor that it really shouldnt be a concern.
For all my FDs faults, it's incredibly easy and relatively cheap to go fast!
Jae-3soteric said:
miniman said:
Lovely, fantastic colour. Not sure about the wheels but each to his own and all that.
Yeah I've changed the wheels from the deep dish shotokans for the Gunmetal Rotas which do age the car more appropriately. Rogue86 said:
Realistically though, how fast are we talking in terms of straight-line speed and how is the handling? I know RB/LS is an option, but not one I would fancy tackling on a 15-20k base car.
For all my FDs faults, it's incredibly easy and relatively cheap to go fast!
Well out have to remember she is 40 year old. But she will do 60 in about 6.5 and easily does over a ton in 4th at 5k revs. Sometimes it's about being fast enough and looking great. For all my FDs faults, it's incredibly easy and relatively cheap to go fast!
Handling is great, very heavy at low speeds without power steering like any older car, but once you are up to speed she positively dances. Easy to catch in a slide and you can point her exactly where you like.
The cars had a great racing and rally pedigree back in the day. Modern cars obv do better but you can't beat the charm of an old classic. The smiles per gallon count is high.
Jae-3soteric said:
Well out have to remember she is 40 year old. But she will do 60 in about 6.5 and easily does over a ton in 4th at 5k revs. Sometimes it's about being fast enough and looking great.
Handling is great, very heavy at low speeds without power steering like any older car, but once you are up to speed she positively dances. Easy to catch in a slide and you can point her exactly where you like.
The cars had a great racing and rally pedigree back in the day. Modern cars obv do better but you can't beat the charm of an old classic. The smiles per gallon count is high.
Sounds like my cup of tea...maybe I should go find one to test drive and see how it fits Handling is great, very heavy at low speeds without power steering like any older car, but once you are up to speed she positively dances. Easy to catch in a slide and you can point her exactly where you like.
The cars had a great racing and rally pedigree back in the day. Modern cars obv do better but you can't beat the charm of an old classic. The smiles per gallon count is high.
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