1976 Datsun 280Z review from North America
"Good, inexpensive GT"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Starter went bad; replaced this with a re-manufactured starter.
Interior was in poor condition and is being repaired, slowly, but surely.
The brakes need some work. They are functioning, but probably has a vacuum leak.
Valve guides are going to need replacement soon. PCV clogged and was replaced.
Injector is leaking. Will need to be repaired.
General comments?
I had a friend in high school who had a 280Z. I thought about a 240Z, I decided against it because I did not want to deal with a carburetor. I decided against the 260Z because of the poor reviews (i.e. too much weight, not enough power). I did not want to move to the more complex 280ZX or 300ZX (expensive too!), so the 280Z was the best fit for me. It is fuel injected, easy to work on (love the straight six!) and fun to drive. I get very frustrated with it, but I am still committed to restoring it.
DR Z is my license plate (I have a PhD). Look for me around Indiana! Hopefully my the Indy Z-Car Club will have another event at the speedway so I can take her around the famous 2 mile track!
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| She's the bee's knees, Mac |
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| 1975 - 280Z 2.8 liter, fuel injected One of the best sports cars of all time |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1976 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8L L28E Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 146200 miles |
| Most recent distance | 146600 miles |
| Date of Entry | 5th February, 2003 |