1977 Datsun 280Z Convertible - And away she goes!
We have spent the last few posts going over transformation of a 1978 Datsun 280Z Convertible. What started out as stock with fun tweaks has become an amazing machine!
Driving this car is unlike any other Z we have been involved with in 30 + years. It's a convertible Z with 350hp, high-end brakes, comfortable interior and modern steering. Pulling away from a stop light the car is happy when driven normally and happy when you want to open it up. Actually, its slightly biased toward being opened up. The performance clutch and lightened flywheel are civil but lean toward the higher side of the rpm spectrum. The ball bearing turbo lets you know its spooling and 6,000 rpm comes quickly and the 3" stainless exhaust system has a deep rumble. You feel very comfortable driving this car. It cruises and it hauls ***. It's ready and waiting for what you feel like at any given moment.
The suspension is stiff but still compliant. When you get into the accelerator pedal the tires stay put and deliver the power to the pavement. Brake pedal pressure is a little soft on the front end with enough pedal travel to allow for modulation without locking the Wilwood calipers up. If heavy braking is required, make sure you're belted in!
What a fun car this has been to build when we were actually working on it and not waiting for parts to arrive. Since the majority of parts were custom built, a project like this can find many months of down time, delays and fields of crickets... But all of that patience has paid off. It is a truly incredible machine, and its patient owner has waited with dreams of great things to come. And GREAT they received.
While we are sad to see her go, her owner has welcomed her home with open arms. So what's next on our project list? You'll just have to wait and see…
- A changeup! Meet the 1969 Pontiac Firebird to be ...
- The Gold Medallion-- The Devil's in the details
- 280ZX Turbo - Another project in the rear view mir ...
- Introducing, The Gold Medallion!
- 1983 280ZX Turbo Restoration - Coming Along Beauti ...
- 1956 Mercedes 190SL Convertible Restoration - A ve ...
- 1983 280ZX Turbo Restoration - And so it begins...
- Goodbye 2020 - A Year in Review
- Grandpa's Ford F100 Truck - Always bet on black!
- Grandpa's Ford F100 Truck - and we keep on truckin ...
- Gray 1983 Nissan 280ZX Non-turbo - Let's wrap this ...
- Gray 1983 Nissan 280ZX Non-turbo - We are underway ...
- Gray 1983 Nissan 280ZX Non-turbo - A New Project!
- 1977 Datsun 280Z Convertible - And away she goes!
- 1977 Datsun 280Z Convertible - Here comes the Inte ...
- 1977 Datsun 280Z Convertible - Making this Z fast!
- 1977 Datsun 280Z Convertible - Let the fun begin!
- Something a little different - Cruising In Grandpa ...
- Z Car Source Blog - A Quick Update
- Around the Shop at Z Car Source - Z Car Nostalgia
- Around the Shop at Z Car Source - Tune Up Parts
- Around the Shop at Z Car Source - Front End Troubl ...
- 1973 240Z Restoration - You Say Good Bye, I Say He ...
- And Now For Something Completely Different
- 1973 240Z Restoration - Breaking Out The Debug Spr ...
- Z Car Source Blog - A Day At The Auction
- 1973 240Z Restoration - Wrapping Up The Exterior
- 1973 240Z Restoration - We Check Out Under The Hoo ...
- 1973 240Z Restoration - Working From The Ground
- 1973 240Z Restoration - Body, Prep, & Paint
- 1973 240Z Restoration - Let's work on the Suspensi ...
- 1971 Datsun 240Z - A visit from an old friend...
- 1973 240Z Restoration - On to the Rust Repair...
- 1973 240Z Restoration - Inspecting Major Component ...
- 1973 240Z Restoration - Another One Begins
- 1971 240Z Restoration - The Finished Z car is Beau ...
- 1971 240Z Restoration - Exterior Assembly
- 1971 240Z Restoration - Interior Re-Assembly
- 1971 240Z Restoration - It's Painted and ready for ...
- 1971 240Z Restoration - Bodywork and Paint Prepara ...
- 1971 240Z Restoration - What's Going On Behind the ...
- 1971 240Z Restoration - on to the Suspension!
- 1971 240Z Restoration - next stop: Body & Rust Rep ...
- 1971 Datsun 240Z Restoration - Major Components
- 1971 Datsun 240Z Restoration - A New Project is Un ...