Replace the T/C rod bushings and that tendency to dart over bumps will go away entirely. I just went with rubber bushings used by SCCA back in the day and I don't think my 280 has ever tripped over a bump since.
The 240/260/280z is top of my bucket list. The are such fantastic looking cars, not too big, moddable, not silly money (although they're heading that way), straight six...love them. Not yet had the chance to drive one though.
You hit the nail on the head with your comment about how important steering and a good gearbox are in making a car stand out as special. Hence my hatred of transaxle Alfas! :)
Good to see you put something on for bumpers. They look like a project car with the bumpers missing especially in the back with all those holes in the rear valance panel. I disagree with the "california emissions strangling the motor" You probably had the original fuel injectors that were worn out and a stretched timing chain reducing power. The car was rated at 170 gross hp but only had 110-125 hp at the wheels.
I spent many a miles in a blue 1978 280z 2+2. My uncle bought it new and then years later he gave it to my cousin as his first car. Oh the craziness that we got into as teenagers
“The paint is flat, the dash is cracked, but it is rust free.” Sounds familiar, my E28 which I picked up in Spain fits that description too.😁 Brilliant Datsun, must be a hoot to drive.
Ha ha Carl has hit the nail on the head with that comment!!! Just goes to show you don't need to take on a second mortgage to have an absolutely cool head turning sports car 🙂 , great video Jack 👌👍
Agreed. I thought I was the only one 😂 I'm thinking about buying a 280zx, but the way the steering wheel is, I can't rest my thumbs to hold the wheel properly, so maybe I'll swap it.
Now this is class simply gorgeous wouldn’t change a thing brilliant conversion so glad he’s got the right wheels on it and not bloody put it on airride which I hate this is top notch 👌🏻👌🏻
Beautifully shot opening sequence. I am really looking forward to driving a Z one day (although I will probably use the steering wheel as intended ;) ).
I’ve always loved these cars, especially with the flared wheel arches, which I’m not always a fan of. They look great on the 280z and also the Mk1 MR2. I don’t suppose I’ll ever be able to own one though.
@@elviseleven11 lol I forgot about this comment update I guess car runs but no work put into it at all I got a e46 bmw been loving that want to fix the Z but just don’t have the $ for it for a 21 year old me and my dad want to fix it but don’t have the $ well I do but I invest more then Try to spend make when I’m 30 I’ll own 3 240z😉
10 inch wide all the way around.. 7in wide is what the racers in the 70s and 80s ssid were the max. Width for that chassis. That would take care of steering
I had a 1974 260Z with 240 Hitachi carbs - awesome sweet revving engine and Janspeed Exhaust - Being a twat I sold it. Felt like you were sitting on the back wheels - one of those cars that gives far more than expected.
I had lots of 260's and 280's in the early 80's. Sold them all and didn't buy another until 1998. I call it my midlife crisis car. Still have it today and glad i kept it. Its a very nice 78 california car.
In the 80s in California you would spot 10 on a quit day. Best thing about US 260 and 280 they were 2 seaters, in Uk 240z was last 2 seater z car uk 260 looked a bit boat like as 2+2 and longer wheel base. They were more than 80bhp, more like 120,uk 260 had 150 and flew, buckets of torque lovely long second gear,friend had one in 80s, rust killed them here, made Italian cars look solid, Datsun 160j boot skin would peel of with rust, funny
Rewatched after 5 months.I noticed again the tires were way to big for this chassis.And as a road car everyone builds an over built car...then faults the car design. With proper parts selection.. These cars are a blast. Build it to extremes in any direction...that is far from the the cars fault. Considering the car won lots of off road races around the world in rally and safari driving....the car can be built successfully for dirt roads .Fitting a subaru LSD is a common racer mod that is idea for rwd rally work , in vintage classes. Or if you live on dirt roads. Even then they rallyed them on 205 75 14 tires. Im building a low resto mod street 280Z and an raised off /on rally 240Z both for road use no racing . They are fitted with 15x 7 rims 205. 50 15 on the lowered car and 205 70 15 A/T all terrain tires for the rally Z. Rally Z a 4barrel carb and manifold. The street lowered Z triple 40mm for the "song" of driving. Both have subaru lsd and L28 motors the rally has a four speed like the factory rally cars did and the low Z has a 5 speed. Its about pure driving fun. Did you see that smile on his face driving a Z for his first time? All Z drivers get that ....like the owner here........smiling on the inside...
Well, XXVII, the opening sequence, all fifty seconds of it, is simply sublime. The remainder is more of an acquired taste. However, if two old farts talking bollocks is your cup of tea, then you'll be in heaven. At least, XXVII, you know how to hold a steering wheel; your partner's driving technique is simply horrible. Stick with your Frogeye, it's far better than this curate's egg. As usual, an excellent video that's swept along by your infectious enthusiasm, and a stunning opening. I'm sure you do the opening shots simply to piss-off Cletus, who claims to be a camera wizard, although, apparently, only in porn films. Clovis was his fluffer, that's how they became such firm friends.
Replace the T/C rod bushings and that tendency to dart over bumps will go away entirely. I just went with rubber bushings used by SCCA back in the day and I don't think my 280 has ever tripped over a bump since.
The 240/260/280z is top of my bucket list. The are such fantastic looking cars, not too big, moddable, not silly money (although they're heading that way), straight six...love them. Not yet had the chance to drive one though.
You hit the nail on the head with your comment about how important steering and a good gearbox are in making a car stand out as special. Hence my hatred of transaxle Alfas! :)
Exactly the next project car that I've had in mind for years. Thanks for the inspiration. Now to find a clean one in Texas.
Christ, that 280Z looks mega! Always loved these. Those minilites suit it perfectly.
Love the intro too... and the out takes :)
Ive always loved these since I was a kid, one of these might be my next car
That would be a great choice chap!!
All a Two Seater ever needed to be, and iAm stating such as one that was given, by his daddy, & drove a 1981 Red Corvette as a 16 yr old in 1987.....
Gorgeous sounding Uber cool looking car. Takes me back to my childhood, 240 and 260 Z . Sound like a sixties Aston. Keep them coming 😀
Good analogy!! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it Robert!
Good to see you put something on for bumpers. They look like a project car with the bumpers missing especially in the back with all those holes in the rear valance panel. I disagree with the "california emissions strangling the motor" You probably had the original fuel injectors that were worn out and a stretched timing chain reducing power. The car was rated at 170 gross hp but only had 110-125 hp at the wheels.
Very nice build, almost Akuma no Zetto.
And I like the chaos in the back of the car :)
I spent many a miles in a blue 1978 280z 2+2. My uncle bought it new and then years later he gave it to my cousin as his first car. Oh the craziness that we got into as teenagers
“The paint is flat, the dash is cracked, but it is rust free.”
Sounds familiar, my E28 which I picked up in Spain fits that description too.😁
Brilliant Datsun, must be a hoot to drive.
Love all Datsuns. I have a 240Z, 280Z 2+2 and a Z31 1st generation 300ZX non aspirated.
Nice production, really enjoyed it.
Thank you Tom!
This is how to roadtest Sports cars without background music to really appreciate it's amazing sound and drive capabilites.
Great vid the start great cinimaphotpgraphy with music very professional gday from #80👍🏻
Yes memories 👍👍.
Such a cool motor
Ha ha Carl has hit the nail on the head with that comment!!! Just goes to show you don't need to take on a second mortgage to have an absolutely cool head turning sports car 🙂 , great video Jack 👌👍
Thanks buddy.. indeed if I did not have the Evora still I would very much condor this!
Number27 maybe in the future then, I'm sure what ever you get next will be cool 😉
I've owned 5 zed cars including a 240 z a 260 z coupé 2 280 zx turbos and a 300 zx TT.. totally underrated cars cheers from new Zealand😀😀😀
Daniel Thomas which one was your favourite / the best?
Thankyou for holding the wheel correctly!
Agreed. I thought I was the only one 😂 I'm thinking about buying a 280zx, but the way the steering wheel is, I can't rest my thumbs to hold the wheel properly, so maybe I'll swap it.
Love that look. And as for the gearbox, if you haven't tried one before, the rest of a well sorted 200sx is a delight too 😉
Yes, I definitely need to get hold of one!!
Now this is class simply gorgeous wouldn’t change a thing brilliant conversion so glad he’s got the right wheels on it and not bloody put it on airride which I hate this is top notch 👌🏻👌🏻
True.
totally agree Paul!!
Sweet 🧁 ride
Beautifully shot opening sequence. I am really looking forward to driving a Z one day (although I will probably use the steering wheel as intended ;) ).
Ha!! can't wait to see yours finished!!
I’ve always loved these cars, especially with the flared wheel arches, which I’m not always a fan of. They look great on the 280z and also the Mk1 MR2. I don’t suppose I’ll ever be able to own one though.
I actually own a 1971 Datsun 240z I can’t wait to start working and working on the car only a teen so I’m happy
As a teen you are so lucky to own a fab car like that Carl!! Keep me posted on your progress!!
@@elviseleven11 lol I forgot about this comment update I guess car runs but no work put into it at all I got a e46 bmw been loving that want to fix the Z but just don’t have the $ for it for a 21 year old me and my dad want to fix it but don’t have the $ well I do but I invest more then Try to spend make when I’m 30 I’ll own 3 240z😉
Sounds lovely
Totally does and the sound just did not come across properly on the video!!
Lovely!
Absolutely love the car 👌🏽myself personally would get it painted 👨🏽🎨 but it’s not mine and if he’s keeping it then it’s value is how he uses it👍🏽
Part of the charm is the fact the paint is 'patina'd' ... but its an individual thing. thanks for watching JB
10 inch wide all the way around..
7in wide is what the racers in the 70s and 80s ssid were the max.
Width for that chassis.
That would take care of steering
Lovely car
Cheers doc... agree. Lets do yours soon!!
That would be a nice addition to your garage...
It certainly would.. still have the Evora though
I had a 1974 260Z with 240 Hitachi carbs - awesome sweet revving engine and Janspeed Exhaust - Being a twat I sold it. Felt like you were sitting on the back wheels - one of those cars that gives far more than expected.
AHHHGGH.. regrets of cars we wish we had kept!!
I had lots of 260's and 280's in the early 80's. Sold them all and didn't buy another until 1998. I call it my midlife crisis car. Still have it today and glad i kept it. Its a very nice 78 california car.
In the 80s in California you would spot 10 on a quit day. Best thing about US 260 and 280 they were 2 seaters, in Uk 240z was last 2 seater z car uk 260 looked a bit boat like as 2+2 and longer wheel base. They were more than 80bhp, more like 120,uk 260 had 150 and flew, buckets of torque lovely long second gear,friend had one in 80s, rust killed them here, made Italian cars look solid, Datsun 160j boot skin would peel of with rust, funny
Oh yes! Get one Jack!!
I'm with you Carl I'd love to see Jack get one these !
Will you sell it and how much?
Definitely his type of car i think!
I think he's been offered £25K for it already but not taken it
Would love this.. but still have the Evora!
Interesting watch
You need to drive it on Italian Freeway or a dis used Airport to get a actual reading on its perfomance
Checked off bucket list.. .youtube 280z project in motion
You’ve got one? Thanks for watching!
Number27 yes its on my channel
👌
Rewatched after 5 months.I noticed again the tires were way to big for this chassis.And as a road car everyone builds an over built car...then faults the car design.
With proper parts selection..
These cars are a blast. Build it to extremes in any direction...that is far from the the cars fault.
Considering the car won lots of off road races around the world in rally and safari driving....the car can be built successfully for dirt roads .Fitting a subaru LSD is a common racer mod that is idea for rwd rally work , in vintage classes. Or if you live on dirt roads.
Even then they rallyed them on 205 75 14 tires.
Im building a low resto mod street 280Z and an raised off /on rally 240Z both for road use no racing .
They are fitted with 15x 7 rims
205. 50 15 on the lowered car and 205 70 15 A/T all terrain tires for the rally Z. Rally Z a 4barrel carb and manifold. The street lowered Z triple 40mm for the "song" of driving.
Both have subaru lsd and L28 motors the rally has a four speed like the factory rally cars did and the low Z has a 5 speed.
Its about pure driving fun.
Did you see that smile on his face driving a Z for his first time?
All Z drivers get that ....like the owner here........smiling on the inside...
Not sure if your love of tamiya R/C stretches to their static kits but the do a lovely 280ZG (i think) in 1/12 scale.
They not done an RC version over the years? I think one of their early kits was a racing version of the Z?
Number27 i think you might be right there. I seem to remember something.
Number27 looks like it was re-issued back in 2010. Good shout !
280 Zed huh. What does the manufacturer call it a Jagwire?
i drove a rattle trap one.....scary.... Someone had really torn it up
Wheels fittment and tyre specs please! Is he running spacers, or just different ET?
ok, just heard these are Toyos 666 :-)
I know it was a Nissan option, but IMO tacked-on flares look ... tacky. The ITB injection is a good move , though.
Someone please tell me where to get that front lip to fit my 280! I have only ever seen it on 240's
I need one too!
Did you find out where to get it? Is it just added to the stock front?
DS composites in the UK I think
Hi, is this car for sale?
the air dam up front...anyone knows the name and make of it...?!
Look for DS Composites uk
Where is the car? show us then!
great place for a turbo
I found a 280Z, but it looked like it couldnt drive....should I convince my parents to let me at least TRY to get it
Yes!!! But get help from someone who knows about old cars!
100
You mean Rust bucket list
He has the wrong size tyres on the front i have 205 size on the front and it drives perfect .
Not sure why he ended up going so wide on the wheels.. will ask
Well, XXVII, the opening sequence, all fifty seconds of it, is simply sublime. The remainder is more of an acquired taste. However, if two old farts talking bollocks is your cup of tea, then you'll be in heaven.
At least, XXVII, you know how to hold a steering wheel; your partner's driving technique is simply horrible.
Stick with your Frogeye, it's far better than this curate's egg.
As usual, an excellent video that's swept along by your infectious enthusiasm, and a stunning opening. I'm sure you do the opening shots simply to piss-off Cletus, who claims to be a camera wizard, although, apparently, only in porn films. Clovis was his fluffer, that's how they became such firm friends.
MrKeyboardCommando 😂
😂😂😂😂 ahhh KB.. you do crack me up
Well, XXVII, you have been known to bring a wry smile to my lips.😏😏😏
Owner be like.... never letting anyone drive this car again. Uncomfortable !!
That’s not a 280z hot rod. This is! th-cam.com/video/SJuyeHtKdhg/w-d-xo.html
Its a pity he has sacrificed handling and steering weight by putting on overly fat front wheels.
His choice of wheels is limited.. not sure why he went with 10" all round as that does give him v very little wiggle room. will ask
No no no. It's a cruiser not a hot rod