I have a chance to buy a 280zx for $300. It has some body and mechanical issue that I don't have much of a problem with, but thte owner also said that it sometimes starts and sometimes doesn't. It just happens that when I went to see it, it did not start. Do these car have a common problem that can cause this and I also don't know much about these cars. I do guys think this would be a good start to my first track car?
No crank, or crank no start?
1) They have all kinds of problems that can cause it, and personally, I think occasional starting is worse than NEVER starting. As far as troubleshooting at least. You'll have to figure out why its not starting. I'd start at the starter. Does it have voltage while cranking? If not, started solenoid. If not, wiring? Grounds? Starter switch?
Is it cranking and not starting or just not starting at all?
Litlte more info here would go a long way.
2) No it would not make a good track car. 280z's are not ideal track companions. Less than terrific suspension (compared to newer Z's), old, heavy (compared to older ones), finding parts in junkyards and etc can prove troublesome especially if youre somewhere north of the sunbelt.
Now, you could spend a lot of time fixing it and have a nice car. they are nice cars. fun to drive. I just don't think it would be good for a first track car where you are gonna want something somewhat reliable that you can replace body parts for when you hit cones and tirewalls, something stiffer that has a better chance of protecting you in an accident, something with reliable handling (the old Z's had "interesting" rear suspension designs that can lead to hairy moments).
Now, on the other hand, if its $300 and you can get it running for little more than that and it needs little else, it would be a good cheap chance to trailer it to and from track events and beat on it because even if you total it, youre only out $300. My guess though, from what you've said, is that its gonna need some work.. and I'd pass.
As much as I like them, it's not a good platform for your first track car. There's not nearly enough aftermarket support especially in the suspension department. Tokico canceled the 5-way Illumina's for the rear several years ago and the only reason the fronts are still available is because they're the same strut for another "more popular" application.
They're heavy as far as early Z's are concerend, the suspensions are uninspiring. even though they are the pinnacle of the L6 power plant development which is why the motors are so popular in 1st gen Z cars, they aren't for everyone.
Having just been involved in a complete restoration and another "in-progress" resto-mod, they're just not a good start as a track car and I'm using one for our 24hrs Of Lemons entry.
http://blog.ricerocketracing.org
I'm going to be a parrot here and say... Miata...
I heard that the computers decompose and cause problems, but as far as I know they run bosch L-jet which is reliable on bmws and alfas so who knows. There is tons of info on line for L-jet troubleshooting and tuneup though.
Thanks for all the input. Since I'm not looking for a 24 of LeMons car and I have all winter to keep my eye open. (not much racing in Iowa during the winter months) I'm going to pass on this car and look for a better car. If anyone is interested in this car, let me know and I will get you the info. It is located in eastern Iowa.
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