Photography Courtesy Paul Angel/Facebook Marketplace
Is it the best idea to buy someone else’s half-finished project? Probably not, but what about if that project is a widebody Z-car with Dodge van-sourced V8 engine?
Said to both run and drive, the Z-car currently comes fitted with several modifications such as a 3-speed automatic (also from the van), 22-gallon fuel cell, aluminum intake, Edelbrock carbs–and lots of fiberglass body panels, of course.
In total, the seller says they have invested more than $7000 and over 250 hours into the car.
Located in Commerce, Georgia, this 1977 Nissan Z is listed at $14,500.
Having a Z with some rust in the floor these make me a little nervous........
Think he meant $14,500 invested I'll take $7,000?
Great article. God, I love/hate the Z car. Great looks, accommodating a Chevy V8 without issue, and almost as sexy as a super Volvo 1800. Boy was stuff primitive in the 70's. 
How do I add (3) TDO2 Mitsubishi turbos to my 3 liter Volvo 1800e?
I saw the title and said, yes, yes I do. Then I saw the pictures and thought, yeah maybe. Looked at the price and said, Not today Donkey.
This is what the Rotsun should be.
Genuine question, mainly because I'm not super well-versed in the world of V8s, but is there an advantage to using that Dodge van engine? I'm assuming part of the reason is that it could be cheaper than some other options.
In reply to Colin Wood :
The guy wanted to use the MoPar Air Grabber scoop, so he had to have the same brand engine? Mopar Guys are weird.
Honestly, as a pretty Dyed-In-The-Wool MoPar Guy®, I wouldn't swap a small block MoPar engine and automatic into a Z car if I was going to swap a MoPar into one. And if I had a gun to my head, and had to swap an La engine and automatic into a Z car, it surely wouldn't be a 318 and 727 trans.
Maybe he had a Z-car and van sitting around and thought, Why not ? I worked with a guy who has a '70 Mustang in the back yard that he was going to restore, "One day". Then he crashed his 300ZX and next thing you know, he has a Mustang ZX.
HAHA, yes! I too looked at it and said--FOR SURE I WANT THAT!!....until I saw the price, the rust, the Dodge motor (sorry Mopar guys) and, most of all--the 3 speed auto BLECCCH! I personally don't think it's worth the $7000 he has invested, but I would take it off his hands for the princely sum of $3000. LOL Make no mistake, that car will need heaps of work put into it. It does look cool in a '70's or '80's kind of way, though. The fiberglass Pantera rear hatch panel is the most expensive thing on that car BTW.
Personal pet peeve: Swapping out the taillights for *gasp* Corvette taillights!?! You want a 'Vette, brother? Then buy one. Don't change that car into a wannabe Corvette by doing that. 
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