Datsun 280zx 10th Anniversary Edition First Start and Drive

This 1980 Datsun 280zx Anniversary Edition was in a barn along with a 2000 ford excursion. We got both of them running and drove them around. This was the first start for this 280zx in about 9 years.
Trevor's Datsun Project:
• Rust Repair and why Z'...
• Removing the rear wind...

[@802Garage]

The KZbin gods have seen fit to recommend me this video a year later. Wow! What a find. The dinger bell is amazing. Engine sounds fantastic. Overall just an awesome car. Definitely enough to make Ronald Finger jealous. And hey, Hoovie might buy the Excursion.

[@PracticallyStock]

The recommended algorithm is an enigma lol Hope to find the 280 a good home!

[@802Garage]

@@PracticallyStock Put it in Cars & Bids or something. 😂

[@gangfire5932]

Ahhh, this takes me back. I had an '82 or '83 painted just like this, but without the 10th Anniversary logos. I'm 6' 5" and it fit me like a glove. And a cassette radio! Wonderful cars, but (a) the power antenna was always the first thing to fail; replaced with a rubber whip antenna, (b) driving them in heavy rain will kill the alternator, since it's mounted so low; something to be careful about, (c) the fuel injector seals typically go next, leaking gas like a sieve. I owned two 280ZX's back to back; fun car to drive.

[@jakerazmataz852]

Man, I was in love with that exact car when it came out.

[@SLEEK888]

Dope find hilarious interior scene

[@richardleighton5009]

Dude did you know that the 1980 Datsun 280zx 10th Anniversary Edition, They only built 3000 of these 2500 were Black and Gold the other 500 were Red and Gold . Awesome fined Man !!!

[@russellnotestine6436]

I had a 1980 280ZX. Drove it hard for lots of years.. no issues. Had to put one clutch in it and about 4 sets of brake pads. Great car. I would have power washed this pig for a few days before beginning to work on it

[@madmeister407]

I had a 1980 280ZX (2+2) between 1984 and 1988 and I loved every minute. Mine was black and silver and looked fabulous, I wish I still had it😭

[@PracticallyStock]

That's a good color combo, my 83 (also on the channel) was factory gold and metallic brown which is kinda weird. I'm going to go with all black though when I paint it

[@niroshann280]

That’s an immaculate car by the look of it. Lucky you and hope you take good care of it! Great save!

[@PracticallyStock]

Unfortunately my 280 needs just about everything, we just got this one going for the owner

[@johnlarro6872]

It's been just over 10 years now since I sold my (second!) 280zx... Love the ROAR when she started. I miss her! Love seeing these barn finds; not sure you'd ever find something like that here in Australia - you don't even see any of the pre 350z's on the road here any more.

[@PracticallyStock]

Never know, might get lucky!

[@jagboy69]

My mother had one of these back when they were new. Too bad she never drove it.... Someone got a nice car.

[@bb-gc2tx]

i can hear billy squiers the stroke being blasted out of that radio lol

[@WISHBONEL7]

How old are you ? .

[@joeop-z2186]

I work on a lot of these at my shop all the time....Nice Find!

[@CLP2102]

outstanding cars, killer find

[@trishbrad00]

Take care of that 1980 10th anniversary, jem! Learn all you can. That has headlight washers, Leather, etc

[@PracticallyStock]

It's off in greener pastures

[@thomasmagda4580]

Nice find.

[@cedric717]

Brings back memories

[@firstdown80]

I had a light metallic blue 280zx 2+2 in college.

[@chriskolb3105]

2+2? So ugly.

[@abrahamnutrition]

I had a 2997 of 3000. I loved that car! Regret selling it.

[@danpurcell9764]

This is a 1980. I sold these brand new!

[@hjzul9155]

Very good 280zx

[@Gentleman1337]

Not sure how many years it has been since this car was sitting in the garage but changing all the filters and fluids before starting the engine could've been nice

[@PracticallyStock]

It had been less than 10 years and the climate it pretty dry so condensation was not a concern. The oil looked fine. Our general practice when we don't really know the condition of an engine is to just top off the oil and see what it does then change it later. That way if it has a problem money wasn't wasted on fresh fluids. Before it really gets driven, all the fluids will get changed

[@NoReverse77]

@@PracticallyStock you never know the state of an oil by just peaking at it. When a car has that low of miles. If it was last "tagged" 12 years ago… it could have been sitting way longer while being tagged and that could be 30 year old oil. With a car like this you don’t do what’s best for your pocket. You do what’s best for your investment. Fuel tank should have been drained, fuel lines blown out and a new filter added before putting new fuel in. Air cleaner and plugs should have been taken off before cranking to check cylinders and to keep any debris from being sucked in.

[@PracticallyStock]

@@NoReverse77 I am confident it was fine. We knew it had been driven around the year the inspection went out and there was no obvious contamination, the viscosity felt fine, and it's in a dry climate so condensation was not a legitimate concern. If it was carbureted We might have drained the tank but since FI is not as sensitive to fuel quality we weren't worried about it and just drove it easy until the diluted mix was burned off. No idea how removing the air filter and plugs prevents debris from entering the engine, seems like that would be a great way to get junk in the cylinders

[@802Garage]

@@NoReverse77 Oil would be fine after sitting, as long as there's oil in it. Oil filter won't degrade. Anything the fuel system does from running would need to be cleaned out either way. Often just running it and putting in fresh fuel and a filter later will clear it up pretty well if the fuel hasn't gone to varnish. People worry too much.

[@peterdawson8180]

Awesome find.

[@lamontcranston4102]

Of the 3,000 numbered 10th anniv. ZXs 500 were red/black, 2,500 were gold/black. All had a numbered plaque on the console in front of the gear shift.

[@PracticallyStock]

It's 1380

[@jeffreypells3396]

My dad had that exact same car, bought it new off the showroom floor. It was number 638 of 3000. Was an awesome and fun car to drive. I currently have a 73 240 z.

[@baileyhill3607]

Just bought one of these anniversary editions! much more rough condition than this one though.

[@kadhim33]

Wow so nice 👏

[@karljay7473]

It's so sad to see a 10th anniversary with TTops and 5 speed sitting there rotting away like that. Even if the 10th was just stickers and paint, it's still a great car. Glad to see some people willing to bring these things back to life. The options for the rear were open R180 and R200, very few got limited slip. IIRC, it was only the late turbos. Pretty easy to check by jacking up one or both wheels.

[@PracticallyStock]

Was really surprised the difference in tractions between an irs and live axle which is what I am used to driving. Have to be careful with that method of checking because that likely won't catch a trac-lock or power-lock type lsd. Some cars have them and it requires enough traction on both wheels to force the spider gears into their clutch packs and if one wheel has very little traction it won't grab its clutch. I don't think these cars came with any of that but it's something to know

[@karljay7473]

@@PracticallyStock The ZX has a 50/50 balance (with a full tank of gas). Add in that an independent suspension adds traction as each tire acts on its own. Add to that how the front likes to lift and transfer weight to the rear, and you have pretty fair traction for the streets. Once you get to the level of power where the rear won't handle it, then you're look at an upgrade, but even then, if you can control the loss of traction, you still don't need posi... Remember, breaking traction at 0 MPH is different from breaking traction at 10 and at 30 mph. I have 428 CobraJet that is modified to put out about 550 # of torque. It can break traction at 30 MPH without trying. Yet if I control that, I can use that torque whenever I want. So you use say 50% torque at startup, then 70% at 30MPH then all out at 40MPH... you're pulling harder than someone else with less torque, just by controlling things. BTW, that's with an offroad locker in the rear. Not to say posi won't help, but you can pass on it until you get a TON of power. Maybe something like 2X the factory power... and even still, good, wide, sticky tires on warm clean pavement does a lot for traction.

[@PracticallyStock]

That pretty well sums up what I had read, I'm thinking I will have to similarly be carful with my 280 (not this one) which might end up with stockish tires and a 350 that might make 400lbft, I am thinking I will really appreciate the IRS

[@karljay7473]

@@PracticallyStock You really need to take into account what it is that you're trying to do. Some sporty cars are a real blast without making much torque. I took a 2K lb sports car with a 4cyl into the mountains and it was a real blast to take the twisties in that thing. Same car in a "stop light" race, wasn't so much fun. It's overall driving fun and you build the whole thing (engine, gears, suspension) for whatever it is you're going to do with it. Street race, mountain twisties, hill climbing, etc... Put the torque curve where you want it for maximum punch.

[@PracticallyStock]

I'm not going for any kind of real racing, ultimately I want the car to be good at eating up highway miles, be decently comfortable, and have enough power to comfortably pass someone on a two lane highway. It should be a good setup with the 6speed and mild 350 and I don't think it will upset the car since I think the weight difference is less than 100lbs and the v8 sits its weight further back than the I6

[@gavineaton1019]

Late to the party but I’m having the same issue with my 1983 Datsun 280zx. Clutch is down to the floor as well. Do you perhaps have a procedure to repair the clutch master cylinder? I found my ZX sitting for over ten years.

[@PracticallyStock]

I don't have anything official. The pedal should be pushed back up by the clutch forcing fluid back to the master cylinder. Since it's not, it means the hydraulic system is not actuating the clutch. You could try bleeding it and seeing if it works, then see if it leaks. If it gives you trouble or if you're worried about reliability, replacing master and slave may be a better option

[@gavineaton1019]

@@PracticallyStockthank you for the info. Put a battery in it and turned the key, 280 cranks but no start. Put in gas but still can’t get it to start from crank. Wanted to do the starting fluid technique but I’m hesitant on doing it.

[@PracticallyStock]

@@gavineaton1019 Well it may have no spark or fuel. Checking for spark is quick and you should at least hear the fuel pump prime when the key is turned on. We used some carb cleaner to help it get going the first start

[@gavineaton1019]

@@PracticallyStock (update) removed hose and sprayed starting fluid in and engine came to life but didn’t maintain idle because of gas. I put in a gallon but I may have a leak on the gas tank. But I’m happy it started after 10 years of sitting.

[@PracticallyStock]

Nice! I am not super familiar with that fuel injection but you may be able to take the fuel line from the filter to the fuel rail off at the rail. Then put the hose end in a bottle and cycle the key to see if gas is getting to the motor. Hopefully if it's a fuel issue it's just the pump, the pump is mounted under the car and not that difficult to get to. I'd make sure the pump is getting voltage before replacing it. Probably should replace the rubber fuel hoses if you have it apart. I used generic fuel injection rated hose on mine. This site has the factory service manual for each year, you may need it if you really have to tear into the car www.xenonzcar.com/s130/fsm.php

[@RobertRandin]

And you are so lucky that's a rare find to find a dachshund in that condition with so low miles and to make it all vast 10th anniversary you are one lucky guy let me know how much did you pay for it just to make it even better

[@SLEEK888]

I got sound system in mine and retrofitted it to old stereo dash with metal face plate holding stereo head unit

[@RobertRandin]

That is the best 280ZX there was specially the 10th anniversary has all the good things and Extras and even leather seats how much should you get for it I meant how much did you give for it

[@TechTokOffical]

Lol the US spec 85mph speedo. Is that really the accessories "chime" ?!? That's awesome and u better NEVER get rid of it. It sounds like it's actually a set of bells,and u don't get quirks like that anymore.

[@PracticallyStock]

That was the chime, it eventually slowed down and sounds right. We got it going for the owner to sell but I have a 280zx of my own I am working on. I am trying to preserve as many of the weird quirks as I can

[@danielkbarton]

Any follow up videos for this car?

[@PracticallyStock]

There will be a little video about it in a few weeks

[@dgriffinctc3834]

I'm restoring one of these that sat in a field for 24 years.

[@PracticallyStock]

Hopefully the rust isn't too bad, my 280 (not the anniversary one) had rust front to back

[@pearlmax]

BLACK GOLD

[@xx_cowboy_xx]

Damn I want both

[@heli-man-]

That made me laugh “I haven’t heard one of these run for 20 years” is he even 20 years old they looked like children that have been watching car restoration videos and wanted a piece of the KZbin fame 😂😂😂

[@PracticallyStock]

Lol, he was picking on me a bit because (at that point) I had not heard my L28 run in 2 years due to an ignition problem that I didn't have time/money to sort out

[@lynnp5404]

I have 834/3000 model

[@douglaswright5689]

Did u mow down dogs?

[@PracticallyStock]

Lol, no they kept to themselves which was nice

[@johnatchley5446]

There are3000 made there's a plaque under thr radio that says the number

[@PracticallyStock]

It's 1380

[@mralbloushi]

is it for sale?

[@PracticallyStock]

Not currently but might be at some point

[@ShoanSnoday]

@@PracticallyStock do you have a video of it being detailed?

[@PracticallyStock]

@@ShoanSnoday Not right now, the car got washed and a new set of tires but there wasn't anything of interest. The paint isn't terrible but has some rough spots. The plan is to sell the car when it's convenient and there will likely be a final video of it then

[@TechTokOffical]

@DreamTeamProductions u need to keep thus if it's urs. It will be ur biggest regret in life

[@Fatamus]

"The Ol' Air Check Gnome" been at there too huh?. Cuz I got hit twice this week by that lil sucker...

[@Fatamus]

280Z..X didn't know they made an X ... Coolness 👍

[@PracticallyStock]

Yeah I don't know when the "X" got added

[@jayrogers8255]

@@PracticallyStock when they changed from the original S30 model (1970-78 model years) to the S130 (1979 model year, released 1978). The ZX nomenclature lasted until the Z32 was cancelled (1996 in the U.S.).

[@roeltovar8601]

Viscous limited slip differential

[@PracticallyStock]

I don't think that is case, I had the diff in my 280zx open and it looked like a regular open diff

[@RobertRandin]

I meant Datsun

[@PracticallyStock]

We were just getting the car going for the owner. They were trying to get rid of stuff, I don't remember for certain what it sold for but I want to say 8k???

[@ddrusa]

Yup she is truly a devil to drive in maximum tune wagon midnight

[@princeeric71]

I have to say the constant bell ringing was annoying.

[@PracticallyStock]

Take it up with Nissan lol

[@princeeric71]

@@PracticallyStock I forgot I disconnected the alarm on mine when I had mine... Now it makes sense why there was that alarm.

[@grazzitdvram]

I looked around a little bit to see what the story was with this car and found no more videos for it, am I missing it or are you not even going to knock the mouse shit off it and show us what it looks like?

[@PracticallyStock]

The plan was to get it going and in the next video clean it, drive it, and get it sold for the owner. Due to unforeseen circumstances, it hasn't been convenient to go any farther with it than we did. I will make an effort to get with the owner and do something with the car or at least document it before it gets sold. As far as the story, it was bought several years ago and driven occasionally until health issues prevented that around 2012. It sat in that building until we dug it out. Since then, we drove it around a bit and it developed a running issue that neither of us have had time to figure out. It would be at least a year or two but if the car is still around I would like to take it and my 280zx (when it's done) and do some driving comparisons. Thank you for the interest and sorry for any frustration

[@grazzitdvram]

@@PracticallyStock no worries and thanks for the reply, just a shame to never see it get the mouse shit sprayed off it.

[@PracticallyStock]

Next time the weather is nice and we can mess with it, we are going to try and diagnose some of the problems it has. Definitely will make a video of that and washing it

[@fedguerra8046]

I didn’t see a turbo charger

[@PracticallyStock]

It's not a turbo, I don't know if any of the anniversary cars came with a turbo

[@Mrnappy13]

That's a Tx car 🧐

[@FanAgainCollectibles]

I got to the 7 min mark and couldn't take the complaining... Sorry, I tried, I love me a 280Z for sure...

[@PracticallyStock]

Most of it is satire for the sake of humor

[@RobertRandin]

You should never start it specially with that old gas that's in there it turns into varnish and will mess up all your injectors you could have disconnected the intake fuel line in the return and used a plastic gallon fresh gas

[@PracticallyStock]

I forget how long it had been sitting but I'm pretty sure it was less than 10 years so we weren't concerned about bad gas. Usually I give it a smell and that hasn't led me astray yet lol

[@toyotacorollaaltis8613]

I’ve got car 1101

[@American-Motors-Corporation]

Lol mow down the dogs!!

[@dougtooo]

I like the find, but the shooting of the video sucks; very jerky, so work on your recording skills.

[@PracticallyStock]

If the content wasn't free to you, that opinion might matter lol

[@kennysjamshack2410]

Come on its a nissan.... you know it would start

[@PracticallyStock]

Yeah it was more of question of "will it run good long enough to get sold" lol. Air flow meter started acting up about 2 weeks after the video

[@nathanblythe4013]

Wow, your new editor really sucks… I would get a new one. Lol

[@billm83army]

Dude put some bass in your voice, try to be masculine just a little

[@PracticallyStock]

Lol, worry about yourself

[@billm83army]

@@PracticallyStock waaaa

[@trishbrad00]

Climate control!😅

[@الظفيري-ذ5ك]

زنجي