Installing A Modern EFI System In The 1978 Datsun 280Z Heritage Restomod - Carcass S4, E2

[@PowerNationTV]

Watch more of the Datsun build: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4vaanSHaJiHoK8

[@TurboHawkV6]

I see they didn't address the fact that the engine was initially installed wrong. The mounts were swapped side for side, which made the engine sit vertical, it's supposed to lean to the right side slightly. If the mounts were installed correctly from the start, the exhaust kit would have fit... The swapped mounts isn't an uncommon issue. There have been plenty of threads over the years of people doing this, but as car guys there should have been clues once the trans and header was being installed that the engine wasn't sitting right... This is why it's important to take pictures before taking any car apart and referencing them during reassembly. labeling parts in bags and boxes or with tape also helps.

[@mraycgz]

But yellow headlights lol.

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

Was wondering about that but it's been 20+ years since I've seen a 280z in person and could actually look at one (my uncle had one that would daylight the front wheels.) kinda been looking to see if I can find one in decent shape and build it..

[@theguy9234]

Yep exactly. I was like... why is he saying no Y exhaust pipe fit?! There are many kits. Got my first 240z in 96.

[@skirkland1980]

It appears correct at 11:00.

[@stevedolan5065]

I had a 71 240z…it was really a great car for its time, and priced right!

[@BigHeinen]

Would love to have seen more of the track time outcomes. Handling, full throttle runs, etc.

[@Axyl00Druss]

Same.

[@LG123ABC]

The paint looks like primer!

[@louissparks2496]

Hate those yellow lights.

[@ThePaulv12]

LOL - a glossy primer that needs some 80 grit to rough it up for adhesion when it gets the top coat.

[@iambiggus]

@@louissparks2496 I think the lights make it pop. Funny how tastes can be so different.

[@shatter71]

High school acquaintance had a 240Z fairlady brought back from Japan with right hand drive in the late 80's. Loved that car then and still do now. The front tires on this build look a little too wide for my taste and not sure about the yellow headlights but otherwise nothing horribly bothersome. I do tend to like cars that are more along the lines of stock appearing with subtle mods.

[@dmwi1549]

Nice build. To each his own. Never been a fan of 4x4 bolt on fender flares and hacking sheetmetal. Either flare the metal, mini-tub or tuck the wheels somehow. If they had matched the flairs to the carbon fiber look of the bumper, then rolled the rear pan or added a carbon fiber rear bumper instead of plated bolts - it would have looked more cohesive. Just an opinion. Every build has budgets and critics.

[@54inches]

And those tires are sticking out way past the flares, negating the reason the flares are on here. These guys have skill, but have no style. Look at the 3rd gen Camaro they did. Straight FN hacked up looking. I mean hell, Gas Monkey knew nothing about JDM and the built one of the best looking Z's ever.

[@Archetype_Datsun]

Actually if you look back to at the Nissan Fairlady 240ZG that's where these flares came from the factory. I agree on cutting clean fenders these cars can fit pretty wide wheels already if you get the right offset.

[@dmwi1549]

Good point.

[@TheSaturnV]

Yep, always looks like they sourced the flares from the garden department at Lowes Depot.

[@ppentertainment2351]

You guys knocked it out of the park on this build. Great job. 👏 😎

[@josephmatuszak3855]

I really dig this build! It has a lot of character. Sounds fantastic! Looks like it will break in nicely!

[@1987whitez]

I really enjoy seeing a nice clean garage like that and the work on The Z is really nice to see a JDM products for a change right guys good job. Also I noticed when he got out the 280z and shut the door that it sounded bro. No Z31 WTH

[@VeganGorilla555]

The 280Z looks the best.

[@richardwallace133]

Heritage restomod a term I’ve just heard. I like it !

[@MrEricld1]

Beautiful car. Now take it back to the shop and rebuild the engine. Can't hide the smoke. 👍

[@TAJcrawn]

This channel is a meeting place for amateur mechanics in the world

[@paddle_shift]

No, it's really for those who need to watch 16 minutes of product commercials in order to get to the 6 minutes of what the title was saying the video was for. .

[@yurishnirman3847]

that is a lot of smoke coming from the tail pipe....

[@ChaseDaPlaya]

New exhaust is gonna do that…

[@Kylem5005]

you guys should take this car out to Branson Z Fest lots of cool cars and great roads to tear down

[@cavailerpugman702]

We need MORE sound clips of the cars

[@marrerowski]

The 280 looks great! I would've preferred a staggered wheel setup. The front wheels look too big for my taste. The rear fitment I can live with.

[@subiesti06]

So are we ever going to get to hear the car run? I hope there's another episode. We need a total review of the new suspension and the car as a whole.

[@brucekong3303]

Thank you

[@dmwi1549]

Was waiting to hear what that car sounds like at full throttle?!?

[@brenan318]

Gray: it’s bold!

[@deborahchesser7375]

Love the old L series motors

[@andrewmasonwerdna]

3:33 no clutch alignment tool?!? Jimmy your not that goot yet lol!

[@racer25s]

I thought I was the only one noticing this!!

[@jamesroberts1800]

@@racer25s you weren't. I've had to do a few with just eyeballing it due to no tool being made except for the generic cone type.....but it takes a real talent to eyeball it, and having done a few thousand clutches didn't hurt. Why the fancy clutch with a stocker motor though ? Ahhh, sponsors, got it.

[@TheRealCCSmith]

Love this car 👍... I realize that JDM isn't your jam, it's not mine either, but everyone loves a Z car.

[@halleffect1]

MS3 setup would be sweet for this car. sequential injection and no extra injector connectors 😀

[@brucekong3303]

Beautiful…can you tell me who’s selling the kits for the cd009 trans..❤

[@AndreSkyfly]

Hey You guys, love the setup, we are working on a similar project here in Belgium, but we can't get our setup right, we also use the EFI Fast but can't figure out all the settings, (PS - we only have 98 octane here...) what are the numbers you are using?

[@bmstylee]

I'm not the biggest fan of the JDM cars but this is pretty cool. It would be interesting to see them stuff a modern drivetrain including DCT and make it a truly modern restomod. Maybe a GTR drivetrain which would allow for some really interesting mods.

[@0r3n]

I have a '78 280Z that I am planning doing just that! A company makes a full double wishbone (front and rear) suspension conversion, planning an LS swap, a BMW 7spd DCT, and of course full standalone ECU. Also do a little modernizing on the interior too.

[@bmstylee]

@@0r3n that's going to be wild when it's done. We see a lot of engine swaps but it seems the DCT isn't as popular yet.

[@dumbestoyster]

I still don't know how the hell that exhaust can even breathe with that header merge collector, welded on at 45° angle to the midpipe... exhaust 101 right there

[@ischmel3884]

I'm more of a fan of the 90 degree angle (s) coming out the back :(

[@HorseJizzTim]

these dudes are not car guys.

[@54inches]

These two guys hack together more crap than I have ever seen. Typical JDM mentality.

[@koolkei]

@@54inches ironically true lmao. actual JDM culture is actually just using whatever they got and just 'make it work' lol

[@Archetype_Datsun]

@54inches when you don't have big bucks yes, but this build isn't really something most early Z cars guys would go.

[@EchoSigma6]

I like V8 conversions on Datsun Z’s.

[@BlakeBusbee-eu2sk]

Love iT

[@bryarhattabaugh7313]

YES FINALLY!!

[@pcspecialistpdx]

I would have liked to see dyno numbers to compare with the base numbers.

[@danf4616]

Cool car. Super wide tires/wheels look a little odd without wider flares, but I guess I could get used to them. 🤷‍♂

[@kpb711]

Lol the 2nd tax weld on the header

[@mesasavage]

The wheels and tires are clown shoes. The fender flares are unnecessary if you used proper tires, too. The rest of the build is pretty cool. Commie grey isn't my color, but I have to admit it works here. You guys get a C+.

[@peterjames2004]

beautiful looking car but it smokes a bit though

[@HorseJizzTim]

that's why jap/asian cars are called "rice burners", "rice" or "ricers"

[@Slyder42]

Beautiful car. I thought louvers would look good on that.

[@TheCosmicGuy0111]

Nice

[@SGTJDerek]

Nice job BUT, you really neglected(to me) even mentioning one of Datsun/Nissan's biggest supporters. Paul Newman RACED the Z's for years.

[@highwayouttakes4570]

Awesome car, I'm a Nissan fan but as of lately Nissan has lost its soul, build quality, and reliability -

[@waveformdistortion]

@@jarrettembry643 Considering new car interiors generally mean having to play with a touch screen for 60 seconds while trying to keep your eyes on the road every time you want to adjust the temperature, I'm okay with "old" interior designs.

[@bluegrassman3040]

Nissan has some sort of partnership with Renault, that might have something to do with that.

[@chrisr4815]

​@@jarrettembry643 It's not just the interior. The new one was built on top of the old platform too. It's pretty much a reskinned 370z with a new drivetrain.

[@danielhughes9556]

I totally agree. I'm a Datsun fan till the day I die. But I won't touch a Nissan. Nothing but Toyota...

[@tomschmolcke7134]

Disagree, their trucks are very solid and reliable, with a couple exceptions ( 2005 - 2007 4.0, 5 sp auto trans, strawberry milkshake of death being one )

[@tomasacea]

You guys should of thrown a turbo on it. They make real decent power with a. Little boost. Can’t compare the 170hp stock engine to a twin turbo new z.

[@jgranger2002]

The way it was smoking it would have given up pretty quickly with boost.

[@Archetype_Datsun]

Depending on the block and head used these cars made close to 150hp. It would make 60hp or more depending on how modified the engine is. Turbo definitely would have made a huge difference putting them at least 200hp range more if you run a good turbo, engine management, etc.

[@Axyl00Druss]

Boulder grey, guys. Its not bold. Regardless I think the color is great.

[@Travis_cerny86]

where did you get that rpm signal thing plz let me know

[@trdscfjc]

Batch fire....seriously? The 90's called and they want their EFI back.

[@bandwagon240]

I mean, it's still better than the metered fuel leak that is a carburetor.

[@louissparks2496]

Was that gas I saw coming out of the tail pipe (20:50)?

[@trdscfjc]

​@@louissparks2496 probably, lots of wasted fuel with batch fire

[@p__jay]

you didn't mention anything about the fuel rail....it's from ProTunerz and you are using what kind of injectors with the stock intake manifold? they don't come in the kit - or i was looking for the wrong kit 🤷🏻‍♂

[@theguy9234]

Dude. There are many y pipe exhaust that fit your s30Z.

[@overcastfriday81]

FAST EFI technically makes this car not road legal. Even in Texas, if the tech notices it's a FAST system during a safety inspection, it could fail and lose it's road legal status. Yes, the safety inspections can look at the general presence of emission compliance. The only way around that would be to declare it an antique car, side step safety inspections and not commute to work in it. This is a big deal -- you should probably warn users. You might get pulled over by TX cops who believe there is no exemption from inspections, and have to fight to drive around without the sticker.

[@kevinbates3575]

Looks pretty boring compared to mine but its nice ! I have the FAST system on mine as well. It took some time to get it running just right but overall i am happy. Ots been a great car for the 28 years i have had my 77'.

[@skirkland1980]

I see in the beginning of the video the engine is installed straight up. The engine sits to the passenger side 14°. Then later I see the engine is sitting correctly. What's going on?

[@QnRyche]

Headers? Lol you mean header .. there is only one

[@skittlecar1]

Anyone else look away when he started welding?

[@numbnutsAU]

needed to rebuild that effing motor - smokes like a second-hand lawn mower

[@TBoyer]

I want that car

[@decimat777]

Put that glass pack where that dumb catalytic converter is, use the muffler in the back , and then put a turbo + manifold and you have a stock sounding monster

[@BlackCollarGarage]

You mean to tell me that all 6 injectors fire together? So your using 500% more fuel than intended?

[@winter1616]

Sick

[@craigthepony6259]

If its a batch fire injector’s wouldn’t that give it a bit worse fuel mileage since its just giving fuel no matter what?

[@merylpelosi8485]

That's not how batch fire works. Even though it pulses the injectors simultaneously, the O2 sensor trims back the injector dwell to the need of the engine. The ECU lengthens the injector dwell time when cold for fuel enrichment, but trims it back as needed when it goes closed loop.

[@jakewestor7840]

That's what I was thinking , also. I've read the other reply, and it seems like the person is just explaining fuel maps, but it still doesn't make sense to me. If every injector is pulsing on every rotation, isn't there raw fuel firing into a closed cylinder head at some point? The solution they chose seems like something that was done to bring the project in on budget, and not actually chosen for its suitability to the application. Seems like a real missed opportunity to do all of that work and then not have better fuel management. Oh well. Edit: Oh yeah, that blue smoke pouring out of the exhaust on the track is telling a tale...yikes.

[@dmwi1549]

I thought same. Limited life in the catalytic converter also if there is excess fuel hitting the hot cat. Noticed Blue smoke also. Blue = oil. Fuel would be sooty or black. White would be coolant.

[@merylpelosi8485]

@@C0rvette454 The fuel isn't wasted. if you ever saw the miniscule amount of fuel mist that comes out of a batch fire injector, you'd understand. Wasted fuel would collect and foul the spark plugs and wreck the catalytic converter. GM batch fired all their throttle body injected engines for years without a problem.

[@jakewestor7840]

​@@merylpelosi8485I don't think throttle body is a fair comparison because other cylinders will be able to scavenge that fuel and use it. In direct injection, it's firing straight into cylinder and just getting wasted or causing a rich burn, if it's running how I imagine.

[@spjmrlahey4008]

The engine is installed incorrectly. It should be countered over to the passenger side. That's why the exhaust doesn't fit and the oil pan doesn't sit flat.

[@stephenkrauss8240]

You missed out on putting a 406 in there.

[@GarageItYourself]

This entire build was half arsed and you finish it off with a semi EFI upgrade. For the expense of the ECU you should have gone with individual coil packs for full ECU control of the engine instead of using the OE dizzy and coil. A waste of money and just kinda lame. Catalytic converter is likely too far back to warm up properly and be of much use and the battleship gray paint is boring compared to the light blue metallic of the original factory finish.

[@Seanpaulnz01]

Great build, but I'm not a fan of the yellow headlights

[@rlscustoms]

It’s obvious these shows only cater to the the average car guy who won’t notice the important details… 1. No clutch alignment tool 2. No 02 sensor installation 3. A generic cat and torpedo muffler, what is this 1975 come on man. 4. No startup video and explanation of how that batch fire EFI system works. 5. No acceleration pulls to determine if the engine actually gained any power. 6. No actual engine upgrade just a gasket refresh. This particular L-Series engine only has an 8.5:1 compression ratio and a very mild cam…it could have used a set of high compression pistons, a ported head and cam upgrade. They were sponsored the suspension, brakes and gearbox upgrade which is awesome sure but skimped on the engine, I don’t get it, I could go on and on but what’s the point!

[@lioneltijerina]

I have the same type of hack job exhaust system on my Ford 300 inline 6.🙄

[@bretta3]

For me this was a disappointing episode. Very little detail was given. For example I believe that the transmission they used requires some tunnel mods and some other costume work but none of that was talked about. When they put the transmission in the splash guard was in place but later you see that the splash guard is missing. The explanation of the Fast EFI was lacking...

[@JD-so1zv]

How Cheap and shitty should we make the exhaust? Them: yes

[@danw114]

Yup, Swing and a MISS. Hideous color - shiney primer? The cheap black flairs installed by the local high school, with tires hanging out like a typical teenager's Honda. An exhaust worthy of a Midas repair shop. And while a lot of commenters lament a batch fire injection (it means very little as far as performance goes), you guys missed the boat: this car is worthy of a set of ITB (individual throttle bodies) that would have made it stand out and perform.

[@albertgaspar627]

looks like the car from Count's Customs

[@geoshot642]

DevilZ will running..

[@Wikkus]

Nice looker, but seems to have a pretty nasty smoking habit...

[@froddy32623]

Y'all didn't need all the music... I was looking forward to hearing that angry little straight 6 howl around the track😒

[@brentmeredith5295]

Batch fire fuel injection was what it would of had with the old system so where is the modern fuel injection upgrade apart from the inclusion of closs loop it's pretty much the same set up as the original just marginally more efficient with the clossed loop system trimming the fuel a little bit not as good as a proper sequential with individual injection pulses timed for each cylinder intake stroke as all modern cars have I'm not 100% up to speed with just how a fast fuel ecu system works but I'm pretty sure on heltech you achieve this and run individual coil packs to if wanted to just by modifying your distributor into a crank angle sensor or Installing a crank trigger wheel to the crank pully with a crank angle sensor

[@TurboHawkV6]

Not to mention the EZ-EFI (That is what this system is) doesn't allow for manual tuning to get any actual benefit from it. It's modern, by the idea that the functionality is about 5 or 6 years newer than the car. lol There are much better systems to use for around the same price, without having extra connectors to tuck away...

[@TRUTH4U2NO]

The S30 value has PLUMMETTED! 2 YEARS AGO $50K is average 240z that is clean or all original. That is now worth $20 -$25. I have 40!years in these cars. MILLIONAIRES restore these cars no one else should bother!

[@Phil-D83]

Suprised they did not just reengine it.

[@acestephens608]

I love everything else about the build, but I just can't get past those headlights. They look absolutely hideous. I don't know why they thought they were a good idea.

[@christophermccallum4121]

That exhaust looks like something a tech that gets paid $11 an hr working at meineke would put together. Come on this is a show that is supposed to be nothing but top notch work! My 8 yr old son could have put that exhaust on better

[@rondye9398]

Yellow headlights? JDM inspired fender mounted rear view mirrors that wreck the front fender line and thus the entire style line. Not for me or my Z.

[@jgranger2002]

Pretty disappointing. Just so much wrong. The width of the front wheel and tire combo is just terrible. The L28 smoking like hell. Junk fuel injection. Swing and a miss.

[@fogtown3027]

The one time a Z is on Powernation and doesn’t get a nice LS swap Sad times we live in

[@Sithhy]

LS swaps are incredibly boring & overdone

[@louisbabycos106]

Show idea : Geo metro convertible with modern GM ECOTEC 1.3 Three cylinder turbo 3 or 1.4 ECOTEC turbo 4 cylinder. Almost triple the horsepower and torque. BONUS use AWD power train complete with ABS , stability control and power steering.

[@lonesoldier2485]

@@jarrettembry643 "Sleeper Turd"

[@HorseJizzTim]

so now your top speed increases from 40mph to 65mph

[@marcuscoster6529]

Why the hell would you go to the effort to change the whole efi setup and then make it batch fire instead of sequential

[@ExUSSailor]

Well, it's DEFINITELY much better looking than the new Z! Dear God, the new ones are UGLY!

[@me3333]

8:32 "It's going to give you that distinctive tone that you guys remember from the 60's and the 70's" LOL Most of your viewers probably weren't even alive much less remember the 60's 70's or maybe even the 80's. Great now I feel old... I do miss those sounds along with a lot of other things 😎

[@boyou2]

Is it me or the car is making huuuge oil smoke at the end?

[@vicburt6001]

Did the fast system replace the stock efi relays?

[@jakewestor7840]

I don't know why, but this is irritating me now...video title should be changed to "Nissan would't approve a Haltech or Holley fuel management system, so we're band-aiding this build with batch fire"

[@ervmister]

smoking 😢

[@rickhughes811]

cANT stand shiny primer

[@christopherflynn5359]

What the actual F&#$

[@ryliemidwinter2816]

Cars on the frame rails😔

[@jerrywhalen2100]

Looks like she is smoking😮

[@Ecosse57]

meh. some hack work.

[@HaroldRuch-i7q]

hope they just cleaned the motor up and didn't rebuild it! the blue smoke @ 20:13 and forward is embarrassing

[@tyhyhh]

Yeah this build just missed tbh

[@Mavrik-60]

That little engine is begging for a turbo.....

[@scottlewis4387]

What a hack job...the car and the show. So many wrong choices.

[@jrwill58]

They show up at a track, tell us "its great to finally stretch its legs...use 6th gear", then close the video with the cars slowly going round the track. Just sad. Thumbs DOWN.

[@TRUTH4U2NO]

NISSAN cant sell this COLOR at all on their 400 Zs. Its ugly!!! Its NO ONES CHOICE!!! Ask Nissan dealers they dont even accept delivery for inventory! 😂

[@beachboardfan9544]

Batch fire!?!? 🤮👎 Might as well b a fuel injection system from the 80s!