Pulling The L28 Out Of Our 1978 Datsun 280Z Heritage Restomod - Carcass S3, E19

[@PowerNationTV]

Enter for a chance to win a free set of Continental tires: swee.ps/KZZxRgfNP

[@mserica6487]

My brother had a 240Z and a 260Z and he loved them both. He passed away about 15 years ago from a brain aneurism, so I always think about him... especially when I see videos of people working on these old Z cars.

[@mrmcgraw3706]

I am sorry for your loss.

[@ryan.c990]

Sorry for your loss

[@saltygenx2743]

Sorry for your loss. Maybe restore one of his cars in memory of him?

[@mserica6487]

@@saltygenx2743 I wish I could but the family sold them. I hope to be able to find one in good condition someday.

[@1BigDaDo]

Rip to your bro and just think he's smiling down reading your comment :)

[@SolamenteVees]

I love everything about this. Thank you for diversifying and not doing an LS-swap.

[@knobrush]

Go over to Mighty Car Mods and watch their build of a RB26 powered 240Z.

[@strauss777]

That blue is gorgeous there's no way I'd repaint that unless to touch up

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

I'm glad to see y'all doing a build out of the ordinary, but I would like to see one of y'all build a truck for the truck and tractor pulls. I don't think any car show has ever done that at least to my recollection. Keep up the good work feller's!

[@Ecosse57]

that trans swap is pretty cool! glad you're not going to hack the car up.

[@boyfrmnewyork]

I had a 72Z ,a 73Z and currently a 75Z. What can I say, can't get enough of a good thing... Keep up the great work!

[@warkal868]

I have a 280C sedan with an L28, mated onto a 4N71B auto. Clocked 142mph. Couldn't go further, as my tires were going over the speed rating. What a joy. It's carbureted with a Weber 32/36 progressive. F54 block, N42 head. Engine never failed for 7 years, Sunday to Sunday driving day and night. Fuel economy, got more than 30mpg. I'm happy you all kept the L6. Long live the 280's and L28!

[@ryliemidwinter2816]

Yeah nothing like em, had mine up to 132 mph with room to spare that's just a bone stock l24 and a five speed. This is by far my favorite series of engine, including the 4 cylinder variants As well. They have a one of a kind sound and feel that I can't get enough of. Long live the L series!

[@markchapman2585]

When I seen the thumbnail I was oh great they're putting a V8 in it. Awesome that you guys opening up the inline 6. keep up the great content cheers from Canada 🍻..

[@Behine.DeChilis]

You guys took my idea! I am planning on painting my 1978 280z the grey color from the new Z.

[@austinrussell5577]

You don't have to remove the cylinder head to move the timing cover. Its only two bolts on the front of the cylinder head that go with the timing cover.

[@NissanZSmith]

Facts

[@al_dente4777]

While he was down there, it wouldn't have taken much, to remove the timing cover and then even throw on a new chain and guides

[@MindDezign]

Great to Z a Z build. It a great car. And a Great Driver's Car! A Porsche gr3 on the cheap, it's the meaning of a Driver's Car, a pure Sports Car.

[@thought1212]

love those cars and it will be an awesome build.

[@SGTJDerek]

Even back home the Z is getting harder to find. Can't honestly remember the last time I saw one. Even at a local show. Guy that worked for us had a Brown 280 with a 350/Muncie swap back in the '80's. Ate IROCs and 5.0s for lunch. Of course he wrapped it around a telephone pole in the rain one night because he drove it like he stole it. I don't know about y'all but I miss the barebones, easy to work on, FUN cars that were fairly affordable. If you've ever read the "What would they cost today" articles, you might wonder why the heck we don't have those cars today.

[@281cobracar7]

I bought a used 74 260Z when I was in the military in California. A friend of mine said I should check out a blue 240Z at the barrack next door. Turns out the guy swapped a 327 out of a wreck Corvette into the Z. The guy gave me a ride outside the base on Airbase parkway. We ended up lined up next to a 68 Charger RT w/440 4-speed. The 327 Z smoked that Charger easily. I seriously considered doing a swap myself but never did but I really miss that 260Z.

[@SGTJDerek]

@@281cobracar7 of course it smoked that Charger. GM and Junior Johnson did it on the NASCAR Tracks in '63 with the 396, Pontiac with their 421 Super Duties in NHRA, and Yenko on the streets with the Yenko Duece. It's the cornerstone of Hot Rodding. "Big engine in a lightweight". I have a couple of recipes in my nugget for the same results. Just wish I had the cash to make it a reality.

[@desmondcooper3590]

Very good job. The production,filming and acting,great.Thanks guys!!!

[@chrisdooley1184]

I love the sounds of an L series motor especially one with a better intake and exhaust. There is a guy by me who built his L28 and turbo’d it and it sounds silky smooth. Thx for not taking the LS route

[@davidgonzalez4665]

Love this project, we had an ‘81 280ZX, it had the 3spd auto but it was a fun little car and was what got me into the Z car and cars in general.

[@bradleycrenshaw6778]

The aluminum foil trick was sick !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never thought if that.

[@alltruenews]

Whenever you guys have to alter something (like the bell housing) you should include how you discovered that alterations were necessary. Who tipped you off? How did you learn of the solution? Who guided you on how to do the alteration?

[@johndrummond88]

If they did that, it would take 5 days of extra taping, 90% of footage would be wasted on cussing and yelling, puttting it in and out, in and out. This is why these shows are for entertainment purposes and designed to sell Sponsor's Products.

[@alltruenews]

@@johndrummond88 If they just made mention of how a home mechanic might learn where the pinch points were and what resources to use to find out if the project you’re doing has hidden land mines. For example, what resource told them exactly where to cut that bell housing, or that there was a kit to correct the connection?

[@al_dente4777]

@@johndrummond88 Discovery Channel got successfull, through filming all of that cussing and tantrums

[@Rogues4Ever]

Great job, you guys! I miss my old 78 280z, I did a restore on it and used the same paint colors on the engine!

[@stephenkrauss8240]

My friend in the Navy had 240 with the triple Weber carbs. I found a 260 years later and threw a SBC 400 in it and it was so fun.

[@TNitroH]

I still have the window sticker from my sky blue 78 280z 5 speed. Most regretted sold car

[@slacker2133]

I'm so glad you guys are working on a z car!!! I recently got a 1979 280zx for my first ever car and I barely know how to work on it, so thanks again!!!!

[@73tpiz]

You're going to fall in love with that car if you haven't already. I had an '81 280ZX 2+2 w/ T-tops in the late 80s that I still wish I had to this day. Missed a 2-3 shift a couple of times and over revved it. When it happened, I heard a horrible clattering and thought I'd blown it up. Pulled the valve cover and saw that a lot of the valve lash adjusters had come loose and adjusted all the way out. Like, instantly. Crazy. Readjusted the valves and it was good to go. Next time it happened pulled the valve cover, 30 min later, going again. Broke a pin on the 3-4 shift fork once when banging third. Drove it the rest of the week with only first, second, fifth. That weekend, dropped the tranny, installed a $0.50 shear pin, and good to go. I never found half of the pin. I couldn't kill that car. So much fun. Oh, and get a Haynes manual. Google and KZbin are invaluable, but that manual was a great help back before the internet. I would imagine it still is. Enjoy your Z.

[@ryliemidwinter2816]

Was hoping you guys were going to build the motor

[@stephenrussin5081]

Good show as always.

[@DBSSTEELER]

Why would you not have the engine power guys do an overhaul of the motor with a performance cam and porting the head or at least a nice mill and surface with a good valve job? Plus I would have loved to see that engines before and after on the dyno.

[@jfruser]

I-6 FTW!

[@blackericdenice]

I had a 75 280z and I made a pledge to top it out (125 mph) everyday for 30 days. One night I came home from work and remember I had not topped it out that day because I ran up on a Georgia state trooper. I got back into my z and went out on 285 between MLK and Cascade Rd. The things real car guys will do for bragging rights.

[@TyinAlaska]

Dream car. A buddy had one. He traded a Foxbody for it. Smart trade. Those FBs are popular again for modder cars, but nothing like that amazing Nissan... 😆 lol

[@HoosierHacker]

I still own my first build which was a 78 280z. Thousands of hours.. Love seeing them getting alot of love. You can see it on my channel.

[@tjj052]

Don’t know why, but I’m loving this build. I guess it’s just because it’s different. PLEASE put triple side draft carbs on this thing!!

[@MineZilla123]

Should put a cam and adjustable cam gear and header in it to wake the l28e up

[@MineZilla123]

@KnightNight of course but they already said they wanted to do a heritage build so that would at least make the l28 peppier while keeping to what they wanted to do. A Rb would be awesome obviously

[@rhubarbpie2027]

Mikuni or Weber side draft carburetors and a lumpy cam with a tuned exhaust would be 👌👌👌 also, Watanabe eight spoke wheels are the *only* option 😅

[@joaquinmanfredini1819]

awesome!

[@mightymikethebear]

I know this show was probably taped a couple months ago. A turbo kit would be a nice addition to the project.

[@grant6985]

I can't even imagine cutting a brand new transmission in half, haha. But it's got to be done!

[@TundeEszlari]

Perfect content.

[@TheSaturnV]

RIP original survivor Z, you almost made it buddy.

[@rcintron123]

Finally something different than V8

[@LuisTorres-kj6fp]

Ooo right let's do it 👍👍👍👍

[@kanenstuff]

I love JDM ya don't know what ya missing to ya driving a nissan. I have had my 180SX for 23yrs and in April on a work trip to Japan I went to the HQ in Yokohama and got a Nissan Fairlady Z watch though where I work the import tax it too high so that will be as close as I get

[@chrissitz9235]

You guys should put a small turbo on this thing. Plenty of room, and would be so fun.

[@lesheath6216]

You can easily remove the engine and trans bolted together, I've done more than 40 of them that way

[@fatmanjones5359]

I had a fairlady z when I was a teenager. I put a ford 302 and a t5 in it with the help of my Dad and friends. This was the car l learned to do metal and body work on.A friend of my Dad was going to paint it for me but he ended up driving my car around when it was at his shop and totaled it. I never even got to drive it to school. Never got paid for it either. That was 35 years ago and I still hold a grudge against that worthless bastard.

[@JasPlun]

I would love to see you guys mess with a 1980-85 720 Nissan/Datsun Truck

[@ericallen9038]

You don’t have to pull the head to get the front cover off. Two 10mm bolts connect the front cover to the head, otherwise just unbolt the front cover and pull it off…you can even buy a little gasket for between the head and front cover for when you want to do just that.

[@fsarfino]

Would have loved to seen the entire powertrain from the new Z grafted onto the 280z. Glad to see your not chopping up the one your working on & look forward to future episodes

[@foamdataservices]

New Z engine is over complicated and not that strong. VQ from a 350/370 is a pretty horrible sounding engine too, although people make good power out of them. The only high horsepower 400z (Chris Forzbergs drift one) uses the VR38 out of the GTR.

[@tokuzumi1]

Look at that...being able to remove the starter from the top, without having to get under the car. You can almost change the oil in the 70-83 Z cars without having to get under the car. Just need to bet down to access the drain plug.

[@arcticthundergamer113]

Why did you leave it stock ? i had a Datsun 810 same motor, i put in a street strip cam, roller rockers, and took out the 4 speed and put in a truck 2wd 5 speed and it was a freakin beast and so fun to drive

[@adamyoder6024]

Everyone swaps them, it’s a heritage build. It’s like LS swapping a sn95 mustang, it’s been done too many times

[@darrellbrown1148]

I know Datsun eventually became Nissan but did my eyes deceive me when you were painting the block it said Nissan Japan? Was that the changeover year?

[@JSFGuy]

Let's check it out

[@workdesu]

eventho you guys are going for newer-ish styled upgrade, but to be fair to the L28 i think you guys need to pull out the fuel injection system and slap a carburetor to it. anything nice would do but a weber would top it like cherry on a cake.

[@frankrobinsjr.1719]

Was I the only one cringing when we saw all the carbon and burnt oil inside the engine? Especially when they didn't clean it?

[@oldtanker4860]

I had a 78 280Z 2+2. My first new car. Hated the paint as the "paint protection treatment" peeled in 2 years. Car ran great though. Only 2 failures. Front disk brakes were weak and wore out about every 20k miles. The alternator failed at 95k miles. Fast, reliable, economical car. The only car I wish I still had other than my very first one (nostalgia only) that I still wish I had. Mine was the stick shift. Doesn't the epa give you a hassle for removing emissions control equipment from the vehicle?

[@michaelmoore1640]

Another new car in battleship gray.

[@theonlypro.ro116elevangeli9]

Kool

[@ryurc3033]

I had a 76 280 with a 78 L28 bought as 2 trailer loads of parts. I put it together over a winter in my living room (it's narrow enough to fit thru the double doors) and made it a car again. I couldn't afford the carburetor conversion setup I wanted. Still cheaper than fixing the fuel injection. It had that exact first gen Bosch fuel injection. Every injector was stuck, all the hose was rotten. Clamps missing, just try to track down one of those early flapper door mass airflow sensors was ridiculously pricy. So it got a 2.4 carbureted Nissan pickup motor, and traded it for a crashed 72 Chevelle. Do still have the L28 sitting in the shed, still might be fun for something someday

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

Grey really well lets get out the rustolume lol .I like grey on say a lathe but on cars no grey road grey car at times makes them a bit harder to notice it coming at you make sure and have day time running light if you use them road matching colors so folks pulling out will see you better faster

[@jamesbroderick9106]

I had a 1976 Datsun which was in a 260 body it was the 415th one made. Insurance guy from hannity years ago told me it was worth like 25 Grand and never could drive it and my ex wife stole it and sold it

[@danmyers9372]

The adapter plate onto the front of the tranny seems like a natural leak source. The bell housing was cut off with a cut off wheel meaning the surface clearly wasn’t flat. Wondering how you are going to seal the two surfaces?

[@jonathanstodden8823]

So what did they do for the throw out? Did they put in an internal hydraulic clutch and drill some holes in the bellhousing to get the hyraulic lines in-and-out?

[@yashveersingh1795]

🙌🤩

[@georgelookas4694]

Seeems like a lot of work to just do some gaskets and paint. Just overhaul it seriously. Krylon overhaul I guess.

[@tedjones450]

Did you guys even degrease the block, looks like even though you had tha oil pan of you just painted over the rust, not to mention not putting a zinc oxide primer on the aluminum parts. The paint will look good until it all starts flaking off, what a waste of time. If our going to do a job do it right not half a$$ it.

[@johndrummond88]

@@tedjones450 this show is not very good at all.

[@jamesluke7377]

LMC/Long Motor Company/Victoria British (Z Car Department) was my go to far ALL parts when I had my '82 Datsun by Nissan. Being it was local to me then was a plus. Unfortunately, Victoria British / Z Cars is no longer.

[@kenny1935]

They didn't let you drive the Z are you for real?

[@johndrummond88]

He should of been driving it like he stole it. Instead, a Boring, monotone and very Disappointing.

[@jeddi20]

You looked so bored riding and not driving. Really needed to see some wheel spin on the new Z

[@mikejf4377]

Curious question, what are you gaining by going to a 6 speed transmission? Is it closer ratio and possible a taller final drive ratio?

[@TheSaturnV]

The back of the Z looks like the designers ran out of ideas and just tossed a Z32 tail light panel on.

[@ro63rto]

There's something just wrong about that radiator opening on the 2023 Z.

[@brianswan3899]

Always liked the 240, 280Z. Very sporty pony car look with a euro flavor. But, the INLINE SIX is what really grabbed my attention. (Inline sixes were really RARE back in the day, easy to work on, and didn't have the cons of a 4, or 8 cylinder ) However, I am NOT a fan of "heritage restoration ".🤨 They're tearing down an engine just to replace some gaskets, and throw some paint on it?????? LAME. Stock is a COMPROMISE, period. This is a maxim. No matter how good a factory /corporate vehicle is stock, there is ALWAYS something to improve on it! They could of ported, polished the heads, bore out /enlarge the carb, bigger valves, lighter pistons, full roller rockers (if available), raise compression a point or two, cam change (full roller maybe), up the oil pressure etc. Also, the exhaust is out of sight, and fair game..... I/E: free flow exhaust manifolds, larger diameter exhaust pipe, Cat delete (if it has one), high flow cat (for inspections), eliminate tight bends, and kinks that hamper exhaust flow etc. Change the rear gear ratio, They're messing with the trans there, WHY NOT upgrade the gearing as well??? Anywho, The engine would still look stock-ish, but PERFORM like it's a modern vehicle. This SEEMS like what they're trying to achieve, or maybe They're budget won't allow the FUN stuff??? 🤔 (No offense, but the "carcass " moniker is a weird azz name for a show) 😅 My apologies for the long post, I like a sexy Z, but felt deprived watching this.

[@glennoropeza3545]

I have always love the Datsun/Nissan Fairlady/ Z cars until one day they decided to put a Renault V6 from the Del Satis! the 350Z so far has been reliable until it gets into the hands of Tuners! I just hope the 400Z is 100% Nissan Powered!

[@michaelbradley7529]

Surprised to see an automatic transmission in a classic Z car. Hopefully it doesn't go back that way.

[@diecastcat]

Test drive a new twin turbo to get some ideas for our old NA..... pointless. But I love the car

[@DynamicBear]

...oh, I forgot my safety glasses. Not a problem, we got a water hose.

[@MrRmad1]

Doing an ls swap with pretty much the same kit. What hydraulic clutch set up work?

[@mglu211]

Planning on painting my engine block the same way. How clean does it have to be to get a decent painting job?

[@FixingWithFriends]

As clean as you can get it and then degreased and sanded. It doesn't have to be paint free, but the enamel doesn't stick to grease.

[@MrHabby38]

You had me until Jim wolf tech. Collins performance kits are the best

[@FixingWithFriends]

Wait, that one's an AUTO!? (That's relatively rare for an S30) 3:27

[@mdtransmissionspecialties]

My 510 has the L16.

[@paulhooker516]

I had a 1978 280z 2+2. It had a completely worthless backseat. Fun car.

[@lesheath6216]

I have a new chrome header and collector with O2 bung if you want to upgrade the exhaust

[@yername31]

port and polish the head , maybe a little something something to add some power and not change anything.

[@mindthependulum6245]

Does Nissan still use hemispherical combustion chamber heads?

[@phoneuser3569]

No point in investing this much time and money into a post 75 car.

[@Turbokrankenwagon]

Why not do a a set up carbs, and bigger cam?

[@faisalalblushi374]

This thing need Rb26 swap

[@eaglewindspirit]

Why on earth wouldn't you have checked the crank bearings out while you were there? Wow!

[@brjones27]

Unfortunate you couldn't hand that engine over to the engine guys, see what they could do. And wouldn't you want to clean the engine first before painting it?

[@johndrummond88]

Pat Topolinski would of run those boys out if they brought a dirty engine!!!

[@jeremyfaint5291]

had someone using this logo , tell me id won a TV , but could i pay the shipping !

[@jaredowens195]

Is this the same car as the one on the ammo NYC channel?

[@mesasavage]

Why would you change such nice original paint? I'm glad you're hacking up an automatic and not stuffing Chebbie in there at least...

[@notsogreat123]

Put in a manual transmission. Then turbocharge it !!!!

[@otsenres1636]

How much do those transmissions go for?

[@PrinceAlhorian]

Why keep the cat? Delete! Delete!

[@VelocityVibeRacing]

Twin turbo L28?

[@Euroburger]

Yes, paint it garbage bag grey. Very refreshing compared to all the other garbage bag grey cars...🤢🤮

[@therealswarvey]

@insane Nate it always looks like they've just put clear directly over grey primer. Fkn ugly and cheap looking

[@FixingWithFriends]

Mine has EGR provisions. Older though. It's weird you guys are replacing the entire (multi-thousand dollar) rear suspension without doing a proper engine build. Even if you don't do bore and stroke, you aren't even doing a cam or a bigger throttlebody? You do you, and I will do my own, that's fine. I just don't get the budget distribution. Unless it is sponsorship dependant.

[@davidhusband5022]

mask for a pressure pack paint can, thats hilarious!

[@Motor-City-Mike]

Heritage Restomod... Ok.

[@charleschapman2428]

Rattle can resto mode, give me a break.