Gas Monkey Garage Builds a Japanese Import: In-Depth Look into the 1975 Datsun 280Z with Big Mike

[@jrh0369]

I’m a pure muscle car guy but I love this car. I saw these when I was a kid and thought it was one of the coolest during that time. Glad you didn’t LS swap it.

[@BigMikeEdition]

This is awesome to read.

[@Mechaniclyfe]

Big mike you deserve a lot of credit on this one , the execution on the car is just perfect , color , parts, engine everything was very thought out , the level of detail and a true Japanese inspired build, this is a great representation of what the true import scene is and how it was always meant to be. No body kits or crazy spoilers just straight to business, circuit style Japanese import build . Well done

[@BigMikeEdition]

I really appreciate those words, thank you very much.

[@FaizKhan-wb2py]

Love everything about the car... every inch of the car have detailed hard work, and it shows off. Good job one day you guys will built my car.

[@bartozoz99]

This style of build has been done over and over, those arches are just an eyesore and make the whole car look like a 17 year olds beater MX5. Props on the motor that looks top.

[@taschisim2255]

this car is STUNNING !

[@BigMikeEdition]

Agreed!

[@chuckyboy6977]

This is 100% the bolloxs. The stance is just perfect, the colour on the body and wheels is pure retro Motorsport style. The only thing missing to really give it that late 70’s early 80’s rally style is a set of old school Cibié driving and spot lamps..

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@carharttblade]

Amazing, thats my dream, to have a classic car that is actually brand new

[@BigMikeEdition]

I understand that!

[@simlowsb]

I like it how you put it. A classic car that is actually brand new!

[@akirony]

The interior is clean and smooth but that engine bay is meticulously beautiful. Love the 2+2 path too. I'd ve kept the rear bumper just for protection. And the fact that's the original paint color is just oooo. Great job and good idea.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much

[@alisterhemmings8121]

Beautiful rebuild. Love the fine details,keeping it original yet modern,perfect example of a Restomod. Car embodies function and form in my opinion. Again,job well done and excellent execution. Big up from Jamaica

[@gregcollins6061]

That's a really nice build combination. . Colour , wheels, all just seems to work really well, 👌

[@arymonem]

You did an amazing job!!! This car ROCKS.

[@tking8914]

Love it. Have been searching for a 280z to build for myself. You gave me some good insight and ideas in the way i should go. Awesome work man!!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you!

[@memberofthetribe1]

As a former Datsun 280Z owner, I can say, unequivocally that this is one sick Z. I hope that you are proud of this because it really is an amazing build. I also agree with you; this looks amazing with the 2+2 body.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much! It was important to me to stay true to the lineage of the car and accent - not alter- the body lines.

[@miniac91]

Nice to see a 2+2 build. I rebuilt a 74 2+2 several years ago, and a buyer from Kuwait took it off my hands. I had that car 19 years, and I sure do miss it.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks. They are such an overlooked chassis. I do understand why many think they are ugly compared to the coupe, but with the right mods they are awesome. Like, this one.

[@TheycallmeTANK01]

good to see the old garage moving to the tuner stage as well, a real nice one too

[@rsuriyop]

I just don't understand why Nissan doesn't just bring this old classic design back to the market. In recent years Chevy and Ford have brought back old classic Camaro and Mustang designs and it has paid off very well for them. I really think it would be a really smart move if Nissan could do the same by bringing back the original 240z design, especially since they're struggling financially. Doing this I'm sure would really help them out, believe me!

[@inz1]

Dude you’re gonna love 2023

[@donaldspringer2814]

Search 2023 Nissan Z. 400Hp, manual stick, taking various elements from the best designs.. it sings!

[@khayrobs]

400z

[@LaughOutLouie88]

This Z looks amazing my dude excellent job!!!! Love love everything in it, perfect build!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@atomicorang]

This is an OMG sort of cat. It really caught my attention and had to watch. Great job to our presenter and to the entire staff.

[@briansolliday6166]

One of the greatest builds to ever come out of GMG

[@Neudezign]

The car looks really good, I'm totally dig'n it. Nice and clean and I'm glad you made an effort to stay true to the original brand and era of tuning and styling. Big thumbs up!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@andrewilliams7499]

my dad's 1st car after coming to America,but what you've done is amazing.

[@MrPanda-ke9rf]

Still have it?

[@BCaldwell]

Good for you man! Great design! I absolutely love this car and your vision for the final product.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much

[@teachme7610]

I would have been mad if they did this to a 13,000 mile 2 seater. The 2+2 was a great choice. They turned what is usually an unwanted car into a really sexy racer/streeter.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@davidwhittaker9511]

Beautiful build GMGT! Impressive attention to era correctness!

[@BigMikeEdition]

I appreciate that you value the attention to era correctness.

[@MonyetButler]

Never thought a 2+2 could look good. This looks amazing. Well done.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much! I always knew that chassis could look amazing if done right!

[@InvincibleExtremes]

I love this build. Not as much as I love my own 240z, but that's because it's mine.

[@billramsey8695]

Absolutely amazing. What wonderful job you guys did on this. Beautiful car.

[@WRMonger1]

Once upon a time I was a Z purist but I've gotten over myself since then. A 4 cylinder isn't the way I would have gone but you made it work. It's not a rebuild, refurbish, or even a refresh but it's still a Z with the classic lines and you get kudos from someone who has been working on these classics for over 30 years. Good job and don't let the purists keep you from expressing your art as you see fit.

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

This man has an immeasurable passion for his job

[@reset6970]

Have never seen a green like this. A masterpiece. Thanks for building it!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Nice compliment!

[@tonyvong8402]

can’t wait to drive my 280z again. been working it on for some time

[@Jux2p0ze]

This car is soooooo beautiful. It's a shame we don't bring back classic lines more like this.

[@rhyzhenthioz]

I saw this last year. I forgot to give a like so I came back.

[@drstrange2292]

this is an amazing build like the colour and the simplistic design

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much

[@ac7127]

Big mike a OG, good to see how far he's come since i remember his hatch in the magazine

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@Sebastian-yq2mu]

Good thing they were in a rush in the last couple days to keep it green. Looks great

[@lea2666]

Pity it burned to a crisp :(

[@deepdeo6823]

280Z bumper shave is no "small touch." 240 or 260 with the chrome looks dope. Props to this guy, but a fairlady build would be sick af.

[@NjoyMoney]

The chrome bumper is horrifyingly ugly. Its the only thing that makes the car look ugly and dated imo

[@rneoman]

It is a fairlady in Japan its a fairlady Z everywhere else its a 240 260 280 300 350 Z

[@deepdeo6823]

I meant the Fairlady ZG, my mistake.

[@deepdeo6823]

Big bumpers are ugly due to US regulations. The JDM bumpers look good tho, the 280 would've looked much better with them.

[@BakerDeltaFour]

Hi. What do you mean by 280 bumper shave is no small touch?

[@mike.135i]

so glad this is gonna be on fast and loud

[@jesusgonzalez.7589]

Yes no like tesla shitty cars

[@fpshootermcgavin85]

Finally an import.This is beautiful.....this is art. I love Fast and Loud and the cars they build, thanks for this coming from an import enthusiast.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you! I'm an import guy as well.

[@dario-cadalystarchitecture7712]

Well done on the build. I absolutely love it. Thank you for not doing a RB engine swop, way too many people do it on 240z/260z/280z's and no longer unique. Thank you for choosing the 2+2 for a change. . . . .much respect from Swaziland - Africa.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@lilopasha8762]

at first i though it was DJ Khaled

[@marioalvarezvilla2464]

Wait he's not? I thought he did car build in the side on top of DJing

[@randysurratt9919]

Lilo Pasha me too

[@armenenkel3547]

Another one!

[@armandojuan64]

So did I … Lol .

[@luissantiago6903]

Lmao

[@wasabicars]

Damn. I love everything about that. Great work

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you!

[@glenndavis4105]

WasabiCars zsssss@ss8s8ss dad

[@oli1658]

Surprised to see you around these parts mr.wasabi

[@isaiasmartinez2137]

Lmao

[@ivorgreenplant]

@@BigMikeEdition ,, did this car get wrecked in transit ?

[@MindDezign]

Great enthusiast build ,You can tell this guy put in heart. Not much on the 2+2. But they are out there and are Z cars. I have a 73 240z and a 78 289z Both restomoded as twins. One blue accents in brilliant white the other red accents in brilliant white . Semi flat flares and spoiler and bumper as is here,a very common classic theme. Car looks good,and such low mileage you had to build it even if it was a 2+2. Only problem with the 2+2 is you always wish you had the 2 seater. There have been a few really Kool 2+2 and if that's what you got ,you got to make them as Kool as you can.All the classic Z restom mids work.I don't like seeing any Z bone stock....that's a snooze fest.

[@davenobbley7681]

I absolutely believe this is the nicest 2+2 I've ever seen.fantastic!!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Awesome!

[@loganriki2625]

Wow, beautifully done. Artistry at its best. Color is sick.

[@novakaoss6848]

Damn wish my 260z looked that good! It will get there one day

[@Kindo86]

Love those classic Z cars.....doesn't matter how it's done!!!

[@BigMikeEdition]

They are all just beautiful cars

[@anhiirr]

finally a true z fan

[@taddmason1187]

so glad they didn't LS swap it. glad they went and did something original

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you. I would never (well, maybe not NEVER) put an LS in one of these. I wanted to keep it in the family.

[@taddmason1187]

Big Mike not an over statement but has to be one of the cleanest Z's I've ever seen

[@darylharvey2865]

I agree. LS is an awesome engine, but I’m all for keeping it all Datsun/Nissan.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Awesome compliment. Thank you.

[@selfproclaimednobody4614]

Craig D "IF YOU BUILD IT , THE LS WILL COME"! lol. Call it the "build of dreams" !

[@lesheathjr444]

Great build! Glad to see a 2+2 getting some love.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you!

[@kipdiggs1827]

I've never been a fan of the 2+2, but I really like what you've done with this. I imagine that extra wheelbase makes it that much smoother in the ride department. Very impressive.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you! One of the goals was to sway the worlds' opinion on the 2+2.

[@kipdiggs1827]

Big Mike I'd be interested in seeing what you could do with a 300 ZX 2+2.

[@selfproclaimednobody4614]

Always liked the 2+2 fast backs! It's a good look.

[@alexnaranjo3299]

B-E-A-UTIFUL! I LOVE THIS CAR!

[@jonathanrigley981]

I have a whole new appreciation for 2+2 Z’s now, Quite simply a beautiful car. Honestly I’d rather keep an L series under the hood tho

[@gabequezada2066]

I was never a fan of the 2+2 but this one is awesome!

[@BigMikeEdition]

I'm happy to hear it!

[@Cameron-yu5dz]

Not gonna lie im actually really happy with this build. The 2 + 2 is a car not many people modify so its nice to see. The sr20 was a great idea as most of the time people just put either an RB or an ls in them. I like how you tried to keep it as era specific as possible. Good build

[@BigMikeEdition]

I appreciate the kind words very much

[@Cameron-yu5dz]

No problem mate

[@marcelmiagi4579]

I can’t recall a single word he said...I just kept imagining him chasing around Aladdin with a sword.

[@isaiasmartinez2137]

Lmao

[@hardmurakami]

😂😂😂

[@mattkelly9000]

Damn I never comment but, man that is the sickest Dotson I've ever seen.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you. That's an awesome compliment.

[@mattkelly9000]

Big Mike thank you for showing it us.

[@BigMikeEdition]

You're welcome

[@roknroy1]

really nice build inside and out!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@cenmike82]

Very nicely designed great job

[@mishellerauth1966]

Really nice build. Love all that you did but expecially the interior. Sweet!

[@BigMikeEdition]

I like that you like the interior! LOL

[@sandplasma]

This has to be one of the sexiest Z's I've ever laid eyes on.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@ericorange6662]

Go big mike car looks awesome

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you!

[@julioserna5659]

Now that s a amazing beautiful car

[@Born_Texan]

I remember when they built this Zcar on the show. It's a beautiful car, I love it. This is one of my favorite Japanese cars. I am a sucker for the first and second year 280's, I really like the first year of the 2+2 cars.

[@charlesegan-wc8ug]

That is by farrrr the nicest car gas monkey has built. Sick bro amazing.

[@hamishmcewan1176]

Lovely. I'd definitely want a head rest to avoid whiplash if your rear ended.

[@surf403]

Hamish McEwan I agree! Ive never understood why on the majority of these builds, even pro touring, they use seats that can snap your neck in an instant!!??

[@1houroflove186]

Fricken beautiful!

[@robertflores9227]

That’s awesome!!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@0bscura]

Wow that is a beautiful Z. Congratulations to all involved.

[@darnells5900]

Normally, I don't care much for GMG, but this 280Z...! WOW!!! Way to go guys!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@Drew_peaballs_128]

Oh yeah love a good Datsun 😎

[@BigMikeEdition]

So timeless

[@Drew_peaballs_128]

Big Mike sure is well done on the build! Great job, I’m restoring a 260z 2+2 atm and this has defiantly given me a boost of motivation 😎

[@BigMikeEdition]

That's awesome. Best of luck.

[@Drew_peaballs_128]

Big Mike thanks mike! We have some videos on our channel if you wanna check them out 😎 thanks

[@capella95]

beautiful cars those Z's. my father's got a 260 survivor with 17,000 miles

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks

[@BigMikeEdition]

Wow, your father has a gem!

[@jayceloris]

Magnifique. Travail vraiment de très haut niveau

[@marcfalsetta5845]

Too bad burnt to ground while delivering

[@marcfalsetta5845]

Burnt up

[@bitnissan]

I love 240s 260s and 280s, they look so friggin beautiful.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Agreed

[@MattSmith-vl7yu]

I have fell in love with this car. Genuinely this is my new dream car. Forget your lambo or Ferrari, this is the 1 for me

[@BigMikeEdition]

Awesome

[@JusAlbanicae]

Car looks amazing, the only thing missing is quad exhausts imo

[@howlinhauler]

U turned it into a 2000gt-z . Dope. Great green.

[@samspace81]

I gotta ask, WHY a 2+2? Yes I love Zs but the proportions for the 2+2 kinda suck...

[@cellusd7869]

I was thinking the same thing. Weird how not many people are saying the same. 2 seater would have been so much better...

[@earlehart2123]

this car is Heaven...words are not enough...

[@BigMikeEdition]

That's very kind of you to say

[@velocitor3792]

1970's Datsun 280zx has some of the most beautiful lunes of any car, any era. Love it! Would like to see these restored with the Japanese 'Fairlady" badging.

[@Etherion195]

I really love this project, but i would've gone for actual seats with headrests, so that you can actually drive this "quick and nimble racing car" with atleast a minimum of safety. The style of the seats is nice though.

[@davidliley6238]

Awesome looking car pity they put a 4 cylinder in it should have been a straight 6 maybe an RB25DE

[@BigMikeEdition]

I chose an SR20 for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones was because of the weight balance that it retains. The car stays close to the original 48/52 weight balance that it came with originally when using an SR20, which was one of the reasons the vehicle was so successful in racing such as SCCA. Additionally, you must take in to consideration that the viewers of that show are used to high horsepower, torquey American muscle cars. A fully built SR20 with a properly sized Garrett turbo makes for solid horsepower and torque, which is something that makes it that much able to be respected/appreciated/relatable to those who watch the show, especially and specifically because it is a 2.0L, 4-cylinder "tiny" motor to them. Additionally, as much as I love the RB, I would have wanted to do a fully built RB26DETT and there was nowhere near enough time or money to do the setup that I wanted to properly. Nowhere near enough time or money. I hope that gives you some perspective and context to why I made the decisions I did. Thanks for the love.

[@davidliley6238]

Fair enough man, i still love the car at least it's not electric :-)

[@BTBAM41018]

I'm just happy it's not a ls.

[@TheFilko11]

Or V10, as someone did in their channel 😂😂😂

[@chaparro805]

Check out MCM 280z build. They actually put in a RB26 I believe and they take it to the track to reveal it. (Actually it is a 240z)

[@mike.135i]

of course its green hahah

[@carlbrown6642]

Beautiful color.

[@charliemurphy5507]

M. Hayes Yeah it looks really nice

[@rebeccahheelsbountyhunterr7458]

M. Hayes valley

[@dennismeurs9736]

Blue is nicer!

[@AKNismo]

At least it's green because that's the original color, not because Richard wanted it that way lol

[@alaindezii4445]

A friend pulled up to high school in a brand new 240Z in 1978, just a gorgeous car.

[@duddaman254118]

That's the best 280z I ever saw great job guys

[@BigMikeEdition]

Amazing compliment. Thank you.

[@mitcheloo2632]

I love the car but I'm sitting here just thinking why they SR20 swapt it. Why didn't they keep the L2800 and bored it up to 3.1. If you twin turbo that and tune it right you will have a real monster.

[@goddamitgar8470]

Sounds like you've watched too much wangan midnight

[@BigMikeEdition]

I chose an SR20 for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones was because of the weight balance that it retains. The car stays close to the original 48/52 weight balance that it came with originally when using an SR20, which was one of the reasons the vehicle was so successful in racing such as SCCA. Additionally, you must take in to consideration that the viewers of that show are used to high horsepower, torquey American muscle cars. A fully built SR20 with a properly sized Garrett turbo makes for solid horsepower and torque, which is something that makes it that much able to be respected/appreciated/relatable to those who watch the show. Additionally, there was nowhere near enough time or money to do a proper L28 twin turbo setup. I hope that gives you some perspective and context to why I made the decisions I did. Thanks for the love

[@TopChoice617]

Jacob Graham Yeah true, that would’ve been really sweet. But nonetheless that bad boy a beast and ain’t nothing sweet about it!! 🏆🏆🏆

[@27cdl]

Should have rb swapped it

[@gordongreninger6109]

Big Mike My hats of 2 ya! Im an old dude and this era Z car was new when I was a pup. That 2+2 roof line is hideous. Reminded me of the same perversion the Jag XKE 2+2 suffered. Im not sure how you did it but you pulled off a miracle. This 2+2 is stunning! I still gotta poke you about tossing the I6 thou. My God thats a lusty sounding 6 that stirred the soul! Well done overall thou. Ive been watching your work. Your gonna be a legend son.

[@816kicks5]

wow they actually are working on real cars

[@dereklopez5474]

Hell naw boy

[@kody7149]

That shit is clean!!!!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@Adetokunbo03]

My thoughts exactly

[@robray7106]

Absolutely stunningly beautiful! Also I was born in 1975, which makes it even cooler to me.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@milkhoney6742]

Love the green and black trim....Super Fly!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Yup!

[@SeventyEightCivic]

Big Mike, time to build a First Gen Honda Civic

[@MaxDephyantz]

Cool car! But should've used an RB26DETT unboosted to sound like a Z, not an SR20DET. Who is this Big Mike character?

[@BigMikeEdition]

I chose an SR20 for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones was because of the weight balance that it retains. The car stays close to the original 48/52 weight balance that it came with originally when using an SR20, which was one of the reasons the vehicle was so successful in racing such as SCCA. Additionally, you must take in to consideration that the viewers of that show are used to high horsepower, torquey American muscle cars. A fully built SR20 with a properly sized Garrett turbo makes for solid horsepower and torque, which is something that makes it that much able to be respected/appreciated/relatable to those who watch the show. Additionally, as much as I love the RB, I would have wanted to do a fully built RB26DETT and there was nowhere near enough time or money to do the setup that I wanted to properly. Nowhere near enough time or money. I hope that gives you some perspective and context to why I made the decisions I did. Thanks for the love. As for me, perhaps go to my IG and see. IG: @thebigmike

[@HatelivesNextDoor]

lol you aint got to lie, Craig. you swapped the ENTIRE drivetrain. you did the sr20 because hipster. that is all.

[@BigMikeEdition]

LOL

[@bryanhillman1223]

Time and money over doing it right. Lol should of been a six.

[@BigMikeEdition]

I look forward to seeing you build one utilizing the powerplant you think is best

[@Streetpetezi]

This car will get some Ferrari's attention fosho😎

[@BigMikeEdition]

:-)

[@fenrisa.9156]

I've never likes the 2+2s until NOW! Well done!

[@BigMikeEdition]

That's awesome to know!

[@smartalec65]

Stunning car, immaculate build

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you!

[@myroadtours6147]

Love the ass end work! This car is very smooth looking,

[@coreyhinkel2832]

13k miles. Would have left it alone. Chopped up another one

[@trafferz]

Yeah, that's really the thought, isn't it. I get the wanting the modern engine and suspension. I just watched the two episodes of the build. That thing was beautiful before they started wrenching and cutting on it. Absolutely pristine. If it had been a survivor American muscle car, the guys in the garage would have mutinied. And did you see what happened to it? After they sold it, the car burnt to the ground in the truck shipping it to the new owner. Sad end to something that had been left untouched for years.

[@nicholasibarra3890]

I would give all 3 of my ride for this car! where is it!

[@nenon809]

This car is cleaner and smother than a 2018 model, great work

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@aaronyoung6937]

That color scheme is perfect. Hell the whole car is perfect