🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

280Z

Year:

1976

Generation Designation:

S30 (Second Generation - Facelift)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Key Competitors:

Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 924/928, BMW 3 Series, Triumph TR7, Jaguar XJ-S

Design Philosophy:

Stylish 'Z-car' design, inline-six engine performance, rear-wheel drive, excellent handling for its era, comfortable for long-distance touring.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, classic car owners seeking to maintain and repair their Datsun 280Z.

Benefits:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving costs and ensuring proper care of a classic vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Model Variants Covered:

All 280Z models for 1976

Regional Variants:

Assumed North American specification unless otherwise noted within the manual

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, fuel injection system (L-Jetronic), ignition system, lubrication, cooling, engine mechanicals (block, head, valvetrain, crankshaft, pistons, etc.)

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnosis, fluid changes, clutch service

Fuel And Exhaust:

Fuel tank, pump, lines, fuel injection system components, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable for '76), mufflers, pipes

Ignition And Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, ignition system (coil, distributor, plugs), lighting, gauges, horn, basic accessory circuits

Brakes:

Disc brake assembly (front and rear), hydraulic system, parking brake, master cylinder, wheel cylinders/calipers, brake fluid specifications

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel mounting, tire pressure recommendations, bolt patterns

Steering And Suspension:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rod ends, ball joints, control arms, struts, springs, bushings, alignment specifications

Frame And Bodywork:

Chassis structure, body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, glass, bumpers, interior trim

HVAC:

Heating and ventilation system diagnosis and repair (air conditioning typically a dealer option, coverage may vary)

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault codes (if applicable to L-Jetronic system), symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems

Diagnostics:

In-depth diagnostic steps for fuel injection, ignition, and electrical systems

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, alignment angles, electrical resistance values

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and fuel injection system diagnosis.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Universal compatibility with all major operating systems (Windows 95 through Windows 11, macOS, Linux)

Image Quality:

High quality, featuring clear and legible text, detailed diagrams, and high-resolution photographs/illustrations.

Digital Format Notes:

Delivered as a digital download, allowing for immediate access and printing of specific pages if desired.

Digital Content Description:

Content mirrors original factory service manual information, providing professional-grade data.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L28E

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2753 cc (2.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5600 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque:

211 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (SAE Net)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Minimum Recommended)

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (CDI - Capacitor Discharge Ignition) with Distributor

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Type:

3-speed Automatic (Model Jatco 3N71B)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically Actuated Dry Single Plate

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

169.1 in (4300 mm)

Width:

64.2 in (1630 mm)

Height:

50.4 in (1280 mm)

Wheelbase:

90.7 in (2301 mm)

Front Track:

53.7 in (1365 mm)

Rear Track:

53.5 in (1359 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,067 lbs (1391 kg) for Manual, Approx. 3,131 lbs (1420 kg) for Automatic

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified in standard marketing materials, but implied by chassis load capacity

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

NHTSA ratings were not standardized in 1976 as they are today; older vehicles are not directly comparable.

Braking System:

Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Larger front discs compared to previous models.

Steering System:

Power-assisted rack and pinion steering.

Seatbelts:

3-point lap and shoulder belts (driver and passenger)

Body Construction:

Integrated body-frame construction for rigidity and crash energy management (for the era).

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, often with a cassette player as an aftermarket addition. Speaker placement typically in doors and rear deck.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard or widely available feature on the 1976 280Z.

Cruise Control:

Optional feature available on some models, particularly US-spec cars.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB) were present in the original vehicle.

Fuel Injection System:

Bosch L-Jetronic provides a significant technological advancement over carburetion for emissions and drivability, though it requires specialized diagnostic tools and knowledge for repair.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions.

Engine Tune Up Interval:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles, including spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, and idle speed setting.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 20,000-30,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

API SF or SG quality. Viscosity: SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 recommended. Capacity: 5.0 US quarts (with filter).

Coolant:

50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 US quarts.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Rust (especially wheel wells, floor pans, and rocker panels), aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), fuel injection system sensor issues (e.g., airflow meter), distributor wear, exhaust system corrosion.

Maintenance Recommendations:

Regular inspection for rust, replacement of all rubber hoses and belts, thorough cleaning and inspection of the fuel injection system, and careful attention to ignition system components.

📚 Vehicle History

Datsun Heritage:

Datsun (later Nissan) was renowned for producing reliable, performance-oriented, and affordable vehicles, building a strong reputation in North America with models like the 240Z and 260Z.

Evolution From 260Z:

The 1975 and 1976 280Z models represented an evolution of the S30 chassis, primarily featuring the larger 2.8L engine and the introduction of electronic fuel injection (L-Jetronic) to meet tightening emissions standards and improve drivability over carbureted predecessors. The 1975 model had a slightly longer wheelbase and integrated bumpers due to new regulations.

Production Period S30:

1969-1978 (S30 chassis)

Model Year Specifics:

The 1976 model year continued the S30 facelift, incorporating the federal bumper regulations and the L28E engine.