Vehicle Class:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners seeking to maintain or restore their classic Datsun 280Z.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 924/911 (early models), Jaguar E-Type (later models), BMW 3-Series (E21).
Design Philosophy:
Stylish, performance-oriented coupe with a focus on driver engagement and reliability.
Distinguishing Features 1977:
Larger displacement engine, improved fuel injection, 5 mph bumpers (US spec) for safety regulations.
Engine:
Full overhaul, tune-up, diagnosis, repair of L28E engine.
Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system components, diagnosis, and repair.
Ignition System:
Distributor, coils, spark plugs, wiring, electronic ignition components.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, diagnosis.
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, catalytic converter (if applicable for 1977 US spec), mufflers, pipes.
Transmission:
4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmissions: overhaul, adjustment, fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axles.
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Steering rack, tie rods, power steering system (if equipped), steering column.
Brakes:
Front discs, rear drums, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Alternator, starter, battery, fuses, relays, lighting, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Frame structure, body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, weatherstripping.
Interior:
Dashboard, seats, trim panels, instrumentation.
HVAC:
Heating and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication, fluid checks and changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement.
Rebuild:
Comprehensive engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures.
Diagnostics:
Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on typical diagnostic tools and methods used for the era.
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
3-speed Automatic (Model: Borg-Warner AS400 or similar Nissan-developed unit)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single dry plate (manual transmission)
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual (e.g., 1st: 3.382, 2nd: 2.077, 3rd: 1.306, 4th: 1.000, Rev: 3.452 - typical for earlier models)
Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Fluid Capacity Manual:
Approximately 2.5 Liters (refer to manual for exact capacity)
Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF
Fluid Capacity Automatic:
Approximately 6.5 Liters (refer to manual for exact capacity)
Wheelbase:
90.7 inches (2304 mm)
Overall Length:
169.5 inches (4305 mm)
Overall Width:
64.4 inches (1636 mm)
Overall Height:
50.6 inches (1285 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 6.0 inches (152 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3150-3250 lbs (1429-1474 kg) depending on transmission and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle compliance plate (typically around 4000 lbs)
Standard Wheel Size:
14 x 5.5 inches or 14 x 6 inches (J) steel or alloy wheels
Optional Wheel Size:
15 inch alloy wheels were available
Standard Tire Size:
195/70R14 (bias-ply or early radial)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4 x 114.3 mm (4.5 inch PCD)
NHTSA Ratings:
No specific NHTSA ratings from that era are readily available; era-appropriate safety standards applied.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, Rear drums
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering, optional power steering
Seatbelts:
Three-point retractable front seatbelts
Structure:
Unibody construction with integrated safety cage elements.
Bumpers:
5 mph impact-absorbing bumpers (US specification) for federal safety standards.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era).
Tune Up Interval:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 miles, including spark plugs, points (if applicable), and filter checks.
Timing Belt Chain:
L-series engines use a timing chain, designed for the life of the engine, though tensioners and guides may require periodic inspection/replacement.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SF or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 recommended depending on climate.
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 Liters)
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, rear hatch area, front floor pans, battery tray area.
Fuel Injection Issues:
Aging fuel pump, injector seals, AFM (Air Flow Meter) sensor problems, distributor issues can cause driveability problems.
Electrical Corrosion:
Connectors, grounds, and wiring harnesses can corrode over time, leading to intermittent electrical faults.
Oil Filter Example:
Nissan OEM: 15208-U0100 (or equivalent aftermarket like Fram PH8A, Bosch 3422).
Spark Plug Example:
NGK BPR6ES (or equivalent).