🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

280Z

Chassis Code:

S30

Year:

1977

Product Name:

Datsun 280Z S30 1977 Workshop Service Repair Manual Download

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Datsun 280Z (S30) was a landmark in sports car history, blending performance, styling, and relative affordability, making it a direct competitor to European sports cars like the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911, albeit at a lower price point.

Competitors:

Primarily competed against the Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911, Jaguar XJ-S, and various European GT cars of the era.

Styling:

Iconic long hood, short deck, fastback profile, and clean, flowing lines, largely attributed to Albrecht Goertz.

Performance Blend:

Offered a potent inline-6 engine with modern fuel injection, providing a strong balance of power and daily drivability, a significant advantage over some carbureted competitors.

Value Proposition:

Delivered sports car performance and handling at a price point considerably lower than many European counterparts.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete official full factory service repair manual

Pages:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified but implied to be comprehensive)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage including disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting of the 2.8L inline-6 engine.

Fuel System:

In-depth information on fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic for 1977 models), fuel pump, injectors, and fuel pressure regulation.

Ignition System:

Coverage of the electronic ignition system, distributor, coil, and spark plug specifications.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, and coolant specifications and service procedures.

Exhaust System:

Service and replacement of exhaust manifolds, pipes, catalytic converter (if equipped for the region), and muffler.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for both the 3-speed automatic (Type A43) and 4-speed manual (Type FS5W71B) transmissions, including clutch, gearbox overhaul, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Rear axle, differential, driveshaft, and half-shaft service and maintenance.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear independent suspension (semi-trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system components, pump, steering rack, and tie rod ends.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, and brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage including battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, and accessory circuits.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed and clearly laid out wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, bumpers, and chassis structural components.

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, trim panels, heater, and ventilation system service.

Troubleshooting:

Dedicated troubleshooting sections for common problems and diagnostic procedures.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, and fluid level checks.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for nearly all mechanical and electrical components.

Overhaul:

Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures for major components like the engine and transmission.

Diagnostics:

Guidance on diagnosing faults, interpreting symptoms, and using diagnostic tools.

Adjustment:

Procedures for adjusting carburetor (if applicable for earlier models, though 77 is L-Jetronic), ignition timing, clutch, and brakes.

Installation:

Guidance on component installation and replacement.

Depth:

Professional quality, in-depth service and repair information suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and experienced mechanics.

Level Of Detail:

Detailed substeps expand on repair procedure information, with hundreds of photos and illustrations.

Guides:

Numbered instructions guide the reader through every repair procedure step-by-step.

Illustrations:

Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos; enlarged insets for detailed part examination.

Warnings:

Notes, cautions, and warnings pinpoint critical information throughout each chapter.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Compatible with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac.

Requirements:

Requires Adobe PDF Reader.

Printability:

Printable without any restriction; entire manual or specific pages can be printed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

Delivery Method:

Instant download link available on the checkout page after payment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L28

Engine Type:

2.8 Liter (2753 cc) SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder

Horsepower Net:

Approx. 170 hp @ 5600 rpm (SAE Net for US spec 1977)

Torque Net:

Approx. 210 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (SAE Net for US spec 1977)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition with Distributor

Compression:

8.3:1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Manual (FS5W71B)

Transmission Type:

3-Speed Automatic (A43)

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 171.5 inches (4356 mm)

Width:

Approx. 65.4 inches (1661 mm)

Height:

Approx. 50.8 inches (1290 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 90.7 inches (2301 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3070 lbs (1393 kg) for manual transmission

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

While official NHTSA ratings for this era are less standardized, the S30 featured a robust unibody construction with crumple zones and a sturdy safety cage designed for its time.

Brakes:

Power assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seat belts.

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM radio with optional 8-track or cassette player. Modern upgrades are common.

Features:

None in the modern sense. Focus was on driver engagement and mechanical feedback.

Features:

None. Designed before the era of vehicle connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise intervals).

Filter Replacement:

Oil filter with every oil change; fuel filter typically every 15,000-30,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Check and gap every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap).

Transmission Fluid:

Check level regularly; change fluid and filter on automatic transmission every 30,000 miles or as specified. Manual transmission fluid should be checked and changed periodically.

Engine Oil:

API SF or SG service category, viscosity typically 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact specification).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Consult manual for specific type and capacity.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 recommended (check manual for specific type).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron II or equivalent for automatic transmission.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended.

Rust And Corrosion:

Common issue in older vehicles, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans due to age and exposure.

Fuel Injection System:

L-Jetronic components (e.g., airflow meter, fuel pump, injectors) can require maintenance or replacement due to age; troubleshooting often involves checking fuel pressure and electrical connections.

Rubber And Plastic Components:

Hoses, belts, and suspension bushings degrade over time and are common replacement items.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with any classic car, older wiring can become brittle, connections can corrode, leading to intermittent electrical issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Datsun (later Nissan) built a reputation for reliability, innovation, and performance, particularly with its sports car offerings. The Z-car line was pivotal in establishing Datsun as a serious global automotive manufacturer.

S30 Lineage:

The 280Z (S30) was an evolution of the original 240Z, introduced in 1970. The 2.8L engine was a response to emissions regulations and a desire for more low-end torque, evolving into the 260Z and then the 280Z in 1975.

1977 Updates:

The 1977 model year continued with the 2.8L engine and L-Jetronic fuel injection, representing the mature iteration of the S30 platform before the introduction of the S130 generation (280ZX) in 1979. Minor styling and interior refinements may have been present.

Production Years S30:

1970-1978 (global)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan (Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Impact:

The Datsun 240Z and its successors, including the 280Z, are widely recognized as having revolutionized the affordable sports car market and are considered automotive icons.

Automotive Press:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its styling, performance, and value when new. Recognized by many publications as a classic car and a desirable collector's item.