Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking to perform professional-level maintenance and repairs on their 280Z.
Contemporary Competitors:
Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette (C3), Jaguar E-Type, BMW 3.0CS/CSi.
Performance Package:
Inline-six cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, aerodynamic styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-grade repair and maintenance information, enabling cost-effective ownership and preservation of a classic vehicle.
Engine And Clutch:
Detailed information on engine disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, tuning, clutch inspection, service, and replacement.
Transmissions:
Coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions, including removal, disassembly, assembly, adjustment, and common repair procedures.
Cooling Systems:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, and coolant system maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic), fuel pump, lines, tank, exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter service.
Ignition And Electrical:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, wiring, battery, starter, alternator, lighting system, instrumentation, and accessory electrical components.
Brakes And Brake Assembly:
Front and rear disc brakes, brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, hydraulic system, parking brake, and ABS (if applicable, though unlikely for '77 280Z).
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure, rotation, balancing, wheel alignment, and hub/wheel bearing service.
Steering And Suspension:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, and bushings.
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis structure, body panel repair, doors, hood, trunk, glass replacement, interior trim, and basic body alignment.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, high-quality electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, crucial for diagnostics and repairs.
Fault Finding Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and common problem solutions.
Maintenance And Servicing:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, and routine inspections.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing service, cylinder head work, and timing component replacement.
Transmission Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for overhauling both manual and automatic transmissions.
Brake System Repair:
Detailed procedures for caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, brake line bleeding, and parking brake adjustments.
Electrical Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing starters, alternators, fuel pumps, ignition modules, and other electrical parts.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, and power steering pump/rack service.
Body And Chassis Work:
Procedures for door alignment, panel repair, and rust remediation.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics for engine performance issues related to fuel injection and ignition systems.
Rebuild Scope:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures for major mechanical components like the engine and transmission.
Troubleshooting Complexity:
Detailed troubleshooting trees and diagnostic flowcharts for complex electrical and mechanical faults.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for certain repair procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 miles.
Timing Belt Tensioner Check:
Regular inspection of timing chain tensioner and guides recommended, as failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage. (Note: L28 uses a timing chain, not a belt).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (green type) mixed with distilled water, typically a 50/50 ratio.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, rear valence, and battery tray area are common spots for rust due to age and material limitations.
Fuel System Degradation:
Degradation of rubber fuel lines, o-rings, and early plastic components in the fuel system can lead to leaks or poor fuel delivery.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, connectors, and grounds can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Suspension Wear:
Worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common due to age and mileage, affecting handling and alignment.
Fuel Injector Clogging:
Over time, the L-Jetronic fuel injectors can become clogged, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.