🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

280Z

Year:

1976

Chassis Code:

S30

Engine Code Primary:

L28

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration shops

Competitors 1976:

Chevrolet Corvette C3, Porsche 924, Triumph TR7, Alfa Romeo Spider

Vehicle Key Features:

Inline-6 engine, rear-wheel drive, iconic styling, independent suspension

Manual Advantage:

Provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for all repair and maintenance tasks

Visual Aid Quality:

Features easy-to-read exploded views and diagrams for clear identification and assembly

Content Format:

Includes illustrations, diagrams, specifications, step-by-step instructions, and pictures

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Models Covered:

All 1976 Datsun 280Z models

Market Coverage:

Likely US-spec, with potential applicability to other LHD markets

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 500-800+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnosis, and repair

Drivetrain:

Clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, steering system

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, front discs, rear drums, parking brake

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic)

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable for the year/market), mufflers

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, chassis components

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (if equipped)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components

Disassembly Reassembly:

Detailed instructions for component teardown and reassembly

Adjustment:

Correct adjustments for ignition timing, fuel injection, brakes, etc.

Overhaul:

Complete engine, transmission, and differential overhaul procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds

Detail Level:

Detailed, with exploded views, diagrams, and specifications

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (dependent on original source quality)

Printability:

Printable on standard printers

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

PC & Mac Compatible (Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, XP, Vista, Windows 7, 8, etc.)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2753 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1 (typical)

Horsepower Net SAE:

Approx. 168 hp @ 5200 rpm (US specification)

Torque Net SAE:

Approx. 217 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (US specification)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

Oil Capacity W Filter:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG or similar)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.8 US quarts (7.4 Liters)

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (breakerless distributor)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Opt:

3-speed Automatic Transmission (Nissan/Datsun FS5W71B for manual, Jatco 3N71B for auto)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, single dry plate

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF

📐 Dimensions

Length:

163.2 inches (4145 mm)

Width:

64.2 inches (1630 mm)

Height:

50.4 inches (1280 mm)

Wheelbase:

90.7 inches (2300 mm)

Front Track:

53.7 inches (1365 mm)

Rear Track:

53.5 inches (1358 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3130 lbs (1420 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly stated, but typically around 4000 lbs

Fuel Tank Capacity:

14.5 US gallons (55 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1976:

N/A (NHTSA ratings were not standardized or widely available in this format)

Brakes:

Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass windshield

Headrests:

Integrated headrests on bucket seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with optional 8-track player or cassette deck (typically aftermarket upgrades)

Speakers:

Dash-mounted and rear parcel shelf speakers

Cruise Control:

Optional

Power Steering:

Optional

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months

Tune Up Frequency:

Recommended every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (spark plugs, ignition timing, fuel mixture)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (or as per manual recommendations)

Coolant Flush:

Every 24,000 - 30,000 miles or 2 years

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

DEXRON-II ATF or equivalent (if power steering equipped)

Rust Prone Areas:

Lower body panels, wheel wells, rocker panels, battery tray area, around windows

Fuel Injection System:

L-Jetronic system can be sensitive to vacuum leaks, fuel pump issues, and airflow meter problems. Diagnostics can be challenging.

Ignition System:

Distributor, coil, and ignition control module can fail with age.

Cooling System:

Radiator leaks, thermostat sticking, and aging hoses are common. Overheating can occur.

Drive Shaft Universal Joints:

Wear in U-joints can lead to clunking noises and vibrations.

Electrical System:

Aging wiring harnesses, faulty relays, and corroded grounds can cause intermittent electrical gremlins.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Datsun (now Nissan) is a Japanese automobile manufacturer founded in 1933.

Datsun 240Z To 280Z:

The 280Z was the final iteration of the S30 generation, evolving from the 240Z and 260Z, with a larger displacement engine and fuel injection to meet US emissions and performance demands.

S30 Generation Years:

1970-1978 (with 280Z production starting in 1975)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Hiratsuka factory primarily)

Global Impact:

The Datsun Z cars were instrumental in establishing Japanese sports cars in the Western market, particularly in the US.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

The Datsun 280Z and its predecessors are widely recognized as iconic sports cars and are frequent recipients of 'classic car' accolades and features in automotive publications.

Market Impact:

Credited with popularizing the affordable sports car segment and challenging established European and American competitors.