🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Datsun

Model:

280Z

Model Code:

S30 (Chassis code for the Z-car series, 280Z is specifically for the 2.8L engine variants)

Generation:

Second Generation (Post-1975 facelift, but the manual specifically covers the 1977 model year which is part of the later S30 run with the 2.8L engine).

Covered Years:

1977

Trim Levels Covered:

All 1977 models

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops

Competitors 1977:

Chevrolet Corvette (C3), Porsche 924, Triumph TR7, Jaguar XJ-S

Design Philosophy:

Affordable performance, sporty styling, comfortable touring capabilities

Manual Value Proposition:

Enables comprehensive self-servicing and repair, reducing reliance on costly professional assistance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full workshop service and repair for the 1977 Datsun 280Z

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, adjustments, and overhaul procedures

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (exact number not specified, but described as 'a huge amount of detailed repair information')

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (L28E), fuel injection system, ignition system, exhaust system

Drivetrain:

Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, front discs, rear drums)

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams

Body:

Body construction, panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components and operation

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component diagnostics and repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of common problems, fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues

Adjustments:

Idle speed, mixture control, ignition timing, brake adjustments, clutch adjustment

Disassembly Reassembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics)

Diagnostic Tools:

Information implicitly supports the use of common automotive diagnostic tools of the era

Special Tools:

Likely includes references to or illustrations of specific Datsun special tools required for certain procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

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

Searchability:

PDF format generally allows for text searching if the document is OCR'd

Printability:

Printable (implied by digital format for workshop use)

Binding:

Not applicable (Instant Download PDF)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Instant Download PDF)

Delivery:

Instant Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L28E

Engine Type:

Inline 6-Cylinder, Overhead Camshaft (OHC)

Displacement:

2753 cc (2.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1 (typical for US spec)

Horsepower:

149 hp @ 5200 rpm (SAE Net for US models)

Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (SAE Net for US models)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Valvetrain:

Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC)

Cooling System:

Water-cooled, pressurized system

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual (FS5W71A)

Type:

3-speed automatic (Nissan RL4F03A)

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90, refer to manual for specific viscosity)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II (or equivalent specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 169.1 inches (4300 mm)

Width:

Approx. 64.9 inches (1650 mm)

Height:

Approx. 50.9 inches (1295 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 90.7 inches (2305 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg), depending on transmission and options

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

Not rated by modern standards (NHTSA/IIHS did not exist in its current form); designed to meet passive safety regulations of the era.

Braking System:

Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes; Power assisted

Steering Type:

Power assisted Rack and Pinion

Seatbelts:

3-point front seat belts

Construction:

Unibody construction with integrated roll bar behind seats

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Factory AM/FM radio or optional stereo; often upgraded by owners.

Speakers:

Typically dual front speakers.

Cruise Control:

Optional, mechanical cruise control system available on some models.

Air Conditioning:

Optional factory or dealer-installed air conditioning system.

Connection Ports:

None (vehicle technology is from the 1970s, predating modern connectivity standards).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for exact specification)

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, filter checks)

Engine Oil Type:

API SE, SF or SG service classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for ambient temperature ranges)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent (if equipped with power steering)

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, rocker panels, battery tray area, floor pans, strut towers

Fuel Injection System:

Potential issues with older fuel pumps, injectors, airflow meter, and pressure regulator; requires careful diagnosis

Electrical System:

Aging wiring harnesses, corrosion at connectors, failure of relays and switches are common.

Exhaust System:

Rust and perforation of exhaust pipes, catalytic converter (if fitted).

Suspension Components:

Wear in bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends leading to imprecise steering and handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Origin:

Datsun (later Nissan) is a Japanese automotive manufacturer, established in 1931.

Z Car Lineage:

The 280Z is part of the highly successful Datsun Z-car series, beginning with the 240Z in 1970. The 2.8L engine was introduced for the 1975 model year (280Z) to comply with emissions standards and offer more torque.

S30 Generation:

The S30 chassis was produced from 1970 to 1978, with the 280Z representing the later, fuel-injected evolution of the platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (primarily) and later some assembly in other locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

Consistently praised for its sporty handling, performance, and value, often compared favorably to European sports cars.

Classic Car Status:

Considered a modern classic and highly collectible automobile.