DATSUN 280zx
Project Car Restoration
Background
In 2017, I decided to trade my 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250 for this 1982 Datsun 280zx. Despite being a car enthusiast, I had little practical experience working on cars. Although it had some major issues in the beginning, I was committed to bring it back to its former glory. More than anything, I saw this project as a learning opportunity and a chance to showcase both my design and engineering skills. In 2021, I began documenting my progress in a series of YouTube Restoration videos titled “From the GraveZ”. Featured below is a summary of the work I’ve done so far. For more content and to see the latest updates, check out the Engian Design YouTube channel.
The Vision
Overall goal is an aggressive (~350hp) restomod that I can take to the track occasionally. So far, I have finished most of the performance upgrades and will move on to body work/aesthetics next. The slider below gives a rough before and after of the final look I’m trying to achieve.
Where it Started
In 2017, I traded my Kawasaki Ninja for this Datsun 280zx. The car was being sold at auction to a friend of mine and at the time, had major rust and other issues. However, even in the condition it was in, it was worth much more than what I paid for my Ninja so, I gladly agreed to the trade.
WHERE IT'S AT NOW
I got it running in July 2024 and after a few months of dialing everything in, its finally running great! I’m currently running 9lb of boost on a very conservative tune but it still rips. Luckily my work has a chassis dyno and some very experienced tuners which should help unlock a lot more power. This winter I plan to focus on body work/aesthetics along with rims/tires/suspension.
Current Mods
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FF Dynamics Dual Electric Radiator FansFF Dynamics Dual Electric Radiator Fans
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Front Air Dam (280z Style)Front Air Dam (280z Style)
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Champion 3-Row Core RadiatorChampion 3-Row Core Radiator
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CX Racing Intercooler + Piping KitCX Racing Intercooler + Piping Kit
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Floor Pan and Frame Patch KitFloor Pan and Frame Patch Kit
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Rear Window LouversRear Window Louvers
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Pioneer 10" SubwooferPioneer 10" Subwoofer
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Infiniti Kappa 6x8" Midrange (x4)Infiniti Kappa 6x8" Midrange (x4)
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Jensen Power 1500 Watt AmpJensen Power 1500 Watt Amp
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Carpet KitCarpet Kit
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Smoked Headlight CoversSmoked Headlight Covers
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Sound DeadeningSound Deadening
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Fully rebuilt L28ETFully rebuilt L28ET
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Rings, bearings, studsRings, bearings, studs
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Valve job with new valves and sealsValve job with new valves and seals
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Cometic MLS head gasketCometic MLS head gasket
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Cam sprocket and timing chainCam sprocket and timing chain
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Port and polished headPort and polished head
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High volume oil pumpHigh volume oil pump
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Schneider stage 2 cam regrind with matching springs, retainers, lash pads and resurfaced rockersSchneider stage 2 cam regrind with matching springs, retainers, lash pads and resurfaced rockers
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Ported exhaust manifold with custom external wastegate pipingPorted exhaust manifold with custom external wastegate piping
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Tial MVS 38mm wastegateTial MVS 38mm wastegate
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Borg warner S257 SX-e T4 7670Borg warner S257 SX-e T4 7670
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Mishimoto 25 row oil coolerMishimoto 25 row oil cooler
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Mishimoto catch canMishimoto catch can
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3.5" cold air intake3.5" cold air intake
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240sx 50mm throttle body240sx 50mm throttle body
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Aeromotive fuel pressure regulatorAeromotive fuel pressure regulator
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Upgraded 100 Amp alternatorUpgraded 100 Amp alternator
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Pallnet fuel railPallnet fuel rail
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1000cc Bosch EV6 injectors1000cc Bosch EV6 injectors
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Megasquirt MS3x kit from Godzilla RaceworksMegasquirt MS3x kit from Godzilla Raceworks
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TSP high flow fuel pumpTSP high flow fuel pump
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All new glowshift gauges (9 total)All new glowshift gauges (9 total)
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CXRacing 3" stainless exhaust modified with X-Force Varex valved mufflerCXRacing 3" stainless exhaust modified with X-Force Varex valved muffler
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Front/rear sway barsFront/rear sway bars
WHERE IT'S GOING
Future Mods
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Techno Toy Tuning Control ArmsTechno Toy Tuning Control Arms
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Techno Toy Tuning Tension Control RodsTechno Toy Tuning Tension Control Rods
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Techno Toy Tuning Tie RodsTechno Toy Tuning Tie Rods
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Wilwood Big Beak KitWilwood Big Beak Kit
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5 Lug Hub Conversion5 Lug Hub Conversion
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CD009 6 Speed Manual TransmissionCD009 6 Speed Manual Transmission
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L-28/CD009 Adapter PlateL-28/CD009 Adapter Plate
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BC Racing BR-Series CoiloversBC Racing BR-Series Coilovers
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Recaro Ergomeds SeatsRecaro Ergomeds Seats
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Custom front grillCustom front grill
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Side skirtsSide skirts
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Rear diffuserRear diffuser
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Fender flaresFender flares
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Multi-spark ignitionMulti-spark ignition
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Duck bill spoilerDuck bill spoiler
WATCH THE JOURNEY
Restoration Videos
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Keep up to date with the latest Datsun content by subscribing to the Engian Design YouTube Channel. Featured above are the latest videos from the “From the Gravez” restoration playlist.
