1975 Datsun 280z Barn Find — Future 1JZ/2JZ-GTE Swap

After a long time of searching, I found myself an exceptionally clean 1975 Datsun 280z... with only 46,000 original miles!

I am the third owner, with the second owner being the one who bought it from the original owner who was pushing 80 years old. He only had it a few weeks before he decided to sell it because it was too nice to chop up. (He was a domestic guy, he planned to put an LS3 into it)





It was parked in 1986 after the rear end was giving the owner issues, and then the engine blew. I drained the most awful Molasses consistency milkshake oil out of the engine. It's also locked up, and has no hope of survival. I'm already looking at another L28 engine out of a 280zx next week.

Here it sat for 36 years, until it was rescued.



After the seller spent 20 hours detailing the paint... it made an almost flawless resurrection. It retains its original red enamel paint, aged to a beautiful Amber color.





What's most amazing about this car is how it has virtually zero rust. Only small rust under the driver door skin, the cowl, and the spare tire wheel well. All fixable. If you know anything about old Datsun, you know they are notorious for rusting out everywhere.

Immediate plan is as follows:

- Pull seized L28 out of car
- Replace with running L28 from a 280zx
- Unstick rear left wheel
- Diagnose rear differential issues
- Drive for a while
- Collect parts for a 2JZ/1JZ-GTE swap with a Nissan CD009 transmission out of a 350z

 

Oh hell yes! Subbed AF!

 

Here is an example of how miraculously rust free it is.

 

Nice looking example! I have a 1976 280z myself, but nowhere near the ownership history that yours has. At least it is 90% rust free.

 

Thanks! I'm excited to get it on the road. Rust free is a rarity these days, and these things love to rust.

Did you keep the 5 MPH bumpers, or stick the 240z style on it?

 

And exempt from smog because it's a 1975!

 

Bingo. That's why I hopped on it. 1975 was the last year of smog exemption in California.

 

That thing is so awesome!!!! I have wanted one for so long! I want to use an rb26 when I do one though. Super sweet find man!!!

 

That is a sweet ride!

I once borrowed a 300Z from a supervisor to let me use for my senior prom 1985...true story, even though I don't have pics. He later told me he regretted letting me use it...don't worry, I brought it back home safely!

I use to see these cars during the late 70s all over LA/SoCal (El Sereno). There were no others like it! Who see's a rear window spoiler (I guess that's what you call it) like that anymore? [OK, maybe the Camaro IROC Z] lol

Vintage Forever!!!

Ed

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This’ll be great! Nice!

 

I’ve got a 1986 300zx too! The back things are called window louvers. Love em to death.

 

If they weren’t $13,000+ for a clean RB26, I’d consider it! Even the 2JZ-GTE is way up there in price. 1JZ-GTE is a little more affordable.

 

I can get one for about half that maybe less with trans.

 

Well shoot, if you have an affordable place to find JDM engines let me know. I’m looking at $4,000+ for a 1JZ.

 

Ill ask my friend what he has tomorrow. He does mainly rb's but he may have a 2jz as well. Are you thinking a complete minus the turbo/turbos or do you want the factory turbo setup? Are you gonna run a manual or a 700r4 type of setup?

 

I’m looking for either a 1JZ/2JZ-GTE with the factory twins. An R154 would be great too, otherwise a CD009 is just more affordable.

Let me know about the RB’s too. That’s tempting haha

 

I just messaged him. Should know whats up shortly.

 

Congratulations! That's a sweet ride.. or will be!

I occasionally look around on auction and JDM sites at what they're getting for 2JZ-GTE and 1JZ-GTE that look like they're in reasonable condition and they're definitely not getting any more abundant or cheaper. I've always wanted one myself but with all of the support and availability (and prices) for the LS platform I'll most likely give up on the sweet Japanese forced induction inline 6 dream when I do get around to doing a swap.

 

What a Beauty!!!

Those headlights are unique by having that halfway peeking look! lol

Thanks for the flashback!

Ed

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I still have the ugly original bumpers. I'm keeping my eye out for some 240Z ones in decent shape, as they are certainly the goal.

She's a 15 footer for sure, but has good bones and the interior is almost completely restored. Pictured next to my colleagues 300ZX.