Finally bought one!

Matt Berry

Club Member
Hi, new to the website and the Z scene so go gentle! I purchased a 280z from the US back in February and it’s finally arrived in Southampton so collecting it tomorrow.
It is definitely a project/restoration which I’m looking forward to getting stuck in to!
I’ve got a 96 BMW M52B28 engine and ZF box that will be going in to it, so you’ll most likely find me in the hybrid Z section! I wanted to keep it straight 6 and do something different. First thing on my list to find is a 280z vented hood as the one fitted isn’t vented, so if anyone knows of one going or where I’d be most likely to find one please point me in that direction! Cheers, Matt
 

uk66fastback

Club Member
Congrats. Would be good to see some more pics when you can - sounds an interesting engine swap as well. Lots of guys here used to doing them.
 

Jay.

Club Member
Congratulations!

Who did you go with to get it shipped over?

Looking forward to seeing some pics :)
 

Matt Berry

Club Member
I used a company called Kingstown shipping and they were excellent. The guy I bought it from delivered the car to the port in LA for me, and they took care of the rest. I had a couple of forms to fill out, they took care of the NOVA and import taxes, then sent me a bill at the end. Paid the bill and picked it up. Couldn’t of been simpler.
Good to know a few others have done that engine swap so I can pick their brains!
There’s a couple of rust areas that’ll need addressing underneath but the rest of the body is practically rust free and all the panels are nice and straight. Seems like a good starting point. Am I right in thinking the 280z has the R200 diff?

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Matt Berry

Club Member
Looks as though someone has tried to swap out the fuel injection system and fit carbs. Is this a normal thing to do or do you think this may of been a complete engine swap? Is there a way to tell if this is the L28 engine?
 

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Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Look at the block under the back spark plug, the engine number is stamped on the block below the head gasket.

L24, L26 or L28?

Don't panic the body is the most important bit.
 

Matt Berry

Club Member
Thanks, can see it now, it’s a L28 and the numbers match the plate next to the strut tower so it’s the original engine. Any reason why someone would want to swap to a carb setup?
 

jonbills

Membership Secretary
Site Administrator
Thanks, can see it now, it’s a L28 and the numbers match the plate next to the strut tower so it’s the original engine. Any reason why someone would want to swap to a carb setup?
Easier and simpler to maintain. I expect something broke in the injection setup, and it's quite involved diagnosing where the problems are, and some parts are hard to find...
 

Woody928

Events Officer
Staff member
Club Member
It looks like a great project, congratulations and welcome. I look forward to watching this one develop. 280Z's are certainly becoming more popular.
 

Matt Berry

Club Member
There’s quite a lot missing from what I can see, and the engine is only resting on its mounts! Not going to be a issue with the engine swap planned. Is the L28 worth anything if I put it up for sale? It has a 4 speed box which I doubt would be much use to anyone
 

Farmer42

Club Member
Engine would be worth a bit more if you can show it running with no issues. Most people interested in that would probably strip it down and restore it but its always good to know it started off in reasonable running order with no major issues.
 

Matt Berry

Club Member
Engine would be worth a bit more if you can show it running with no issues. Most people interested in that would probably strip it down and restore it but its always good to know it started off in reasonable running order with no major issues.
Its missing a few engine parts that don't appear to have come with the car. So doubt I'd be able to get it running but I'll see what I can do
 

Woody928

Events Officer
Staff member
Club Member
I can't believe I'm opening my mouth here as I don't need anything else to store, or need another engine any time soon however I could be interested in the engine. Long term I want to build an L28 for my car. Any info on the spec or whether its running etc?
 

Matt Berry

Club Member
I can't believe I'm opening my mouth here as I don't need anything else to store, or need another engine any time soon however I could be interested in the engine. Long term I want to build an L28 for my car. Any info on the spec or whether its running etc?
The only information I have from the guy I bought it from and from what I can see is that someone has tried to fit a carb set up on it but never finished it. It's in my garage at the moment just to store and keep dry the it's off to the workshop at the end of the month so will have a proper look at it then and hopefully get to see whats what
 

Matt Berry

Club Member
I have a couple of boxes of spares that were in the boot of the car when I collected it. Not gone through them properly as of yet, but seems mostly engine parts.
If there are bits in them I won’t need I’m happy to sell them on if they’re of use to somebody. I’ve no idea of the value if any of the items so would be grateful if someone could give me rough ideas.
I won’t be needing this intake manifold if anyone is interested.
 

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Matt Berry

Club Member
I can't believe I'm opening my mouth here as I don't need anything else to store, or need another engine any time soon however I could be interested in the engine. Long term I want to build an L28 for my car. Any info on the spec or whether its running etc?
Just having a look round it now, and it has N42 stamped on the block and on the head, not sure if that’s relevant to anything
 

Woody928

Events Officer
Staff member
Club Member
Just having a look round it now, and it has N42 stamped on the block and on the head, not sure if that’s relevant to anything

Sounds like an N42 head on it then which is common with the earlier L28's, I think for high power builds the P90 head is slightly more desirable however I really would need someone with more knowledge and experience to step in and tell us both!

If you are planning on letting it go then do let me know.
 
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