Zach's Dynamic Street Sleeper 83' 280zx Turbo Build
Mr. Zimmerman has been following our work dating back to 2021, when he originally purchased this car on Bring A Trailer. The notable thing about that time period, is that was when the 280zx was finally starting to increase in value, and long gone were the days of $500 cheap running project cars. Even the cars categorized as needing work were pulling $5,000 - $10,000 on the used market, so when we came across this clean example, with performance bolt-ons, it was too good of a deal to pass up. The final bid on this car was $17,000 in early 2021, and Mr. Zimmerman took delivery of his new to him 280zx Turbo.
We eventually met up with Mr. Zimmerman at one of the local Cars and Coffee Style meets, and got to chat with him about his new purchase, as well has is eventual plans and vision for the vehicle. At some point later down the line, toward the trailing end of 2021, Mr. Zimmerman pulled the trigger on one of our first released CD009 6-Speed Conversion Kits, and a set of BC Racing Coilovers.
We had further discussions about a complete Front and Rear Subframe Kit from Apex Engineered, a larger GT30 Externally Wastegated Turbo setup, limited slip differential, and a host of other bolt-on upgrades. We eventually landed on a drop off date at some point in late October, and the parts compiling began. During this time, we were still dealing with massive shortages and back-orders due to the supply chain issues caused by COVID, so there were some substantial delays in getting certain parts. We also experienced severe staffing shortages on all fronts due to our exponential growth during this time. Fortunately for us, Mr. Zimmerman showed an extreme amount of patience, trusting the process, as well as trusting that he would ultimately be delivered a top-notch, quality build and accompanying products.
We eventually broke ground on the CD009 6-Speed Conversion Kit, as well as the Apex Engineered Front and Rear Subframe kits. During this time, we installed one of our OS Giken limited slip differentials in the R200 rear end, and made our first attempt at upgrading his rear CV axles to FutoFab axles. At the time, FutoFab did not offer a bolt-on kit for the 280zx chassis, so we had to mix and match parts from the S30 and 510 chassis, as well as perform some custom machining operations to the stub axles to get all of the spacing and outer diameters correct. The final hiccup we ran into was the rear brake setup. We chose a TechnoToyTuning Rear big brake kit, mainly due to it’s featured parking brake function, however with our custom machined stub axles, we found the rotors were approximately 1/4” too proud, and didn’t allow the calipers to bolt on centered to the rotor.
While we went back to the drawing board on the rear suspension and brake setup, we shifted our focus to the turbocharger setup. Typically when we install any of our turbocharger upgrades in house, we automatically remove the oil pan, remove the factory oil drain bung, and convert it to a -10AN fitting. We accompany this with a fabricated -10AN nylon braided drain hose, for both aesthetics, as well as getting the exact drain angle we want. During the removal process of the oil pan, we found bits of metal from the timing chain guides, as well as casting flash all in the pan. These bits of metal were circulating around in the oiling system, and had started to damage the main and rod bearings. At that point, the decision was made to build another L28ET engine with one of our cores, and do an engine swap for one that was freshly rebuilt with some performance modifications in mind.
This also lined up perfectly with our rear CV axle conversion, because FutoFab was in the prototype phase of developing their dedicated 280zx rear CV axle kit, and needed about 6 months before they brought that kit to market. So while we were waiting for FutoFab to bring their kit to production, we focused on rebuilding a spare L28ET, with some degree of performance upgrades in mind, but with a budget build driven parts list. Mr. Zimmerman’s engine got the full line up of ARP hardware, as well as upgraded timing chain and water pump retention hardware. We decided against forged pistons due to his projected power goals, but still assembled the engine to exacting tolerances.
In keeping the spirit of maintaining his budgetary requirements, we initially opted to re-use his hydraulic lash adjusters in his P90A cylinder head, which ended up biting us. Although they were fully functional at the time of tear down, they never pumped back up after re-installing them into his new engine. At that point, Mr. Zimmerman decided an upgraded cam was the right path to go down, so we selected a Schneider Racing 270-60F-14 [Stage 2] turbo grind, and converted his P90A cylinder head to accept manual lash adjusters. We were also running into several reliability issues with the equipped Microsquirt unit, and come to find out whoever built it applied zero technical skill to it. We found half a dozen exposed wires with no crimps, just twisted and electrical taped together. We were shocked that the vehicle ran as long as it did. Mr. Zimmerman opted to have us install one of our Plug and Play Megasquirt 2 Kits to solve that issue.
Once we got the vehicle running and driving again, we moved onto breaking in the engine, and getting the final tuning done. This GT30 turbo is a monster turbo for this application, and it does not sacrifice response. We specifically chose the .63 A/R turbine housing, and coupled with the Schneider cam, it’s the perfect combination of big power and response. This combination truly garnered that true JDM turbo spool and shutter sound during operation, and coupled with the low growl of the L-series Inline 6, this particular build produced a symphony of glorious engine noises.
A few last pieces of the giant puzzle were a set of 550cc Fuel injectors with our upgraded Fuel Rail and Injector kit, a Walbro 255LPH fuel pump, 10 micron SS mesh fuel filter, dual Oil catch cans, and a Complete Speedhut instrument cluster upgrade with the original 280zx livery.
This build was a very long one, due to several factors between internal staffing shortages at GRW, parts backlogs, as well as several direction changes, mechanical, and electrical setbacks, but Mr. Zimmerman stayed patient with us, and allowed us to follow through with our process and ultimately deliver a very high quality build that he can be happy with for a very long time. We will definitely miss this vehicle being in our shop, but we are very happy that it is back in the hands of it’s rightful owner to enjoy for many years to come.
ENGINE SPECS
GRW Built L28ET Engine w/ 0.040” Oversized Dished Pistons [F54/P90A]
5 Angle Valve Job w/ Valve De-Shroud Service
Schneider Racing Cams 270-60F-14 Regrind Camshaft
Kameari Engine Works Adjustable Cam Sprocket
GRW/Datsunworks CD009 6-Speed Manual Conversion Kit
Comp Clutch RB25 Flywheel w/ GRW Crank Adapter
Comp Clutch Stage 4 RB25 Clutch Kit
ARP Head Stud Kit
ARP Rod Bolt Kit
GRW Megasquirt 2 Plug and Play Harness and ECU Kit
Pallnet Billet Aluminum Fuel Rail
Bosch EV6 550cc Fuel Injectors
Aeromotive Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit
DNA Motoring 2-Row Aluminum Radiator
GRW Dual SPAL Electric Fan Kit
GRW Front Mount Intercooler Piping Kit
GRW Garrett GT3071 Turbo and External Wastegate Package
Remflex Performance Exhaust Manifold Gasket w/ GRW Stud Kit
GRW Stainless Steel Braided Turbo Oil Supply Hose
GRW Built 3” Oval Tube Exhaust to CX Racing Muffler
-10an Dual Oil Catch Cans
Allstar 40,000 Volt Ignition Coil
EXTERIOR SPECS
Rota RKR 17x8 Wheels
BC Racing BR-Series Coilover Kit
Apex Engineered Front Subframe and Control Arm Kit
Apex Engineered Rear Subframe and Control Arm Kit
AZC Front Wilwood Big Brake Kit
TechnoToyTuning Rear Wilwood Big Brake Kit w/ Parking Brake
FutoFab CV Axle Upgrade Kit
OS Giken Clutch Type Limited Slip Differential
MSA Urethane Front Air Dam
Series 1 280zx Hood
Blackout 7” LED Headlamps
De-Chromed Trim
INTERIOR SPECS
GRW Speedhut Instrument Cluster Upgrade
Recaro LSC Racing Seats [Black Leather]
Aftermarket Radio Panel w/ Autometer Boost Gauge
