🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Datsun Model: 280ZX Year: 1982 Codes Chassis Code: S130 Engine Code: L28E 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Professional Datsun technicians, independent repair shops, and dedicated enthusiasts Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Provides official factory-level repair information, crucial for accurate diagnostics and repairs, surpassing generic aftermarket guides Key Features Manufacturer Origin: Written by Datsun (Nissan) engineers and technicians Accuracy: Factory-accurate specifications, procedures, and diagrams Comprehensiveness: Covers all aspects of vehicle service, maintenance, and repair Accessibility: Digital format (PDF) compatible with Windows and MAC for immediate download 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Market: North America Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 1000+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service & Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: Acrobat PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, timing, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system Engine Performance: Fuel injection system (L-Jetronic), ignition system, emissions control, diagnosis Transmission: Manual and Automatic Transmission overhaul, clutch, driveshaft, differential Suspension: Front and Rear suspension, steering system, alignment specifications Brakes: Front and Rear brake systems (disc/drum), power assist, parking brake, hydraulic system Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, charging system, starting system, power windows, air conditioning Body And Chassis: Body construction, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks, lubrication Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, electrical system troubleshooting Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems Overhaul: Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilding Technical Depth Diagnostic Level: Factory diagnostic procedures, trouble codes, electrical testing Rebuild Level: Complete engine and transmission rebuild specifications and instructions Special Tools: Identification of required Datsun-specific or specialty tools for certain procedures 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Readability: High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear diagrams Print Quality Print Capability: Printable pages for workshop use Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-Cylinder, SOHC Displacement: 2753 cc (2.8 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 83.0 mm x 86.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.3:1 Performance Horsepower SAE Net: 145 hp @ 5,200 rpm (for 1982 US models) Torque SAE Net: 172 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm (for 1982 US models) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended) Ignition System: Electronic Ignition System with Distributor 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 3-Speed Automatic Transmission (Optional) Features Clutch Type: Dry single plate with hydraulic actuation (Manual) Final Drive Ratio: 3.90:1 (typical for manual transmission) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 176.6 inches (4485 mm) Width: 66.7 inches (1695 mm) Height: 50.2 inches (1275 mm) Wheelbase: 91.1 inches (2315 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 2900-3100 lbs (1315-1406 kg), depending on equipment Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 3700 lbs (1678 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Information: No formal NHTSA or IIHS ratings for this specific year; consult manual for structural and passive safety details of the era. Active Features Brakes: Front ventilated discs, rear drums. Optional front and rear disc brakes available on some trims. Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion steering Passive Features Seatbelts: 3-point front seat belts Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage construction and energy-absorbing steering column 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Manual covers removal and installation. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional electronic cruise control system. Detailed troubleshooting and repair for this system is typically included. Connectivity Interior Features: Power windows, power locks, optional climate control, and tilt steering wheel. Manual covers operation and repair of these systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (consult manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions) Spark Plugs: Inspect at 15,000 miles, replace as needed (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap) Transmission Fluid: Check level regularly, change at 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual (refer to manual for fluid type). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG, SF or CC specification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most conditions (verify in manual). Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change. Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III or equivalent (verify in manual for specific transmission) Known Issues Rust And Corrosion: Common for vehicles of this era, especially in areas with road salt. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans. Fuel Injection System: Aging injectors, fuel pumps, and sensors can lead to performance issues. The L-Jetronic system is generally robust but requires proper diagnosis. Electrical Gremlins: Corroded grounds, aging wiring harnesses, and failing relays can cause intermittent electrical problems. Timing Belt Tensioner: While the L28 has a timing chain, ensuring the...
Complete engine and transmission rebuild specifications and instructions
Special Tools:
Identification of required Datsun-specific or specialty tools for certain procedures
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Readability:
High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear diagrams
Print Quality
Print Capability:
Printable pages for workshop use
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2753 cc (2.8 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.3:1
Performance
Horsepower SAE Net:
145 hp @ 5,200 rpm (for 1982 US models)
Torque SAE Net:
172 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm (for 1982 US models)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition System with Distributor
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
3-Speed Automatic Transmission (Optional)
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate with hydraulic actuation (Manual)
Final Drive Ratio:
3.90:1 (typical for manual transmission)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
176.6 inches (4485 mm)
Width:
66.7 inches (1695 mm)
Height:
50.2 inches (1275 mm)
Wheelbase:
91.1 inches (2315 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2900-3100 lbs (1315-1406 kg), depending on equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 3700 lbs (1678 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Information:
No formal NHTSA or IIHS ratings for this specific year; consult manual for structural and passive safety details of the era.
Active Features
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums. Optional front and rear disc brakes available on some trims.
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage construction and energy-absorbing steering column
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Manual covers removal and installation.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional electronic cruise control system. Detailed troubleshooting and repair for this system is typically included.
Connectivity
Interior Features:
Power windows, power locks, optional climate control, and tilt steering wheel. Manual covers operation and repair of these systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (consult manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions)
Spark Plugs:
Inspect at 15,000 miles, replace as needed (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap)
Transmission Fluid:
Check level regularly, change at 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual (refer to manual for fluid type).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SF or CC specification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most conditions (verify in manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (verify in manual for specific transmission)
Known Issues
Rust And Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this era, especially in areas with road salt. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans.
Fuel Injection System:
Aging injectors, fuel pumps, and sensors can lead to performance issues. The L-Jetronic system is generally robust but requires proper diagnosis.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded grounds, aging wiring harnesses, and failing relays can cause intermittent electrical problems.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
While the L28 has a timing chain, ensuring the tensioner is functioning correctly is crucial for longevity.
Rubber And Plastic Components:
Age-related degradation of hoses, seals, and bushings is common and can lead to leaks or component failure.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Marque History:
Datsun, a precursor to modern Nissan, was renowned for reliable and sporty vehicles, particularly its Z-car lineage.
Model Evolution
Lineage:
The 280ZX is the second generation of the Datsun/Nissan Z-car (S30 was the original 240Z/260Z/280Z). The ZX generation marked a shift towards more luxury and refinement.
Generation Details:
The S130 generation (1979-1983) was introduced as the Datsun 280ZX, later becoming the Nissan 280ZX. It offered a smoother ride and more creature comforts than its predecessor.
Production
Production Years:
1979-1983
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Awards:
The 280ZX was generally well-received by the automotive press for its performance, styling, and refinement, often featuring in 'best of' lists for sports coupes of its era.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
While specific annual ratings may vary, the Z-car line consistently ranked well for reliability and performance. Consult period consumer reports for detailed analysis.