Brandon's 81' 280zx High Compression ITB Build
This build is a slightly different take on the Datsun platform than what we are used to. The focus on this build was reliability, modernization, with a balancing aspect that led us to make sure all of the modifications worked in unison with each other, to create a perfect blend of raw performance, while keeping creature comforts and daily-driven reliability.
Rather than build a crazy turbo setup to bring out the true sports car within the 280zx, Brandon chose to stay in the Grand Touring car direction, but with a modern twist. We wanted to maintain as many of the creature comforts as possible, while adding a touch of modernization to the build. The overall build direction of this car is inspired by the ability to get in, hit the key, and go cross country in true GT car fashion.
We chose to add a set of Borla 45mm individual throttle bodies, and pair it with one of our popular Megasquirt 2 Plug and Play Engine Management Systems, featuring our LS2 multi-coil ignition packages. We also decided a set of MSA 6-3-2 Headers would compliment the build, and capped it off with a CSR electric water pump kit.
For the interior, we decided the 40 year old gauges had their time, and it was time for something new and modern. We installed a set of Glowshift Black 7 Color Series gauges with electric stepper motors, and added a showpiece ECUMasters ADU5 Digital Display, that rivals any modern OEM level gauge cluster featuring the latest in telematics.
To cap it off, Brandon retained the FACTORY Air-Conditioning and Heater, so he can drive anywhere in the world in comfort.
Update 02/18/2022
Brandon decided to come back for some more goodies. Since the initial build, we further complimented the car with a built P79 head that we do in house. We did our standard port and polish work, along with shaving the head 0.080” to bring the compression ratio up to 10:1. We counteracted this with taller valves, performed a valve de-shroud, and a 5 angle valve job. The P79 does not have any way of porting the exhaust runners, but there is approximately 3-4mm of material around the bowl area that can be opened up to give the exhaust throat some better flow characteristics.
To compliment the cylinder head work, we opted for a Schneider Racing 292F Camshaft, featuring 292 duration / 0.540” lift for both the intake and exhaust. After the re-tune, this car has a REALLY nice lope characteristic at idle, and really wakes up above 3500 rpms. The only thing the car needs now is a built stroker bottom end to really complete the engine build.
ENGINE SPECS
Nissan L28E 2.8L Inline-6 w/ Flat Tops
GRW P79 (Shaved, Ported, Polished, De-Shrouded) [10:1 Compression]
Schneider Racing 292F Camshaft
Stock 5-Speed FS5W71B Transmission
Fidanza 11lb Billet Aluminum Flywheel
Borla 45mm Individual Throttle Body Kit
TWM DCOE Intake Manifold
MSA 6-2 Long Tube Header
Godzilla Raceworks Megasquirt 2 Engine Mangement System
Godzilla Raceworks LS2 Multi-Coil Spark Package
Godzilla Raceworks 36-1 Crank Angle Sensor Kit (Prototype)
Comp Cams Billet Vacuum Reserve Tank
Bosch EV1 19lb/hr Fuel Injectors
INTERIOR / EXTERIOR SPECS
Fortune Auto 240sx Coilover Kit
Tinted Headlamp Covers
ECUMasters ADU5 Digital Display (CANBUS)
Glowshift Black 7 Series Fuel Level Gauge
Glowshift Black 7 Series Water Temperature Gauge
Glowshift Black 7 Series Oil Pressure Gauge
Glowshift Black 7 Series Volt Gauge
Glowshift Black 7 Series Analog Clock
INSTAGRAM CREDITS
Built by - @godzillaraceworks
Photography - @zeonphotos
Owner - @bma0012
