[OSUBlakeZ]

I just got $840 from a lil fender bender and I'm not quite sure what to do with it. I have a 83 280zxt auto and it has a few problems. It has 134k miles but still runs good but the engine has a serious knocking noise. I'm pretty sure its from an exhuast leak between the head and the exhuast manifold (it has a warped head and keeps blowing out head gaskets) or atleast thats what my dad tells me. The rear struts are also worn out horribly. On bumpy roads my car bounces constantly. I don't know how much it cost to get the exhuast leak fixed or how much the struts cost so anyones best guess would help. But I guess my Q is, should I fix my Z up with the $840 or should I put it + the money I could sell my car for as a downpayment on a newer Z or a Eclipse GST or something? Thanks, Blake

 

[Flip]

You didn't mention how bad the ding was but if was just a small one why not get new struts and install them and get a fender at the local picnpull. Car has a lot of years in it. The choice is yours but FWIW I'd fix the Z.

 

[mustafa]

Auntie Zelda says any Nissan will do; http://clubs.click2asia.com/nissan

 

[RetrofitZ]

I would fix the head/manifolds first. Have the machine shop flaten (mill) the warp out of the head. Have them mount the manifolds and match the ports. If you have any money left over I would then look at shocks. My $0.10 worth

 

[JetBlack82]

Fix your Z. your leak is probably just the gasket... You can do, it isn't as hard as it looks. By new struts a couple hundred dollars and if you really want to buy something by a rebuilt head. If your car is in bad shape though, chasy damage rust, maybe you might want to sell and rebuild another, but if not restore it. Z ya later

 

[OSUBlakeZ]

The dent isn't even noticible now...just a very little scratch. Did a lil work myself and got it to where its fine so all the money can go to whatever.

 

[JJG]

Hmmm. $840.00 would buy everything you need if you do the repairs your self.

 

[luggnut73]

It all depends on the overall cond of the rest of the car , rust , interior , paint , ect. You should take a realestic look at the car and decide what you want it to look like and what what you want to do with it . A daily driver ,show car , track racer , what ? And how deeeeep your pockets are . The driver most likely is in reach the rest of the options take thousands of bucks. If the car is sound and you decide to keep it , if it were me I would fix the head, if you have a warped head your going to have further expencive problems if you dont. The manifold leak will be gone when you replace the head . the rear suspension can be done later and can wate untill you have the cash ,just drive conservitively . If you want some good advise, if you cannot do the basic work your self ,and you cannot afford to hire it done . sell the car. It is just too expenxive to have everything done by others. thats my 2 cents Gary Portland Ore

 

[Z-Fan]

Sounds like you are ambiguous about keeping this car...IMHO (very "humble") fix the cosmetics...prep the car ala a detail shop would...and sell it...then buy a nice
1st Gen Z ... Good Luck )