Thomas writes:
I own a 1980 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition. I believe it has is 3.9 gear ration for the rearend. I plan to swap it a 4.11 rearend that come out a 1985 200sx turbo. Do you anticipate any problem? For your information, I use this car daily for my commute and the car is little slower when it takes off. I also plan to use K &N filter and modify the exhaust system. I have to make sure that I need to pass state of Maryland emission control law.
Thank you in advance for your comments and inputs.
Doc replies:
Hi Thomas,Doc here. The differential switch that you are referring to should be rather straight forward for the most part. The differentials are the R-200 type so there should only be the transfer of the mounts to facilitate the swap. With both differentials out set them side by side so that you can inspect the rear cover and see if this is the same. If it is different and you can't swap the 280 ZX mount for some reason then you should be able to swap over the rear covers. The changeover of the differentials should make your ZX wind up faster so watch out for the over revving of the engine. The K&N is a great choice, and the exhaust should be no problem even for the Maryland State Inspection. When the EFI System is dialed in correctly you should have very low emissions and pass the test easily.
Typical exhaust readings from an 80 ZX should be approx. .1 CO and 25-50 HC. I have seen them after a good tune-up and the EFI system calibration with no CO and 10 HC, that is clean! This I might add was with a ZX with over 100 K miles in it!
God Bless........ ZDOC OUT