I'd like to see 1st generation Maxima pictures! I'd like buy one soon, and get around to dropping in the 280ZXT engine... but first I'd like to see some... I have been having a real hard time findin' them online...

-Chris
'72 Datsun 510
'67.5 Datsun 2000 Roadster (needs resto)
'67.5 Datsun 1600 Roadster (needs resto)
Laser 917
grayc@rpi.edu
www.rpi.edu/~grayc

 

mine is a wagon, there are many of them still around in southern cal where i live.

 

That sound like a fun project for a 1st gen Max. L28ET engine came on '81-'83 280ZX turbos and only the later years were available with a 5-speed manual transmission. They were fast cars (180 HP stock if I remember correctly). With RWD and Independent rear suspension, it would probably really handle with some really nice set of struts/shocks. The early 1st gens had speedometers that only went to 85 MPH. You probably want a later (1984) instrument cluster that went to 125 MPH.

Should make for a good sleeper car.

 

I have an '81. See it at: www.carpictures.com

PK_Zone has a hot rod '84. See the discussion at:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=36755

 

cool pic.

 

Here is a picture of my 84 Maxima, soon after my Dad bought it in '84.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rbrown23/...es/maximaa.jpg

It is running great (thanks to a new fuel pressure regulator) at 160K miles. New Gates hoses, belts, and Yoko Avid H4 tires. All fluids changed every 2 years. If anyone is interested in buying it (reasonable offer), please contact me at pm67@go.com or pm67@ureach.com

Due to an illness in the family, I've been driving over 150 miles/day -- forced me into buying a third car. I can't afford to keep two mid 80's Japanese import sports (or sports sedan) cars.

 

I have a pic in my sig

 

nice first gen max i wish i had one to bad i cant buy that one looks like its in good condidtion.

 

These are a few of the pics developed so far of my 1981 Maxima.

doran

 

is the motor fuel injected or carburetor?

 

Fuel Injected, but that motor is on its way out in its place is going a L28 Turbo

 

ive seen those L28s pump out like 300-400 horses. is it a direct bolt in or lotsa custom work? i think i might have a new project car coming

 

nismo2020, it's a easy swap (if you have the right tools)just find a 280zx, and you can even take 5sp out of the 280zx

 

Yep. I am shooting for around 350RWHP. There are some things you have to switch around like the oil pan and p/u tube but other than that, looks straight forward.

If anyone on here is thinking of doing this please let me know so we can swap ideas and solutions to problems.

Doran

 

Man that engine needs a good cleaning.

SuDZ

 

More than you can imagine. But like I said paid $100.00 for the thing. and I don't know much about it's history.

Doran

 

Heck of an idea. I think rust was a big issue.

 

Actually, I think it's the combination of the oldest 1st gen's being 20 years old, along with the fact nissan/datsun didn't start selling a whole lot of them until the second gens came out. They are out there, and a good number with 200K+ miles. I think many have just kinda worn out over the years. autotrader.com is a good source. Just don't forget to check under "Datsun Maxima" too.