Basic Information

This is going to be a reference section for the most basic of information regarding the S130. If you're looking for facts about the car itself, you'll find them here. If you're looking for maintenance information or modifications, check the Common Issues or Modifications sections.

• 1980 10th Anniversary Edition 280ZX
• Cam Specifications
• Differential Differences
• 1979 280ZX-R - Differences and Vin Information about the special Edition
• 280zx Color Chart
• Decoding Your Vin Number and Model Plate
• Engine Specifications
• Fuse and Relay locations
• Head Differences
• Model Year Differences
• Production Numbers
• Steering Differences
• Transmission Differences
• S130 Trivia and Media Appearances
• Warning Lamps
• Wheel Differences
• Aftermarket Wheel Show

Changes to the S130 Across Model Years

1979-80

The Datsun 280ZX debuted to largely mixed reviews despite its positive sales records. Its transformation from a comparatively budget-priced sports car into more of a touring car through the introduction of more luxurious features and creature comforts was lamented by many enthusiasts, but largely embraced by the public as it became Motor Trend’s 1979 Car of the Year and set a record for Z-car sales in its very first year of existence. 1979 also saw the release of a special edition, known as the 280ZX-R, on which Datsun introduced a high-downforce spoiler and characteristic ZX-R insignia, but the rest of the car remained the same.

1980 saw the addition of T-tops to the option packages available for the 280ZX, and also the release of 3,000 10th Anniversary vehicles, 2,500 of which were dressed in a special black-and-gold color scheme, and a scarce 500 were made available in a highly sought-after black-and-red ensemble. These featured a leather interior as well as color-coordinated wheel inserts and other premium features.

1981

1981 saw the introduction of a turbocharged model, which ranked among the fastest production cars money could buy and far surpassed the speed of any Japanese imports available in the American market. Only Porsche made faster cars at the time. A single Garrett turbocharger was added to the car, along with some minor changes to the compression ratios and fortification of key engine components, and the turbo model was only fitted with a 3-speed automatic transmission from the factory. The 1981 280ZXT was heavily criticized for its handling; many found that the reduced spring rates made the car difficult to handle in the corners.

1982

In 1982, both the naturally aspirated and turbocharged 280ZX received a series of alterations from Nissan. The antiquated recirculating ball steering gave way to a new rack-and-pinion system with power steering now coming standard on the vehicles. Alloy wheels were introduced, and the pillar garnishes and hood scoops received a face-lift. The 280ZXT was now available with a 5-speed manual Borg-Warner T5 transmission and a revised suspension that corrected the handling issues critics harped on with the 1981 model. This was the first year for the Voice warning System known as "Bitching Betty".

1983

1983 was the last year for the dated 280zx. It was also the first year a digital dash was available.

S130 Trivia

• Three of the early Autobots on the series Transformers were various models of the S130; Smokescreen was a 1979 280ZX-R, Prowl was a 280ZX Police Car, and Bluestreak was a standard Datsun 280ZX.
• Among those who raced the S130 was actor and avid racer Paul Newman
.
• In 1983, a Datsun 280ZX pace car was offered as part of a Grand Prize package from Activision during their "Enduro Race-For-Riches Sweepstakes".
• In the video for Madonna's song "Borderline", the Material Girl spraypaints on a white 280ZX.