gvincent

I haven't pulled the LT1/T56 out of the Firebird yet but have been prepping the engine bay on the 76 280Z so I can't do any test fitting yet. I attached some pictures of what I removed from the tunnel so far and I would like to weld up some sheetmetal plates to where the tunnel ears used to be but I though I better ask first If I removed enough of the ears first? I would like to keep some of the existing bracing if possible for extra strength. what do you guys think? Thanks Greg

Norton Massachusetts

Always admired the looks of the S30 Z cars (the Poor Mans Iron Corvette) but my first love was and still is for 63-67 Corvettes. I had Camaros and Firebirds but never got around to owning a Corvette. Fast forward to 1982 and I have a little money and a big desire to buy a used sports car and start shopping around. Find a beautiful stock 280Z for cheap money and bought it. Thinking I would drive it for a few years and then if I could buy a Corvette. Well I still have that 78 280Z and I was on the IZCC site for a long time and was doing tons of mods to the 280Z when I kept seeing a few V8 swap questions come by and Erik and a few others directing them to a site called HybidZ. I was also searching some links and found Pete's, Terry's and a bunch more websites of V8 swap owners, I was hooked! The prices for 63-67 Vettes was out of control by now and the V8 Z would give me equal performance I thought but affordable and it would be something I made which I love to build things so here I am just finally getting started after all these years. Greg

Danno, Yeah I did some searching and bookmarked a lot of the discussions about this on HybridZ a few months back and I need to go back and read them all again but the impression left in my mind goes as follows: 93-97 T56 from the LT1 will blt directly up to any 1986 SBC or later one piece rear seal block, just use an LT1 flywheel 98-2002 from an LS1 will not go , the input shaft is longer, a kit from Weir products and others is available or use a LT1 bellhousing and a spacer. Where I am still confused if the Pre 1986 two piece rear main seal blocks and what flywheel to use. Or to throw another twist is my Stroker, it is a 400 SBC crank and needs the external balanced flywheel, I haven't pulled the motor out yet so can't get at the casting number to see if it is a Pre/Post 86, one or two piece rear main seal. so finding the right flywheel, pilot bearing, will be key I am guessing as long as it is the same 153 tooth size as the LT1?? I don't know I have to do more searching and reading to narrow down the questions

I was curious about this as well, I saved the 280Z charcoal cannister just in case it is needed, although I am not sure how it all would hook up at this time to the Old School stroker motor or the LT1 depending on which motor I install first. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there unless somebody has "been there and done that" already and is willing to chime in. Greg

Project Started last weekend, Still haven't decided on the 95 LT1 motor or the 383 old school stroker motor, Trans is going to be the 95 T56. Maybe if the cost to adapt the stroker is not too much I will try that first and then try the LT1 after. From what I have read so far I will have less wiring to deal with on the strroker motor and can then wire for the LTI after where it would be tougher to wire for the LT1 first and then take it all out for the stroker. does this make sense? Some day it will probably be an LT1 stroker! Greg OH, Pictures are in my gallery album. The two donor cars are Firebirds, an 88 Trans Am with the 383 Stroker and 700R4 trans, and a 95 Formula LT1/T56 with unknown mods, fast as hell, I can see headers and a complete Borla exhaust system underneath.

I took advantage of the warm weekend and pulled the old drivetrain out of the HybridZ project car. Picture are in my Library. It's wicked cold again though this week so cleaning the engine bay is out of the question. Maybe I will grind/cut the transmission mounts out of the tunnel. Need to pull the Stroker motor next, Then prep and paint the engine bay. YAHOO it feels good to be making some progress instead of collecting junk cars! Greg

Bought a 95 Firebird Formula with a LT1/t56 combo. Now I have to figure out if I want to go with the complete LT1 combo or the Stroker motor and the T56. I am going to have to search and research how the Stroker will mate to the T56 first and see what is involved and what it will cost. The stroker I know has more power but I haven't driven it in the 88 Firebird yet as the auto tranny has some problems and I can't keep the motor running when I put it in gear it stalls. The LT1 Firebird is freaking FAST! I just drove it around the block here and burned rubber all throught first and second gear, I hit second gear at 50MPH! and was doing 75MPH in second when I let off the gas. I don't know if it is stock or not. it has a Borla exhast and headers that I can see. I posted pictures in my album and will post here as soon as I figure out on my Mac an easy way to reduce the image size so it will let me post here. I am sure there is I just don't know, Maybe I'll ask my daughter.....

Thanks to all who responded, Yeah I emailed the seller questions and he has not responded, and he still has 0 bids so I will pass on this one. Yeah John, I had done a search and that was where I came up with the April 87 through 89 turbo only That is an excellent FAQ by the way, I have read it through about 3 times now hoping it will sink in permanently () Thanks again guys! Greg