Danno74Z

Thanks Pete, I was off just a little on the rim lip (15mm) to get to the 20mm offset. That is more like it. The 8" coil-over is the length of the spring you used - right? Danno

Rob, Go to these two sites for additional information on the T56: http://www.hpsalvage.com/ http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/BorgWarner/bwt56.html Between these two sites all your questions on the tranny should be answered. You are correct, there are two if not more versions of the T56. The gear ratios are different and I believe the lengths are also different. On the Camaro the ECM (computer) is on the passenger side firewall inside the engine compartment. It's housed in an alum. case - very heavy duty. Danno74Z

I'm trying to figure out what are the largest wheels and tire combinations one can run under an older Z. I'm looking at two scenarios; first, without any modifications except lowering springs and second, with coilovers. Also, what backspacing and offsets are being used? I looked at the JTR book and I would like some additional information. Any help would be great. Thanks all, Danno74Z

Rob, I purchased both engine and transmission from a company in Texas. The LT1 and T56 are both out of a Camaro 95 and 96 respectively. Plan on spending about $2500 for the engine ( engine, computer, wire harness, and all accessories) and $1500 for the transmission ( transmission, clutch, bellhousing, and flywheel). I don't think you will have a difficult time finding a good used LT1 but the T56 transmission is another story. I called High Performance Salvage in Texas and Mark said he has a waiting list going for the T56. This is naturally only one source but I have a feeling this transmission is in very high demand across the country, Look at our group! If you can wait, Mark is an extremely nice person and very conscientious he does not sell junk. Both items came to me spotless and well crated. Brian is ahead of me in the conversion process. Engine and tranny are at the moment waiting to go into the Z. I made a resolution to upgrade the suspension and brakes before I put a 300hp motor into a 25 year old car. The body and paint on my car is in great shape but I want to clean and paint the engine compartment before I put the V8 in. I'm also planning on this project to take me two years to complete because of other commitments. At the moment, I'm rebuilding the rearend (new urethane bushings, CV axles, LSD, and coilovers). The brakes are still ??? drums or disks in the rear. Any suggestions from the group. Danno74Z

Pete, On your coilover setup what did you use to hold the top part of the spring down to the strut? Do the coilovers come with there own spring holder? Danno74Z

Does anybody use long tube or full length headers? Is it possible or are there to may problems getting them to work. Fit, heat, leakage, etc. any words of wisdom from the group. Thanks Danno74Z

Pete, A quick question for you on bring up the rear part of the differential. I'm sure this has to be done because just about everyone has done it and most if not all vibrations go away. What is the reason? Is it just the fact that when one lowers the car this exacerbates an already marginal situation? Does the V8 swap cause additional problems? If an individual just lowered the car would he/she still have to raise the rear part of the diff. Thanks, Danno

Mike, I found this for you. Don't know if its the exact part but I think it is. Go to the site below: http://www.wrenchead.com:80/wh_mem/resultlist.asp?%5FCAR%5FCODE%5FID=17797&part%5Ftype%5Fid=3168&search%5Ftype=3&mscssid=FC1XEEWB25S92H0B0017Q9KWEL3PFAB3 Hope this helps, Danno

Mike, My 260Z have the thin bumpers like the 240Z with the turn signal lights underneath the bumper. It does not have the thick/er bumpers like the 280Z model. I do have a shock type bumper mount for a crash. 8/74 I believe is the date Datsun changed over to the new bumper style. My car also has rubber bumperetts on each side of the front and rear bumpers (4"x4" blocks) in the same location as the 240 chrome ones. I don't think the axles changed when the bumper changed. This seems to have occurred much earlier in the year. Danno74

Pete, Great trivia question on the stub axles! What was the date Datsun stopped building the 240Z and switched over to the 260Z model? Also, if I use the 240Z stubs instead of the 260Z, what "ballpark HP" can these take over the "marginally weaker 240Z stub axles". Any problem in the 300-400HP range? Some members must have snapped stub axles. Perhaps we can get a range of "acceptable" HP to use. Say, under this HP use the 240Z axles or over..400HP?? use the larger ones. Danno74

Pete, Update on the early 260Z stub axles. Yesterday, I removed the companion flanges from my car and they are the same dia. as the larger 280Z's. 4/74 is the date the car was made. The 280ZX T companion flanges will not fit. I just wanted to pass on the information. Danno

What type of exhaust system are you running? From pictures, it looks like you have room for a dual exhaust. Just curious. Thanks

RyalC Thanks for the reply. I think you and I are it for the LT1 conversion. There is a guy out in CA who I know has done the LT1 conversion with the T56. My email address is above. If you don't mind I would like yours, I need to ask you some questions. Thanks Danno74Z

John, YES! I would like to see it. I hope the surgery is small and the recovery quick. Danno74 ps just email me. laurizio@oneimage.com

Hello All, Now that we are up over 80 members, I was wondering if there are any others who are swapping in a late model LT1 engine into their Z's. Thanks

Yesterday, Rob and I started on my V8 project. We pulled the entire rear end out of the car - WOW - I never did that before. I have all the pieces to begin the process of up dating everything back there. At this point, I don't know if I should use coil overs or lowering springs. For the moment, lets forget $$. Any feedback from members would be appreciated. What spring rates are folks using? And does this really help in getting larger rims and tires under there? Thanks P.S. Thanks Rob for the help. It sure helps having extra hands and BACK with this part of the car!

Hi John, Rob, mentioned he met up with you and said you also had a sweet ride. This is great! The only people I know that have "Z's" and the engines have been swapped! I have some catching up to do for sure. I have all the major components to do (start)the swap - LT1(complete package), T56 tranny, R200LSD, CV axles, and a full urethane suspension upgrade kit. So I'm getting close on getting started on this transformation. I have a critical path scheme worked out and the engine will be last at this time. I will start the rear end swap first followed by the suspension and then perhaps the brakes. I want to upgrade the front brakes with the Wilwood kit that Rob used but it's not in the budget just yet. It just so happens I plan to start this Saturday and we all know what day that is. Danno74Z

SpencZ, Quick question. Do you have a solid rear axle setup on you Z? If not, what are you using for hubs in the back? Ok, two questions. Thanks

Mike, I'm also putting in a T56. Can you also send me the information and pics on installation. What brand clutch did you use? I have the factory issue and its in good shape but I've heard it just ok in performance. I had my first ride in a ZZ4V8 "Z" two weeks ago and WOW. The power and "throw you back in the seat" force is Unbelievable". I even got to drive it - Thanks Rob and MikeK

Drax240z By the book its a good investment - what is your time worth. Perhaps a member who has completed a conversion could sell you theirs. Discounted a bit because of some grease. But is anyone ever done with a conversion! Here is a Ford link that I have found to be very helpful with lots of ideas when doing a conversion and a very nice guy if you have questions. http://www.zhome.com/rnt/FordPower/

RyalC, I maybe jumping the gun a little but are you using an electronic speedo or mechanical one? Also, have you given any thought yet to the accessories and how they are mounted on the engine? And lastly, what year lt1 engine are you using (mine is a 95 w 2k on it - rare find) and who are you going to use to reprogram the computer? Thanks. Danno74Z

I am also a "Z "V8 newbie and just slightly ahead of you Adam. But all kidding aside, get that JTR book as the other guys recommend it will help tremendously. I'm going the LT1/T56 route. I don't know of any of the current members using the FI LT1 engine and if you're out there please let me know - I have a few questions. I have both engine and tranny but I'm starting with the rearend and currently putting in a LSD out of a 88' 300ZX. Once I have it installed I will move into redoing the suspension (very tired 260Z but structurally sound car) and following the recommendations on this board. This page is awesome! Good luck. Danno

Hello all, I am a new member and just starting my 260Z V8 conversion. I highly recommend this business/site as I bought my engine and T56 transmission from him. I hope I'm not breaking any rules here. http://www.hpsalvage.com/ The engine and transmission came spotless and well crated. I received every nut, bolt, sensor, and bracket a total package for both the LT1 and T56. Naturally, both have a guarantee - not bad for used equipment and from a salvage yard! In addition, the mileage and year is documented on the parts. I also felt I got a fair deal and did not get taken advantage of. Also, I got help on my conversion after the sale, imagine that. Well, that's my two cents and nice to be part of this group - lots of fun work to start. Dan