VRJoe

Like the looks. I'm curious how you shaved the rear hatch. Did you move the latch to the 300ZX setup or did you just shave it. I'm debating about doing something similar. great gas cap too. -VRJoe

Before starting be sure to make sure the body kit you want to use will fit a 2+2. The Velo Rossa kit from VR Engineering (John Washington) will only fit 240Z, 260Z or 280Z NOT a ZX or 2+2. Hope that help - VRJoe

That's how I was thinking of setting up a remote door release. A light duty solenoid with a manual backup tucked inside the hatch area, just hide a little T-handle under the deck or such. -VRJoe

Warren, I'd pass on the 98+ T56 if I were you and look for a 94-97. The conversion is looking quite complex and I'm not hearing good things about the GM hyd. throwout setup . I may have a line on a rebuilt 96 , if you're interested let me know and I'll check on it for you. I'm going to swap the 98 for a 96. There seems to be a few T56s on ebay right now also. -VRJoe

Congrats and good luck. -VRJoe

Scratch the '97 Vette setup, I got bad info. The flywheel won't bolt up to the '94 LT1 crank. I'll make some calls on Monday and keep you posted. -VRJoe

Warrenp, the bellhousing is specific to the T56, and the 98+ T56 is set up for the hyd. throwout bearing. When a 98+ T56 is hooked up to a LT1 the input shaft is 1/2 inch too long. What needs to be done is a 1/2 inch spacer needs to be placed between the bellhousing and the trans face. The folks I'm going to talk to have the capability of putting this part into production, so I'll let you know. This setup is based on using a 97 Corvette flywheel/clutch/pressure plate combination. Your friend should be able to make the adapter for you, it's just a question of cost. I'll be able to estimate the cost for the adapter after I meet with them this week. I'll let you know as soon as I have a price. -VRJoe

Hey Mike, be careful !!!!!!! you don't want to cause any more damage to that wrist that might extend the time to heal !!!! Call a couple of buddies, you supply the beverage they supply the labor. Maybe it's a good time to work on the web site. I'd hate to think that you'd still have a cast on when the engine gets done, I would probably hear the scream all the way up here in PA. Besides it'd make you cranky and I hate asking cranky people for advice Get well fast, - VRJoe PS- My mother lives in Lousia,VA. Next time I swing down maybe I'll make a little detour and pay y'all a visit.

Lone, You're welcome, consider it a partial payback on some of the good advice you've posted. I know I learned from it. I can answer these questions about the T56 because I'm right in the middle of it all. I'm going to find a way to use a '98 T56 with an LT1, I've got access to some great machine people with everything up to a Wire EDM (Hee-Hee). I think me and the bellhousing are going to wander over the for coffee on Monday -VRJoe

Lone, you're right for the 94-97 T56 bellhousings. The 98+ T56 uses a hyd. throwout bearing, so the bellhousing has two holes in it for the hyd. line to enter and the bleed line to exit. Makes it real easy to tell them apart. This is why I'm adapting the 98+ T56. In both cases the bellhousing is unique to the T56 it is for. -VRJoe

I'm in the process of hooking a '98 t56 to a '94 LT1. It will require either an 1/2 inch adapter or shortening the input shaft by 1/2 inch. I should have more info by the end of the week after a few more measurements and a conversation with a machine shop. The bellhousing is different for the LS1. The top hole in the bellhousing does not line up with a hole in the block and the top right hole on the block gets skipped since there is no hole in the bellhousing. This should not be a problem. With any luck I'll have a solution for this issue soon. Hope that helps. -VRJoe

OK, OK I've read all the info about using a 94-97 T56, but I've got an unused 98 T56. I really want to use this setup with the hyd. throwout bearing. I'm going to check with a machine shop I work with and see about having a 1/2 inch spacer made and then would be able to make these available to others, but I've also considered simply shortening the input shaft by 1/2 inch. I think this might work with the right flywheel/pressure plate combo. I need to make a few measurements for comparison, so I'll let you'll know how this goes. Any input or thoughts would be welcomed. _ VRJoe I've never questioned my sanity, but others have.

Well, right now the marker plate claims 170HP (stock '77 280Z) but the '94 LT1 sitting next to it claims to be 300-325 with dual exhaust and cold air intake. The weather has slowed things down a little , but all the parts should be here in the next few weeks to try the swap over.

Gee, I meant to post a thanks for the Ferrari S/N site, but my keyboard had to dry from the drool after checking it out. The 250 GTO and TR have got to be in the top 10 best looking cars ever. I love bookmarks,

Hi Wagz, thanks any help is appreciated. Dan, thanks for the info, I sent him off a e-mail. It's going to be an interesting project, but that Velo Rossa body with 300+ HP and the right V8 rumble is just to good to let slip by. Of course never one to do things simply I've got all kinds of modifications planned, shaved doors, GPS system,....... I might just modify the keyless entry system from a Mercury, I love the touchpad, might hide the touchpad in the shark gills or something. Just in the idea stage, got one spread out on the bench and studying the wiring diagram, but sure is looking good at the min. The power window idea has to wait until I make room in the garage, after all I am in PA and it is December, not a good time to leave it outside with the windows removed. - Joe O'.

Howdy all, Grabbed a 77 280Z, found a 94 LT1, missed the T56 that went with it, and am now searching for a T56. These will be tossed into the 280Z then a Vela Rosa body kit will be added. Heck I'm even trying to figure a way to add power windows (I'll post the method if it works). Been checking out the great info out here and it has already been a help, so I guess this is a warning that I'll be out and about here with lots of questions. Thanks in advance, Joe O'.