KraZeeZX

Ok, More changes since that last little post... Hood fitment was flase! There is actually no way to get the hood closed with the Supercharger on there. I was trying to keep up to date with a shop that's working on it and we had some miscommunications. Actually, instead of having my stock hood... it's going to have to be cowled about 3-4 inches!!! I'm kinda reluctant to do it since I'm worried about how the cowl will turn out looking on my car. It may ruin the body lines, but hey.. maybe I'll get lucky and it'll look good. ToplessZ, I was talking about electronic cutouts for the exhaust. Basically its a y-pipe where one side goes to your mufflers and the other side goes to a dump. The electronic cutout is simply a really big butterfly valve like what's in a throttle body. When the butterfly is closed, the exhaust runs through your normal mufflers, then.. with the electronic cutouts, you can flip a switch inside of your car and the butterflys open making your exhaust run on dumps from the headers! I've given up that idea though since my car is NOT going to be a sleeper in any way, shape, or form! With the huge hood and SC whine, I think I'll just settle for some nice 'ol grumbling mufflers to show off my extra 2 cylinders! I'm making updates to my webpage at the moment.. I will post a pic VERY soon of what my engine bay looks like so y'all can get an idea of how high my hood is going!

We have hood fitment!! So now my "slow" NA will look just like she always has! I would say "sleeper," but too bad I won't be fooling anyone with the whining noise from the front and the rumble from the rear. I may be installing some electronic cutouts for my exhaust to deaden the rumble a bit until I bust em open. Unfortunately that all depends on expenses and right now I've been running into a LOT of them! Just the custom radiator and painless wiring harness together are nearly $1000 !!!! Oh well, it will all be done sooner or later... just sooner if I get everything paid for quickly!! The supercharger is going to be ULTRA loud now since my hood has been sanded down to an extremely thin sheet right over top of where it sits! I need to find some way to dampen the noise (maybe some sort of high-temp dynomat er somethin) at least until I can trade in my V-9 for a Vortech SQ (super-quiet) trim supercharger! Then I can have some fun! I'll put a bunch more stuff up on the website this weekend so you can try and check out the progress. I CANT WAIT UNTIL SHE's DONE!

LoL... look it's just a hotwheels car, they must have had a REALLY big zoom on their camera and a miniature car show setup! Wonder if that thing hauls azz?

Hey, Sorry for the delays and missing updates. Unfortunately, the whole "Done in 2 weeks" thing that I posted a while back isn't going to come through. I'm having hood clearance problems with the Vortech so it looks like I may be having to find a slight cowl. As far as progress... here's what's been done: - Firewall and trans tunnel were cut and rewelded. - My full LS1 block is in the engine bay with the supercharger sitting on top. - A cut had to be made on the underside of the hood to accomidate the throttle body, now work needs to be done to fit the Vortech. - Custom brake lines have been run. - A custom radiator and dual 2-speed fans are on the way. - A Painless wiring harness is also on the way. - Battery moved to the trunk I think that's about it for progress... here's what still needs to be done: - Fit the custom radiator/fans and run the hoses. - set up the throttle cable - install shifter (the t-56 went right to where it needed to be!) - Fuel lines - Clutch lines - Power steering lines - wire up the entire car - get the vortech to fit (I am going to try to get it underneath the stock hood at all costs before I go looking for a cowl) - install Boost and A/F gauges - exhaust - start her up and burn rubber until I find some fatter wheels! I'll make a big big big update this weekend when I get some time with a few of the newest pictures. Get ready guys! If I can get the hood to fit soon, then the car will be done quicker!!! A month from now at the longest... lets keep our fingers crossed that she's done next week so I can make it up to the Austin 180 mile Z cruise!!! Thanks for all the interest and support guys! You know I'll make you all proud once she's out on the street! -Vann

Hey, just wondering what Texas event you're talkin about!! I'm dying to see some of the other hybrid beasts around here! -Vann

Oh WOW!!! That is BEEEEEYOUUUTIIFULL!!! If I ever get ahold of a datsun, that's one look I would LOVE to have!

Hmm.... 135mph in my stock 1991 NA 300zx.... I was "with" the Dj on the night he hit 160.. but I was trailing behind badly in my 86 beater BMW until I just gave up and went home. I could only get that thing up to 85 before it starts to humm and resonate and shake! lol, oh well.. nice job keeping up with those madmen sam!

Ya, we have emissions.. not too strict though. I've got LS1edit to mess with my idle and levels and whatnot to help out with that. But if all else fails, I know a guy who knows a guy.

Well, I own a 1991 300zx, but I dont have a Datsun Hybrid ... good thing I'll make the 300z into one!!!

I was curious since people were relating the starter to engine compression. Oh well, guess I just added one more purchase on to my list! Thanks for the info! Maybe I'd better keep a hand crank in the truck just for good measure.

Thats a 230/234 I hope There are a few people running less exaust duration, thinking that they found some miracle that none of the pros have thought of, but its because some of the folks with ported heads have excessive exaust flow ratio. Actually, it seems that the LS1 engines respond to the reverse-split durations EXTREMELY well. A guy I talk to over at Ls1tech is running a 230/224 on his stock heads and putting out GREAT power throught the band all the way up to 6500rpm! The main reason I'm going reverse-split is because I am planning to turbo the LS1 down the road. A few of the faster FI LS1 owners are running bigger reverse-split cams with their turbos and recommended the tr230 for a "nice, lopey turbo cam." Sounds odd though considering turbos usually like a smoother cam. Maybe instead of a 111LSA I'll bump it up to 112 or possibly even a 114. I still can't decide whether or not I want my car to be a stealth monster. It would be really cool to get the quietest exhaust setup possible, (not caring about restriction since there will be pplenty of power anyway) and a cam that puts out massive power with a smooth, stock-sounding idle. It would still sound like a v8, but I think it would fool a hell of a lot of people into thinking I have the best sounding exhaust ever for my v6! I dunno, what do y'all think? Do I: a) Go super-stealth and scare the bejeezuz outta unsuspecting people when I romp on them in my NA. Or Just get a MEAN sounding exhaust setup and the original lopey cam and drive it around letting everyone look at it and go... It's a really hard choice. I like idea of being able to stalk my prey quietly and whatnot, but I really like the cars that startup and just scare people. Like Sam's 280z, now that's it's cammed... 230/236 I believe, OMG it sounds so mean! At startup and while idleing at a light, it just sounds awesome! Another example is Darius's ride. A total beast and it does absolutely nothing to hide it. Also, I drive around with Sam a whole lot, and if my car was quiet.. that would make the stealth option EVEN MORE stealth since he would constantly cover me up. Then, it would be just like it is now, everyone looks at his car and doesnt even bother to glance at mine, . Oh well, I'm excited either way. I just have to get ahold of the rest of my parts. Still on the "To-buy" list is: -Clutch/flywheel along with updated GM hydraulics (necessary to work the LS1 clutches) -shifter (going with a pro 5.0 short-shifter) - once that's bought, I have to have the engine and tranny mounts made. -then the engine goes in and I have a driveshaft fabricated. -once all of that is in, I should be set to just start on all the little things! Wish me luck, and post your ideas/concerns!!! thanks!

After reading that post below, and thinking most of it was greek since I didn't understand half of it lol, I'm curious as to wether or not my starter will work. Will the starter from my 1991 300zx NA work for the LS1 i'm swapping in? Just wondering so I can finalize my parts list! Thanks guys! -Vann

Hey! Welcome Welcome! Good choice on engine and tranny! You'll definately be seeing some nice power out of it. As Sumo said, there a few peeps doing LS1 swaps into their Datsuns. Jeromio is doing one into a 240z and has quite a bit of documentation that would help you out. I'll be putting (or attempting to put) an LS1/T-56 combo into my 1991 300zx. Hasn't been done yet as far as I know, so I'll be documenting things as I go. It's all up to you, choose the body style you like most and go with it. I'm using my 300 because I cant afford insurance on another car. I would have LOVED to have swapped it into a 240z or 280z, but that was extra money and garage space I dont have. Good luck to ya, and let us know how things progress! -Vann

Ive seen a sbc chevy put into a black one on ebay. There was another one around for a while too. I dont think anyone here has one though. I'll be putting a LS1 V8 into mine this month, so I may be able to help you out with a few things. Good luck! -Vann

It's only ONE WEEK away!!!! I FINALLY managed to find a cheap LS1 T-56 that will work with my setup. Apparently it has a grind going into 3rd gear so I'll be reworking the tranny before it goes in. More fun!!! I've basically got everything together, all I need now is: - New parts to rework my T-56 - A nice hefty clutch - And a SHORRRT shifter Once I get those things all together and the tranny fixed up. I'll be having a local shop help fab up some motor mounts, a tranny mount and a driveshaft. As soon as those parts are done, out comes the 'ol VG and in goes the powercube LS1!!! It's going to be sooo awesome! I'm using all stock interior parts (i.e. gauges and shift knob) so there will be NO WAY to tell theres a V8 in this badboy... Oh, wait.. I'm stuffing a sick cam in there, that is, if money permits, (230/224 @111 lsa) so I guess my idle that sounds like impending doom may give me away! Once the engine is in and mounted, I'm buying the ever-so-handy LS1Edit tuning system to get this thing running and to help get around the LS1 security features. I know wiring will be a PITA but I will have LOTS of time to work on that. I'm trying to organize my time where the first week will be spent with all of the grunt work and fabrication. That is when the mounts will be made and the engines will be physically swapped. Once the LS1 is in, it's only a matter of tinkering with the small things until everything is juuuust right! It's horrible having to go through finals right now when I can't even sit still in my chair! I just hope I dont start describing my swap or making out a parts list for my answers on my essays! I'll be sure to let you all know as soon as the swap begins. There will be VERY frequent updates on my website, probably daily updates. I will be providing a full-text write up after this is all done along with pictures and some good video of the trickier stuff. Be sure to check it out! My site will have a new, gorgeous layout for the swap, so be prepared to enjoy watching my beauty progress!! The Z32 LS1 HybridZ Page!

Haha, well I hope I get ahold of someone's F-body T-56 before he does! They are SO hard to come by if you aren't looking for a super-expensive remanufactured one. I have a guy who is willing to trade my Vette T-56 for a Camaro T-56 with the same mileage. I saw this and was like, YES, SCORE, AWESOME, SOOOO PAINLESS!!! So asked what year and model and I get a reply saying... 1998 LT1... Now this threw me off a WHOLE lot. 1998+ Camaros are LS1 based. And a LT1 T-56 WONT work on the LS1 engine. SOOOO, I'm hoping he is just confused and it is infact for an LS1. He said he doesnt have the tranny on hand and he's trying to trade it for a friend. So that MAY explain the confusion. I told him to make sure it is from an LS1 camaro and we'll have a deal. He's got a buddy who works for GM so I should have a straight answer tomorrow hopefully!!! I AM PRAYING that it's the right one or else I am in for a LONG haul on getting the right tranny and selling this Vette one. Maybe, even if it's a camaro LT1 tranny, I could do the trade anyway and then sell the LT1 tranny. I think it would be easier to get rid of than the Vette one, but I'll just have to wait and see what's up. I"M DYING for a response... the anticipation is killing me since my swap is scheduled to start in less than 2 weeks!!!! Everyone keep your fingers crossed for me!!! And if you can't do that, then try to find me a buyer for this Vette tranny and a seller for an F-body LS1 T-56!!!!

Well, Ive certainly learned that. I've been on this board for well over a year. LS1 stuff isn't too abundant. The problem I had was that, all of the information I had recieved about the transmissions told me that as long as it is a T-56 for an LS1 it will work and they are interchangeable. No one bothered to be more specific and tell me that the tranny's aren't interchangeable between Vette and F-body. So ya, I end up screwed. I never even knew such a thing like the Vette's transaxel setup even existed. I'm pretty sure that's why I ended up in the situation I'm in.

Yup, I had just looked at that picture right after I made my post. THIS SUCKS! So ya, anyone wanna buy a 2002 Vette tranny?? Gotta get rid of it now, I haven't even gotten it in yet. Hopefully I can get everything sorted out and have all the correct parts in time to get the swap done and started on schedule! I myself for being so ignorant and not researching more before I bought.

Ok, so I'm getting all of my parts together to begin my swap.. in 2 WEEKS!!!! But I've come across a small problem that these guys are trying to explain to me over at LS1tech.com. I have a 1998 LS1 engine w/ECM from a Trans-Am going into my swap. originally it was coupled with a 4L60E automatic transmission which I am trying to get rid of (Myron, I will email you soon, couldnt get pics just yet unfortunately) I opted to go with a manual transmission instead. So I found a 2002 T-56 tranny from a Corvette with low miles at a low price. So now its going to be: 1998 Trans-Am LS1 2002 Corvette T-56 trans. I put this up over at LS1tech while asking some different questions, and this issue arose... Here's the first little tidbit: "T56 from a vette? Where ya gonna put it, and more importantly how are you going to make the driveshaft?" Confused, I asked what on earth he was talking about, why wouldnt I be able to put the trans in the car? Then I get this response: "5.7LImport, what CDK was referring to with the "where are you going to put your trans?" question is that Corvette transAXLES are located between the rear wheels and connected to the engine via torque tube. I have never pulled one of those apart, but I can't think it would be all that easy to shorten. Also, there is a large diameter "bellhousing of sorts" where the torque tube mounts to the transaxle. Depending on the clearance, fitment could be an issue." At this point I'm still utterly confused, WTF is a trans-axel and why the hell is something mounted near the rear diff. going to be an issue in a hybrid swap?? The guys then go on to say this: "Yea Derek thats the point. Hope we didnt ruin your saturday, and more importantly hope you didnt pay too much for the Vette T56. Trade it in for an Fbody unit and make sure to find a Slave fitting for the unit. Oh yea while your at it you will need the ECM for the manual trans, and of course the wiring harness unless you buy the Painless which comes either or. " So now I'm being told I have wrong parts and I cant wire anything and blah blah blah which all sounds like crap to me. And I get one final reply: "They are referring to the 3ft of input shaft a Vette trans has, as it sits in the rear of the car.. the Vette trans and F body trans is completely different." So, how the hell does this have anything to do with my swap?? I'm confused as to whether or not this 'trans-axel' is vital to the function of the transmission. I dont see why a transmission, that fits the engine, used to shift the gears, (thats all I need it for), cant just be bolted on, wired up, and work!?! Someone please help to clarify this, I really dont understans how it will be impossible for this transmission to work in my swap. Thanks!

Wow Sam! I had no idea! Sorry I haven't been able to reply sooner or been around to talk, I have 3 exams starting in 5 hours that I am DESPERATELY trying to get prepared for. After I'm done with these stupid exams, lets talk! Please, I'd really like to try and help you out Sam! I've had somewhat similar feelings at times as far as depression goes and I can only imagine what you've been feeling. I wish I was in Austin cuz I'd go work out with you! I REALLY need to get my butt out of this computer chair. If I'm not in class or in bed, I'm here.. even when eating.. it's pretty ridiculous and I'm getting a belly!!! That's it... when we get back home, we're going to figure SOMETHING out to help. Working on Z stuff could always be a relief! And we'll have PLENTY of that to do in the upcoming weeks!!! I know it isn't your car, but hey, it's still going to be fun!! First of all though, LET'S TALK! I want to know everything so I can try and give you my personal perspective on what's going on. I've been there to offer help before and I will always be here. Granted you think my gf has me tied down and takes up ALL my time , (I'm changing that sort of routine now) but if you EVER have problems like this and want to talk, GIVE ME A CALL! As I said before, sorry I couldn't have posted earlier, but I knew something was up when you were going to bed at 10:30!!! Let's sort this out, it can be done! You have so many people supporting you Sam. Ali will always be there for anything you need and I will offer all of the help within my human capabilities that I possibly can. We'll talk tomorrow, (or today if you're looking at a timestamp), this needs to be fixed! Depressed Sam = Happy Sam =

Wow! Always WAY more helpful than asked. Thanks for all the info. The Z32 gauges are all electric so I guess I'll be looking to just wire the LS1 ECM direct to them. When I was talking about sending it off, that was referring to the entire engine wiring harness. Dana Dash takes them and modifies them to fit... well, I'm not even sure how I'd benefit from it. Hell, I'll just do it myself, I love a challenge! I'll definately have to pick up one of those manuals before I start. My biggest concern right now is about keeping the AC (cluster controls and such)... i think I may be ok since the AC brain is housed seperately from the Z32 ECU, i think. It's gonna be one hell of a mess trying to get all that wiring done, but it'll be worth it, I just need to get some EE (Eletrical Engineering) skills working for me. I'll take a BUNCH of pictures of my dash and ECU and such in my Z32 so you can see exactly what I'm talking about. That should make it a hell of a lot easier to get an idea of what's going on.

All I can tell ya is to wait until Ive got my swap done... there's no info out there anywhere on how to do the a V8 Z32 swap. I've only seen pictures of two Z32's with carbed Chevy sbc's in them, but no information was provided. Basically, if you want to do it, you're venturing into unknown territory... tred lightly and expect unforseen problems.

Jeromio can probably give me a good answer since he's been working with an LS1, but I'd like any opinions that you guys can come up with. So far, it's come down to basically 2 options on how to wire up the gauges in my Z32 with the LS1 engine and PCM. 1) Have the LS1 computer wiring harness sent to Dana Dash and have him rework the harness to fit the Z32 gauges. Then I'd have to get the LS1 computer reprogrammed to fit the Z's specs. (I'm pretty sure that's what would need to be done) OR 2) Find a gauge cluster from another LS1 vehicle, (Camaro, Trans-Am, Corvette), and just plug it on and have the gauges recalibrated for the Z32 specs. Now, I'm REALLY leaning towards option number two, but I need to know a few things... 1) Would that work? 2) The LS1 ECM I have is from a 98 Trans-am, woul di be able to use a (for instance) lets say 2001 Corvette gauge cluster with the 98 computer? Remember I'm not asking about whether or not the needles will go to the right places, once they are calibrated and I get an editing program, that will be fine. I just need to know if the clusters could be interchangeable possibly. Let me know any sort of ideas you guys may have. I'll start asking the LS1 guys after I get a few ideas. Thanks!! -Vann

You are correct about there being no VG30DET... however: Yes there is a VG30DE.. found in my car, the Naturally Aspirated Z32. The VG30DETT is the twin turbo model found in Z32s. As far as the original post is concerned... Yes, there has been a VG30DETT swap into a 240, done by a man named Greg Dupree. The things a BEAST, ran a 10.6 at the track.. I think that's his best so far, but I could be wrong. I've got a couple pics if you want 'em.

Sam, Sam, Sam.... would you just get some already! You're becoming quite the hound dog. Naughty Naughty