Jesse OBrien

I'm starting to feel like I got a killer deal on mine. I paid $2500 for a SBC-swapped 240z with disk brake conversion. The interior is pretty messed up, but it runs (needs a starter) nicely.

I started taking some measurements on my CRX engine bay, but I don't have any hard numbers on the f20c so I wasn't going to bother. I'm pretty sure the f20c is around 28" long and 26" tall, which really is pushing well past the limits of the CRX engine bay. I'm trying to come up with ways around it, and there is actually a good amount of space to move the radiator forward, but the front of the engine bay is way too short to fit that engine. It's okay though, I've heard tell that the 13b is a smaller, more compact engine, and I just know they can put out power

I go through Richmond every day! I work in Oakland, so I end up passing by Richmond on my way to the El Cerrito Del Norte BART (yeah, the bus passes right by Richmond; apparantly it's too good for your BART...). My project has changed considerably (but is no less aggressive). I bought an EF CRX, and the plan is to swap in an f20c (out of an s2000) and convert it to RWD. It's arguably more extreme, but we'll see how it works out. The engine bay may not be long enough (front-back) to fit the motor in, so I may have to scrap that idea and go with a 13b or 13btt instead. I don't know why I have this obsessions with a RWD CRX, but I do. Anyway, without further ado, here's the car as I purchased it: and here's a link to the gallery: http://picasaweb.google.com/Jesse.B.OBrien/CRX20 More to come on my site, and if you guys want, I'll update you all directly. Comments on my site are always appreciated!

I'm in Vallejo, but working in Oakland, by Lake Merritt. We're off to a start on my roommate's project, which is getting a Ford 351. Pics located here: http://picasaweb.google.com/drummingpariah/240z

Don't let my lack of recent response throw you off: this project is in full swing. I've been helping my roommate to find a Z, and we just laid hands on our first project: 1972 240z with a broken window (the only rust is minor, surface rust) and a presumably non-running engine (hasn't been driven in 6 months due to carb misalignment) which will receive a carbed 351, in all likelihood. I'll most likely be documenting that first, then my v12 swap. Mine takes a bit more research before starting, so it makes sense to start with his more "traditional" swap.

The engine is heavy, but if you cut out some of that oil (highly recommended with an oil cooler and a smaller oil pan) you're back down to 550lbs. Tranny weight ends up under the driver. it's low, and supports 50/50 weight distribution directly. It's heavier than an ls1, and is a little farther forward, but I'm at peace with that. Engine parts I need are: CBR throttle bodies custom exhaust manifold reground cams (only need two!) stronger valve springs (basically just figure out the rates and order them non-engine-specifically, they're cheap) There really isn't much "aftermarket" that's going to help me, other than a good clutch (which is just what I'd need for an LS1, for example). You're right. The Jag is huge. It does push center of gravity slightly farther forward, or I can hack up the firewall a little (which is what most BMW swappers have to do). I'm ok with a little front-biased weight. That's relatively easy to make up for with fiberglass or carbon fiber fenders and hood (which are shockingly heavy in stock configuration). You do have good arguments, and from a purely logical standpoint I agree. If this were all about logical choices and getting the best engineered car possible, I'd start with a different car altogether. I'd get something with perfect weight distribution, the right engine from the factory, and an uncracked dash. Fortunately for me, I love the Jag v12 (far more than the BMW v12 for reasons unknown other than those who practice dark magic). All arguments aside, I really do need to know the spline count on the engine, so I can figure out exactly what transmission I can fit on it. I'm fairly sure that the Viper t56 will fit, but input shaft diameter/length/spline-count are all factors that I can't confirm. I could really use some help before I start gathering parts (because I want to make sure they're the right parts ahead of time).

Well, wow. I certainly didn't expect this much action so quickly. I'll take the responses that were directed at me on a first-come, first-serve basis. They look pretty good, I'll call them on Monday to see what their prices are. I see a lot of these stories, where stock parts never cause a problem in extreme circumstances. It's especially common in the Honda world, where many little 1.6l motors are forced to take "madd psi" (high cfm through a t3/t4 hybrid turbo, generally) and never explode. While I'm sure that there's a good chance the t5 would be fine, I'd rather go with the t56, if only for that 6th gear that I've always longed for. As far as an LS1 beating the pants off a 5.3l v12, we'll just have to see. The 5.3l is heavier no matter what configuration you set up with, but revs higher (with proper flow, it supports 8800rpm safely) and I believe that it has more streetable potential. The whole purpose of this car is to make it fun to drive on sunny days. I've sourced a few different 5.3s, and haven't decided on a particular year, but it looks like the '81-'93 HE version (12.5:1 compression, terrible flow in the head) and adding on a custom ITB setup and a proper flowing exhaust, along with a pair of reground cams and port work (if it's even required). Since the starting dyno chart looks nice and smooth and relatively powerful (~350hp and 400ft/lbs tq) I'll most likely just do bolt-ons (intake/exhaust/valvetrain/cams/megasquirt) and be happy as long as nothing breaks. Overall, it's not the numbers that matter, it's how good you feel when it's done. At least this way, I'm doing something that's at least a little off the beaten path.

I've been researching for the past week on which engine to put in the s30 I'll purchase (as soon as I decide on engine) and I think it's narrowed down to the Jag 5.3l v12. My one caveat is that manual transmissions are nearly impossible to find, and the torque from the v12 makes it even more difficult (if I've done my math correctly, the first stomp on the throttle will hand-grenade a t5 or t56). Considering the t5 and t56 are the industry standards, and essentially the do-all, end-all of rwd transmissions, I wanted to go with that as my choice. My research started here: http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=97350 and went here: http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=111184&highlight=v12 and brought me over here: http://ca.geocities.com/dotdotdot@rogers.com/ and finally (arguably most importantly) here: http://www.5speeds.com/v12bell.html Now, I'm fairly new to the rwd scene as a whole, so I'm unfamiliar with this counting-splines and matching clutch forks (Hondas are a good deal simpler, and machining anything in the Honda community is basically unheard of). It looks like that bellhousing allows Tremec transmissions to be bolted up, but I'm confused as to exactly which transmissions will slide in (spline pattern and diameter appears to be the defining factor). What I need to know: What factors am I looking for? (spline number, input shaft diameter, shifter location, flywheel/clutch, etc). Does anybody have the specifics on the transmission-side of the Jag 5.3 v12? Who has done this already? (I know DOT did, and since the t56 is my preference, I'm specifically hoping he replies). I've done a lot of research on the engine, and it basically needs a new intake/header system (I think my plans for ITBs will work very very nicely), a pair of cams, and a valvetrain to put down a nice fat, even powerband. Because there are four machine shops right down the street from me, I'll probably go to one of them rather than ordering a bellhousing online, unless there are some really rave reviews about 5speeds.com out there. Anyway, thanks in advance, I really appreciate any help I can get at this point, I'm feeling like there isn't too much left to do but dive in with a wrench.

I second that motion. Keep it functional, keep it clean. By the way, I just joined hybridz because of your project, keep up the gorgeous work!