fusion

I am putting an 5.3/turbo in my 280z. I am fabricating my own motor mounts and welding them to the frame rails instead of the crossmember to gain space for a downpipe. My frame rails are in great shape. Anyone see any issues with it? I know it's been done before, just wanted to double check. Thanks

Any link to the laser centerline method?

Does anyone know if the factory drivetrain on an S30 is offset slightly to the passenger side? I am installing a new engine/trans and I was trying to measure the centerline of the rear diff with respect to the frame rails and it appeared to be approximately 1/2" offset to the passenger side. Is that right? It's hard to get a good measurement. Thanks

Thanks for the pictures. Can you also comment on my questions above? Thanks

Thanks for all the comments everyone

Thanks for all comments. Jmortensen, great pictures. I was thinking I could just cut the mount off flush with the engine side frame rail, weld in a new angled plate and mount the bushing there. Would save a ton of time with spot welds. NewZed, very interesting idea, thanks. That could be a great solution. Upon initial look getting around the tie rods could be an issue, but not out of the question.

I just hope Apex and other vendors offer the super 8.8 option. By the way, I posted a new thread that I would appreciate if you suspension experts would pop in and give your advice:

Hi guys, looking for advice/comments on a question I have. I am in the process of building a 5.3L turbo 280z and am looking at my downpipe routing down the passenger side. It's going to be tight, and I was looking at the tension rod mount that sticks out into the engine bay. If I could use a shorter tension rod, and fabricate a new mount outboard towards the tire, I could gain a bunch of space. (See crude picture) I willingly admit that I don't know how this would affect the driving of the car. I could do both sides but only need the passenger side. The car will not be tracked, just a street car with a couple of drag passes a year. Thanks for any advice.

Hopefully someone else can contact him so he can give his response.

I did email ohmster many days ago and asked him to respond. I am surprised he chose not to.

I emailed TTT and they said they are working on a Z power cradle for the super 8.8.

Yes I saw it, it looks like a great option. The more options the better!

The super 8.8 is a superior diff to the regular 8.8 so I hope both companies offer the super 8.8 option

Thanks for your comments. Maybe splitting the pipe into 2 smaller pipes will allow for a better tuck around the diff. I'd MUCH rather run it out the back.

Thank you. I am in the process of building a 5.3/turbo 280z and I am very interested in using a super 8.8 diff. I am going to install the engine/trans soon and fabricating all the mounts. I want to mount the engine/trans at a downward angle that is equal/opposite to the pinion angle, especially since changing the diff pinion angle seems much less straightforward than a solid axle. So when using your kit, the pinion angle is -2*? Also, how much lower is the pinion flange than the transmission output shaft? Also, I am very interested in raising the diff up higher into the body, to gain ground clearance for exhaust routing. Could you highlight in pictures or a diagram of how this would be accomplished and how much clearance could be gained? I would be willing to cut the body depending on what is gained. Thanks