280Bob

I've been thinking about what kind of engine I want to swap into my '75 280 since the day I picked it up. The problem is I can't decide which engine would be best for what I want. Right now I am torn between an LS1 swap or an L28et. I am torn because I really want the power, driveability, and reliability that I believe is possible with the LS1. However, I would like to participate in the local dragstrips competitive races that they have a few times each year. I am positive that I could not compete at the import drag events if I had the V8, and uncertain if I would be able to compete in domestic events. Those of you with swaps, both L28et and LS1, what kind of events do you participate in if any? Also, those of you with experience with these swaps what would you suggest? Has it been more fun to have a very fast, very streetable car that doesn't fit in any race classes, or has it been better having a car that can compete and is still fast. Just looking for opinions nothing too deep. Oh, in case anyone is wondering my car is not my daily driver so I can sacrifice some streetability but not much. I would like to be able to take it on long road trips and cruise in it during the summers. Thanks and sorry for the long post, Bob

The Konig Rewinds are definately the less expensive choice. I paid around 700 through a local dealer. I was going to go with the Konig, but really wanted an 8 inch wheel. I'll have to wait until I get the wheels to decide if they were worth the extra $. FWIW I would probably go with the Konig if I did it over again. If you don't plan on running a tire wider than 225 the 7 inch width will work fine and you'll save yourself plenty of money. But, that's just my opinion, I will add that I have never seen either of these wheels in person so who knows maybe when my wheels get here they will be so striking that I can justify the extra money....

Sorry for the late reply, I have been very busy. I will fit them up as soon as I get them and take some pics too.

I would love to be able to use the original perches. Does that really line the sleeves up in the right places? I may just drop the whole control arm so that I can get to everything a little better. If I don't need to take the tubes to have new perches welded on than I may not have to worry about the spindles after all. Thanks again guys, I really appreciate all the responses. I have been reading these boards since 2001 dreaming about getting an old Z car and the support from the Z community is one of the major reasons why. Thanks again, Bob

Man you guys are good...you always respond before I am done typing and usually answer my next question.

That page is great thanks Jaime. The part that I am referring to is the spindle pin lock bolt. I will read on this board more about the spindle because I don't understand why it is so difficult. Thanks for the replies. Bob

Why is it such a PITA? I need to take the strut tubes to a shop get the lower perch welded on for the coilovers. If it is easier to just take the whole control arm off than I am all for it...I'm just not too sure how well the welder will like it. I really would like to remove the strut assembly from the control arm. I guess I just don't understand what makes it such a problem. Sorry if these seem like stupid questions I am kind of learning as I go. Thanks, Bob

I just have a quick question about my rear control arms on my 75 280. I am trying to remove the rear struts and springs to install coilovers. I have already removed both nuts on each end of the rear control arm but now there is a lock nut in the middle. One side is complete with the nut on the bottom the other side does not have this nut and the bolt that slides through is out far enough that the bottom side is flush. My question is do I just hammer these out? or is there some other way to remove these? I would hate to start pounding away on them and break something. Just a little guidance please. Bob

I would have preferred 16s also but they don't show anything other than 14s and 15s. I ordered these because I plan on doing a swap to v8 soon and wanted a slightly wider wheel. Also I really like the look of the wheel and the price was right. I hope everything turns out ok. The guy I ordered them from said that he could get the lug nuts and valvestems for $30. Does this seem reasonable or do you guys know of better options?

Yeah I already ordered the Silverstones 15x8 with 5 inch backspacing. That's why I was worried about what Dan said. I was trying to avoid using spacers but I guess I ordered the wrong bs and will need them now.

Do you think that changing the backspacing to 4.75" would be better than using a spacer? From what others on this site have said I don't think anything less than 5'' will work...what do you think?

Are you sure that a 15x8 wheel with 5inch back spacing will hit the springs? Will it hit only in the front, or the back as well? I am really worried now, I just placed the order yesterday. If anyone on here knows for sure that a 15x8 wheel will or will not clear front and back with coilovers please post.

Thanks for the responses guys that helps me feel better about placing the order.

I am trying to decide on what wheels to get and had pretty much settled on the Konig Rewinds in 15x7, but now that American Racing has brought out the Silverstone and offers it in 15x8 I might go with those. (Does anyone know if the bolt pattern is right?) My question is...if I run a 15x8 inch wheel with 5" backspacing will it clear my suspension? I am running the MM coilovers with 10" springs. I have searched and found that Tim240Z is running 16x8 with 5" backspacing but will this backspacing still work for a 15" wheel? Also, I would really like to have a wheel with a good sized lip...is it possible to run smaller backspacing than 5" to achieve this look? I am away at school and cannot take measurements for about another week...but would really like to get some opinions on what size to order.

Thanks for the help. I think you pretty much answered it for me. I'm pretty sure that if your 14s fit then the 15s will. Thanks again.

I started a thread and didn't even see this one or I would have just asked it here. Will the 15 inch Rewinds fit over the Toyota 4x4 calipers? I've read past posts where people talked about different 14 inch wheels working, so I assume that these will fit but I would like to hear from somebody a little more educated on the subject than me.

Does anyone know if the new 15inch Konig Rewinds will fit over the Toyota 4x4 calipers? I am already in the process of putting on these brakes and am trying to find a fairly inexpensive wheel that I like.

I have a few questions about choosing a wheel for my 280z. I would like to run a 16x8 wheel. I have read in some old posts that others on here are running 16x8 with 5" backspacing and a 12.7mm offset. Is this the best setup to run with stock fenders and MM coilovers? I would like to have a nice sized lip on the wheels and I am not sure if the above setup would need to be adjusted slightly to achieve this? Finally, I am installing the S12w calipers with vented rotors and I would like to know if the above setup will clear these brakes? If not, any suggestions for a more optimal setup would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob