DavyZ

If it is truly a 280Z, the last year they made them was 1978. Otherwise, it is a 280ZX. The JTR kit won't work for a 280ZX, but don't let that stop you! Just ask Greimann or Ross Corrigan about their 280ZX's! MSA sells a kit for the 280ZX if you are, in fact, looking for a 'kit' to make the swap a bit easier--no harm in that. If the car you are looking at is a 1978 280Z, then by all means, use the JTR kit. Both cars are great with V8's. Davy

Looked 'ho-hum' until I saw the engine sticking out behind the cab. A drag puckup would be kind of cool, but not with six wheels. Just not sexy I guess. Davy

James brought up some good points, but let me share this bit o'pinion with yew: The 280Zs tend to be newer and have less problems (read: rust, wear, etc) then the 240Zs do. If I could, I would have built up a 280Z in heartbeat, but smog laws here prevent extreme modifications. The 280Zs, at the very least, feel more solid then the 240Z. The door mechanisms are better (IMO), and so are the window mechanisms, etc. I have taken apart both doors, and I liked the 280Z door much better. After going through several 280Zs, I have to say that the fit and finish is better than the 240Z IMO. Weight can be an issue, but I don't think a 280Z would have any problem moving out with a V8 under the hood. The 280Z is quieter, more comfortable (although some may argue this), and they feel more solid at speed, possibly due to the added weight? The 'frame rails' on a 280 extend back farther then they do on a 240Z, although ultimately with big horsepower you'll need some additional stiffening. Check out Pete's site for great info. As far as the styling between a 280 and a 240, well, the bumpers are cleaner on the 240Z, but that is really about it---they look VERY similar in every other way (don't nit-pick, guys) Whatever you do, buy a rust-free car. I didn't, and it took me years to find the 'right' car that I can now cut up. Davy

*bump*

That looks like a scale model of the Wangan Midnight car if I'm not mistaken. Maybe Owen or one of the other guys can shed some light on the origin. Shoot, just ask James Thagard where he got the pic! Davy

Go Giants!!! Davy

From the Scarabs that I have looked at, the steering shaft actually goes through the pipes on the left side--pretty cool looking actually. Hooker is your best bet for finding quality headers (full length too!) that fit the car. That said, I have never seen block-huggers on a Scarab before. Do yourself a favor and have them powdercoated if you decide to go with a 'painted' header. They will last for years and look great. I have some Cermakrome (sp?) powdercoated block-huggers and they look closer to chrome then the polished aluminum valve covers do Davy

I have ordered from these guys before and have been very happy with the results! Their radiators are good quality and can be picked up locally (in some locations) or shipped to you. I am fortunate that they have a main depot in the SF Bay Area. Radiator.com Their prices really can't be beat. Davy

Thanks for posting that link, Grumpy. I had no idea these things were reasonably priced. makes almost not want to even bother with the one I have got, but just buy a new one instead. Davy

If you believe the tach, redline starts at 7000 rpm and ends at 8000 rpm. I have never been above 6500 rpm because I am absolutely chicken about breaking a valve or something---there is no way I could afford a major repair with this motor. Still, the car has had no major problems at all, even with 144K. I like the Q45 and think it would make a great motor in a Z car, but just as Greimann mentioned, the "bang for the buck" Chevy V8's just can't be beat here in the U.S. I would much rather push a Chevy to the extreme knowing that I could tear it apart and fix it myself. Davy

I'm praying for a speedy recovery for your Pop. Hope he feels his good self again soon Davy

I blew a seal on my engine hoist lifting a boulder (don't ask) into the back of puckup. The thing just leaks and leaks, and I have NOT tried it on an engine since, except once, but that was just getting the engine mounted on the stand. Is your hydraulic ram leaking perchance? Davy

That's what I did: I bought a '73 240Z to skirt smog checks since it was something I really didn't want to deal with. Otherwise, an LT1/T56 swap would have been great in a 280Z or 280ZX. EFI is really the way to go IMO, but this is my first real swap and I want to keep to the K.I.S.S. theory as much as possible. Just buy an LT1 & tranny of choice from GM Sport Salvage in San Jose. Thay way, you can keep your current car and do the swap on that. Davy

Cool pics---I like the project. Davy

what are your sources? anyone can make that **** up. Play nice in the sandbox, Mate... Davy

Too many questions, so I'll break this down for you: (not trying to be unfriendly; just advice) 1) Buy the JTR manual 2) 280Z with LT1 6 speed 3) Use the 'search' function on this forum to find answers to all your questions. After searching and reading, then is a better time to ask specific questions in their respective forums. 4) Good luck Here is a site to help you get started: Modern-motorsports Davy

Umm, not sure what you are asking here. The manual will actually make less work for you, not more. The manual is good for planning and discussing the various steps. Also, it is fairly technical and helps you get into the swap with confidence. Davy

Face it Len, you are an addict and you can't get it out of your blood. Wait 'till you go to China and try to live without cars! I can see it now: you are lying on your bed and drawing pencil marks on the wall above you, counting off the days until you can come back home Good luck! Davy

Bob, I'm quite positive those flares on that trick Z are not the same 432 flares. I'm totally with you on the 432's though. The fact that they bolt on surely simplify things for those of us not well versed in bodywork. I'm going that very same route even though my dream would have been something from VR Engineering, but the cost of just the kit was so high relative to what I have to spend, the bolt on flares looked better and better. Davy

Wow, it looks like your car is coming along nicely. The work looks very good and I like what you are doing to the door latches. Davy

Excellent project car---work looks really good, and the concept is 'right.' The car should be an animal when it's finished. Nice job. Davy

If you can make the JTR kit yourself, do it---you'll save over $200. However, if time is at all an issue, buy it from them or from someone off of ebay. Davy

Matt, sorry if I was being a butt or idiot when making the comments above--not totally correct, but it makes sense to me anyway lol! Thanks for refraining from flaming!! Davy

Nope! I like your car Rick!!! I would like to see MORE cars though. Davy

Yeah, I thought about the 'controlability' (real word?) punching the throttle coming out of a corner and I just about wet myself. I'll experiment with the n/a motor and get 'used to it' before boosting a V8. It is still the plan though... Davy