DavyZ

Andy, that second picture of yours looks like it was done on a public road?!? You didn't really do that did you? Otherwise, it would be illegal... lol Davy

Excellent points made by Greimann and I echo his thoughts--do it right the first time and you'll never have to worry about it again. If you are so concerned about passing smog, get a '73 or older 240Z and be done with the whole thing. Otherwise, be prepared to do it correctly the first time(and only time). Buy the JTR book, read it, and do it. Good luck. Davy

Buy a T5 from a 305 V8 powered Camaro (mid 80's to early 90's). The World Class T5's (built '88 and newer) are the best of the lot. They can be found from about $450 to $650 or more at wrecking yards, etc. $2000 total for a swap is very small money when you take into consideration all the little stuff that can eat up more money in a hurry. You can do it if you have connections, leave everything near stock, and shop for the best deals on everything you buy. Good luck! Davy

Welcome to the forum! Smogging a '78 will not be an issue if the V8 fits the requirements very well listed in the above posts, and that it is in good working order. You can also look for drivetrains in places like Rancho Cordova (big yards out there) and also GM Sports Salvage in San Jose. Dan's suggestions sounds really good, although I have not been there myself. As far as costs are concerned, I do suggest having a good sum ready to shell out for the major items, plus a chunk for those items that you won't think about until it's time to get them. Finally, I will reiterate what the guys above said: BUY THE JTR BOOK if you are seriously considering the swap--it'll really help you to put it all together. The closest place you can look at one of the these manuals and purchase one will probably be Performance Plus in Dublin (although call Jason first and check with him) or CarBuffs in Pleasanton (they always have a stack handy). Good luck with your swap! Davy

Sweet engine and would make one heck of a noise coming from the back of a Z! The idea of maintenance scares me though. The thought of parts prices have me shaking in my boots! Too rich for my blood. Still, it would be nice... Davy

Mike, that bites, sorry to hear your engine is needing more attention after being put together--tht bites. Hopefully this is it! Davy

Looking very fast just sitting there. I had a '72 510 that I loved, but it was underpowered. This setup looks to be the hot ticket in boosting performance. BLKMGK would like to see this. Davy

Absolutely gorgeous car! I don't even want to know what you paid for the car, but I can tell you that you own one sweet ride. To answer your question you have to answer this question: Do you like the way the car handles presently? If so, don't change it, you'll be cutting up a very nice finished job, not modifying an existing project car. Perhaps after some time has passed and you think you want a little more out of the car, like more hp and handling, wider ties, and so on, then do the mods, otherwise keep it the way it is--remember, it is finished very nicely right now. That said, all things being equal, I would opt to modify a Scarab-type of engine mount (which this is) to the JTR version. However, with a car as nice and as finished as this one is, drive it around and see if you like it. If so, do not touch it. Also, if you can drive someone else's JTR Z to compare, definitely do so. You may (or may not) be surprised. Food for thought. Davy

The price for the heads is pretty good, considering that they retail for more, but $650 looks even better...if you want them, make him an offer. They are complete, yes? The price is really no too bad IMO for what you get. If you are on a budget, they are a 'decent' deal, but they are limited on a performance level just like Grumpyvette said. Davy

Grumpy, you just blow me away sometimes... Thanks for the information and the links! Davy

Welcome to the forum! Please take my advice and buy the JTR manual from Jags That Run, if you haven't done so already. It will help you prepare the car and tell you what you can expect from each of the conversion steps. Next, make good use of the 'search' function on the site. Chances are that your general questions have already been answered--this will save you much time in waiting for replies. Enjoy! Davy

77Z, Your car looks really great in the pictures. As far as making suggestions on what to do to it looks-wise, I think you are figuring out everything just fine on your own!! Davy

77Z, Your car looks really great in the pictures. As far as making suggestions on what to do to it looks-wise, I think you are figuring out everything just fine on your own!! Davy

Dan, I can't wait to see your car sometime in person! Davy

Owen, your site is really looking good! Way to document everything. Your memory is better than mine--I can only remember what I did today, let alone months ago! Davy

I'm assuming you have T5 with a 153 tooth flywheel. I have the same and use a medium-duty starter I found on a 305 V8 Camaro. According to JTR, you should be able to use a heavy duty starter that came on the 153 tooth flywheels on 1982-1992 V8 Camaros with automatic transmissions. HTH, Davy

quote: Originally posted by Dave: Well, If not a small block Chev because of the rear sump what about a small block ford that has a front sump? Dave... Hmm, that is an idea, but the car is just begging for a JTR conversion if the engine is a staight six. That would be a BAAAAD little car! I hope someone builds it! Davy

Dan, thanks for posting that. I downloaded all the pics. I like the way your build is being documented very nicely. Gotta love those clear shots! Davy

Sorry Jeromio, it'll get done--I have gathered information and am actually learning the R230 topic since I have not been through it. It just takes some time... Davy

The work you have done so far is really looking good! Very nice 'before and after' shots on some of the photos. When it's finished, it'll e a very nice car inside, out, and underneath! Davy

Tom, Dan Juday has bought all his fiberglass from John Washington at VR Eng. John has posted here a number of times and he is very helpful, very accomodating, and knows his stuff. Try doing a search for "John Washington" or VR Engineering, etc, and see what you come up with. Dan Juday has convinced me that if I ever do a full on body kit, that I'll go with John's company. Just food for thought. BTW, I agree that there needs to be more pics of all the kits he offers. Davy

Well, that sure is the most cost effective way of doing it! replacements have to be cheap. Gotta love that kind of adaptability!! Davy

Norm, I like the idea of you pushing N/A as far as it will go. Sets a benchmark to slap others with a reality check that the L6 is a darn good motor when pushed to the extreme. That said, I'll take a 'lazy' V8 instead lol Davy

The definition of "Rice" can be found at one of the Riceboy sites. That one guy coined the term and it is really a way of life (kinda like Karma) and how one presents their car. 95% or more of the Z cars on this site are NOT rice by his definition (I'm too lazy to look for it). Yes, our cars are Japanese by origin, but they are 'classic' sports cars IMO and very tastefully designed. The "rice 280ZX" looks the rice part because it is overdone in a crude fashion--wing way too big for the car, 'Gundam Battlezone' front spoiler, pro-stock hood scoop, need I say more?? Plus his wheels somehow look too small in all that stuff. Anyway, that's just my take on it. Davy

Nice work, Havok!! All those hours paid off in full. I think the look great and will be nice for some serious rubber! Davy