RB_eater Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 (edited) Hi everyone, as you can guess I am new here but I've been searching and collecting information for a couple of weeks already. I've been the proud owner of a 1971 240z for almost 2 years now but sadly my car hasn't been running for over half of that. Stupid accident really, I came to a stop sign and my gas pedal stuck down so when I pressed the cluth the timing chain tensionner failed and all hell broke loose and I could never get enough free time to fix her. Anyhow, I'm planning to swap in a L28ET this summer along with a few other goodies like a new paint. I decided to post here because I can't seem to find all the awnsers I'm looking for (Is it me or is the search fonction crap?) and believe it or not I learned all I know on my old RX-7 so I more familliar with rotors than pistons haha. So first things first, my car already has a 5 speed transmission, 280zx rear suspension, disk brakes on all 4, custom exhaust and before the engine went I was rolling with a aftermarket cam and a six pack. The body is getting a bit rusty (hence the new paint job) but is solid and everything mechanical is in top condition. The only downside is the interior, I basicly need a new one. So let's get to the questions. I found an engine (not a donor car) that fits really well in my price range and I was wondering how should I inspect it? What should be the normal compression numbers for an healthy engine? Are there any special parts I should check more thoroughly? And what are the parts I should get with it? So far I got; Air Flow Meter, vacuum control modualtor, Auxillary Air Control valve, injectors, coil ignitor, crank angle sensor, fuel pump and fuel damper. Anything else? I should mention that the seller doesn't have any ECU or harness for sale so I'll have to find these elsewhere. My general idea for the project is to swap in the engine as simply as possible while laying the fondations for more potential later on. In other words until the engine is running I want to keep it as stock as I can but change the parts I know I'll end up removing afterward anyway. So I'll be buying a new fuel pump (most probably Walbro 255) and lines but I will keep stock fuel pressure and injectors. I couldn't find a 280z fuel tank so I guess I'll just be awoiding hard turns for a while. For the ECU I'm still hesitating between finding a used one or replacing it with an aftermarket unit, any thoughts? A Megasquirt or Haltech will allow me more possibilities later on but I'm also trying to keep things as simple as possible. I don't mind having someone tune the thing for me but how complicated is the installation going to get compared to the stock ECU? I was thinking it would be simple enough to keep everything stock (boost, fuel pressure, timing, etc) and find the proper map somewhere. If someone could give me more info on installing the stock ECU or an aftermarket one it would greatly appreciated. I think that's about it as far as the basic swap itself is concerned, new fuel system and an engine management system should get it running right? Forgive me if I'm missing something this is my first engine swap and I haven't touched the car in a year. Once her new heart is pumping strong I'll start adding goodies. I've got a few leftovers from my old 7; intercooler, BOV and oil cooler. After that I'll get some injectors and tune the boost up a little notch (maybe 9 or 10psi). Then it's coil-overs, flares, front lip, wheels and finally paint. If any of you guys are interested I'll keep you updated along the way. I'm sorry for the long post but I tried to me a little more specific and sorry if my english isn't perfect but I'm not so bad for a frenchie, hey? (enter canadian joke here) As I said I will be truly grateful for any help and I hope my questions didn't sound too newbish. Edited June 21, 2011 by RB_eater Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB_eater Posted June 21, 2011 Author Share Posted June 21, 2011 Here she is: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhartig Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 (edited) Normal compression numbers should be in the range of 135 -160 psi. Just make sure the readings are close on all cylinders. Check the state of the plugs too as that will tell a story. Also look for evidence of oil leaks. If you are going to seriously play with the engine in the future I would suggest you consider a/m ECU now. There is plenty of info in the MS section that will keep you going. Edited June 21, 2011 by dhartig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 "Is it me or is the search fonction crap?" It might be you - http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/forum/92-turbosupercharger/ By the way, it's bad form to misspell when criticizing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB_eater Posted June 21, 2011 Author Share Posted June 21, 2011 Big thanks for the link however I did mention english isn't my primary language so please don't go spell patrol on my ass. I knew there had to be more info somewhere but I just couldn't seem to find it so, once again, thanks to the both of you. Dhartig I do not plan on going wild with the engine anytime soon but I feel a standalone would make smaller mods easier in the future and is also a great opportunity to learn the basics. I don't suppose anyone makes a pre-made harness for the L28ET? I'm not worried about making one but the less down time the better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 The point was "don't criticize the forum you're asking help from", made in an indirect way. No need for cursing either, I will assume that "ass" is the same in the Canadian and American languages. Good luck with your swap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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