broknindarkagain Posted July 22, 2011 Share Posted July 22, 2011 Hey guys, I registered here to hopefully learn a few things that might make things easier on me. A little bit of info on this project : I got a call from a customer who wanted me to assemble a 350 for him (out of a 69 Vette). Basically a stock engine with a few minor things done to it (port / polish heads, mild cam, etc). He had mentioned that he was looking for a car to put it into after it was done. I suggested that I could build a car for him. We discussed an old Z car. The reasoning behind this is because it seems that conversion parts are readily available, and knowledge about this swap is plentiful. I am definaly not an amature when it comes to turning wrenches, but at the same time I have never dropped a SBC into a classic Datsun. I've been looking at http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/PRC01 for conversion parts. Seems to be a pretty straight forward swap, nothing too major involved. Can someone be kind enough to assemble a parts list that I will need to order so I can get everything ordered upfront? We are working on a 1971 Datsun 240Z. I'm working on the engine right now, and tomorrow we will be picking up the car for $1,500...killer deal if you ask me. I have an idea of the parts involved, and the work I'm getting myself into...however some advise from someone who has actually done this swap before would be great! After everything is running, is there a way that I can get the factory spedo/tach working? Aftermarket gauges are an option on this project, but the customer would rather have factory gauges if they can be made to work (and be accurate). Does the v8 motor mount kit include the trans mounting stuff? How strong is the stock 240 rear diff? Will it handle 300 - 400 horsepower at the wheels? My understanding is the rear diff is very simular to the current Subaru rear diffs.....so am I able to easily swap in a Subaru diff? I was thinking a JDM v3 STI rear diff (pretty stout...thats what I have in my personal Subaru...and its LSD)? There are probably a million questions that I can ask. I'm not looking for someone to walk me through this project. I'm more or less looking for a few quick pointers and someone to point me in the right direction. As well, if there is any odd ball issues that anyone has come across when doing their swap, please speak up and let me know. Thank you for your time John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted July 23, 2011 Share Posted July 23, 2011 The answers to most of your questions are in these forums somewhere. The Search function is free. This site is popular and one of the originals for the V8 swap - http://www.jagsthatrun.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCchris Posted July 23, 2011 Share Posted July 23, 2011 (edited) Hey guys, I registered here to hopefully learn a few things that might make things easier on me. I'm working on the engine right now, and tomorrow we will be picking up the car for $1,500...killer deal if you ask me. As well, if there is any odd ball issues that anyone has come across when doing their swap, please speak up and let me know. Thank you for your time John One of, if not the main issue is the condition of your swap candidate. How much rust does it have? These cars rust from the inside out! Lots of people (myself included) reinforce the frame prior to a high hp swap. As previously stated, the search button is your friend. Search for "rust", Bad Dog frame rails and subframe connectors, JTR swap kits on here and on the www. A good investment would be the "Bible" of sbc swaps, the JTR swap manual. Some of the info is a bit dated but still correct. Good luck with the swap. Everyone says they are a blast. I wouldn't know, mine is not complete. chris Edited July 23, 2011 by NCchris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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