p12nash Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Hey guys, So I have a pretty unique scenario going on right now. My current car is a 2005 chrysler 300c, but a few weeks ago it was stolen and totaled one night while I was at school. Here's where the z part comes in. I'm thinking about taking the insurance settlement to buy a 280z and do a restomod and swap the engine for the hemi out of my 300c (I absolutely love my hemi and its in great shape even after the accident). I know that the front end will need to be reinforced and will need a better suspension system. Do you think I'd need a tube frame? I figure I can reuse the engine, transmission, rear dif, and have the drive shaft shortened in order to fit the z. I would obviously taking all accompanying electronic control units and wiring harnesses. Do you think the engine and transmission would fit in the z? If I strip the two cars and do the rust repair myself do you think I could get all of the modifications and additional parts for around 10 grand? If not, how much do you think it would be? I really appreciate any advice or educated guesses that you could help me out with. I know its a huge project and as far as I have been able to find nobody has done it before. At this point I'm just trying to figure out how feasible this actually is while remaining loosely in my budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh280z Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 If people have fit LS1 engine in their cars with a similar displacement then I think the swap would be possible.... You would have to make custom mounts for it and would need to probably need to modify the exhaust manifolds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richie2619 Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Although GM small blocks have similar displacement to the modern Hemi, their valve configuration is in-line with the length of the block. The Hemi, however, has the valve placement, perpendicular to the block. This results in considerably greater width. You should take some time and measure everything very carefully. There's a strong possibility that it won't fit between the shock towers. Older mustangs, 65-70, that have 4-valve V-8 engines, usually have the shock towers removed and employ mustang II IFS. It absolutely can be done but it may take a fair amount of fab work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 (edited) http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=10485 look over this link if you have the desire, a welder , a good deal of fabrication skill and can measure accurately, theres very little in engine swaps that you can,t do. Edited July 6, 2014 by grumpyvette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LanceVance Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Found this while doing some browsing for something completely unrelated, but remembered this thread: http://carandwriter.blogspot.com/2012/05/datsun-west-coast-z-car-nationals-2012.html?m=1 Body kit is... Well let's just ignore the body kit. Engine photo can be found further down the page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Innamorata 3.6 Modenetta Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 According to the information I can find, the LS long-block is 21.5" at its widest point, while the late-model Hemi is 26" wide at its widest point. Sources: http://paceperformance.com/p-3990-engine-dimensions.html http://www.thehemi.com/engines.php?id=03D345 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb3562 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 I think there is around 32.5" between towers on a 280. I measured mine for a vk56 here awhile back and it would have fit. Its a dohc v8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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