cglongino Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 I am in the research stage of my next project. I will be putting a v8 into a 70's model Datsun Z car. I am trying to decide the best route to go in terms of blocks.I am considering either an LS1, LQ4/9, or LS2. As you all know there are several ways to go about getting started. I can either find a donor vehicle be it a Camaro, trans am, Chevy Express van, Chevy 2500, etc (LS2 donor vehicles are out due to cost). Buy a used block from someone locally, or buy a new block. Problem is the donor vehicles are getting hard to find and the prices have dramatically increased, as people have started to figure out what they have. Just wondering what direction you all would jump in.My goals are to make this a weekend track car, but would like it to be as reliable as possible. Because of this the iron blocks weight might be a down fall. They are much easier to find and parts appear plentiful so I am wondering if the cheaper build cost will be worth the weight in the long run. I know its only an extra 80 or so lbs. Im hoping that it can be countered in suspension tuning. Thoughts?I do not have an overall power goal or budget for the car, but would like to be as cost effective as possible as my funds are not endless by any means. I am still in the process of researching what heads to go with but I know that will depend on what block I end up with. Hopefully yall will have some awesome input. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattd428 Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 Donor camaro is the cheapest and easiest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Infidel Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 If you aren't in a rush you can piece everything together pretty cheaply. Dont rule out the 5.3 (Iron or Alum) blocks from the 1500 trucks. They are plentiful and relatively cheap compared to other blocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cglongino Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share Posted August 25, 2014 What do y'all think about the iron vs aluminum situation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zfan1 Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 Iron is better for boost or real high power applications. That said I run the 6 liter aluminum block for weight savings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cglongino Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share Posted August 25, 2014 No plans to boost or even spray. This will be all N/A, I will be getting a stroker kit from Texas Speed for whatever I decide on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattd428 Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Infidel is right a 5.3 is cheap. But all the ls1 accessories add up. Cheapest build I've seen was doms car and he used a donor camaro. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Be patient and keep looking for a Camaro or Firebird. If possible get a '99 or newer. The '98 block was not as well done as the later ones, although I have a '98 and it's been just fine for 10 years now. I definitely vote for an aluminum block no matter which way you go. You'll find that the car will actually end up heavier in the rear than the nose. Plan the whole project first - engine, transmission, rear end, suspension, brakes, wheels & tires. If you make all those decisions up front with thorough research you'll only have to do it once and that will save time and money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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