Mirage775 Posted September 13, 2014 Share Posted September 13, 2014 Hello all, I think I've decided on doing a 350 swap into my 83 280zx. When I first bought the car, I thought about a full original resto. Then, thought about building a Stroker 3.1. Then, adding a turbo to my running NA and building it. Lastly, I thought about a RB25DET swap. Now, I think for what it will all cost and for power in the 300hp range, a 350 with a T-5 swap would be my best option? I had located a nice Camaro WC T5 a few weeks ago, but the guy would never return my call, after he said he still had it... So, I'm thinking about just looking at a new long block 260hp, from Summit. Maybe adding some aluminum heads and a nice cam. Probably going to buy the conversion kit from JTR within the next couple of weeks, once I, hopefully, get some feedback from all of yall? I grew up with 1st gen Camaros and 55-66 Chevy trucks, so understanding a 350 with a carb is much easier for me, than a Datsun l6 with FI! I'm new to the Z's, but have loved them since I was a kid! I'm not looking to race or drag the ZX when it's finished, just looking for a nice little sleeper! So, if anyone has anything they'd like to tell me, it would be most appreciated! Thanks, Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XtaZ Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Mirage775I have a 1975 280Z about like what your building.It started with a 260hp crate motor.I added a Lunati cam kit wit 4 degrees advance ground in and i advanced it another 4 for some good bottom end..,aluminum heads 64cc and aluminum intake with 750 vacuum sec.holley which doesnt work good with a stick...,,,fluid dampner,,roller rockers,,stud girdle,,block hugger headers with 3 inch exhaust and moroso mufflers...A t56 6 speed from 98 camaro..I am thinking close to 400hp and very pleased with the performance for street driving...It is very wicked to drive with that 6 speed if you wanna do any street racing..If you can get it to ever hook while your in 1st gear it will pull the front wheels in second gear..i am thinking about removing the 6 speed and putting a 700r4 with a 2800 stall converter to calm it down a little and then spraying it with a 250 shot of nitrous...If your only going to be just driving it for fun the t5 will be the fun way to go...........Your more than welcome to come ride in mine or drive it before you get started, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage775 Posted September 19, 2014 Author Share Posted September 19, 2014 Mirage775 I have a 1975 280Z about like what your building.It started with a 260hp crate motor.I added a Lunati cam kit wit 4 degrees advance ground in and i advanced it another 4 for some good bottom end..,aluminum heads 64cc and aluminum intake with 750 vacuum sec.holley which doesnt work good with a stick...,,,fluid dampner,,roller rockers,,stud girdle,,block hugger headers with 3 inch exhaust and moroso mufflers...A t56 6 speed from 98 camaro..I am thinking close to 400hp and very pleased with the performance for street driving...It is very wicked to drive with that 6 speed if you wanna do any street racing..If you can get it to ever hook while your in 1st gear it will pull the front wheels in second gear..i am thinking about removing the 6 speed and putting a 700r4 with a 2800 stall converter to calm it down a little and then spraying it with a 250 shot of nitrous...If your only going to be just driving it for fun the t5 will be the fun way to go...........Your more than welcome to come ride in mine or drive it before you get started, Awesome! Sorry for the delayed reply, it's been a hell of a week and it's still not over! You're about3-4 hours away from me, one way! A fellow member on here has almost got me interested in a 5.3 or 6.0 LS2 swap! I, hopefully, get to ride in his car next weekend? Either way I go, I need more info for a V8 swap into an S130 chassis, instead of most of yalls S30 chassis's... I'm going to do some more research on it this weekend, whenever I find the time, lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datsun#1 Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 i know that the Z cars are unibodys.when doing the V8 swap,do you have to change out the rear end and drive shaft or just the tranny/Engine mounts? just interested in what the actual cons would be.i thought about dropping in a 400 small block i have in the shed (67,000 Oringinal miles).but i wasnt sure if I would have to change out the rear end.i love the independent susspention in the Z cars.they handel well so i wouldnt want to go changing the rear end.my question is, am i able to just make the custom mounts,move the engine back a bit and still heep the same driveshaft,differential etc......? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 You only need a modified propeller shaft. http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Datsun-ZX_Order.html http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_DATZX_MountingInstructions.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoSammyT Posted September 27, 2014 Share Posted September 27, 2014 Stock rear end will last a good while. You can get a custom drive shaft tfrom any driveline company in your area. Last one cost me about $300. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage775 Posted September 28, 2014 Author Share Posted September 28, 2014 Hey yall, this swap is going to be at least a year away! I've got to do a ton of research before I go through with this build! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Just try to find out if there is a swap kit (engine and trans mounts, header set) available from someplace like JTR or JCI. Then we get my buddy Terry to build you a budget 300hp old school small block from parts he has laying around. I think you could be driving 7s in the 1/8-mile) for less than $2000. Getting hard to find good manual trans for cheap....and you don't need a 6spd, although they are nice. I just went 148 in 4th gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Stock diff is fine, stay focused. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage775 Posted September 28, 2014 Author Share Posted September 28, 2014 Just try to find out if there is a swap kit (engine and trans mounts, header set) available from someplace like JTR or JCI. Then we get my buddy Terry to build you a budget 300hp old school small block from parts he has laying around. I think you could be driving 7s in the 1/8-mile) for less than $2000. Getting hard to find good manual trans for cheap....and you don't need a 6spd, although they are nice. I just went 148 in 4th gear. I know JTR has several different V8 mounts as well as trans mounts too. It's about $300 for both. I'm unsure what JCI is? I would love to get a built 300 horse engine for less than 2k! I did find a Camaro T5 WC on craigslist for $250, locally, but talked to the guy one night and he didn't answer the next day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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