Broadway Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and I'm thinking about buying my first z. I'm looking to buy a 240z and do a v8 swap for a small block chevy. I'll be building a 350 and it should produce somewhere around 400 hp and 450 ft.-lbs. of torque. I'll be doing all of the work myself on the car and engine but I have a few questions to ask before I commit. If you guys could answer some or all of them to help me out a little that would be great, thanks! 1. Other than purchasing a a v8 conversion kit (including motor and trans mounts) what other modifications, if any, must be made to the car? I assume the front suspension will have to be beefed up a little, but will any modifications have to be made to the unibody? 2. With an engine producing about 450 ft.-lbs. of torque, can I get by with an R-180 diff or will I need to find an R-200? 3. How much should I expect to spend on the swap, not including the price of the car, engine or trans? 4. Can anybody recommend a specific swap kit? These are the basic questions that I have for now, thanks for your time guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miles Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 (edited) Virtually all of your questions can be answered by searching HybridZ for about one hour and reading the information posted below, especially the JTR book. Suggestions: If doing a V8 swap buy the Jags that Run (JTR) book and read it at least 5 times. Book is useful for any engine swap. http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Datsun_Z_V-8.html Buy books/manuals for the engine and transmission you want to use. Download a Factory Service Manual (FSM) and buy a Haynes repair manual for your specific car. Download electrical schematics for your car. PDFs are easier to read than those found in books. Some are in color. Buy the book How to Restore Your Datsun Z Car by Wick Humble. It will save you hours of searching for "how to" info. Focus on searching Hybridz as 99% of questions have already been addressed. Make a detailed plan with parts list including cost before starting a project. Plan every system of the car. Start bookmarking Z car parts suppliers - there are many! Remember these are 40 year old cars and will need restoration to be safe and drivable. Join ClassicZCars.com website and search there as well. Become well informed about modifications before asking questions. People will be more inclined to answer informed questions. Have some money. I stopped counting after $12k. Read the new member FAQs. The engine swap is the easy part. It is understanding the details like brake fittings, adapters, drive shaft angles, brake system, automotive electronics, wheels, suspension and etc. that makes or breaks a build project. Recommend that you buy a running Z car and drive it stock. Do basic maintenance brakes, suspension, electrical etc. so you have a ready to drive platform when you finish the engine swap. You will learn a lot about auto mechanics and how the Z car functions as well. Useful Links: http://zhome.com/ http://www.atlanticz.../tech-tips.html http://www.classiczcars.com/index http://www.zcarparts.com/ http://www.blackdrag.../zZxCatalog.htm http://www.arizonazcar.com/ Edited July 1, 2015 by Miles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 Spend a couple weeks surfing the site. Try to find another member who has done what you want to do. Send him/her a PM (private message) and ask specific questions based on their build. You will get where you want to go faster that way than asking broad questions to a bunch of yay-hoos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB26powered74zcar Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 Great post to help him out Miles. Here is a link to the forum rules also. Please read. Thanks http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?app=forums&module=extras§ion=boardrules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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