NewZed Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Weird how some threads can get totally messed up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citadel Posted December 22, 2015 Author Share Posted December 22, 2015 Okay, so something happened to my post, so I'll try again. I want to talk about my build and my experience so far, and if any of this applies to you, your mileage may vary. To start, I've always wanted a z-car. Since I was 18 or so, I got to take one for a drive and it was impressive the way it drove and handled for an older car. Now that I'm older I can get what I want, I am still limited by time and money, both of which are in short supply. I had a lot of expectations that were very wrong. I am posting this for two reasons: First I like talking about myself. Secondly, I don't want anybody to make the same mistakes. My initial expectations: 1: This would be easy 2: This would be cheap 3: There would be a clear set of instructions 4: This would be done quickly So I was able to pick up an '81zx for about $900, it had some engine issues so long story short, I pulled the engine and xmsn and sold them on craigslist for $700. I had to replace the hood ($40 craigslist), radiator ($100 aluminum black friday special), mirrors ($30 fleabay). I had a copy of the v8z conversion manual from stealth conversions and planned my build based on the manual. This manual is awesome and has a lot of information. It does not cover the zx though. I figured this out when I went to order the motor mounts ($260). Now this might have been easier for some folks, I don't have the most mechanical experience. I know how to turn a wrench, change my oil and fix my brakes. This has taught me a lot. So I scored a complete 350 w/accessories from a junkyard, 5.7l vortec block for $100 ($200 after enviromental fees and taxes). Pulled the pan, intake and heads. Everything checked out okay, replaced gaskets and head bolts(~$150), and got an edelbrock intake ($50 offerup). I replaced the harmonic balancer ($70) and crank pulley ($25 fleabay) based on the conversion manual. Later I got a 700r4 for $150 from craigslist. I'm in the process of rebuilding it. More on this later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted January 2, 2016 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Welcome, Citadel! Mixture of anecdote and experience suggest that the two greatest pitfalls of the Datsun V8 swap are (1) starting with a woefully rusty/dilapidated car, thus having to do a restoration concomitantly with the swap, and (2) the "while I'm at it" syndrome, which is a ceaseless pursuit of "improvements" that preclude timely finishing of the project. Both causes will quickly derail even the most steadfast intentions, turning months-long projects into multi-decade (or perpetual) efforts. It sounds like you've avoided the first pitfall, by starting with a workable baseline vehicle, which might need the usual shocks/bushings/brakes renewal, but nothing drastic. Now you may wish to consider whether there's some means of getting the engine to run, before proceeding with the installation, for example on a dyno. This will forestall all sorts of nasty headaches later, such as weird oil leaks that are difficult to chase down, or engine assembly-errors that might require removing the engine again. Do you really need to rebuild the transmission? That sounds like a chore, and a perfidious opportunity to get frustrated. Perhaps it would be better (if nominally more expensive) to buy an already functioning transmission? Regardless, best of luck, and please keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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