280zx's with Ls swaps

[G-Tech]

 

That is definitely a different steering rack then mine. Might help for clearing the manifolds. Block huggers would run right into that box. That's strang how different the rack is. Similar shaft but your right how it stays over the frame more. That's good

[Spike243]

Just wanted to bump this topic and see where everyone was at with their progress. 

 

I am beginning the process of ls swapping my 82 and I am having similar feelings to Superj. It feels like I might be biting off more than I can chew but we will see. I already bought a 5.3 and I am currently looking for a 4L80e or a T56 (4L80e is more likely due to availability). It looks like there really isn't any other options on the oil pan huh? Do the other pans hang too low or what is the main problem?

 

I am thinking about going with the Dirty Dingo mounts and trying to make those work.

 

I will try and update everyone on my progress but like others, this is going to be a long and difficult process.

[G-Tech]

i was hoping someone else would check in since my info is all over this thread but not sure since there isnt many out there. ive seen 2 or 3 that have been finished but not much if any info from them in a while. and a few more that are in the same boat you are. the problem with the oil pan is on most of them, the front of the pan and the rear sump hang too low. my front is so shallow on mine that i cant run a stroker motor but it allowed me to get the motor low enuff. on most pans, the rear sump ends up below the crossmember and become the lowest part of the car. the one from Canton just had all the right dimensions and 5+ years ago that was the only one. look up the dimensions for canton pan and see what might be out there now. 

the dirty dingo mounts can probably work but mostlikly will require some sort of mods. the mounting holes on a LS end up behind the crossmember so you will mount the motor mounts to the cross member then you will need a plate that moves the mounting holes towards the rear of the car. the ones dirty dingo has for the older Z's looks like thats what it does but note that the older Z's are different so its not going to be exact. good luck, anything is possible if your able to put in the work. 

[Superj243]

Been working hard on cleaning the engine. After spending a few hours with some degreaser, steel wool and a toothbrush I still ended up bringing my head's to a speed shop to get bead blasted because I couldn't / didn't have enough patience and brake cleaner to get all the gunk out of the intake ports. The more I think about it the more I'm leaning toward just upgrading the springs and doing a big cam and being done with it. How's ya'lls progress?

[260DET]

4L80E behind your LS. Two things to look out for, the first one concerns the transmission mount, mine was done using a stock type mount which involved cutting into the semi circular body reinforcement which I was not happy about. A suitable custom mount would avoid this but involve some work, worth it in my opinion. The second thing concerns the oil cooler fitting out of the trans, it was left to rub against the tunnel, a very slight bit of relieving will fix that. Mine is a right hand driver if that makes a difference.

[nismoluv]

So far this year I have gotten a LQ4 mocked up. This allowed me to make some measurements for clearances. I ended up using an oil pan from Jegs, it seems to be perfect, and cost effective.

 

This is just a mock up and I still need to install the heavy duty washer for the engine mounts, which should give me a touch more clearance from the steering rack. Its hard to see in the picture but there is about 1/2 inch clearance, is that enough?

 

The issues I am currently investigating is a cheap solution to the intake manifold clearing the hood. Should I spend 600 bucks for an intake or 600 bucks to have the hood modified? I think the hood should stay about the same for sleeper potential and road visibility. 

[Superj243]

I'm going with an LS6 intake. They're tuff and low profile, as well as it gives you the classic LS look.

[Black S130]

lets see pictures of the engine mounts please. Im just about ready to put an LS3 w/6060 in mine

 

[gnb569]

Hey guys/gals, I'm not new to hybridz or zcars I just haven't posted before.  This is my 1980 280zx.  It has recirculating ball steering (Ew), stock r200.  The Exhaust was run the way it is because I didn't want to make headers right now.  I also plan to boost the car later anyways.

 

Engine: genIV 5.3 iron block with flat top pistons, 243 heads, ls1 intake, arp head bolts, DOD delete etc.  The mounts are Jags That Run SBC mounts with SBC to LS adapters.  The oil pan is a mast motorsports low profile pan.  The car is now tuned for speed density so there's no MAF either.

 

Trans: Z32 5 speed, Gforce adapter plate/flywheel, southbend clutch rated for 450lb-ft, xcessive  short shifter bracket and short shifter.  Tranny mount is custom

 

Suspension: s13 BC Coilovers. S13 front knuckles, brakes, calipers, etc. Stock rear brakes.

 

Any questions feel free to ask and I'll answer the best I can!  Car now runs and drives, most of the pictures aren't up to date and I've tried to clean up a good bit of it.

 

 

Edited October 27, 2018 by gnb569

[Marks260z]

Nice work GNB.

[G-Tech]

Good to see another one completed...its not an easy task for the s130 chassis...if you ever wanted to do the headers a different way you could get a blockhugger header for the pass side and a manifold style that exits towards the firewall for the driver side..that's what I did for years. If you do go turbo then what u have is good. I think at times doing what everyone else is doing by adding a turbo but then I go for a rip and realize that I have absolutely no need for more power. Nice to see another option for the oil pan. That is definitely another major stepping stone for this swap in the 280zx. I did the same engine mount combo. Good job, dare to be different!!!

[Black S130]

GNB what radiator is that....replacement 280zx?

[LS130]

Great thread. Awesome info here. I will be doing an 5.3 swap on my 1980 280zx in the near future. Just trying to gather all the info I need before hand. 

 

Anymore updates Subhuman? Your build is coming along great.

[Superj243]

I'm really happy this thread is getting more attention. I'll post pictures as soon as I get more done. 

[G-Tech]

i noticed yesterday on another thread that "miles" had pointed out a shop called Z fever (or now called fever racing) that has done swaps for the s130. i checked out their website today and found that they may have something to offer for swapping a LS into a 280zx. not sure exactly what but for those trying to get the swap done, that is another resource to contact. if someone calls them, please post results here.

[gnb569]

G-Tech, I have recirculating ball steering so those headers won't work.  I have intentions of either custom making some headers over winter, or modifying some stock ones.  After driving the car more recently I agree, I have no need for a turbo! The car is plenty fast

 

Black s-130, it is a champion 3 core radiator for 280zx but it's honestly probably overkill.  I can drive with fans off for a while and the car won't go over 200 degreed F.

 

 

[Black S130]

I just purchased some Patriot LS Manifolds for my swap. They are a lot more narrow 1" 1/2 than the Camaro LS3 manifolds but I will still have to put a u joint in the steering shaft. Pictures of mock up will be soon.

 

 

RT

Edited November 21, 2018 by Black S130

[Spike243]

On 10/17/2018 at 8:01 AM, nismoluv said:

So far this year I have gotten a LQ4 mocked up. This allowed me to make some measurements for clearances. I ended up using an oil pan from Jegs, it seems to be perfect, and cost effective.

 

This is just a mock up and I still need to install the heavy duty washer for the engine mounts, which should give me a touch more clearance from the steering rack. Its hard to see in the picture but there is about 1/2 inch clearance, is that enough?

 

The issues I am currently investigating is a cheap solution to the intake manifold clearing the hood. Should I spend 600 bucks for an intake or 600 bucks to have the hood modified? I think the hood should stay about the same for sleeper potential and road visibility. 

 

Do you have the part # for that pan by chance? I'm looking into a swap on my s130 and I am trying to find what pans everyone has been using.

[LS130]

In for the same info. I am assuming the OEM GM LM7 pan wont work. Thing seem pretty long.

[Icerider07]

Hi guys. I've been a mechanic for years, but just bought my first ZX from my dad a few months ago. I've always wanted a street-able GT race car and I loved the look of these Zs.  I have an entire plan laid out for my car. It's been sitting for 15 years. I got it running but the fuel system was so junked up I decided to start the GT process with the fuel cell. I got it installed but once I started the car again, somehow, my timing got off and I bent 4 valves in the L28, so it looks like my LS swap is going to happen sooner than anticipated. I am going to drop in the Chevy Performance LS3/525 in it with the T56.

 

I love the plans, the pictures, and all the hard work everyone has put into their builds. First and foremost, well done everyone. Such a large feat and so man people have been doing it.

 

So I suppose I could chime in and show you mine.

 

 

Mine is the silver one. Oddly enough, right after I bought the "silver bullet" (nicknamed by my roommate's dad) my roommate found the "brown recluse" (also nicknamed) right across the street buried in 6 foot grass and brush and bought it from the neighbor.

 

Here is the fuel cell installed.

 

I dropped it in the floor and it sits just about the same level as the stock tank. I have a lot more work to do, but hey, you gotta start somewhere.