rzampino Posted November 6, 2017 Share Posted November 6, 2017 Has anyone put one of these in a '78 280z yet? https://www.mishimoto.com/datsun-240z-performance-aluminum-radiator-70-73.html It looks like a pretty close fit to me, but when I asked, Mishimoto said it's only compatible with the L24/L26 engines. However, on this site (https://whiteheadperformance.com/product/mishimoto-performance-aluminum-radiator-mmrad-dats-70-datsun-240z-260z-280z/), it says otherwise. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rzampino Posted November 6, 2017 Author Share Posted November 6, 2017 Scratch that, did some more digging and found this: https://youtu.be/0oJTZ7_3iZI Still would like to see anyone else's attempts on this too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rturbo 930 Posted November 6, 2017 Share Posted November 6, 2017 I don't think it's the engine as much as it is the chassis. The lower part of the radiator support is different on 280Zs vs 240Zs. I don't believe a 280Z radiator will fit in a 240Z (I think I tried this once), I'm not sure about the reverse, haven't tried it. I would expect it to physically fit (no guarantee), but bolt holes may be different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevvinG Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Hey! I've got experience on this topic. I've got a '77 280Z, you can use the radiator out of any other S30 in 280Z's. I was using a stock 240Z radiator for the past year or so in my car, all you'll need to make it compatible is the 240Z lower rad hose. Now I'm running a Champion 3-row aluminum radiator meant for the 280Z (with the 280Z lower rad hose) as it seems to perform just as well as a mishimoto for a lot less money! In summary, the differences are: -240Z rad is a little shorter than 280Z rad (this means that the 240Z rad will bolt into a 280Z no problem, but putting the larger 280Z in a 240Z involves more work) -240Z rad has a different lower water outlet, meaning you'll need to use the matching 240Z lower rad hose (the water pump inlet that this hose goes to is in the same location on any L-series motor so as long as the hose matches the rad you'll be fine) Everything else is basically the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rzampino Posted November 9, 2017 Author Share Posted November 9, 2017 On 11/6/2017 at 4:06 PM, rturbo 930 said: I don't think it's the engine as much as it is the chassis. The lower part of the radiator support is different on 280Zs vs 240Zs. I don't believe a 280Z radiator will fit in a 240Z (I think I tried this once), I'm not sure about the reverse, haven't tried it. I would expect it to physically fit (no guarantee), but bolt holes may be different. That's what I was thinking as well. I got it ordered so we'll see! Thanks for the input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rzampino Posted November 9, 2017 Author Share Posted November 9, 2017 On 11/6/2017 at 6:13 PM, KevvinG said: Hey! I've got experience on this topic. I've got a '77 280Z, you can use the radiator out of any other S30 in 280Z's. I was using a stock 240Z radiator for the past year or so in my car, all you'll need to make it compatible is the 240Z lower rad hose. Now I'm running a Champion 3-row aluminum radiator meant for the 280Z (with the 280Z lower rad hose) as it seems to perform just as well as a mishimoto for a lot less money! In summary, the differences are: -240Z rad is a little shorter than 280Z rad (this means that the 240Z rad will bolt into a 280Z no problem, but putting the larger 280Z in a 240Z involves more work) -240Z rad has a different lower water outlet, meaning you'll need to use the matching 240Z lower rad hose (the water pump inlet that this hose goes to is in the same location on any L-series motor so as long as the hose matches the rad you'll be fine) Everything else is basically the same. Awesome thanks! I already ordered the Mishimoto...but I will admit, I am a bit of a brand snob lol. Would've loved to have bought their hoses as well...but I don't think they're worth $210. Probably just going to hit up Lowe's and see if I can find some hosing that I can cut down to fit. Thanks for the info! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rzampino Posted November 9, 2017 Author Share Posted November 9, 2017 On 11/6/2017 at 6:13 PM, KevvinG said: Hey! I've got experience on this topic. I've got a '77 280Z, you can use the radiator out of any other S30 in 280Z's. I was using a stock 240Z radiator for the past year or so in my car, all you'll need to make it compatible is the 240Z lower rad hose. Now I'm running a Champion 3-row aluminum radiator meant for the 280Z (with the 280Z lower rad hose) as it seems to perform just as well as a mishimoto for a lot less money! In summary, the differences are: -240Z rad is a little shorter than 280Z rad (this means that the 240Z rad will bolt into a 280Z no problem, but putting the larger 280Z in a 240Z involves more work) -240Z rad has a different lower water outlet, meaning you'll need to use the matching 240Z lower rad hose (the water pump inlet that this hose goes to is in the same location on any L-series motor so as long as the hose matches the rad you'll be fine) Everything else is basically the same. Another question for ya...did you reroute your overflow tank to the driver's side as well or just curve the hose around? I see in the video (posted above) that he moved it and got a smaller tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevvinG Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 You can grab just any 240Z rad hoses, I like going with the OEM one over the Lowes style ones since they have all those nice bends in them already. I've actually still got mine kicking around if you're interested. But shipping from Canada might not make it worthwhile. When I bought my Z it didn't have any overflow tank, I ended up just buying a cheapy ebay one and plumbing that in. But there's no reason why you can't just route the hose around to the other side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greeko Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 I am running a Champion 3 row..works fantastically for a great price! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djbluebird Posted November 28, 2017 Share Posted November 28, 2017 on my 280 i have their Mishimito radiator and external oil cooler. The radiator worked. i also got their electric fan set up . the bottom hose neck is different. But hose angle can be cut to fit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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