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LT1 swap tips


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It's been about 30 years in the making but I finally have gotten around to starting the engine swap!

 

I picked up a 97 Z28 today with an LT1 that has been upgraded with LT4 parts. 

 

I'm not new working on vehicles, I worked in a shop as a tech for 7 years, but was looking for tips/tricks anyone of you have for installing the v8 with a T5 manual trans (t56 is a little too rich for me!)

 

Thanks everyone!

 

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Well, you are in the right place, there is TONS of info on here. Start in the stickies section.

You can always pick up the trusty JTR swap book. 


I used to run a SBC with a T5... the T5 was on borrowed time for sure, but it does fit well. 

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  • 1 month later...

Welcome!  There are actually people around, who have been working on their V8 swap for 30 years.  I've only been working on mine for around 20... plenty more experience to acquire.

 

Surprisingly, nobody has yet ventured with the gruff admonition, to buy and read the "JTR manual".  It glosses over the electrical details specific to the LT1, but is otherwise relevant, especially for engine mounting and interface with the transmission.

 

By way of advice, I suggest first establishing a sound condition for the car itself: rust abatement/mitigation, brakes, suspension, that sort of thing.  Swaps often fail not because of the swap itself, but because the installation of a different engine is part of an overall restoration project.  It's so much easier when with the stock-engine the vehicle is already in good functional condition... especially if you have no reason for any aggressive chassis reinforcement or re-engineering (new frame rails, setting the firewall back, installation of roll cage, etc.).

 

Good luck!

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Welcome

 

I have used the T5 transmission in two 240Z SBC projects.  No problems and the transmission fits easily in the car.  The transmission is tilted 15 degrees towards the dirver's side, but is not a problem and only requires trimming the left side of the shifter hole.  Shifter location is close to stock.

 

 

Useful information

   

  • Download a Factory Service Manual (FSM).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Search Google:  "240z LT1 swap"  etc.  Tons of data on 240Z V8 swaps on-line.
  • Spend a lot of time planning and costing the project system by system before starting the build.

 

 Useful Links:

 

https://www.datsun-240z-upgrades.net/                Recommend the headlight relay harness. The owner is a HybridZ member who provides electrical upgrades and repair services.

http://zhome.com/

https://www.zcar.com/

http://www.classiczc...com/index.html/

http://www.zcarparts.com/

http://www.arizonazcar.com/

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/index.html

DSCF0559.JPG

SHIFTER AND CONSOLE INSTALLED.JPG

SHIFTER.jpg

T5 SHIFTER BOOT AND CONSOLE.JPG

Edited by Miles
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