Possible LS 280z project need help and advice

[280z-racer]

I have a 2002 Trans Am WS6 with an LS6 swap that recently met its end with a concrete barrier. I was looking at possibly getting another 280z since that was my first car ad I still love them. I also have a complete on3 turbo kit that I was planning on installing this summer. 

 

I live in Arkansas so a/c is a must. So far looks like Hoke was the only one that had mounts that cleared an OEM compressor. JCI has a kit for his a/c that will require custom lines. Is there any other mount kits that you use and OEM style F-body compressor?

 

I was also thinking of completely gutting the Z and using as much of the wiring as possible from the WS6 since it is a complete well maintained car and isn't 40 plus years old  Any thoughts on this? Has anyone used an F-body steering column in a Z? I have seen a few threads on the Saturn electric columns but have not looked too far into them. 

[Richard Oben]

Get comfortable and read, read, read, read this forum, then read it some more.  

Most don't use the entire F body harness, lots of weight and complexity that is not needed (we used a new aftermarket 8 circuit chassis harness).  Some do use AC, not sure if anyone facilitates the stock F body compressor.  There is a solution for the stock mount with a smaller compressor.  What is the budget?  Thinking 'we got donor the car, all that is need is the 280z shell' is the path to madness, both mentally and financially.  

 

A lot of people will say it can be done for $5k or some silly crap.  Find out how many they have done.  It is a big project, lot of 'while we are in here' stuff comes up like rear end, Limited slip? axles stubs, springs and the all important etc.  Good S30 Z cars are getting harder and harder to find and even harder to find inexpensively.  

 

All of the above is just a caution.  DO IT, it is so worth it, keep the LS stock to start with.  Stock power in a 2,400 pound car is hilarious, we have driven several thousand miles at this point and all of them fun.  

 

All of the above is only my opinion.  Having done a total restoration on one 240 Z.  And one 240Z with an LS1 6 speed conversion.  (FYI, I spent about $17k on the LS car and did it as cheap as I thought was safe. no paint, no coil overs, nothing fancy)  

 

Trackzpeed and I both have build threads here, his is much more comprehensive than mine.  HTH, Richard.    

Edited January 18, 2020 by Richard Oben

[280z-racer]

Thanks for the reply Richard. I ended up spending more on a donor car than i intended. Ended up with a '73 240z. The car has floors and the bad dog frame rails already. A lot was done on the exterior so basically starting with a nice clean slate. Reading over another similar build thread to what I am attempting, shows the GM column probably is a no go. I want to use the cluster from the WS6 so not sure yet how I will attempt the wiring yet. I will keep reading and reading. My budget is already blown, so trying to sell off as many of my old f-body parts as I can. This will definitely not be a quick project. 

[Richard Oben]

Sounds like a good plan, with a good shell.  We did the Bad Dog rails, which help a lot.  Start a build thread, at least we can help if we can see what is going on.  I can personally say there is no way I would have attempted the project without this forum.  There are guys here who are very helpful and extremely knowledgeable.  If there is 'what should I do now' question, search and ask.  

 

The 240 probably has a R180 and 24 spline hubs, if leaving them in be very careful, they could be the weak link.  Richard.