TunnelArmr Posted April 25, 2020 Share Posted April 25, 2020 So I had a 283 out of a 66 chevy and I decided I wanted to try putting in my z31. I wanted to keep it a manual transmission but I didnt have any gm transmissions that fit my budget for a 5 speed. I've always wanted to make a transmission adapter, how hard could it be? Just go for it see what happens. So I decided to use the fs5w71c that came in the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 Here is the car at the beginning of the project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 I started off by going through the engine. Started tearing down the engine for inspection. All looked good until... Found a destroyed piston. This was kind of a bummer, luckily cylinder is fine. The other 7 pistons were undamaged. I the engine has been bored 040 over making it 288.8 ci, call it a 289 just to confuse the ford guys. Well I had to wait for parts so I decided to give clean her up a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 Now at this point I wanted make a stand so that I could work on the back of the engine to build my adapter plate. I had some scrap tubing and came up with this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 I started the conversion process with modified pilot bushing enlarged to fit the nissan input shaft. And then I just stuck them together for fun.(this is with no clutch/flywheel) The chevy flywheel is too big, a little grinding and it will fit no problem. Next I put on the clutch plate slid on the tranny and it wouldn't seat. Turns out the clutch was too tall and the throwout bearing retainer was too long. So after a full day of researching I found a flat diaphram clutch plate and a 350z bearing retainer which is shorter. Plenty of clearance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 Here is the start of my adapter. I know it's a bit unconventional. Most people us some kind of spacer plate with countersunk bolts and new bolt pattern. I think should work fine once its finished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twisted46 Posted April 25, 2020 Share Posted April 25, 2020 Absolutely awesome work. That is certainly the crux of the gm v8 swaps. I spent more on my t5 setup than my engine rebuild and I know it is temporary while I keep adding to my T56 fund, waiting for the t5 to blow up. Interested to see the final results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted April 26, 2020 Author Share Posted April 26, 2020 Thanks twisted. I just tapped the last hole for my adapter, I still need to finish the dowel pin holes but for now I'm switching to assembling the engine until more parts show up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idahoskiguy Posted May 6, 2020 Share Posted May 6, 2020 Great work! Will be following your progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted May 7, 2020 Author Share Posted May 7, 2020 I bought these engine swap universal mounts they should work great, they come with plates that I will weld to the frame rails.here is the transmission all bolted up.I'm ready to put in the engine/trans. I just have to bolt up oem trans mount. Set the engine into position and weld up the engine mount plates.I was lifting the engine and my 12 year old harbor freight hoist exploded guess I will have to wait to put it in. Ugh... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted May 10, 2020 Author Share Posted May 10, 2020 I got the engine test fit.plenty of clearance for distributor, steering shaft radiator, oil filter. Can definitely run some block hugger headers or maybe some mid length. The main problem now is the oil pan hits.I cut out a piece then clean weld clean coat install. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted May 10, 2020 Author Share Posted May 10, 2020 I got the pan all welded up. I think I lost about half of quart capacity, no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted May 14, 2020 Author Share Posted May 14, 2020 Engines in! Mounts are welded in. I am going to concentrate on the passenger side exhaust next because that will dictate placement of fuel lines and wiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted May 14, 2020 Author Share Posted May 14, 2020 So I got some 1 3/4 long tube headers at a garage sale for $40. After trying to fit them it's obvious that they are hitting everywhere. I debated on getting some shorty headers but that's too easy. So out came the sawzall and cutting discs. I had to cut all of this off to make them bolt up.its going to be quite a challenge given the space limitations and the fact that I'm starting with basically half a header. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 Great build. Impressed with your problem-solving solutions. I'm not in California. Any concerns with smog inspections when the engine is older than the chassis? Or are 35 year-olds exempt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted May 22, 2020 Author Share Posted May 22, 2020 I'm planning on putting the vg30 back when it comes time for smog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 I have been doing lots of little things on the car nothing too interesting. I put on my new edelbrock intake with holley 600cfm carb. I modified a universal throttle bracket to work with the stock throttle cable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 The child size air cleaner is there temporarily. Left to do before firing engine: Make drivers side header Finish welding motor mounts Misc. plumbing & wiring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TunnelArmr Posted March 30, 2021 Author Share Posted March 30, 2021 Well its been almost a year since my last post and I have not touched the car since. Other projects took priority. But I will get back to it soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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