Turbo Swap

[Guest kc280zx]

I've been driving my 81 280zx(NA) for about a year and half. now im lookin for more power in my z. i believe a 280zxt motor is right for what i want.

 

i can get a turbo motor, turbo wiring harness, and AFM for $800. what else will i need to make the swap work. i was thinking about using an aftermarket boost gauge, will this work. also will the tranny and rearend hold up to the turbo motor.

[Guest Anonymous]

Hey, I asked the same questions not too long ago.

 

3 basic steps:

1. Buy the book "Maximum Boost" by Corkey Bell and read it three times.

2. Run a search on this site and a few other z sites looking for "turbo and swap information".

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 over and over.

 

If you buy the book then you are taking th efirst step toward running with a turbo. Some basic things you should know and understand are in the book. I cann't judge how motor savy you are, but you'll need to have basic wrenching skills.

 

Yes, you can do a 'swap' for less than $800, but that does not mean you will have cosmic power or a running car. The best thing to do is find out what parts you need and then collect them.

 

To get you started. The question you need to answer is what hp rating do you want, the next questions is how do you answer the first ( huh??). I first wanted to drop in a turbo because I liked the sound it made, but after a long stare in the mirror I realized I needed more power. If you just want a turbo, all you need is the turbo manifold, turbo unit and down pipe. You would need to fabricate or find the intake plumbing and exhast. A few other little mods would need to be done, such as oil cooler line to turbo and return to pan. With a super low budget you can run a turbo a 3-4lbs of boost on a N/A motor and change nothing as far as mech and electrical go. Anything higher and you need to do some more information hunting. Just remember, a knock in a turbo motor is like a kick in the nuts you don't want it, and too many times would kill you! So, do a search and shoot me a letter. If you live near me we can chat over some beers.

 

Nic