thefastestz Posted March 5, 2003 Share Posted March 5, 2003 Hey guys, I have a 73' 240z and a 78' 280z. I want to modify both of my cars. I am looking to get a little over or under 300 hp in my 240z, and to get a SBC and a six speed in my 280z. For the 240 I am thinking of getting the L28 280z engine and doing the 3.1L conversion, with 45mm triple webers, headers and 2.5" exhaust. Typical. I do not know if that will get me to my HP goal. Comments? For the 78 280Z,(and in texas they are smog exempt. No cat required) Are there any kind of popular setups for a Z with a SBC (preferably from a vette) and a six speed tranny? Can I keep the datsun rear end? Where do you guys think the best v8 kit is sold? JTR? Johnscars.com ? somewhere else? Sorry I think I asked too much at one time. Well any replies will be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted March 5, 2003 Share Posted March 5, 2003 Welcome! The 3.1L engine can be done more cheaply these days - see the L6 forum for HP capability. But it's still only 3.1L, and if Normally Aspirated, it'll have to be built fairly radical to get anything near 300 HP, if that. It'll be fun, no doubt, but maybe not too streetable to get to a near 300 HP mark. Turbocharging the L6 280Z motor would be money better spent, IMO. Many here like the JTR method/kit. I'd buy the book no matter which way you go for V8 installation. The R200 rear will hold up to most any streetable V8. Engine choices for the V8 Chevy small block go from the old school 60s 283 to a 90s LT1 or even LS1/6. JTR covers the earlier engines, not the LS1/6. Try the search engine and you'll find tons of info. But read the JTR book - it's a great starting point to decide what to do with a V8 install. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heavy Z Posted March 6, 2003 Share Posted March 6, 2003 As pete said, go to the respective categories here and use the search function - hours of fun, almost any question you can think of has been asked and probably answered. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefastestz Posted March 6, 2003 Author Share Posted March 6, 2003 Thanks I'll use that search right away. Wow! LS1/6 from the C5 corvette?! I didn't think that was possible. I'm a big fan of that engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sumo Posted March 6, 2003 Share Posted March 6, 2003 Just make sure you dont buy the transmission from the Corvette, you cant use them on the Z. Just get the ones off a Camaro or Trans Am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefastestz Posted March 7, 2003 Author Share Posted March 7, 2003 Thats what I thought since the transmission is mounted in the rear with the vette (I think)? Hmmmm...... I bet that conversion gets Pricey. What have you guys spent on your V8 conversions? What engines did some of you guys use? Are your happy with them? I am probably not going to do the 3.1L conversion on my 240Z. After reading around a little I will probably look for a carburated SBC for my 73'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 After reading around a little I will probably look for a carburated SBC for my 73'. That's the cheapest way to horsepower IMO. EFI is great, but it is a little more tricky to hook up. I'm just doing a modified 70's Camaro 350 with a T5 from an 80's Camaro. Going JTR all the way--I have done the research and for me it is the way to go. Like Pete said, buy the JTR book and read it before choosing any swap company. Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 Howdy! You have come to the right spot! I'll offer up some lo-buck tips: For your 240, get a late 81-83 ZX flat top 2.8 and score an N42 head from a dished piston 2.8 circa 75-76. Combine these two with a set of round top SUs that are appropriately jetted. An aftermarket cam and this will be a sweet setup. The 3.1l build up will flatten your wallet like nobody's business... For your V8 car, buy the Jaguars that Run book and a 95-97 LT-1 6 speed powered light wreck Camaro or Firebird and use as many parts as possible. WARNING: What follows is a sales pitch... I have a '73 parts car FS. It has F&R Suspension Techniques sway bars, NISMO springs, stainless brake lines, 4 speed trans, R200, 2 1/2" aluminized exhaust with Flowmaster aluminized muffler, NISMO 6 into two into one header, urethane steering rack bushings, steering shaft coupler, ball and socket thrust rod bushings, urethane sway bar bushings. I'm asking $800 for everything. Car is in reasonable shape but has a stupid sunroof. Email me if interested, I'm in Austin. I also have a set of round tops from a '72 for $100. $150 and I'll throw in an aircleaner as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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