Guest jwcanfield Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 I've got an 83 280zx and I'd really appreciate some advice from all of you. Would it be worth my time/money to modify/bore the engine to 3.1 or would my money be better spent waiting for a 240z w/ a V8 swap to come along. I've got ~ 3K to modify the zx or 5K for a 240z v8. Thanks! Walker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 Why not put a V8 in the ZX? Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jwcanfield Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 Tim, that's a great question. In Bernalillo county, New Mexico the emissions laws don't let you change/modify certain things unless the car is older than a 1974 model. Since the 280zx has a turbo model I could add a turbo charger but the car needs to have 6 cylinders when I'm done in order to keep it registered. Ugh.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gerryG Posted March 8, 2003 Share Posted March 8, 2003 One of the best qualities of a Z is handling. Why not preserve this by modding the motor. The 3.1 is pricey for what you get. If you are on a budget why not leave the motor a 2.8 and add a 83' Maxima head to get the coll squish area and high compression. Just my $0.02 worth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted March 8, 2003 Share Posted March 8, 2003 Gerry, a properly done V8 conversion will not add weight, and will not disrupt the weight distribution of the car. It will actually improve it. There are a lot of myths out there like V8 Z's can't handle. Untrue. The old scarab positioning probably led to a great deal of these sentiments. The proper way to do the swap is the JTR setback method. There are about 500 guys on this site that will first hand testify how well a V8 Z handles, and they can probably give you some numbers too comparing to the L series I6. To the origional question, I suggest you spend your money on suspension goodies, brakes etc and get a car that carves corners. (very addictive) Once you have that done, then go nuts on the engine. Daily driver: I'd go with a 280zx with a turbo engine. The 240z is a great car, but lacks some of the comforts of the 280zx. If you want a weekend fun car, or a racer... then either will do, but 240z with V8 probably has more potential. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gerryG Posted March 8, 2003 Share Posted March 8, 2003 I agree a SBC can be done, but I assumed like you this is a daily driver, and he can get fairly good power by using a turbo on the L6 for much less money - the Maxima head was a REAL cheap upgrade. Oh well -- to each his own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted March 8, 2003 Share Posted March 8, 2003 I agree with Tim Why not put the V8 in the 280 zx!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jwcanfield Posted March 10, 2003 Share Posted March 10, 2003 I wish I could go the V8 route w/this car but I couldn't register the car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest De Schmaydee Posted March 11, 2003 Share Posted March 11, 2003 ....depends on how large you want to be...ultimately if you want really big hp (that you can use) its gotta be a v8..... its much more difficult to get a drivetrain that will hold (up well) on a turbocar at real high hp......but if you want 300-400 you can get it w/a turbomotor w/o too much trbl....i think youll come out cheaper that way....whats worth it?...is a relative term...i would determine a desired hp target....and then check out the feasibility and cost for getting there....s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 280steveX Posted March 18, 2003 Share Posted March 18, 2003 i'm asking this, too i just bought my '83 ZX last week. it needs CV boots & front rotors for now. the struts i'm told are new, but don't springs get weak after 20yrs? i considered Eibach or Suspension Tech. lowering springs as well as tower braces & thicker swaybars. but for the motor, i hav a chance to get the '77 N42 head for a steal. what's the difference between the P79 head i have now & the Maxima L24 head? i also plan on completely changing the exhaust, w/ Nismo headers (http://www.courtesynissan.com)& HKS catback (it's in their catalog but not on website) any advice to my route of thinking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted March 19, 2003 Share Posted March 19, 2003 does anybody know where I can find body kits, 350 Chevy motor, and a six speed transmision brand new? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudge Posted March 19, 2003 Share Posted March 19, 2003 Brand new you'd dump about 3 grand, not worth it. I'd buy used, the 93 Fbody 6 speed is a close ratio trans if you feel like looking into it versus other years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest das280zx Posted March 21, 2003 Share Posted March 21, 2003 Doesn't Dave Griemann have a v8 zx that is CA legal? Usually you can swap a motor in as long as it is as new or newer than the motor you are replacing. It also must meet emissions for that year. Shouldn't be too hard to acomplish with a v-8 and efi!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudge Posted March 21, 2003 Share Posted March 21, 2003 To do this legally you must carry everything over from the donor car, and have it certified, but yes it can be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ITR Posted March 25, 2003 Share Posted March 25, 2003 but for the motor' date=' i hav a chance to get the '77 N42 head for a steal. what's the difference between the P79 head i have now & the Maxima L24 head? i also plan on completely changing the exhaust, w/ Nismo headers (http://www.courtesynissan.com)& HKS catback (it's in their catalog but not on website) any advice to my route of thinking?[/quote'] Where did you get the HKS catalog?? And what is their website? tia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.