Guest Anonymous Posted July 16, 2000 Share Posted July 16, 2000 I have purchased a 1977 280z, semi-rust free, for 100 bucks. I have 1963 283 that I am thinking of punching out to a 327. I want a manual tranny. Is it easy to punch out the 283 to a 327? Do I need new heads? What tranny should I use? Should I have my head examined for what I am trying to do to a 280Z. Do I need a kit and what kind for the Swap? What parts can I fabricate myself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLKMGK Posted July 16, 2000 Share Posted July 16, 2000 Goto www.jagsthatrun.com and buy their Z swap book. It may not aply 100% to your car but it's a start. It'll give you information on electrical, mechanical, engines, and transmission options. As for that 283 - you sure you want to use that motor? Lot's of 350's laying around these days and they'll make more power with less work. Talk to an engine builder about your desires and go from there but first buy the JTR book so you'll know what you're getting into. Plans for motor mounts and whatnot are in the book. I don't *think* the 280Z is much different than the older cars. The ZX yes, but not the Z. Did I get that right guys? P.S. Check th elinks page here too. JTR is listed as are a ton of other good resources. Should've pointed that out earlier - some of those links may even be to cars of your year! [This message has been edited by BLKMGK (edited July 15, 2000).] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 16, 2000 Share Posted July 16, 2000 That 63 283 probably has the small journal mains it will be more difficult and expensive to find parts for. I'm with BLKMJK find your self a good 350 and start there.The 280z is the same for all intents and puposes as the 240 and the 260. [This message has been edited by gatorslair (edited July 16, 2000).] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 16, 2000 Share Posted July 16, 2000 i have a 76 280Z and the only part about the book that you half to try and translate is the wiring and what you should get rid of. the rest of the book is the same for the 240 through the 280Z. an excellent book. if you can find a good wiring diagram then i really suggest it. you will start to wonder if you are taking out too much there is so much stuff. i used the book and everything so far has turned out great. i made my own mounts but used the measurments from the book. alot cheeper. just check out all the different forums pages and in no time you be hooked and there is no turning back. i am with them though if you are going to do the swap then go with the 350 or a stroker kit. the 283 is too out dated. alot of money to build the power that you can get out of a 350 alot cheaper. well hope this helps your decision. gotta go work on the car. later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 16, 2000 Share Posted July 16, 2000 I have been reading a rebuild manual and you guys are right, I am getting a 350. How much should I pay for a rebuildable engine? Is it easy to find a 4 bolt main block? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisK Posted July 16, 2000 Share Posted July 16, 2000 You may want to explore further. The 350's are certainly plentiful, large journal and 4 bolt mains are great. However, if you have a forged crank in the 283, you might consider de-stroking a 327. The old dirt trackers did that and Chevy got wind of it, and came out in 67' with the Z28 DZ motor, 302 cu in. It was actuall 301.something, and GM rounded UP! Hi rev, solids etc., and the sound is great. The 283 cannot be bored out to 4in, and 327s are plentiful and parts are very much available. Just another option! [This message has been edited by DennisK (edited July 16, 2000).] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLKMGK Posted July 16, 2000 Share Posted July 16, 2000 Destroking a 327 is the way to go if you want hi-RPM power. At least one other member here has a 302 and it apparently revs pretty good As for 4-bolt blocks. I wouldn't bend over backwards looking for one. The 4-bolt blocks are supposedly not all that good - the bolts go in straight down and I've been told they can actually weaken the block! If you are goign to run hi revs or hi HP then consider using a 2 bolt block but having it modifed to accept splayed 4 bolt caps. There are several companies making these but machining ought to be done by a pro. Personally - if this is going to be done on a budget and yuor goals are modest I'd leave a 2bolt alone. Better yet buy a junked LT1 and not even have to rebuild it! What do you expect to run for a tranny? At the very least if it's going to be a manual use a T5. These are somewhat brittle so be gentle. Best of all is the T56 but these are pricey - expect to pay $1500+. Get the book before you turn a wrench or start buying things and READ IT cover to cover. You have no idea how many times I've seen people ask questions (mostly on zcar) that are covered by that book - even when they already own it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sector Posted July 17, 2000 Share Posted July 17, 2000 I have a 327 which i had converted to a four bolt, by a guy here in knoxville who builds professional road racing engines. He did a great job, used splayed bolts, and was very reasonable. But if you want to punch out a 283, I would suggest finding a 327 crank and an old 4-bolt 350 block first, it would be much cheaper in the long run and give you the same results. ------------------ Brian 68' 280z 327 4-bolt 375HP transforming into a 250-GTO 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.