Guest LightHeaded2ozKB Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 Ok, Ive had my 74 260 since August of 2002. I reall like the car but the L26 has been causing me alot of problems and the Holley conv. that is on it just pisses me off even more (plz dont ask). Because I love this car so much and I know what a V8 can do to improve a car (ex-Morgan +8 lol) so Ive decided to do a V8 swap. I want to avoid any BS i can so I think ill buy a crate and a new tranny. Im really good with tunning and fixing random problems (such as my drive shaft seperating from my diff. at a stop sign) but have never installed an engine. Of course Ive done alot of research on these boards and have ordered a JTR book to help me out (alot). So heres what ive decided. I want a 350 sbc ZZ4 (EFI is way to much work) and I sort of want a 7004r instead of a T5 because I hear with a V8 you have to shit so fast its a pian and this may be my daily driver. Another question I have is what all do i need to buy for a auto tranny? Bell housing, touque converter clkutch whaaaa? What do I need for my entire swap excl. the engine and JTR kit.? Thanks.... Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 Welcome aboard Sam! Looks like you have a good plan in place! You'll want to look into upgrading your brakes and possibly suspension. Also, you may want to reinforce the chassis in some way. Strut braces at a minimum, and maybe a rollbar. It's also the little things that will get you. You'll need a pair of motor mounts (69-72 sbc truck), radiator, hoses, belts, wiring etc. Good luck..... Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Want aZ Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 shorter driveshaft that will adapt the 700R4 to the diff, wheather its R180 or R200.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LightHeaded2ozKB Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 But do I sound right when I talk about stick when you haveto shift really fast? Will a r400 be ok for street racing? And what else to i have to but if i get an auto tranny? I have a 5-speed right now. Would it be smarter and less of a hassle to get a 5 speed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 six of one, half a dozen of another. I would suggest that you stick to an overdrive auto, like a 700R4, or 200 4R, if you decide to go auto. Both have their pros, and cons. Comes down to preference. I prefer to be an involved driver and bang through the gears , but if you plan to do a lot of strip racing, auto would be the way to go. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LightHeaded2ozKB Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 That sounds good. Im still torne over it because I love the twisties. What will I have to get for my car if im running a stock 5 speed. What to do with all the clutch hardware? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LightHeaded2ozKB Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 Oh ya, and should I get a new diff.? Im guessing I have the stock rear end. The rear clunks when alot of toruqe is laid down so I will have to replace thoes diff. bushings (i think thats the cause, correct me if im wrong). Will my stock diff handle 355 Horsepower @ 5,2500 RPM and 405 ft/lbs @ 3500 RPM? Thanks for the input... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmyntti Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 Welcome Aboard, it is nice to have another Ohio member. Check the events forum to see info about the Heartland Z meet planned for August. Now for your questions. You will not want to use the stock 5 speed in your car as it will not hold up and is not easily adapted to V8. If you want a manual you will need either a T-5 from a Camaro or a T-56 six speed. For the 700R4 or 200R4 you just need to run the cooler lines to the radiator (which you will need to replace) and wire up the torque convertor clutch solenoid (easy). Most likely your differential is an R180 in which case you will need to upgrade it to a R200 or R2230 from one of the later cars. The R200 is a bolt in if you get the right model and also get the mustache bar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heavy Z Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 Yeah, I was probably one of the folks complaining about the shift lag with a manual - I've since changed my tune now that my T5 shifts properly, IMO you'll be happy with whichever YOU PREFER. Welcome aboard hybrid Z, this site will save you alot of time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LightHeaded2ozKB Posted May 23, 2003 Share Posted May 23, 2003 Oh ya its been helping alot! And I thank you guys ! What was wrong with your T5? If I go with an auto, what will I need to buy? What do I do with my clutch and all the other manual related parts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LightHeaded2ozKB Posted May 23, 2003 Share Posted May 23, 2003 by the way, the only reason I am even considering "dropping" a V8 into my Z is because Im done restoring the int. (almost) and the rest of the car is perfect. Its a CA car and I havent found ONE spec of rust anywhere. So I wont have to do any body work or anything like that. I understand the sickness of fixing things like "While im here ill just..." so Im thinking ill just make a list of what I know will need to be replaced and TRY to stick to that. But here are some pics of my car, every Z guy I know around here say IT would be a sin to put a V8 in this car (espically my dad with him and his morgan) but i beg to differ!! LOL, thnx.... Sam My 260Z http://www.angelfire.com/ex/260z/P4020005.jpg http://www.angelfire.com/ex/260z/P4020006.jpg http://www.angelfire.com/ex/260z/P4020008.jpg http://www.angelfire.com/ex/260z/P4020010.jpg My Dads 67 Morgan http://www.angelfire.com/ex/260z/P4030006.jpg http://www.angelfire.com/ex/260z/P4030005.jpg http://www.angelfire.com/ex/260z/P4030004.jpg http://www.angelfire.com/ex/260z/P4030007.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LightHeaded2ozKB Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 So do you guys think this is a good car for a V8 swap? Apparently the english think that Morgan is a good car for a V8 swap. If you guys think alot of people love their Zs check out some of the pics on this web site http://smogthis.net/indexmap.html. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop N Wood Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Man, that 260 is the perfect V8 candidate. A good, clean, straight body with current engine problems. You even have one of the early ones with the nice bumpers. It is hard to imagine the 260's ever achieving a lot of collector appeal. At least not as much as the early 240's. You could put a few grand into restoring the engine and drive train to new stock condition and still not get your money back from the investment. Besides, if you leave your Z stock you will be missing out on half the fun of owning one, they are excellent hot rod platforms with a ton of aftermarket parts available. Even the "purist" at zcar.com fill their forums talking about non-Nissan upgrades. Last time I check Nissan never offered the option of Illumina struts and triple Webers, and who has ever won an autocross with stock 4.5 inch wide steel rims and P175 tires? Your buddies may talk all high and mighty now, but if you do the swap right one ride should convince them the V8 belongs. BTW, a few others may chime in but the autos are fine. Some guys think they make for a better drag racing platform. Now the Morgan, I wouldn't do anything to that but wash it and drive it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LightHeaded2ozKB Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Oh hell ya man, there is no way you cauld even fit a V8 in that Morgan. My entire reason for this swap Is because I see the entire spectrim of the automitive world. The best thing about a muscle car is its V8, the best thing about an old british car or a 240/260 is the way it drives/handels and a smart person would put both worlds together like all of you. Thats what morgan did. The took a very light, nimble car and stuffed a V8 in it. Thanks for the help guys ! Sam... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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