Guest the_dj Posted April 11, 2002 Share Posted April 11, 2002 I am about to fly to San Diego to pick up my new '78 280Z V8. This is my 3rd Z ('82 280ZX, '83 280ZXT), but my first V8. My dad and I have done a lot of work on Z cars, especially the '83 turbo which is almost ready to be back on the road yet, but not quite. Grumpy, would you recommend all five of the books you posted about for me, or are there some of them that are more and/or less applicable to my situation? I don't have the budget right now to go into any sort of heavy modifications to the engine, but if there are some low cost things I can do to improve things, I will. I want to have a fully finished conversion (interior, details, etc.) before I decide to beef up the engine past what it is already (300hp 350). Should I purchase any new reading? Should I get all five of those books? Are there any others that are highly recommended for someone in my situation? My dad has done much engine and other car work in his day, but engines are newer and better now and it's been a while (20 years) since he's done any raw engine work. Is porting/polishing everything a worthwhile task? He used to do this himself, is that still an option these days? The car doesn't have a catalytic converter on it. Did the 78 280Z have one from the factory? If so, this car needs one to pass inspection. If not, will I be able to pass a sniffer inspection without one? The car has port injection and the Holley Commander 950 programmable ECU. I don't know the engine specifics yet, but soon enough I'll be able to get at least casting numbers to find out how beneficial any modifications would be, and how much they would cost. Well, I guess that's all my questions pertaining to this board...more in the brakes and buy/sell forums Thanks so much guys, DJSS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted April 11, 2002 Share Posted April 11, 2002 The 75 and newer Zcars came with a catalytic converter. However, you should check in your state to see if your car qualifies for antique tags. You may be exempt from emissions if tagging it as a classic. Also, the COmmander 950 should allow you a great deal of tunability in helping with those emissions numbers. As for Porting, if your Dad was successful in doing it in the past, then the LT1 motor is a great candidate now as well... Tell your Dad to log onto Chevytalk.com and search the archives there, or send Grumpy some personal e-mails! Good luck and you are one lucky SOB for getting SuperDan's car! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted April 11, 2002 Share Posted April 11, 2002 HOW TO BUILD THE SMALL BLOCK CHEVEROLET by LARRY ATHERTON&LARRY SCHREIB . HOW TO BUILD MAX PERFORMANCE CHEVY SMALL BLOCKS ON A BUDGET by DAVID VIZARD . JOHN LINGENFELTER on modifying small-block chevy engines these are the three important books, CORRECTLY DONE PORTING IS A BIG HELP, but polishing has been shown to add little or no power gains, in fact a slightly rough finish helps keep the fuel in the intake port air stream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest the_dj Posted April 11, 2002 Share Posted April 11, 2002 I called the county tax office and the car will be emissions exempt when it's 25 years old...2003. What a bummer, it's gotta pass until then. I'm going to try and pass with no cat, cause if I do, then it's no more work for me ever to pass! Woohoo! I'll check over at Chevytalk.com. I'll buy those books Grumpy, thanks DJSS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted April 11, 2002 Share Posted April 11, 2002 Dj if your in Texas, I wouldn't sweat the emissions test, But if your in Cali, then you better think twice. Hell if you want, you can always come to san Antonio and i'll hook you up with an inspection sticker. As for the books, I think modifying your small block should probably come last (unless your not that familiar with Small block chevys) I would strictly pay close attention to the actual body of the Zcar, the rust, the structural modifications ( if any) and the overall condition. You can build any small block for that car, but twisted frames and tweaked rearends are common on unmodified frames (280zx pretty strong frame, but hell I wouldnt take that chance with my bullet engine) Good luck, from what I hear, everyone pretty much owes thier work to JTR, I owe mine to skills and broadband internet surfing. We don't need no stinking books when you have Google and DSL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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