Guest 280-Monzie Posted July 18, 2003 Share Posted July 18, 2003 This may be seen as redundant to some, as it has been up several times before. I will however dare to post/ask it again, as all cars and people are different, in looks, purpose and build. I appreciate and welcome all feedback. So far, I do not have much of a V-8z to speak of. But this is the current hardware: 75 280z: Manual tranny, one rusty framerail, body is in good overall condition, lovely CalTrans orange, otherwise allright (good bless a Nevada car). There is nothing missing from the interior. I am not going to complain about the car, I got it for free, so far about $300 to get it in running mode. I also aquired a T-5 transmission from a -84 Camaro. It came with the flywheel, clutch, bellhousing and flexplate? (the sproingy thingy, my brain just gave out). It was newly rebuilt when I bought it, it came out of a hopped up, but teenage daughter crashed car. I bought this for $250, was I ripped off? Engine: I got a 327 longblock for $50 + Edelbrock tourquer II manifold, no alternator, P/S A/C nor mounts or distributor, not that I would bet any money on it, but it was reportedly running well prior to removal. According to the guy I bought it from, it was originally in a -69-70 truck, but I have not checked the numbers yet, I'd be happy it was a 327/350 either will work. It has not been rebuilt, at least not lately, it still has the white lead deposits in the exhaust channels. I want to get a solid reliable build, but not extreme in horsepower, I am thinking about 300-330 ( 327 would be excellent ), how much should I expect to spend on a build like this? I do not want to get too excited and overboard, I am even thinking about just reworking the ironheads rather than getting new ones. Would the NWC T-5 stand up to this type of horsepower? I do not intend to hammer the car at every light, (though a few). The car will mainly be used as a daily driven, deceiving ponyspanker. Tires will probably be 205's. I will use the JTR setup, I bought the book about 3 years ago, for dreaming and light reading while in college. Is it cheaper to have the mounts manufactured (I might be able to get a decent deal at some metal shops in the area) or is the JTR-bought mounts about as cheap as you can BUY them? Questions in recap: Please, as many comments and thoughts as possible Did I get ripped of on the tranny? Will it stand up to the planned engine (moderate driving)? Is 300 - 330 Hp feasible and how much should I expect to pay for the parts, labor or both ?, I can do most of the assembly myself Would it be cheaper to have the engine mounts made (with a slight discount) or buy them from JTR? One more, Is a standard 1975 Chevy distributor adequate for my plans? I truly enjoy this forum, and have much respect for those that continuously help others with little or (quite often) no return. I wish I could be of more service to others and will as my knowledge of the car increase. This place is a blessing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trickz Posted July 18, 2003 Share Posted July 18, 2003 Hi 280-Monzie I think the transmission was a reasonable price. I paid alot more for mine. In my 72 240,327, I run a 350 cid. - 350 hp cam, dynamically balanced and blue printed bottom end, 64cc heads, ported and polished, an elderbrock intake and a 1850 holly. I built this back in 78 and still drive it. I like the JTR motor mount position, but not the method. In my 75 280, (now a 250 GTO), I made JTR's kit, mounted it to help me position the motor, then made a crossmember to mount the engine on. Then I cut the motor mount stantions off the stock crossmember, and now run a factory mechanical fuel pump. I like the HEI distributor. Just check the endplay and dial in all the advance by 2700 rpm. I think you'll be really pleased with what you've got. It may not be the fastest, but it will be a blast to drive!! trickz John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted July 19, 2003 Share Posted July 19, 2003 The tranny should live with the hp. Mike D (73 BOTIZ) has been beating on his NWC T5 with his hipo 355 and had complete success--I'm very impressed with that tranny. $250 is a steal IMO. If you are handy or have the means (friends) to do so, I would say that you should fab the JTR parts yourself to save moolah. The JTR kit/method is the one preferred by most members, but there are other ways to go. I bought the JTR kit years ago, but occassionally some surface in firesales and ebay and they can be picked up for cheap. I cannot remember if the 1975 disty is a HEI or not. A stock HEI is good for 5000 rpm if that. I suggest upgrading to an MSD system if you have the money or upgrading your HEI if you have it. Stay away from a points style disty--there is no need for them any longer IMO. Just my $.02. Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 280-Monzie Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 Good to know about the tranny, I know there are way stronger units out there, but this one was available and I had some spare cash for once. I might get rid of the flywheel and get a lighter one, I guess it all depends on the starter I get hold of too. I'm an avid Ebay windowshopper and will try to keep my eyes open for the remnants of some unfortunate projects. When the time comes, I will get prices and or compare the favors that would be needed for the fabrication of the mounts and plates. My signature states 10 years though redicilously slow, that is about the speed I am going. I suppose my goal is not a completed car, but a car which progress does not stop. Sooner, or LATER, it will be driveable. The 1975 distributor was the first HEI GM made. I though of it as they are cheap and plentiful. What if the advance curve would be adjusted with the "swingout weights", or the springs that controll them, would that make a difference? If not, I'll just get an MSA unit through summit. (I live about 3 miles away from their Sparks warehouse). The tranny should live with the hp. Mike D (73 BOTIZ) has been beating on his NWC T5 with his hipo 355 and had complete success--I'm very impressed with that tranny. $250 is a steal IMO. If you are handy or have the means (friends) to do so' date=' I would say that you should fab the JTR parts yourself to save moolah. The JTR kit/method is the one preferred by most members, but there are other ways to go. I bought the JTR kit years ago, but occassionally some surface in firesales and ebay and they can be picked up for cheap. I cannot remember if the 1975 disty is a HEI or not. A stock HEI is good for 5000 rpm if that. I suggest upgrading to an MSD system if you have the money or upgrading your HEI if you have it. Stay away from a points style disty--there is no need for them any longer IMO. Just my $.02. Davy[/quote'] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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