Guest southern5cowboy Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 can a v8 fit into a 1983 280zx? i would prefer a ford but could use a chevy, just want the v8. i know they make kits for 70-78 but after that i cant find a thing. does anyone have an insight? is this a sawp that people have done before(83 with v8). if so how did it turn out. thanks -greg- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest comeandzpa Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 try this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tom sixbey Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 yes. a v8 will fit into a 280zx. i am planning a ford swap for my car. There is a chevy swap kit available from motorsport auto, but i'm doing a ford swap because its lighter. Keep in mind that the firewall location of a 280zx makes it a less favorable swap than an early car from the weight/balance performance standpoint, but a ford's reduced weight will make the front/rear weight distribution not so bad.. keep in mind that a small ford in aluminum trim is lighter than the stock motor, and it's weight center is father back than the L6 when placed against the firewall, so dont let anyone tell you that putting a v8 into the car will ruin its handling - especially if it is a small ford. However, you will have to ensure that the motor is placed as low and as far back as possible - which entails making your own mounts, but DONT let that stop you from achieving what you want from the car. Custom motor mounts are no big issue. The only snag you'll really have to overcome is the steering system. If you have an early car with a power assisted steering gear, you're going to have to make custom headers no matter what engine you go with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RunninOnEmpty Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 Tom - let us know when you begin the swap. I'm undecided between SBF and SBC, but would very much prefer the SBF. I hope to be ready after the holidays. We really need a ZX forum cuz 99% of the info in the Ford and Chevy forums is for the gen 1 Z cars. Thanks, John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest southern5cowboy Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 i am going with the ford, mainly because i already have a good machined block and i work/help a mechanic at his shop and he said its not going to be hard and there is plenty of room. it will prob take he and i 1-2 months to make the mounts but when we get them done i will post upthat i did so and have a second pair and blue print them and will see about selling them on request. anyway im going for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Wicked C5 Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 can a v8 fit into a 1983 280zx? i would prefer a ford but could use a chevy, just want the v8. i know they make kits for 70-78 but after that i cant find a thing. does anyone have an insight? is this a sawp that people have done before(83 with v8). if so how did it turn out. thanks -greg- Check this link out http://home.earthlink.net/~dvgreimann/index.html . This is my car with the Zx swap that I bought off a forum member it's his website. It should get you moving in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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