V-8 in a 1983 2+2 280zx turbo... quite a few questions

[Guest 327zxer]

alright guys I was gonna start this project almost 2 years ago and do to lack of funds dropped it..but I am getting back into it again...I need help with an install of a 350 sbc and a turbo 350 tranny into my 83 ZX...first off I remember that I can make mtr mnts out of flat plate....but as the tranny goes I have no clue how to make that mount?...I have heard that Ramshorn manifolds fit the power assisted rack and pinion cars like mine...is this true? As for a speedo cable and throttle cable how do I go about finding one of those? I am gonna use a mechanical fuel pump so I know I have to pull the one out of the tank first right? As for a radiator what do I do? Moving on to the driveshaft how do I go about making that work...I heard about some kind of an adapter or something like that..maybe neapco or something was its name..The rear in is a stock open r-200 diff but i have a recked 1988 300zx turbo with a r-200 LSD diff and I was wondering what could I use outta that if I can use it...Alright that is enough questions for now...if anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it..I DID do a search but not much came up about 280zx's..

[Guest tacamo]

Have been driving our conversion since August. Did our first from a kit from John's Cars in DFW and online. Same parts are available from zcarparts.com. Take a look at pictures of them for ideas. As for the second conversion for my friend, we have a model to copy and this includes mounts. The mounts look like clips that fit into the frame. The engine will rest on them and actually bend them. The RIGHT ramhorns will get you out of the headers game and allow enough clearance for the critical space between ramhorn and steering column i.e. about 2 1/2 inches. For driveshaft, ditch the Datsun and mod a Chevy. The extra torque will demand it. We cut down an 82 Camaro shaft for this and transferred the Datsun ends to it. The drive shaft adapter we got from John's Cars. For the radiator as with most parts it was out with the old and in with the rebuilt. Put a three row meant for a Datsun in for the V8 and AC. We took out the datsun fuel pump and replaced it with a cheap perculator, then put a filter in the wheel well and regulator up front. We could write a book on the conversion and this should be done because the stuff from John's Cars is so vague and misses alot of areas.

 

I plan to sell the conversion in the near future after my buddy copies the reengineered parts. Too much to do at work and school.

[danc]

327zxer:

There was a lot moreZX conversion info out there that appears not to be there anymore. I posted a grocery list of piece/parts I used on my 83ZX SBC/700R4 and it appears to be gone as well. I have the power rack and pinion, and don't see how the ramhorn manifold will work on the drivers' side, but perhaps someone out there has some real life experience. I used Heddman Tight Tubes, and the drivers' side header had to be routed around the steering shaft on the rear cylinders 5 and 2 I believe. I used MSA mounts, but again that was a 700R4. I have the NEAPCO part #, radiator (84-86 light-duty no air I believe) and some other info that may be useful. I scrounge it up and re-post.. Good luck..

Dan

[Guest greimann]

Yea, the 280ZX search in the Chevy forum turns up zip. Disturbing Try an author search on: Greimann, 80lt1, rossc, polarity, danc and others please chime in here. I have been out of the loop and don't stop by this forum much since I sold my car, but click on my signature for some info.