Guest rxsvn Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Hello everyone. Ive been reading this forum for a month now, and have just recently decided to go with the 240z conversion. I purchased a 73 last weekend, but I cant seem to decide what engine to use. I've driven nothing but rotary powered cars for 10 years now, and Ill be honest, I know nothing when it comes to big displacement motors. Basically what Im looking for is a motor that will happily rev to 6-7k rpm, have a nice flat torque curve throughout the powerband without sacrificing too much low end. This will be a daily driven car, but Id also like to be able to hit mid to low 12's comfortably on track days. All this, without putting more than $800-1000 into internal buildup. Again, please forgive my ignorance, but are my goals feasible? This will be a budget car, but Id dont mind going a bit overboard in the right areas if needed. I just dont want to drop the money for an ls1 or anything that extravagant if I can avoid it. Thanks guys. Kris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelman Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Rxsvn, You should look for a 1995 LT1 from a Camaro, Firebird/TA or Corvette. These engines breath good up to ~6500 RPM, have aluminum heads, intake and water pump. They put out between 285 to 310 HP stock with around 320-350 FT/LBS of torque depending on which one you get. The Corvette motors put out the most power but are also more difficult to find. They can also be found in Impalla SSs, Caprice Cop Cars, Buick Roadmasters and Cadillac Fleetwoods but these versions have iron heads and a cam designed to develop low end torque as opposed to high end power. They are still desirable though as the aluminum heads aren't that expensive and a cam swap is relatively simple. You want the 1995 model year because it came with the best combination of upgraded OptiSpark modules and flash programmable OBD1 computer. These engines are standard small block chevys except for a reverse cooling provision that pumps the coolent through the heads before the block. This allows them to run 10.5/1 compression ratios and still use pump gas. They can be had relatively cheaply which leaves more money for modifications, but based on your wants you may not need to do more than a refresh job on one. Anyway do some research on these engines you may find a perfect match for your requirements. Ken W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKDGabe Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Welcome! Do you really want a V8? Have you considered the l28et? (That's the turbo'd L6 that came in '81-83 ZX's in case you didn't know) What's your total budget? Go to the Non Tech forum and post pics of the new car! We wanna see it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goldraven Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 this is going to sound stupid. but the biggest thing that jumped out at me was you want to daily driver the car...and want it o rev to 7k no problem...they arent like rotary engines...7k is much more intense..dont keep it at 7k alot...like one would in a rotary engine. Im with you with the love of rotary engines. i catch myself reving my piston engine too much as a daily driver, and it causes alot more problems on a piston engine than a rotary engine. Just thought i'd throw this down...feel free to disregard this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustorbust Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 I agree with you goldraven, to spin anything to 7000 and be comfterable with it your gonna have to spend between 800 to a 1000 on the bottom end of any engine unless you stick with the rotary. James B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A. G. Olphart Posted January 29, 2004 Share Posted January 29, 2004 Saw a 3 rotor rotary at Rising Sun engines a couple years back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heavy Z Posted January 29, 2004 Share Posted January 29, 2004 If you are comfortable with around 6k redline, a moderately built 350 will get you there. These motors are abundant, spend a few weeks looking in your local parts trader and you may find a great deal on a motor somebody is trying to sell cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rxsvn Posted January 29, 2004 Share Posted January 29, 2004 Thanks for the info guys. Plenty more questions to come Im sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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