Easiest conversion

[Guest Anonymous]

Hey Gentlemen-thanks for all your responses to my last post concerning what Z year would be the best for a hybird. Im new at all this and as I was going through the JTR manual last night another thought occurred to me. After reading much of the tech board and past posts for the last week I began to understand the mountain of technical information (harnesses and guages and whatnot)that is required for this. Although Im sure you are experts and like to push the envelope for max performance, I do not think I have that experience...yet. So now my question.

 

"What is the bare bones minimum that I have to do in order to get a V-8 into a 81-83 Z car. What should I consider salvaging from the V-8 donor car and what should I keep from the Z (wiring and so on). The JTR manual clues in on this but I know this could vary based on your own experiences. By the way Im looking for a cheap and easy to work on V-8 so what year/model 350 would you recommend?

[Guest Anonymous]

The old 70 to mid 80s Chevy full size vans often had 4 barrell carb 350 SBC engines and the later models had 700R4 trannys. MSA makes a ZX kit that I understand is easy to duplicate. Members have ZX conversions. To me the cheapest way is to buy an ongoing project or finished kit. I can do many things such as make my own JTR conversion package,weld, fabricate repair.etc and I have an unfinished project that has literally nickled and dimed me to death.

[Guest greimann]

If you want something that is not so technically demanding, then go with the carbureted motor with HEI ignition. Be aware that doing a conversion is still a $2500 to $3000 commitment. Bare bones means you don't bother to paint the motor or put on flashy valve covers. It should not mean cutting corners by sacrificing reliability or safety. If you want to save some real money, don't buy any kit parts. They are ridiculously expensive for what you get.