Guest Anonymous Posted November 4, 2000 Share Posted November 4, 2000 This is my first post, so hello all =) I'm just beginning the stages of investigating a v8 swap into my z.. I've bought JTR's book and seeing that it's mainly for early year datsuns, I'm looking to fill the gaps between what the book says and what I must do. If anyone has done a v8 swap in this model/year car, please let me know what I should expect to find different than what's in the JTR book. TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modern Motorsports Ltd Posted November 5, 2000 Share Posted November 5, 2000 Welcome aboard Seymour:-) I'm not sure if anyone has done a swap with your steering setup or not. That's the most unique thing b/t some 280ZX's IMO. The rest is v. similar for swapping details. I have a '79 rack/n/pinion OE setup with sbc. So you need to find out what headers/manifolds will fit. As well you can save dough on motor mount spacers as on a 280ZX it lines up dead even with the Xmember (we have 3" less from Xmember to firewall compared to Z's), so just 'shim' it up with JTR mounts on your xmember and shims b/t that and your block. From above you'll find hood clearance tighter than others as well. I'm still wrestling with this but you do need a drop down air cleaner housing. I highly reccomend a Griffin rad and many other parts. Let us know your overall budget and goals (whether specific times/hp or to beat certain cars etc) and this list will be great to help with decisions along the way. My V8 280ZX is lighter than stock 50/50 balanced, 13" front brakes and 16x8's with 245's and coilovers/5 ways etc, but it morphed many times till now and will continue:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted November 5, 2000 Share Posted November 5, 2000 Money isn't really an issue for my swap. I'm aiming around $5000 but whatever happens, happens. I just want to do it "right" and avoid as many problems as possible. I'm going to rebuild the engine I'll use. I could use some advice in choosing an engine though (and cams/pistons/etc to build it up a bit). I'm looking for 400+ HP, fuel injection, and a T56 trans. I have access to a 327 for around $150 so I'd like to use it if it can produce the performance I'm after with it. I have the JTR books on the v8 swap and TPI/TBI so those should help out a lot. It sucks that the JTR v8 swap book doesn't cover later models though and I have a feeling there are issues I'll face that are not covered by the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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