Guest dfr867 Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 I was wondering if anyone out there has replaced the chassis in their Z car. Mine is a 1975 280z. She has some damage but not a lot. I'm trying to restore her for show. If anyone has some pointers, or has measurments (wonderful), let me know! Thanks in advance! I added this update: Ok. Here is some clarification. I intend to REMOVE what would be called the chassis. I know this will include taking a plasma torch to it after welding support bars so the body will not cave in on itself. I'm doing this for two reasons. One, like I said there was some damage to the "chassis" in the engine well. Two, I plan on dropping a little power in it; a viper motor. I'm pretty sure I will need to stiffen the "chassis" like a son of a bitch before she wraps sheet metal around me and cooks me like a burrito! Having said all that, if anyone out there has done this type of surgery before ( and I know it has been done) I would greatly appreciate the response. Thanks for the time!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auxilary Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 1. it will be easier to buy a straight bodied Z instead. You'll thank yourself in the end when you see how much time and labor you've saved yourself. 2. viper motor would be interesting, but it's too wide to fit the Z if memory serves previous discussions. That, and the huge cost factor associated with it. You could build up a chevy small block to produce same power as the viper motor for a bit cheaper. IMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8ZRACER260Z Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Depending on the damage to the car it is easier to start with a straight car. I am currently doing a full frame on my Z. This is a custom job, nobody makes a kit to do this. If you are not experienced in fabrication hire someone that is. You can check out the pics on my picturetrail link. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dfr867 Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 The frame is not in bad shape but I really think it's going to need some bracing. I do have someone that knows what thier doing so thats not the issue. I was just wondering if anyone had run into this before and had any tips for the job. I have also checked the dimensions of the motor and it can be done. I found a wrecked viper and got the motor for less than $4Grand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
datsunlover Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Well it sounds like it'd be a cool project.. but I think Im with Aux on this one... that is a wide motor.. Heck, a member here squezed in a Jag V12, but it's TIGHT. You might try him for some info/details on this kind of project. (Member goes by the name Dot, he's got plenty of posts here) And I agree that a sbc or sbf could be built to the same specs for less $$$. And really, if you just dropped $4000 for an engine, it sounds like you've got some cash on your side... I'd say you could pick up a Z with next to no damage to the frame/unibody for less than the cost of your engine.. IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dfr867 Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 I don't have a big bank account but I do like having things no one else does. I didn't say it was going to be done Monday! No but seriously, I drove to California from South Carolina for this car. The damage is not extreme by any means. A small wrinkle if you will. It just seams that if you are going to put that much horsepower in a car, not mention a show quality car, you need to build a frame that car perform and look good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-TARD Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 For that kind of power, I'd concentrate on adding strength somewhere other than the stock frame. A cage would probably be your best bet, and could be done for not too much money if you can weld and bend pipe. Sounds like a cool swap, keep us updated when you can. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1 Posted June 2, 2004 Share Posted June 2, 2004 Not trying to be a smartass, but a stock Viper motor is 450 - 500hp, depending on the year? A lot of guys here are putting out that much or more power with subframes and a 6 or 8 point cage. You don't need to completely gut the unibody unless you just want to. How much does the Viper engine weigh? Did you get the T56 with it? I like Mopars and think it would be a cool swap, if it's not too heavy. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 73TPIZ Posted June 2, 2004 Share Posted June 2, 2004 dfr867, Send a PM to "74 5.0L Z" and see if he has any pics of what he's done. His Z was in a front end collision and he rebuilt the whole front end in tubular. He hung the stock sheetmetal back on. I saw it in person at one of the SEZS's in GA and it is beautiful. Seems like he tied it in w/ a cage but can't remember for sure. I tried searching for his posts but it didn't work. He is the third one down posting on this thread. http://hybridz.org/nuke/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=31357&start=0 Click on his PM and ask for pics. that setup would give way more room and strength than stock. BTW where at in SC are you? I'm in Lake City, 30mi below Florence, 60mi west of Myrtle Beach. Take Care Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest brianglawson Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 i say do as said above and do a tube front end, might make it easier to fit thhe bus motor in there too. but hwat im wondering is, how the hell is a viper tranny gonna fit in a z, those things are hunking peices of metal, have you ever sat in a viper?, i bet the tranny tuneel is more than 2 foot wide!! , but if you can do it, that will be one awesome z, i could imagine wanting to stiffen for all that torque that it will produce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyrus Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 DRF287 I almost went the viper route before i did the supra TT. Heres the scoop. Get a OBD 1 if you have to smog it. secondly get every piece you need from the engine( tank, line, harness, comp, emissionss) or you 4K will be a crappy deal. Thirdly the reason I did not do it is: IT MAY HIT THE CROSS MEMEBER AND STEERING. Also the engine is a lardo. (as in fat ablert) cyrus Ps Don't worry about lowering it that 700lbs motor that is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy forward will lower it all you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyrus Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 brianglawson ...........ahhhhhhhhh................ the viper uses a T56. Don't you feel silly.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auxilary Posted June 7, 2004 Share Posted June 7, 2004 i bet the tranny tuneel is more than 2 foot wide!! , but if you can do it, that will be one awesome z, i could imagine wanting to stiffen for all that torque that it will produce The viper uses same t56 as an f-body, just different bellhousing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.