280ZX

[Guest Anonymous]

I am new to list. See someone doing what I've thought about for over a year; 280ZX V8. Been thinking it would make a good crusier, and with all that weight it needs Torque! Does anyone make a kit? Any sites to visit? Looked at my 73Z last night and it's too rusted underneath to salvage. Anyone need parts? Near Seattle.

[Modern Motorsports Ltd]

Welcome to the list Dave. Do some searches and you'll find some more info on V8 280ZX's. I have a few pics of mine posted here:

Some pics of my V8 280ZX.

 

Dave G's got some pics and a documented website. www.jagsthatrun.com has a book that's good reading to get you thinking on various options/mod's.

 

Feel free to post or email your q's after you've checked out some older posts

[80LS1T]

Hi, my name is Guy.

 

I am doing a 350 swap in my 1980 280ZX. I am using a 93' LT1 and T56 out of a Camraro Z28. So far from what I can see the T56 fits very good in the tunnel. I do have to take out the old tranny mounts inside the tunnel but that isn't too hard. You can get motor mounts and a 700R-4 mount from MSA(http://www.zcarparts.com) for like $225.00 or you can make your own. I bought mine. They seem to be good quality to me. The Jaguars That Run (JTR) book that they are refering to does not cover the ZX's but it does have lots of useful information that pertains to swaping a V8 in a Z. If you go with a LT1 there is more wiring but it fits a lot easy under the hood because there isn't a bulky air cleaner lid in the way. Some guys even swap LS1's but that requires much more fabrication skills. Correct me if I am wrong but aren't the motor mounts in a different spot on those motors???

 

Anyways, I say go for the ZX if that's what you got. It will make a very nice daily driver and you will still be able to WHOOP every Honda P.O.S. that you see on the road!!!( I really hate those rice burning POS's!!! )

 

Hope I have been helpful!

 

Guy

 

Rock on ZX's

[danc]

Dave B.

There are several guys on the forum who have converted "ZXs". I have an 83 with a 430 H.P small block Chevy, a 700R4 transmission and a 390:1 stock rear-end. It is very reliable, driveable in all situations, and generally mild mannered until you mash the motor! I hurt a new 405 H.P. Corvette ZO6 so bad a couple of months ago that the driver later told me he drove 10 miles out of his way to get my attention, pull me over, and find out WTF I was running! It was almost like he wanted to spit on his new toy! Mine weights 73 pounds more than it did in the stock form. The suggestion of buying the Jag's That Run manual, and using the search option on this forum with key words related to the specific question are both very good ones. The information, experience pool, and help "quotent" here are the best I've found. You will find some definite and well articulated opinions on every topic of discussion, which are as varied as everyones' background. While the JTR manual is taylored to the Z (and there are significant differences between a Z and ZX conversion), it is a very worthwhile starting point. The philosophy is the same for both conversions, and it will give you a good idea on the conversion scope. I'd also think about how you are going to use the car; be-it a daily driver, Moto-X, or straight line go-real-fast to the end of the driveway! Your driving preference will definitely pre-dispose some of the piece parts you will use.

I made a post in May 01 Topic: ZX SBC conversion using MA mounts. It contains a grocery list of various piece/parts I used, and some of the lessions learned thru that point in time. As a general update to that post, I've since installed Eibach coil springs (Pro Kit part #6302.140), Tokico adjustable rear struts, Tokico non adjustable front struts, all new MOOG urethane suspension bushings/stabilizer bars bushings, and new front upper strut bearings. I also installed a new ZZ430 "hot-cam" and a Holley Street Avenger 770 CFM. I still plan on stiffening front and rear strut towers as well as installing power steering and A/C.

The investment varies as much as the individual parts-prices. The cost will grow exponentially for everything you "contract out". At any rate, plan on spending more than you thought on the initial conversion as well as upgrading the suspension to handle the drastic change in power and torque. Having said all that, most guys would tell you they really enjoyed the overall project, with the end result being nothing less than a total driving metamorphosis. Good luck!

[Guest greimann]

The above pretty much covers the basics. There are a few pix at the site in the link below.

[spdsk8r]

Welcome Dave, I am also in the process of a V-8/ZX conversion. I am pretty much following the conversion that Dave Greimann did, as far as mounts, manifolds, etc. as I have the same steering as his, and his conversion puts the motor in the lowest possible position. Which makes the most sense to me. (Thanks Dave G. for the excellent site). This is the third V-8/Z conversion for me, first on a ZX. Use the knowledge that is prevelent in this site. From experience, any questions you have during the conversion will have an answer here.

[DavyZ]

I am VERY glad that you ZX guys speak up once in a while!! Pretty soon you'll need your own ZX V8 swap forum

 

Davy