Guest Philanthr0py Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 Hey guys, I'm kinda going through a crisis right now. My plans for my 240z is to drop a 350 small block, T5 tranny, as of right now, i'm trying to keep everything as simple as possible. My max budget at the moment cannot exceed $2000. Truthfully, I'm having a hard time finding a decent engine and tranny. I know i'll need other parts also. Do you think I can pull this off with my budget? The car has a crappy running L6 in it right now. I don't really want to spend money on it because if I do the swap, rebuilding the L6 would be a waste of my time and money right? I feel stuck right now? Plus my family is always telling me to just get another car. I tell them they don't understand my vision of building the Z. They just don't understand.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavD3 Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 Hi there, To be honest i wouldn't go to V8 or Turbo project with badget which you have.But it's me.It all depends how much you can do on your own and if you have a place where this work can be actually done.Onece your Z will have a different engine there are many other things which you have to update to keep everything right.Such project starts look like snow ball:new engine,new suspension,new brakes,new cooling,updating interior, ets.I just think if your goal is more hp and torque then you have to do everything right.Also it depends how rusty your car is and don't forget that early Z need body reinforsment.You have to keep in mind that doing swap can take your time and you can end up without your daily driver for unknow time.Having said this you will be the one who will make a decision.Just write everything your car needs and how much work you can do then calculate,if you see it's over then $2000 do yourself a favor and wait for better time, if you will be under budget go for it, people here will help you with problems you will run into. If you are not able to acomplish your Z dream maybe you will use money which you have for a downpayment for a new car, but keep your Z and slowly start to collect parts which are nessesary for update,look here and on other Z sites,E-bay actions for bargains and when you have nessesary parts start your project.If you absolutely have to have Z as a daily driver sell your ride add another 2000 and you will be able to end up with good daily driven Z, as long as you are in South CA you are able to find good 240-280 in 3K price range,or you can buy damaged 280zxt and swap engines. All you have to do be honest with yourseld and calculate what you can do and for what you have to pay.All i can add every project will consume more money which you initially expected you would spent.Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Philanthr0py Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 I have an uncle that owns a machine shop in LA. I know he would be willing to help me fabricate parts if I had detailed drawings or maybe even CAD drawings. Does anyone have detailed drawings for the front and rear strut bars? I think I can save myself a lot of money by having him fabricate parts for me. If I can find a decent engine(small block) and tranny for under $700, would all the other misc. parts exceed my $2000 budget? ball park? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Philanthr0py Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 oh yea, I already have the R200 differential from a spare 280z I got for free. I plan to part out that car and sell the parts to help fund my project. I'll post some pics of the car if anyone is interested in buying parts. Things I'm keeping on the 280z is the hood, differential, and maybe the MSA body kit(cracked in 3 places, but easily fixed). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest timhypo Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 Buy teh JTR manual for $30, it has detailed drawings with measurements for about $300 worth of parts. I definitely think it's doable if you're willing to spend lots of time at the pick a part yard and aren't expecting Ferrari-type results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Philanthr0py Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 yea i ordered the manual yesterday. Hopefully it comes in soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Philanthr0py Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 YEA! no longer a junior member! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 it won't really cost alot to dothe swap.i done mine for under $300 .i got a friend that made my mounts they are easier than you would think.we measued the engine an built the mount.stuck the engine an trans in an built the trans mount.the drive shaft wasn't a problem just took the chevy yoke an got it double tubed an welded to the stock end.bought a shifter and used the stock z alt.it wasn't as big a deal as i thought.i'm running mine with no flaws i can tell.she does great on the street an doing fine at the track.i got a 89 350 an a tubo350 trans.i drive this car everyday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Z-rific Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 Check your local salvage yards for a running engine/tranny combo. But them complete with alternator, distributo, starter, the whole shabango. Just call all the places you can and get the best price. You can clean these up and drop em in and modify later when you have some more cash. I think you can get there for under $2000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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