to V8 now or to V8 later?

[waynekarnes]

the honest truth is ... the z will a challenge ... the 57 post is straight up almost bolt in ... they make mounts now, you can get rid of that funky front mount and tranny hanger ... side mount the small block in there. if it was a 6 banger, the radiator is on the grille side of the core support as opposed to the engine side. if so, you need a larger V8 radiator. if using a 4 speed, you'll need to get a bell crank bracket on the frame ( it's usually there, but may be in the wrong place for your current engine set up ).

 

it will be easier and cheaper to get the 57 streetable ( provided it's at least 90 % there now ), than it will be to get the z going.

 

figure on spending around 1300 to get the bare bones V8 z going ... that's if you fabricate and do most of the work with friends.

 

the only z cars that bring the big bucks are the ones that have fancy paint, interiors ect.

 

you need to check and recheck the frame rails for rust ... the z is basically an egg ... very strong as long as none of it is cracked .. RUST is the death kneel to the z car ... you may end up spending most of your budget repairing the rust, have 2k to 3k into the car and have it still looking like a beater.

 

but ... i have to tell you ... ( i have owned 2 1957 nomads, 2 1955 two door hard top bel airs ), if you can let the 57 sit, and you never want to sell it ... let it sit ... gather up a few friends, about 2 grand the JTR book, their kit and build the V8 z car ...

 

the rear end won't take a whole lot of abuse from the manual, an automatic will allow it to live long for you to have some fun and still be able to sell the car when you're tired of it ...

 

if you leave the interior as is, don't go making it like your fancy truck, and the z has very little rust, you could probably build a real decent z for the 21 grand mark. no show winner, but something that'll chase down a camaro and mustang or two.

 

mine is a scarab. built by my friend's cousin back in 77. 350 V8, prev owner claims 350 horse ( i think less ), vette 4 speed, 200R ( 280z-stronger ) 3rd member, 280 z half shafts ( stronger ).

 

still has stock suspension, was supposedly rebuilt less than 5k miles ago, springs, stuts, ect, still have nissan parts number tags on em ... much too mushy for me !!!

 

enough of that ...

 

again, the z is a toy, the 57 a true investment .. you can turn the 57, hold onto it and it's money in the bank.

 

the z, you'll have to sit on for a while, it won't be as easy to sell as the 57, nor have quite the following.

 

as far as seat of the pants fun, a properly set up V8 z is hard to beat. easier to drive than the 57, you can beat it and not feel bad ( well too bad ), as it's not the classic the 57 is.

 

cost you more to do the 57, as you'll want to do it correct the 1st time and only do it once.

 

with the z, you can experiment .. be fewer people hounding you about ... why did you do that, telling you that you screwed that up, suggesting and messing with you, as they will if you start on the 57.

 

advantage z car ... if you start and don't finish, think you're in over your head,or run out of money ... you can salvage the V8 and drop it in the 57, and off the z car ... recover some of your money.

 

man i am rambling ...

 

simple .... if you have the ability ... if the z is sturdy, little structual rust ... if there is no panic to do anything with the 57 ... if you can scrape together about 1300 bucks ... if you can scrounge up parts ... build the z car.

 

if you are going to have to farm labor out ... if you may have to sell a car to finance this venture ... economically ... keep the 57 ... keep the z stock and enjoy it as is ...

 

did that help to confuse you ???

 

wayne

[waynekarnes]

OPPPPPSS !!!

 

not the 21 grand mark .... geeezzz

 

should say 2 grand mark ... your basic bare bones V8 z car ...

[Guest 71turboTEK]

I've got a real dilemma here. Currently i have got a "enging/trans-less" 240Z with the JCR fender kit. Parked right next to the sad little Z is my 64 chevy pick-up, and next to the a 57 bel-air post (also engine/trans-less). Being the broke college student that i am, very little money is floating around in my pockets, so therefore the "front yard trio" are feeling quite neglected.

 

My goal with the Z is to slap a 350 sbc in it and terrorize some local corvettes. I fiqured i could accomplish such a feat with my "street truck" after a full frame off restoration and a hot little 350 but the size of the truck isnt workin for me! (i will admit i sold the Z's turbo motor and 5 speed in order to buy heads for the truck, SACRALIGE, i know).

 

Now, since im a bonefide speed freak that is quite dissapointed with the 14.7 pass my truck consistantly runs, im wondering would it be worth it to do a heart transplant from the 64 to the Z?

 

Motor/Trans:

 

350 block bored 30 over

stock crank/rods

flat tops

dart iron eagle 64cc/180cc heads (thanks to the Z turbo motor/trans)

comp 222/234 .500-ish lift cam

edelbrock performer rpm intake

holley street avenger 670

and some other goodies

obviously the exhaust is not gonna work, but it is high dollar

1800 stall on a th-350 and a shift kit

b&m mega shifter

 

this set up in my 64 ran a 14.76 at 96 mph in a 3600lbs truck

 

Im on the fence between doin the swap or not. my truck is really nice right now, and i take to to shows in the summer. im fully capable, just need to find a little money for the kit and a R-200, but what sort of time would this combo push the Z to? low 13's?. *remember the JCR kit allows for some serious rubber*

 

Here are some pics of the "front yard trio"

http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=829254

 

I know this is a hybridz topic, but what do you all think? Should i tear apart the Chevy now......im thinking big block for it though!

 

Being a broke college kid sucks!

[Guest Magnum Rockwilder]

That motor would run 12's in the Z. Go for it. All you need is the JTR book.