Need help big time.... plus new.

[Guest ON3GO]

Ok my name is mike and im new here.

I have been a Z owner and lover for many years now and i just bought a 1973 240Z.

I have a 1993 300zx also but it will be sold soon so i can put the money into the 240Z and then buy a 510

This is the problem... im lost.

I paid 300 bucks for a rust free 240Z with no motor, missing seats and lots of other parts.

Now I always wanted to do what Darius did with his Z but I know for a fact he has lots of internal work so he can run that 15psi on that LT1. Now i would love to do this but im a poor college student thats not making enough money to do crap like that. So now i bought a Z with hopes of doing something crazy and fast but on a budget...and now im lost.

Should I just put a LT1 with a 6-speed and do some bolt-ons and then a nice shot of N.O.S say like a 100shot.

Or say put a SR20DET or RB20DET in it and spend what i can to make it fast enough for me.

What do you guys think?

Would a SR20DET fit? would the 5-speed?

anybody that has any ideas please post and ill take note..

what i want is a low 12sec car that handles and that i can drive everyday..

Thanks guys

 

mike

[Guest Anonymous]

I think you should sell me your rust free shell . No really sell me your shell. Mike, no matter how fast you make your cart you will be wanting more a few months later. That said, sell me your shell. A good place to start, no matter what engine you drop in it is the structural stuff, sub frame conntector, a cage or roll bar, up grade the suspension and brakes and then when you are out of money, sell me you shell . If you do that stuff first your car will be ready to receive any power plant you decide on. Or it will be ready for me to put an lt-1 and t-56 in it. Just my preference. Mark

[denny411]

If you definitely want the ls1,I would recomend finding a donor car to strip the drivetrain from.Then get the car together and running in stock lt1 form. wait to do any serious mods until you`ve got more money to play with.(besides, a stock lt1 in a 2500 lb car is no slouch) you can always do more later, try to avoid getting so much money and time into it, that you get buned out and bail on the project early. If you have the car painted and looking nice, it will help to keep you motivated. The problem many of us make, is stipping the car and having this ugly hulk sitting around soaking up all of our extra time and money. if you take your time and do a little at a time, it will cost less and you will be more likely to finish

[Guest Anonymous]

For a young guy on a budget.... Keep it simple and get a plan. You already have a non running 240 Z for starters. Get it running even if it takes an L6 engine and then improve on the car until the car is ready for more engine power.The reason I am not interested in 6 speeds/LT1's/computers/LSD etc. is because I am having enough trouble understanding carbs and old SBC's. There are fellows on this board who are extremely clever putting together all aspects of high tech modifications beyond my shade tree mechanical abilities but yet they will all admit to the difficulties they have wrestled with. Get the basics completed and then go for the "Darius" when you have the time,money,expertise. Keep it simple if you are on budget and learn. Unbelievable knowledge floating around here in cyberspace. Just read Denny's post.... Amen! Mark , I would be interested in the fiberglass parts if you get first dibbs. LOL (2 post while I was writing)

[Guest ON3GO]

Thanks for writing back guys.

well yes its rust free and no its not forsale..

The thing is i cant wait to do a swap, i need to do it ASAP.

So if i just put a LT1 in there or a SR20 with some stuff i know ill be happy but how much am i looking at for just the basics to get those motors in there with the tranny and the car working.

also has anybody done a SR20 in a 240Z?

what parts would i need for a LT1 swap?

where could i go around getting these parts too?

Thanks guys for all your help..

 

mike

[Kinked_Chrome]

Due to the content of the site most guys will probably recomend the SBC (LT1 in your case), i'm the same. In my eyes (since i know nothing about the sr20) the lt1 would be easier and more cost effective for the power. 90% of the JTR still applies to the LT1, thus making it much easier on you. There are some things that you may find difficult with the LT1 (wiring, fuel, pulleys) and some easier (no hood latch mod, ease of FI, etc.) Anyways good luck on your project.

[Guest ON3GO]

well Kinked_Chrome how much did your swap end up being? like just the basics.

thanks

 

mike

[Kinked_Chrome]

well first of all i'm in the same boat you are. In school and short on cash. I'm a senior in highschool this year. I have about $3000 into the car. The major purchases are $600 for the running car, $1500 for the motor and tranny (50,000 miles, all wiring and PCM and shipped), $170 for my driveshaft, $200 for all new bushings, $200 in brake upgrades (junk yard stuff), and the rest is in other misc. stuff (radiator, fan, fuel pumpetc.). I saved a lot of money fabricating my own stuff and taking advantage of small junkyards who think they rip you off, but in reality i get the good deal. I was also very patient when shopping, waiting for a good deal and it worked out quit nicely. Check out my website to see some pics of my car...they are outdated by about 5 months though...but it will give you a little idea of some things. Good Luck!