350/280ZX steering box issues

[Guest 305240]

I've been toying with the idea of putting a SBC in my 81 280ZXT. I'm a little confused here. Everything I've searched for is all about doing the swap that has the steering box, not the power rack and pinion. Is the power rack setting behind the cross member an issue with the oil pan? I have a 81 coupe parts car with a power steering box, a 81 2+2 parts car with a power rack and pinion, and my 81 ZXT has a power rack. Could someone elaborate on the use of headers if the power R&P is used? Thanks guys. I've learned a lot on this forum.

[280zwitha383]

In my experience, a stock oil pan will barely clear the mounting brackets of the r&p setup. I have about 1/4" clearance without any modifications. As far as the steering shaft, you can either cut up a set of headers and re-weld them (like I did) or just buy the Sanderson headers from JTR.

 

Your exhaust pipe should go between the steering shaft and the frame, JTR does it that way and so did I.

[MikeJTR]

See attached link for ZX V8 headers with rack & pinion steering:

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_DATZX_Header-RackPin.html

 

The V8 mounting instructions also show the header on the driver's side:

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_DATZX_MountingInstructions.html

[Guest 305240]

Wow! Thanks guys. I see I need the updated JTR book now. I was just offered a sweet deal. A 67 283, with a 200R4. I'm looking for a highway cruzer, not a screamer. I think this combination will be the best for my needs. Again, thanks.

[MikeJTR]

The JTR book (Datsun Z V8 Conversion Manual), does not have any specific info for the ZX, so if are doing a ZX, the newer edition would probably not have the info you expect.