Guest nitroexpress65 Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 I just purchased a 78 280 for $300 w/ no engine or tranny. Every thing else is perfect. I need some advice on which engine tranny to use. I want a stick and 8 cyls intrigue the heck out of me in this car. Had a 260 many moons ago and am looking to blow the doors off some of the little fast and furious kiddies in the neighborhood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest coolmesser Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 it all depends on what type of cash you're willing to part with. read this board for various options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nitroexpress65 Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 I would like to seewhat i could do for 3-5k. i work in the auto rv industry so i get parts and labor at cost, which is 25-35% less than what guys pay over the counter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNeedForZ Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 ...am looking to blow the doors off some of the little fast and furious kiddies in the neighborhood. So are many of us...heheh 280Z has thicker sheetmetal so you can swap a V8 in there without serious chassis stiffening. 3K~5K....try looking into doing a LS1 swap. A lot of good info can be accessed to through the search function. Also buy a copy of THE bible : The Datsun V8 swap manual from this site http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Datsun_Z_V-8.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MONGO510 Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 You have come to the right place for info. I am fairly new to this site and have found a wealth of info in the various posts. I am in Wilsonville and have a 260 that I am slowly puting together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest coolmesser Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 I am in the middle of it now also. For 3-5k I wouldn't go the LS1 route because you would (so I have seen) go over budget. Of course some around here may have been able to slide under - but I just don't see it. If you got the Z in Portland you need to do some serious inspecting for rust in the front before sinking that money into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob88 Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 I've spent 3 and a half thousand so far and mine isnt close to being done. This is with the first generation carburated small block 350 and a WC T5 5 speed. These were both rebuilt for 2k. If you add the bellhousing, clutch kit, master cylinder, and flywheel, you have at least 2 and a half thousand. The JTR kit was I think around 500. I got my intake and carb cheap for 70 (used). If you add all the other stuff you forget to budget like the shifter, fuel pump, fuel lines, ect. It adds up. LS1, in my opinion is pretty much out of the question until you have 7-8 grand. The LS1 and T56 alone can cost 3 i think. Correct me if im wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azguy Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 If you don't get sucked into the "while i'm at it" black hole, you should be fine with 3-5k IMO. I'm assuming your going to be doing all the work on the car yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaEvil Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 First get the JTR book its priceless when first starting and will save you alot of cash on mistakes. I did my 350/700R4 for about 3k it ran well but I can't seem to leave well enough alone . LS1/T56 is about a week away from having some serious fun but I'm in to it about 7k and thats me doing all the work. So as always it comes down to the mighty dollar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop N Wood Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 Unless you have a line on a stolen engine with only $3k to 5K you can rule out an LS1. Complete LT1 engines with auto trans, computer and harness can be had from ebay for $1500. 305's can be had for less. Get the JTR manual and read up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest coolmesser Posted July 25, 2005 Share Posted July 25, 2005 if you want some kind of estimate on prices then read through this site. I can tell you some of the going rates right now for the stuff I acquired: JTR manual - $40 (with S&H) JTR conversion kit w/ radiator & mounts - about $600 350 - obviously varies. I picked up a decent 4 bolt w/ TBI for $450 700r4 - (what I picked) $250, obviously varies also TV cable kit - $140 Shifter - $150 materials for coilover - around $600 (depending on what you have for tools) I still have a ways to go. Headers, cam, new intake and carb (if I go there), new brakes (ugh), fuel line and pump ... not to mention the fact I am making it into a convertible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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