1975 280z v8 swap

[Guest spillicious]

Hey guys...well my friend and i just picked up a 1975 280z the other day to begin a swap. Kinda just hoping to hear from some guys that have done this swap already or maybe in the process of it...to see what engine they used, some problems they faced, good resources etc. any good information is greatly appreciated. We live in East Bay Area,California and are starting to think we may be in over our heads take it easy and looking forward to hearing from you guys and become a part of this community of Hybrid Z's!!

[BrandonsZ]

I don't know the differences between the swap in a 75 and a 72, but I can try to help if you have specific questions. Look at my tag line.

[Forrest]

First stop: http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Datsun_Z_V-8.html

 

Second stop:

[Dan Juday]

Welcome to hybrid!

 

I've done two V8Z swaps. Both Chevy EFI motors. I think the '95 f-body LT1 is the absolute perfect motor for a 1st gen Z car that's driven on the street. But that's JMHO. We have a lot of opinions here on hybrid. You might say they are as prevalent as... well, you know.

 

You are starting with the perfect year, '75. Just old enough to be smog check excempt for California but with all the added structural reinforcements that the 280 unibodies got.

 

Check the car over good for rust and frame rail damage, common in old Z's. And read a bunch of threads from the archives. There's tons of valuable info here if you are willing to search.

 

And don't worry. Many people have gone before you to make this an easy swap. Start by getting yourself a JTR book.

[SSflyer]

Probably the first question to ask yourself is how much money (and time) do you want to put into your project. Believe me, if you plan to spend $3k, you'll end up spending $9k. I've got a 75 that's about 70% complete, and I expected to spend no more than $10k to have a nice driver. Not special, just nice. I just broke $21k and there's still a few things needed. If you have an unlimited budget, lots of time, and a good selection of tools, do an LS1 transplant. If you're more sensible than some of us, then go with the LT1 or even an old TPI or TBI. These cars are so light that you'll get all the performance you need, and you'll still get the head turning that comes with a V8 Z-car. Beware of the 'One more thing" syndrome.

[BrandonsZ]

Probably the first question to ask yourself is how much money (and time) do you want to put into your project. Believe me, if you plan to spend $3k, you'll end up spending $9k. I've got a 75 that's about 70% complete, and I expected to spend no more than $10k to have a nice driver. Not special, just nice. I just broke $21k and there's still a few things needed. If you have an unlimited budget, lots of time, and a good selection of tools, do an LS1 transplant. If you're more sensible than some of us, then go with the LT1 or even an old TPI or TBI. These cars are so light that you'll get all the performance you need, and you'll still get the head turning that comes with a V8 Z-car. Beware of the 'One more thing" syndrome.

 

WOW! I must have really stayed away from the "one more thing" syndrome. Well that and the bet I made with my wife that I could make a better car with less than 1/2 the cost of her new car. But I did manager to spend everything I budjeted and I still don't have cool rims or new seats. Just barely did it, but "better" is so subjective .