typhoone Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 Hi all, i am trying to research all of my options, and i was telling my friend about the fact that a 350 can fit in a 300. And he amazed me when he told me that he had an already built 350 at his house, and i could talk to his father to find out how much he wanted for it. He said that if i wanted to, i would have 2 pay for the fabricated parts and all that fun stuff, but that he would put it in for free as long as i was there to help. So, can anyone tell me where to find a write-up or anything to put a 350 in? i used the search function, but the newest one i found was back from 2005, and it was for a 91. That's all well and good, except that i am going to be putting it in an 86. Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
typhoone Posted November 4, 2006 Author Share Posted November 4, 2006 actually, i found one that seems like it will be helpful. Would anyone be willing to tell me their experiences with a 350 and around how much fabrication will be needed, also around how much money everything wound up costing in the end???? Thank you all very much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.INSANE Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 Custom mounts most definetly. The motor will be a tight fit aswell search for more info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbk240z Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 You might want to pm Alf, a member here on hybridZ. He has swapped an SBC into a 300Z. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaparral2f Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 I've done a 350 in my '84. You'll have to fab front motor mounts or else have Alf sell you a set of the ones he made. depending on what you use for a trans you will have to modify the rear cross member. You may also have to trim the "seam" on the firewall to clear the distributor. The only place that you might have clearance problems is getting the exhaust to clear the steering rack. I used blockhugger headers, and it was pretty tight. I think Alf used cast manifolds. As for it being a tight fit, there is more room around the 350 than there was around the V-6. Not only that but if you run aluminum heads and intake, there isn't very much weight difference between the two. Some minor things will have to be addressed too. For instance the fuel line will need to be changed to 3/8" from the tank to the engine. I removed the ECU because I run a magneto. The temp sender will need to be changed in the 350, but a good parts store will be able to set you up. Ihave a lot of pics so if you need any, PM me, and I'll email what you may want to see.There are a few pics in my gallery. Let me know if I can give you any information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
typhoone Posted November 4, 2006 Author Share Posted November 4, 2006 thanks much, just wondering, what is a magneto? i have never heard of that. if i don't go that route, will i be able to use the ecu for the 350 or will i have to use another route? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaparral2f Posted November 5, 2006 Share Posted November 5, 2006 A magneto just an ignition system that creates its own spark as opposed to having a battery power source. They are used a lot on race cars. I think that if you use an engine that is fuel injected you will need the computer (ecu) that controls the injection. My engine is carburated so I didn't need it. Besides I'm pretty old school and don't under stand the complexities of computer controlled engines. Something you need to consider though is what the smog laws are like where you live. Here in southern Oregon my car is old enough to get around the smog inspection. But like I said, a 350 is a pretty easy swap and will make a Z31 a really fun ride. Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alf Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Hey typhoone, it's nice to see interest in the Z31 swap. I have an 85 with a 307 and a three speed. There are a lot of questions to be answered; do you plan to run fuel injection or carb, auto or manual, and what you want to do with the car are just a few. I never did get a round to making mounts to sell, but I would be glad to give you the dimensions, they are rather easy to fab. As far as I know Chaparral2f and I are the only ones on the site who have performed the SBC Z31 swap succesfully. Here are some pics of mine and Chaparral's cars >>>>>> http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=108065&highlight=v8+z31 Also don't forget to check out my album, the link is at the bottom of this post. Read up and ask away with any questions you may have, I'd love to see another V8 Z31 roaming the streets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
typhoone Posted November 6, 2006 Author Share Posted November 6, 2006 i was actually planning on trying to talk to you. i was wondering, with this setup and how much stronger this engine is than the vg30et, what radiator do i use? i plan on going carb, and manual. i want to make this car something that doesn't turn peoples heads when they hear about it, but snaps their necks when they see it leave from a stoplight. I want to make this car GREAT. I am not to worried about the looks of the car right now, simply because if i do it right, i can take it to the track, win some nice money, and then put that back into the car. Repeat a couple of times and get the car looking as nice as it runs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
typhoone Posted November 8, 2006 Author Share Posted November 8, 2006 is there any full fledged write up on a 350 swap including what side parts will be needed? also, someone suggested that I might want to put a new rear-end on the zx to be able to hold the extra power. is this a valid suggestion? if so what is a good rear end to use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alf Posted November 8, 2006 Share Posted November 8, 2006 I did a short write-up on this swap, it's not very good, but if you would like to see it, just search for "300zx breif instructions". if you plan to go manual you're going to need a hydraulic throwout bearing or some type of slave cylinder setup. I used the stock clutch master cylinder and I'm not sure it has enough volume, maybe a universal wilwood one would be bettersomething along the size of 7/8 or 1 inch, stock is only 5/8. The driveshaft is nothing special, just find a good shop and have the shaft built with chevy joints so they are replaceable, and the rear "yoke thingy" with the four holes in it(for lack of a better name) is available from Neapco to adapt the chevy joint to the R200 diff. The rear end of the 300ZX consists of the r200 differential, yours is most likely an open 3.70 geared version, and u-jointed half shafts on non turbo models. These rears are very strong and it should be able to put up with a good deal of punishment, mine hasn't broke yet. Using a carburetor makes the wiring really simple, just make sure to label everything when you disasemble the car. All you're gonna need are; alternator, coil power, and starter wires. For cooling I used a new replacement dual core turbo zx radiator, it was only about 129 after tax, and a 15 inch electric fan mounted directly on the radiator. I also made a radiator inlet so that more air was directed to the core. I didn't have a temp guage, but it never overheated, though it did seem to run hot, but there were problems with my engine so I'm not sure if this is sufficient. Maybe chaparrel can answer this question better??? What transmission are you planning on using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
typhoone Posted November 8, 2006 Author Share Posted November 8, 2006 I am thinking of using a turbo 400, it has been suggested a few times and it sounds like a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
typhoone Posted November 8, 2006 Author Share Posted November 8, 2006 either that or a turbo 350, one or the other, which one do you suggest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.