'79 compared to '74 strut assembly

[majordanby]

I realize that I'm new here, but I have been reading Hybridz for over 2 years and I need some input. I read all the stickies I could find close to this, but alas I need the input of seasoned professionals.

 

I have a '79 280zx, it is actually my 3rd 280zx. I had one '79 that the brakes failed and I wrecked and an '81 2x2 parts donor. I have a rebuilt L28E with the N47 head on it with various upgrades, nothing past stock HP numbers.

 

I am looking into a 260z chassis to put my L28E and 5speed into. I realize there are some real differences between s30 and s130 chassis. However, on the ZX I have new Tokico springs and Tokico HP struts, as well as the MSA slotted/crossdrilled rotors and stainless steel brake lines. These parts have less than 2000 miles on them.

 

What is the dimensional difference between the '74 260z struts and the '79 280zx struts? Am I wasting my time trying to fit the parts I already have on an earlier model Z? Will attempting to put the late model parts in an earlier model completely ♥♥♥♥ up the suspension geometry, or will the s130 struts and hubs (built to stronger tolerences) help strengthen the 260z. If I can fit the whole strut assembly in, I plan to use the 280zx brake master cylinder to set up the brakes. Will the control arms tie in? When I swap the engine I plan on swapping the whole front crossmember, (and if it fits, the front control arms due to the adjustable camber bushings I already have in the crossmember).

 

Am I pissing up a rope or do I have a servicable idea? I am wholly comfortable with some moderate fabrication work and have the resources to do it. If this is too ambitious I can always sell the parts I bought, even at a significant loss and do things the right way. If my idea works out though, then it will forgo the rear disc conversion that I would eventually do anyway and save me buying a new suspension. Hey some lucky 280zx owner on these forums might get a deal on some lightly used suspension and brakes.

[johnc]

Look at outside diameter and height of the front springs on the 280ZX and compare them with the front springs on the 260Z. That should answer any of your questions.

[majordanby]

I don't have the 260z chassis yet. The front crossmember should be the same, so I could use the same control arms/ball joints etc. The tension rods might need some different mounts.

 

Checking spring dimensions is a great idea though.

[BRAAP]

The front cross member is NOT even remotely close to the same. The early Z has the rack and pinion on the front of the cross member, ZX, has the rack behind the cross member and not all ZX's had rack and pinion, some had recirc ball. Also, the T/C rods on the early Z run rearward, the ZX run forward. That is to clear the tie rod ends.

 

Yes the conversion can be done. How much custom fab work are willing to take on is the real question? And for what gain? Not wanting to loose a few dollars recently spent on ZX parts? It will cost thousands more in trying to get those parts on the 260-Z than it would be to upgrade the early Z front brakes and suspension to stuff that is known to fit and work, bolt in style. If you were hoping for a direct bolt in swap of components, uh.. well, it's not going to happen. In short, in wanting to use your ZX front suspension parts in a 260 Z would require approx the same amount of work, time and money as installing those same components in a '79 Toyota Corolla. The 260-Z and 280-ZX cars share the "Datsun" and "Z" badges, similar engines, tranny and diff, but that is about it. Everything else about these two cars is so drastically, they may as well be from a different manufacturer.

 

Oh I forgot, they share a couple more things. Wheel bolt pattern is the same as well as wheel offset.

[majordanby]

Thanks for the input, BRAAP.

 

Like I said in the OP, I am comfortable with some moderate fabrication. I have a full compliment of tools, a nice welder, space and time. I won't be sourcing out the fab work, I'll do it myself. I have several years of welding experience and a family member that is a mechanic/fabricator. I'm not going to cut the whole car in half with a torch and start putting in a tube frame or anything silly like that.

 

I am also very aware that the s30 and s130 are 2 different cars. My first priority is the rear brakes. I don't want to source out a rear drum to disk conversion if I can use what is on hand.

 

As to the front, fabbing up some new t/c mounts on the front is reasonable. I was planning on making some adjustable t/c rods while I was at it anyway as per the stickied thread. Slight modification of the ZX cross member to fit is fine. Also, I have the ZX rack and pinion steering rack, not the recirc/ball type. Since the linkage will be different length I can try and use the ZX linkage, or section out some of the original steering linkage. I want to fit in the ZX cross member with the ZX control arms to the bottom of the whole ZX strut assembly. But if the dimensions are off then it won't be worth it. If they are close enough, I can set up the proper mounting points for the other bits.

 

This is all in the brainstorming stage as it is anyway. I won't be able to plan much more until I have both cars side by side and start taking measurements. If it the numbers don't match up to my liking within my comfort level given my skill set, I'm not going to waste my time with the old parts and I'll buy the well researched bolt-ons. It's true, I'm considering a lot of work to use some low end aftermarket parts. I am looking at it more for the disc brakes and the opportunity to make the suspension fully adjustable than some tokico bits I already paid for.