280z + L28ET - inputs welcome!

[AtlantaZ]

I'm launching off on my first Z-car motor build and swap, and I'd love to hear others' inputs and thoughts as I go!

 

The plan is to take a good condition L28ET engine out of a 1983 ZX donor and transplant it into my 1976 280Z.

Here's what I'm trying to prevent:

1. Me at a red light, next to some kindly old man in a stock Honda Accord

2. Old man smiles, nods approvingly at a fine example of the very sort of car he learned to drive on

3. Old man proceeds to leave me in his dusty, stock-Honda-and-Fibercon wake, smelling faintly of mothballs

 

In other words, I want to make my daily driver move as fast as it looks - or at least give it the capability. I don't autocross (yet) and I only occasionally make forays above 5,000rpm. Sadly, my begrudging respect for safety and speed limits prevents me from pushing the car too hard on my local roads. So I'm not looking for a "monster" (boring, I know), but a solid daily driver that's capable of lighting 'em up if/when needed.

 

Priority #1: Reliability (my daily driver)

Priority #2: Horsepower - 300rwhp

 

Current status:

F54 block, pistons, rods, and crank all passed inspection - bottom end looks good, ready for rebuild, but is currently 100% stock with original components

P90a head passed inspection - valvetrain looks good, but is also 100% stock w/original components

(Above inspections were performed by local engine machine shop)

 

Next step:

Reassemble bottom end with new bearings, piston rings, & ARP rod/engine bolts. Have cylinder head gasket surface milled, 3-angle valve job, otherwise keep stock.

 

Haven't decided whether to upgrade to stainless steel valves, replace old valves with new OEM set, or keep the existing set - if the current set is within tolerances, would it be a waste of money to buy new valves?

 

Any other mods/parts I'm missing on the basic block & head to meet my goals?

[jacob80]

In the past year and a half, I've rebuild and swapped in an L28ET into my 240z. First off, this is plenty power, even with the stock turbo. I plan on putting on a bigger huffer but man, its scary as is with the stock turbo! Of course I will become bored with the power and want more, but a stock L28ET swap is definitely adequate for the kind of power you're looking for. As far as your rebuild, I would just rebuild it to stock spec if you're not going to push over 350 hp. The ARP hardware isn't necessary, but is good insurance for that power level. Pretty straight forward swap, nothing too complicated as far as build suggestions. Good luck!

[AtlantaZ]

Thanks for the feedback. My machinist is grinding and polishing the current set of valves, installing new stem seals, then I get all the shiny bits back for my own reassembly.

 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Megasquirt&Spark setup - what wiring harness did you use, where'd you buy your setup, pricing, etc... I'm looking at MS&Sv3.0 for my own setup, once I get to that part of the build.