Going from 1) Stock to 2) Breathing Better to 3) Street Mod

[Davey G]

It's a bone stock '78 280Z right now that runs great and I use it as a daily driver. Since it's running well I have considered a Phase 1 of making the stock engine breath better with higher volume cold air intake, headers, and 2.5" exhaust upgrade, then down the line do Phase 2 with head work, flat top pistons, clutch, and an appropriate cam for street performance.

 

But I've been told I would waste money on the headers because I need to go back with an N42 head for Phase 2, and they need a square port compatible header. Is the N47 so lame that if I'm aiming at an eventual 230-250 HP I'll need the N42? I'm getting conflicting stories from different Z motor builders. Either way is fine; I just want to use my car funds wisely.

 

Any experienced guidance would be welcome.

 

Thanks

[KillerBjt]

Well first of all about the headers, it was posted in the exhaust forum a long time ago that you could put a square port header on a round port head. But i would suggest you search for that post and confirm that but it has been discussed.

[Challenger]

Alot of people do as killerbjt said. Square port on a round port head.

 

Read up on NA L28s in the 6 Cylinder forum. You may decide to just combine your first and second step down the road. From what Ive seen on here and other websites, your stage one deal on a stock engine and computer will probably do very little, you might even sacrifice power at certain RPMs.