Hey there... got a quick question for all you Z gurus out there...

I'm thinking of buying a real early model 240z (best bodystyle IMO)... now the question is this:

I know there are small block chevy V-8 conversion kits out there... but how easy/cheap is it?

Also, I have a 280zx turbo motor with 215k miles... I can buy a new one from this catalog I have if I send the core back along with 800 or so dollars... would a 280zk motor fit in a 240 z? If it would, would there be much space left over to throw an intercooler in?

Thanks for your help...

-Grendel

hey there,

V8 swaps are easy, and fairly inexspensive but you must start with a good base. a rusted first gen Z will twist apart when you start hammering the throttle with your V8. look into JTR (jags that run) and check out HybridZ.org. that is the spot for engine swaps and other super high-tech Zs. the 280ZXT motor is known as the F54 block, this is the final evo of the L series motor and by far the best. it has extra webbing between the cyl. walls....and a couple more special features. it will bolt right into the stock 240/260/280 mounts with no prob, and will even bolt up to the stock four speed tranny. Im running a 83T block stock four speed w/ 77 FI. its a nice simple setup....and with a watchful eye will get you where you want to go. while it no doubt that a SBC will give you more HP....its going to be hard to find a way to use it, plus i think its the easy way out of the "more power" syndrome. the ZXT doesnt take up any more space than the stock L24 thats in the 240Z, while turbo plumbing is a bit more difficult, its not imposible....and looks at home under the Zs bonnet. as far as intercooler room is concerned...im running a huge garret IC measuring 32x20x3. i still have a little room to grow, and it fits real nice in front of the radiator.

so with that in mind keep the questions coming...........

ps. ive seen SBC, BBC, 351 windsors, 427s and even a 390 hemi in a Z. you can fit almost anything. IE my next Z project is 72 240Z with a SR20DET. while going down a couple cylinders....the power to weight ratio will be amazing.

laterZ

Wow, thanks for the quick and detailed reply...

Thats great news that the 280 motor will bolt right in... now im on the hunt for a 240z with a decent body...

how is the 4 speed out of a 240z? would one of the 280 5 speeds work better w/ a 280 engine swap?

sr20det motor swap eh? I havent heard much about those motors... can they be made pretty powerful?

thanks again for your help... im sure i have more questions... im just to tired to think right now :P

-Grendel

hey 240zracer,

I have a '72 Datsun 240z that has low mileage and rust-free and a brand new JTR v8 conversion manual. Now I'm ready to go engine shopping!

I want to find a cheap car with a strong 350 and 700r4 transmission. I once had an '84 Buick LeSabre with a 350 and a 700r4 tranny that died and left me stranded:bloated: The JTR book recomends 86 and later 700r4 trannys for better reliability.

What yrs and models of cars will I most likely find a 350 and reliable 700r4? Maybe a Caprice or an older LeSabre? Also I don't want computer controlled and not sure what year they started doing that.

thanks a lot!

From w8ezl

To all of you who ar looking for an early 1971 240z...I have one in good condition. A header was put on as well as new breather...also Koni shocks. I have all the original parts saved. It has 55,000 original miles but I'm afraid it's been in the garage toooo many years and the hydraulics are seized up. Too old not well enuff to bother with it any more. Leave msg. if interested!

w8ezl Don

im looking for a 71 240... all im looking for i one with a solid frame

im looking for a 71 240... all im looking for i one with a solid frame and no rust on frame and minimal on body... engine and suspension is going to be changed so that does not matter... do you have pics and est. price... and whre do u live

sr20det motor swap eh? I havent heard much about those motors... can they be made pretty powerful

SR20DET motors can be made to be pretty powerful with an exchange of the turbo. The only problem is that they are a bitch to pass SMOG in the US, that is why they weren't originally brought to the US. Ultimately, what you would want is an RB26DETT. That is the 2.6L twin turbo inline 6 from the R34 Nissan Skyline. I am doing some research, for that is what I would like to do to my 240Z. So far all I know is that since the R34 Skyline is a 4WD car, you would need to opt for the RB25DET transmission, for they were RWD, and it will mate perfectly to the RB26DETT. I will post more info when I can find some.

SR20DET motors can be made to be pretty powerful with an exchange of the turbo. The only problem is that they are a bitch to pass SMOG in the US, that is why they weren't originally brought to the US.


Ummm, while partially correct, the main reason for the SR never being imported is the fact that the 240SX would be priced out of the market, it would also offer up some direct competition to the Z car. Now if you are Nissan, why would you want to offer a car with performance comparable to your "flag ship" Z car, but at a fraction of the cost. It does not make good financial sense. in Japan though, its another story.

Ultimately, what you would want is an RB26DETT.

Why? Also, what makes smogging the RB so much easier than the SR? Neither of them were ever legally imported (lets forget MotoRex for a minute) and will never be "legal" for US roads. However, when installing such an engine in a early Zcar, or 510, or any car pre 25 year rolling exemption, smog legalities don’t really matter anyway.

That is the 2.6L twin turbo inline 6 from the R34 Nissan Skyline.

And R33, R32 ECT ETC. oh, and RB26DETT are GTR models only. So many people forget that there are four door skylines, and non-turbo skylines. Not all of them are super cars. The RB has been around a long long time, since the mid eighties if I remember right, as a matter of fact, there was a 300ZX built from the Factory using RB power....

RB20DET..

anywho,

I am doing some research, for that is what I would like to do to my 240Z. So far all I know is that since the R34 Skyline is a 4WD car, you would need to opt for the RB25DET transmission, for they were RWD, and it will mate perfectly to the RB26DETT. I will post more info when I can find some.

You need a RWD oil pan as well. The AWD oil pan is a cast unit containing the front differential. Then you need custom motor mounts, stronger rear end, FI petrol tank, larger fuel lines, updated electrics, new driveshaft, and lots of little bits that add up quickly.

Personally, the SR is still at the top for the mere fact that they are cheaper to buy, and cheaper to maintain than the RB. While the SR will never make the power and Torque that the RB can make, but you can still make 400WHP on a stock bottom end, and in a 2300# zcar, it will satisfy for some time. Not to mention it’s lighter, and basically installs behind the front struts towers. Also, there are versions of the SR20 in state side Nissan cars already, so some hard parts are available on dealer shelves.


End transmission.

SR20DET motors can be made to be pretty powerful with an exchange of the turbo. The only problem is that they are a bitch to pass SMOG in the US, that is why they weren't originally brought to the US. Ultimately, what you would want is an RB26DETT. That is the 2.6L twin turbo inline 6 from the R34 Nissan Skyline. I am doing some research, for that is what I would like to do to my 240Z. So far all I know is that since the R34 Skyline is a 4WD car, you would need to opt for the RB25DET transmission, for they were RWD, and it will mate perfectly to the RB26DETT. I will post more info when I can find some.


Let me know what you find out. I wnat to put a RB26DETT engine in my 260Z. So I guess I need an RB26DETT and a tranny from an RB25?

check out www.hybridz.org for enormous info on all swaps....

[QUOTE=Screamnwheels] you would need to opt for the RB25DET transmission,


i thought the skyline motor would bold right up to you stock trans