Datsun project car?

Alright guys I've been looking into that V8 datsun Idea that has been floating around on here and I want to get some more info. First, how much power and Torque could an early Z-car handle?(I'm looking at the Recon 350 from summit with 350 HP) How much power would be required to beat a viper? If I was to move some weight around would I be able to make this car handle at about the same level as say, a Boxter S. Also, why do the ZX models weigh more than the Z models? Any input would be a huge help

I forgot to ask what would the 1/4 mile time and top speed be assuming that I use a th 700 and a 3.55 rear gear?

Ok, to tackle your questions one by one...

First, How much power can the early Z car's handle? This is a relative term. Depending on the condition of the car and how well it was taken care of. Normally I'd say for a car that age, 500-600hp. But since these cars are lightweight and rear wheel drive. 500-600hp isn't unheard of with the V8 Datsuns. They don't grab enough traction to really twist the frame. But to be safe I wouldnt push the little cars chassis past 450hp.

How much power would be required to beat a Viper? Doing what 1/4 mile? Road racing? It all depends, if you can get it to hook, 400hp should be able to do it with proper gearing and torque converter (if you're going with a automatic.)

When doing the V8 swap, you're only adding 140lbs to the car. That's basically the weight of a passenger. Nothing to go crazy over. But, you should be happy to know that since the V8 is a shorter motor than the original L6 motor it's actually bringing the cars center of gravity closer to center. Where you want it for handling. So with proper coil over suspension and sway bars you'll be able to hang with some very high dollar cars.

Weight differences on the Z cars. If i'm not mistaken the ZX's were turbo charged. So you got to remember all the turbo components and extra options like leather seating and moon roofs weighed the car down. Thus the more luxurious cars weighed more... but had more power.

If you had a 350hp Chevy with a 700R4 and 3.55 rear... mid 14s. The 700R4 is a terrible 'drag' race transmission. It's gear ratios are too far apart, so when it shifts the RPMs drop too far to make it a great tranny. For normal driving the Over drive function of it would be great on gas. But, If you want to make it sporty of any kind I'd say go for a 5 speed manual out of a 3rd Generation Camaro (1982-1992). That way you can run a 3.73 gear and pull harder than the automatic.

Top speed, umm hard to say with a 3.55 rear and 700R4.. but i'd venture to say 130-135mph? Maybe a bit higher.


Thats my :2cents:

Thanks for the info man. I'm glad I read this because a I was just about to go buy a 700 out of a wrecked F-body.

If you had a 350hp Chevy with a 700R4 and 3.55 rear... mid 14s. The 700R4 is a terrible 'drag' race transmission. It's gear ratios are too far apart, so when it shifts the RPMs drop too far to make it a great tranny. For normal driving the Over drive function of it would be great on gas. But, If you want to make it sporty of any kind I'd say go for a 5 speed manual out of a 3rd Generation Camaro (1982-1992). That way you can run a 3.73 gear and pull harder than the automatic.
i think on the 280z's they will be running at least mid 13's with a 350hp engine. they only weighs something like 2500 lbs and that's a good car to swap it in.

the 300zx i'm getting is 3000 lbs on the other hand, and will have a 300hp engine in it. there is a similiar one with a "worn cam" right here (http://www.comet466.homestead.com/Page4.html) a lil down the page and it ran high 14's.