78 Datsun 280z-------------> 5.3 Build
10-24-2010, 07:41 PM
#1
78 Datsun 280z-------------> 5.3 Build As some of you might already know, I bought this little guy in February of this year off Hybridz.org for little more than a song. It's as "rust free" as they get haha. I paid $1500 for it, and drove 7 hours each way. It had the 355 SBC / TH350 mounted, but nothing was hooked up. A couple weekends later, it was terrorizing the streets, getting flipped off by 50+ year old ladies (open headers 
) I've wanted it to be an LSx, as that's the generation that I come from, and now it's going to be a reality!
Here is a quick pic of my 2002 Z/28
When I picked her up (not me--v)
Well today, I pulled/sold/delivered the 355 SBC that was in it for $900.
There is SO much room in this engine bay!!!
(especially compared to an f-bod)
I have so many wheels / tires in my shop, its comical
I also deleted the rear bumper, and crash things. It was a whole lot easier when I realized it had to be done from the top :angry:
Thats really all I have for now, But I'll keep it updated as I make more progress!
) I've wanted it to be an LSx, as that's the generation that I come from, and now it's going to be a reality!Here is a quick pic of my 2002 Z/28
When I picked her up (not me--v)
Well today, I pulled/sold/delivered the 355 SBC that was in it for $900.
There is SO much room in this engine bay!!!
(especially compared to an f-bod)I have so many wheels / tires in my shop, its comical
I also deleted the rear bumper, and crash things. It was a whole lot easier when I realized it had to be done from the top :angry:
Thats really all I have for now, But I'll keep it updated as I make more progress!
Last edited by STEEPSS; 10-24-2010 at 07:46 PM.
10-25-2010, 09:51 AM
#5
Not to mention the small block swap kit that I just sold for 550. And the miscellaneous other parts I have left from the carb setup.
So:
1500
-900
-550
For a grand total OF: $50 for a clean roller
10-26-2010, 02:27 PM
#9
FormerVendor
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I don't know if you're going to build your own mounts, but we offer a conversion kit to put the LS based engines in the 280Z. I've been looking into building one, ever since we engineered the kit, but I can't touch the deal you found.
10-26-2010, 07:36 PM
#10
... That is, if you were to give me the mounts. haha
However, I personally don't like the fact that the engine sits an additional 3" further forward with your kit, than that of your competitor's. Looks like a good kit, but I'm trying to keep this car as 50 /50 weight distribution as possible.
Thanks for the kind words regardless
10-27-2010, 08:10 PM
#11
well i have a little progress to report.
I tore into the wiring, labeling everything, and taking it out of the engine bay. I'll be using a stand alone wiring harness, so 90% of this will be replaced / deleted.
Here's the engine bay, pre-cleaning, without all the wiring.
Here's where all the wiring now resides. haha, Just for the time being.
I did find a couple more small rust spots, in the culprit areas.
Below battery box
and on the drivers side, same spot
here's the rust on the passenger's floor pan. Not terrible, but I'm gonna replace it.
and the other Z. It's been driving me crazy lately, battling a nasty driveline vibration.
That's all I got done last night!
I tore into the wiring, labeling everything, and taking it out of the engine bay. I'll be using a stand alone wiring harness, so 90% of this will be replaced / deleted.
Here's the engine bay, pre-cleaning, without all the wiring.
Here's where all the wiring now resides. haha, Just for the time being.
I did find a couple more small rust spots, in the culprit areas.
Below battery box
and on the drivers side, same spot
here's the rust on the passenger's floor pan. Not terrible, but I'm gonna replace it.
and the other Z. It's been driving me crazy lately, battling a nasty driveline vibration.
That's all I got done last night!
10-27-2010, 08:34 PM
#12
Teching In
Join Date: Aug 2010
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My dad had a 280zx with a turbo that was soooooo much fun to drive. I wanted to put a 350 in it for years. I came home from college one weekend to find he sold the car for $300 because he wanted to park in the garage. Car was so clean. I LOVE your car. Please finish it.
