GMCtrk

iTrader: (23)

Some guy has an ad in the local paper for a 72 280z with no motor or tranny for 200 obo. No information on the condition of the body. I really want to do the 300z swap, but hell $200

NJSPDER

iTrader: (2)

i say hold out for the car you want. if you start on teh 280 or even get it done it will be cool, but it still isn't the 300 you wanted.
whenever you have a big project in mind, don't compromise or cut corners in any way, you will only end up disappointed.

later
tim

GMCtrk

iTrader: (23)

very true, thanks for putting that in perspective.

Also, the guy must have made an error in the listing, but I don't think there was a 280 in 1972??? (correct me please, I know nothing about these older cars). Wouldn't it have to be a 240z?

5.7LImport

You're right.. '72 will be a 240z. Awesome car to do an LS1 swap into! Even if you want to go with a 300, you might as well spend the measliy $200 just in case you decide to go with the Datsun... it would be a cheaper swap overall.

NJspder has a good point though... if you are REALLY set on a 300, then wait and get that... you don't want to have ANY regrets after sweating and bleeding through a swap.

What 300zx are you thinking about? the 80's z31 or the 90's z32? I've got my 91 just about complete and it's been one helluva trip. Lot's of little things keep popping up that need to be tended to... but you'll find that with any swap.

Lemme know if you have any questions.. .I'm a Z car fanatic so I know quite a bit about 'em.

-Vann

GMCtrk

iTrader: (23)

Hey, thanks for the reply! The Z I am interested in is the Z32. I'm looking to just find a cheap 90-91 with no motor, tranny, blown, ect. Only thing is the car needs to be in good shape.

Overall, how much would you say a whole complete swap would cost for a Z32?

I'm thinking the car can be had for $2000
Engine is still up to be decided. LS1's are about $2500, 6.0L iron block is about $1200.
T-56 Tranny $1000-1200

plus whatever needs to be done

5.7LImport

I think you're definately on the right track. $2000 would be a good price for a z32 rolling chassis. I think you'd be able to find a decent looking Z for that price. You've got the engine/tranny prices down too, so you know what big costs to expect. For my z32 swap.. heres what my costs (ones which you may encounter) look like:

(check out THIS PAGE too get all the up-to-date info on my swap)

- 1998 Trans Am WS6 LS1 + 4L60E combo ($3800)
-- sold the 4L60E (+$450)
- bought Corvette T-56 by mistake (DOH! - $900)
-- sold it (+$800)
- bought F-body T-56 for $550
- custom motor mounts/tranny mounts + fitment ($350)
- Z06 Clutch ($300)
- LS1 master and slave clutch cylinders ($250)
- Custom fit radiator ($400)
- Electric fans ($100)
- Upgraded to 2002 LS1 Fuel rails ($50)
- New fuel pump, filter and regulator ($400)
- All custom gauges (it is near impossible to use the stock cluster, trust me, I really wanted to use my stock gauges... but it was just insane wiring)
-- gauges cost for:
-> Tach, Speedo, Gas, Water temp, Oil temp, fuel pressure ($500)
- Custom Driveshaft ($300)
- New exhaust ($400)

And a little bit more here and there... brings my swap (almost all of it) to roughly: $7000 not including the rolling chassis you'll be buying.

It's a pricey swap if you do it all correctly and ensure you still have accessories and all that. It's still not a bad deal if you spend $2k on that chassis... with the extra little costs, probably max you'd spend would be $11,000 for one helluva sweet ride. (of course, you might always find better deals than I did, or use different parts that would affect your costs.. so I'm just trying to give you a ceiling price )


It'd be Rare too! You'd have 1 of 3 in existence (only mine and one other out there right now! ). The price is a bit steep for one of these swaps, but the outcome is very much worth it. I still havent driven mine since Ive been away at school and waiting for it to get out of the paint shop!

Any more questions.. be sure to let me know!

-Vann

GMCtrk

iTrader: (23)

Well I think I have pretty much settled on the iron block 6.0L truck LS1. I can justify the extra cost of the LS1. Sure it weighs about 100lbs less, but it also has less displacement.

6.0 complete can be had for $1200 and as you say T-56 for $600. So that's $1800 total, compared to $3800 you paid for your drivetrain. With that extra $2000, you can do a nice H/C combo that will destroy whatever stock power the LS1 has over the 6.0

5.7LImport

Sound like a plan! You'll really have to keep your eye out for a nice T-56 that's affordable. I waited a long time before I found that one for such an awesome price. I'm sure you'll be able to pick one up sometime.

Heads/Cam is my next objective... definately worth doing with the "extra" funds you'd have. Nothin like going all-out from step 1 !

Good luck once again... hopefully the numbers you've got lined up all work out! Get that beast started! I'll be around if you need help.

-Vann

55LS1

iTrader: (6)

FYI, I think there is a 90's Z on ebay right now with the conversion already done, it was only around 7k when I saw it.

5.7LImport

Ya, he's posted here and on HybridZ.org,... he managed to start his swap after I started mine and finished it WAY before me! That guy can Fab.

But even so, there are lots of differences between his swap and mine.

-Vann