'73 240z LS3 Crate Swap
04-09-2014, 07:49 AM
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'73 240z LS3 Crate Swap Hey everyone,
New member here and thought I'd share my project. It's the biggest project I've taken on, and my first time doing anything with an LS. So I'll be looking for as much advice and guidance as possible.
I'm starting with a pretty solid running Datsun.
I've got some more stuff with it and will update later when I have more time.
My main concerns are what i need as far as accessories/brackets, what starter and clutch would be best, my best option for an engine harness/computer.
I'll have many more questions when I think of them haha. Looking forward to getting all learned up here at LS1Tech, I've heard many good things.
Thanks!
New member here and thought I'd share my project. It's the biggest project I've taken on, and my first time doing anything with an LS. So I'll be looking for as much advice and guidance as possible.
I'm starting with a pretty solid running Datsun.
I've got some more stuff with it and will update later when I have more time.
My main concerns are what i need as far as accessories/brackets, what starter and clutch would be best, my best option for an engine harness/computer.
I'll have many more questions when I think of them haha. Looking forward to getting all learned up here at LS1Tech, I've heard many good things.
Thanks!
04-09-2014, 11:25 AM
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Also I'd just like to throw this out there, I'm desperately looking for a 98-02 fbody t56, where I'm a new member I can't post in classifieds yet. I've called pretty much everyone on the east coast of Canada, and aparently there is nothing nationwide, only stateside.
I am doing a few other things to the car besides the LS swap.
Here's a few pictures of suspension work.
I am doing a few other things to the car besides the LS swap.
Here's a few pictures of suspension work.
04-11-2014, 07:54 PM
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04-14-2014, 10:45 PM
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Nice build, z cars were made for LS engines in my humble opinion. Regarding your questions:
I suggest using a stock LS1 Camaro/Firebird harness and computer. Get the schematics and do the harness diet yourself (it's not difficult just time consuming). I used a Painless fusebox and kept the LS wiring separate from the z wiring.
Stock LS1 starter too, nothing fancy needed.
There are several options for accessories depending on what your intentions are (street, race, a/c?, p/s?). I went with an electric water pump and a low mount alternator kit (no frills on my car). Do a little searching on this subject.
The market is flooded with clutches so you'll have to decide for yourself. Again, depending on intended use. I've had good luck with Monster clutches. Started with the level 3 and then bought the twin disc when it came out. If you buy the Monster, get the light flywheel option (18lb vs. 28lb). Absolutely no need for a heavy clutch in a lightweight z car. I would avoid the popular LS7 clutch, it's around 60lbs.
I suggest using a stock LS1 Camaro/Firebird harness and computer. Get the schematics and do the harness diet yourself (it's not difficult just time consuming). I used a Painless fusebox and kept the LS wiring separate from the z wiring.
Stock LS1 starter too, nothing fancy needed.
There are several options for accessories depending on what your intentions are (street, race, a/c?, p/s?). I went with an electric water pump and a low mount alternator kit (no frills on my car). Do a little searching on this subject.
The market is flooded with clutches so you'll have to decide for yourself. Again, depending on intended use. I've had good luck with Monster clutches. Started with the level 3 and then bought the twin disc when it came out. If you buy the Monster, get the light flywheel option (18lb vs. 28lb). Absolutely no need for a heavy clutch in a lightweight z car. I would avoid the popular LS7 clutch, it's around 60lbs.
04-15-2014, 03:02 PM
#10
If you get an early F body accessories then that will have the right accessories for the swap. The stock LS3 starter, clutch, computer and harness will all work. Since you have a crate motor you may need to buy the harness and computer separately. Whatever you get will need to be compatible with the I believe 58x reluctor wheel you have and throttle body (electronic or cable?).
Since you probably won't be running power steering you can easily adapt an F body alternator bracket to your LS3 and run an alternator only. If you want AC it will be a bit more work.
Not sure if the camaro oil pan will work. You might need to swap to the early F body or an LS2 unit. new oil pan means new pick up tube and windage tray.
I run a GM LS7 (LS2) clutch and flywheel. Works great for the street, all you need really. A lighter flywheel would be nice, especially in a car as light as a Z, but for the price the GM stuff is hard to beat.
By the way, post the same question on Hybridz and prepare to be butt raped.
Also keep in mind the early F body T56 transmissions aren't as strong as the later model ones. If you find one that has never been rebuilt, then keep the idea of it needing a $1500 rebuild in the back of your mind.
Since you probably won't be running power steering you can easily adapt an F body alternator bracket to your LS3 and run an alternator only. If you want AC it will be a bit more work.
Not sure if the camaro oil pan will work. You might need to swap to the early F body or an LS2 unit. new oil pan means new pick up tube and windage tray.
I run a GM LS7 (LS2) clutch and flywheel. Works great for the street, all you need really. A lighter flywheel would be nice, especially in a car as light as a Z, but for the price the GM stuff is hard to beat.
By the way, post the same question on Hybridz and prepare to be butt raped.
Also keep in mind the early F body T56 transmissions aren't as strong as the later model ones. If you find one that has never been rebuilt, then keep the idea of it needing a $1500 rebuild in the back of your mind.
04-15-2014, 10:20 PM
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Oh man I just sprayed beer on the monitor!I agree on the transmission. A used one is a 50/50 shot at best. My first one was used and had several shifting issues. After a year of that I'd had enough and just had TDP build it.
05-09-2014, 04:04 PM
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Sorry for the lack of updates, just haven't had a whole lot of time for the car lately.
That's the plan, I'd like to only have to run an alternator and nothing else. I really have absolutely no options for T56's I'll have to jump on the first one I see when the time comes and just hope for the best. They're all $2500+.. 
I really hope the pan I have will work to help keep costs down.
Thanks for the advice on the wiring. I have slim to none wiring experience in automotive applications but I deal with industrial electrical and electronics daily, and have no fear of doing my own.
Wow I had no idea there was that big a weight difference, that's huge! I'll definitely have a look at monster when the time comes.
I reaaaallly wanted an R230, but living in Nova Scotia sucks for finding parts. I've come across an R200 with axles that I'll be picking up hopefully this weekend.
Thanks everyone for the advice. It's going to save me headaches down the road!
If you get an early F body accessories then that will have the right accessories for the swap. The stock LS3 starter, clutch, computer and harness will all work. Since you have a crate motor you may need to buy the harness and computer separately. Whatever you get will need to be compatible with the I believe 58x reluctor wheel you have and throttle body (electronic or cable?).
Since you probably won't be running power steering you can easily adapt an F body alternator bracket to your LS3 and run an alternator only. If you want AC it will be a bit more work.
Not sure if the camaro oil pan will work. You might need to swap to the early F body or an LS2 unit. new oil pan means new pick up tube and windage tray.
I run a GM LS7 (LS2) clutch and flywheel. Works great for the street, all you need really. A lighter flywheel would be nice, especially in a car as light as a Z, but for the price the GM stuff is hard to beat.
By the way, post the same question on Hybridz and prepare to be butt raped.
Also keep in mind the early F body T56 transmissions aren't as strong as the later model ones. If you find one that has never been rebuilt, then keep the idea of it needing a $1500 rebuild in the back of your mind.
Since you probably won't be running power steering you can easily adapt an F body alternator bracket to your LS3 and run an alternator only. If you want AC it will be a bit more work.
Not sure if the camaro oil pan will work. You might need to swap to the early F body or an LS2 unit. new oil pan means new pick up tube and windage tray.
I run a GM LS7 (LS2) clutch and flywheel. Works great for the street, all you need really. A lighter flywheel would be nice, especially in a car as light as a Z, but for the price the GM stuff is hard to beat.
By the way, post the same question on Hybridz and prepare to be butt raped.
Also keep in mind the early F body T56 transmissions aren't as strong as the later model ones. If you find one that has never been rebuilt, then keep the idea of it needing a $1500 rebuild in the back of your mind.
I really hope the pan I have will work to help keep costs down.
Nice build, z cars were made for LS engines in my humble opinion. Regarding your questions:
I suggest using a stock LS1 Camaro/Firebird harness and computer. Get the schematics and do the harness diet yourself (it's not difficult just time consuming). I used a Painless fusebox and kept the LS wiring separate from the z wiring.
Stock LS1 starter too, nothing fancy needed.
There are several options for accessories depending on what your intentions are (street, race, a/c?, p/s?). I went with an electric water pump and a low mount alternator kit (no frills on my car). Do a little searching on this subject.
The market is flooded with clutches so you'll have to decide for yourself. Again, depending on intended use. I've had good luck with Monster clutches. Started with the level 3 and then bought the twin disc when it came out. If you buy the Monster, get the light flywheel option (18lb vs. 28lb). Absolutely no need for a heavy clutch in a lightweight z car. I would avoid the popular LS7 clutch, it's around 60lbs.
I suggest using a stock LS1 Camaro/Firebird harness and computer. Get the schematics and do the harness diet yourself (it's not difficult just time consuming). I used a Painless fusebox and kept the LS wiring separate from the z wiring.
Stock LS1 starter too, nothing fancy needed.
There are several options for accessories depending on what your intentions are (street, race, a/c?, p/s?). I went with an electric water pump and a low mount alternator kit (no frills on my car). Do a little searching on this subject.
The market is flooded with clutches so you'll have to decide for yourself. Again, depending on intended use. I've had good luck with Monster clutches. Started with the level 3 and then bought the twin disc when it came out. If you buy the Monster, get the light flywheel option (18lb vs. 28lb). Absolutely no need for a heavy clutch in a lightweight z car. I would avoid the popular LS7 clutch, it's around 60lbs.
Wow I had no idea there was that big a weight difference, that's huge! I'll definitely have a look at monster when the time comes.
Thanks everyone for the advice. It's going to save me headaches down the road!
05-09-2014, 04:12 PM
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Oh yeah... Couple minor updates I suppose...
Camber plates in...
Bay cleaned up and rattle canned... Bed liner... Lol
Front suspension in
Pretty much it... Been slacking on the Datsun big time.
Thanks again!
Camber plates in...
Bay cleaned up and rattle canned... Bed liner... Lol
Front suspension in
Pretty much it... Been slacking on the Datsun big time.
Thanks again!
05-11-2014, 08:22 AM
#16
Very sweet build.!!!
06-02-2014, 07:26 PM
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Looking good! R200 gets my vote for the diff. Not as strong as a 230 but plenty strong for most applications and waaaay lighter. Remember, if your car weighs 3200lbs when you're done it sort of defeats the purpose of installing a big engine in a little car 
06-02-2014, 07:40 PM
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Also, Pop-n-wood is right, you'll need LS3 harness and computer. Not the LS1 stuff I mentioned. Didn't look closely at the engine pic (apologies). Rest of the ingredients still applies.
06-02-2014, 08:22 PM
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T56 are pricey... a few alternatives are LT1 tranny... much cheaper however you need to do the LS conversion which I believe is about 300.00 ... which will keep the cost down a good amount.
You can go ole skool and get a M22 or M21 Muncie 4speed. It will bolt up and save space and weight. Make sure you get a late 60s early 70s tranny. It will hold the power. Early 80s and T5s will not hold the LS torque.
You can go ole skool and get a M22 or M21 Muncie 4speed. It will bolt up and save space and weight. Make sure you get a late 60s early 70s tranny. It will hold the power. Early 80s and T5s will not hold the LS torque.