240z Swap Logistics
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Round Rock, Texas
240z Swap Logistics I am in the research stage of my next project. I will be putting a v8 into a 70's model Datsun Z car. I am trying to decide the best route to go in terms of blocks.
I am considering either an LS1, LQ4/9, or LS2. As you all know there are several ways to go about getting started. I can either find a donor vehicle be it a Camaro, trans am, Chevy Express van, Chevy 2500, etc (LS2 donor vehicles are out due to cost). Buy a used block from someone locally, or buy a new block. Problem is the donor vehicles are getting hard to find and the prices have dramatically increased, as people have started to figure out what they have. Just wondering what direction you all would jump in.
My goals are to make this a weekend track car, but would like it to be as reliable as possible. Because of this the iron blocks weight might be a down fall. They are much easier to find and parts appear plentiful so I am wondering if the cheaper build cost will be worth the weight in the long run. I know its only an extra 80 or so lbs. Im hoping that it can be countered in suspension tuning. Thoughts?
I do not have an overall power goal or budget for the car, but would like to be as cost effective as possible as my funds are not endless by any means. I am still in the process of researching what heads to go with but I know that will depend on what block I end up with. Hopefully yall will have some awesome input. Thanks in advance.
I am considering either an LS1, LQ4/9, or LS2. As you all know there are several ways to go about getting started. I can either find a donor vehicle be it a Camaro, trans am, Chevy Express van, Chevy 2500, etc (LS2 donor vehicles are out due to cost). Buy a used block from someone locally, or buy a new block. Problem is the donor vehicles are getting hard to find and the prices have dramatically increased, as people have started to figure out what they have. Just wondering what direction you all would jump in.
My goals are to make this a weekend track car, but would like it to be as reliable as possible. Because of this the iron blocks weight might be a down fall. They are much easier to find and parts appear plentiful so I am wondering if the cheaper build cost will be worth the weight in the long run. I know its only an extra 80 or so lbs. Im hoping that it can be countered in suspension tuning. Thoughts?
I do not have an overall power goal or budget for the car, but would like to be as cost effective as possible as my funds are not endless by any means. I am still in the process of researching what heads to go with but I know that will depend on what block I end up with. Hopefully yall will have some awesome input. Thanks in advance.
The iron block V8 is around the same weight as the inline 6 you are pulling, but it will have the added advantage of having the weight concentrated lower and farther back. Neither motor is going to upset the handling and getting the weight lower in the chassis actually improve things.
An aluminum block combined with a rear diff upgrade will actually make the car slightly tail heavy. But the throttle response of the V8 means you can move from an over steer to under steer the a flick of the foot. Just make sure you ditch the rear sway bar and get a good posi unit. Believe me, the V8 torque completely changes the way the car feels in a corner.
Really the question about iron vs. aluminum comes down to cost and what is gong to make you happy. I went with an new aluminum LS2 crate motor when I did my swap in 2006 mainly because of the availability of motors. LS2's were new (expensive) while LS1's were still a little hard to come by. Now with all the iron block options you can get some good deals.
An aluminum block combined with a rear diff upgrade will actually make the car slightly tail heavy. But the throttle response of the V8 means you can move from an over steer to under steer the a flick of the foot. Just make sure you ditch the rear sway bar and get a good posi unit. Believe me, the V8 torque completely changes the way the car feels in a corner.
Really the question about iron vs. aluminum comes down to cost and what is gong to make you happy. I went with an new aluminum LS2 crate motor when I did my swap in 2006 mainly because of the availability of motors. LS2's were new (expensive) while LS1's were still a little hard to come by. Now with all the iron block options you can get some good deals.
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Edwardsville, IL