Researching V8/240z conversion
Researching V8/240z conversion I am really wanting to do this conversion. What variations in the years of Datsun z cars (they all look the same). I favor the early Datsun 240z. I live in Texas, would anybody know where I could find an early 70's Z in Texas. And one more question. What year Z is this: 
Looks like an early 70's to me. 71 maybe?
I did a quick ebay lookup of some, and there seem to be a good amount of early 70's for sale..most of them beat to **** waiting to be restored with a nice V8
I did a quick ebay lookup of some, and there seem to be a good amount of early 70's for sale..most of them beat to **** waiting to be restored with a nice V8
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 0
From: Middleburg, FL
no, it is a 280 (75-78)
240s has the turn signals curved, on the underside of the fenders/grille area. 260s were made in 74 ONLY, and 75-78 were 280s, quickly identified by the small rectangular turn signals above the bumper in the grill. 240s are the pimpest, but Texas or not, these cars are prone to rot, BADLY, and the rears are not up to the TQ os an LS1. BTW, FORGET about the 79-83 280ZX, too heavy, and much longer. ALso, not nearly as many perfomance parts.
To do irght, and beautifully, it would be A LOT OF $$$, quality resto parts aren't cheap, and they aren't really made for 400+ hp/tq...a LOT of reinforcing is a goo didea, and then it starts to negate the low weight "coolness" of them
240s has the turn signals curved, on the underside of the fenders/grille area. 260s were made in 74 ONLY, and 75-78 were 280s, quickly identified by the small rectangular turn signals above the bumper in the grill. 240s are the pimpest, but Texas or not, these cars are prone to rot, BADLY, and the rears are not up to the TQ os an LS1. BTW, FORGET about the 79-83 280ZX, too heavy, and much longer. ALso, not nearly as many perfomance parts.
To do irght, and beautifully, it would be A LOT OF $$$, quality resto parts aren't cheap, and they aren't really made for 400+ hp/tq...a LOT of reinforcing is a goo didea, and then it starts to negate the low weight "coolness" of them
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30th....the 280zx I have is not rusted much at all(ie VERY LITTLE) and I think its entire life has been in Texas. Its also a hell of a lot lighter than most cars that run an LS1. More than one person has put the LS1 in a 280 w/great results. Just look at DaleMX.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 0
From: Middleburg, FL
Originally Posted by cyphur_traq
30th....the 280zx I have is not rusted much at all(ie VERY LITTLE) and I think its entire life has been in Texas. Its also a hell of a lot lighter than most cars that run an LS1. More than one person has put the LS1 in a 280 w/great results. Just look at DaleMX.
To be honest I've found enough aftermarket support for a car that won't be running much stock equipment. If you dropped an LS1 into them, there you have 60% of the LS1 market introduced. Same for a 350 SB. There are quite a few body kits out there, and I've not even really looked for them that much.
Since you seem to know your Z stuff, explain to me the differences between the Z and ZX models. In detail, as I'd love to know. I've not done much research into the topic, since I decided to sell her I lost interest in most of that.
Since you seem to know your Z stuff, explain to me the differences between the Z and ZX models. In detail, as I'd love to know. I've not done much research into the topic, since I decided to sell her I lost interest in most of that.
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Manhattan, KS
Differences in the Z and ZX models are that they went to a much more square body style. I think the first year was 79 for the ZX's. They also went to a lot more luxury, not the plain jane sports car anymore.
As for a project vehicle, anybody want a $300 ZX? Bad tranny, perfect for an LT1/LS1.....
Manhattan, KS.
Edit: Google Motorsport Auto and you'll find any part you'd ever need for a Z or ZX.
As for a project vehicle, anybody want a $300 ZX? Bad tranny, perfect for an LT1/LS1.....
Manhattan, KS.
Edit: Google Motorsport Auto and you'll find any part you'd ever need for a Z or ZX.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 0
From: Middleburg, FL
Originally Posted by cyphur_traq
To be honest I've found enough aftermarket support for a car that won't be running much stock equipment. If you dropped an LS1 into them, there you have 60% of the LS1 market introduced. Same for a 350 SB. There are quite a few body kits out there, and I've not even really looked for them that much.
Since you seem to know your Z stuff, explain to me the differences between the Z and ZX models. In detail, as I'd love to know. I've not done much research into the topic, since I decided to sell her I lost interest in most of that.
Since you seem to know your Z stuff, explain to me the differences between the Z and ZX models. In detail, as I'd love to know. I've not done much research into the topic, since I decided to sell her I lost interest in most of that.
Not to mention, like I said before, the Z cars looked so much sportier that the ZX cars.
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Hi,
This car is a 77 280Z.
I'm the third owner and in a future it is going to have an LS1 engine in it.
Most people prefer the 240Z for this swap, In california i think is due to smog laws.
Me i prefer the 280Z, It has a much stronger chassi from what i read.
But any 240,260 and 280Z are great candidates for this swap.
we have owned this car for over 6 years, And it was rust free the most important thing on the swap.
Here is a link to my page.
If you have any question, i'll do my best to answer it.
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/438021/5
Thank you!
This car is a 77 280Z.
I'm the third owner and in a future it is going to have an LS1 engine in it.
Most people prefer the 240Z for this swap, In california i think is due to smog laws.
Me i prefer the 280Z, It has a much stronger chassi from what i read.
But any 240,260 and 280Z are great candidates for this swap.
we have owned this car for over 6 years, And it was rust free the most important thing on the swap.
Here is a link to my page.
If you have any question, i'll do my best to answer it.
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/438021/5
Thank you!
Originally Posted by ws6nick
I am really wanting to do this conversion. What variations in the years of Datsun z cars (they all look the same). I favor the early Datsun 240z. I live in Texas, would anybody know where I could find an early 70's Z in Texas. And one more question. What year Z is this:
Man I looked you up to ask you directly what year it was,but you havent been on since October. Welcome back!! Your car is awesome. I am also planing on putting an ls1 in mine. Only thing I have found that I dont like about the z cars is the limited rear tire width.
I have a buddy with a Z and a pretty hot 350/700R4 that he's was talking about selling. It's just about stupid fast. If I remember right, it pulled the tires off the ground on the 1-2 shift once. PM me if interested, and I can get some info from him for you.
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ws6nick
Man I looked you up to ask you directly what year it was,but you havent been on since October. Welcome back!! Your car is awesome. I am also planing on putting an ls1 in mine. Only thing I have found that I dont like about the z cars is the limited rear tire width.
I have been busy working on my other project(1988 ford festiva final hp around 180 whp around 1950lbs), So my Z is in the garage.
You could go 9.5 on the rear and 9.0 on the front with stock fenders.
If you want to go wider you could but need fander flares.
You should do a research on what you want on your car there are many ways you could build a Z car.
Here is the Best place you can start.
www.hybridz.org
What year is your Z?
I have some more pics on this website
http://www.schaezler.net/michael/album04?page=1
also goto Hybridz.org
Mike