7d82adz

First time in the v8 forum.. oooohh this is new

Anyways ive had a couple chevy v8 engines on my mind that i have and a couple z cars to play with as far as putting back on the road.

First engine option is a 327 that needs total overhaul and a transmition bolted to it.

Second option is a truck with a 396 bigblock with all the bolt on goodies and is bored to 402. AND bolted to some sort of transmition. but if i was to run this engine id invest in a 700r4 t5.

Just wondering about opinions on this as they are different size/wieght engines. ..and how much work it would be comparing one to the other as far as getting a solid, straight moving, safe zcar.. s30 of course

PredatorZ

I would say go with the 327, I believe most of the V8 swap stuff is setup for small block Chevy's, the engineering has already been done, and the smaller block works out weight wise giving the setup am almost perfect 50 to 50 weight distribution. Unless you are good at metal fabrication and enjoy a challenge, the 327 is the easy choice. Another plus is that the Chevrolet small black V8 is the most popular series of engines with more after market parts than maybe even honda... hehe

PredatorZ

Here is a link to Motorsports V8 page; and no I don't work for them, they just have one of the best selection of resto parts and hard to find things for Z's and I find them a valuable research tool, and they really seem to be making a push to get a lot of old hard to find parts replaced with really nice quality reproductions, many from original molds, like rubber moldings and such.

Motorsport! V8 Conversion - The Z Store, Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts

SpeedRacer

Go to Jags That Run site for a manual on how to do the conversion. JTR Datsun Z Car V-8 Conversion, manual for Datsun V8

And check out the HybridZ site where you will find many who have done the conversion. HybridZ

BTW IMHO, I think a 396 is to big and heavy so you might want to consider a 383 SBC. If you use aluminum parts (heads, intake, waterpump, etc) and a small gear drive starter the engine will weigh no more than the original Datsun 6 cyl. Using the JTR (Jags That Run) mounting it will be completely behind the front axle so, as PredatorZ mentioned the weight distribution will improve from 48F/52R to 50F/50F PLUS it wll have a lower center of gravity. This will actually improve the handling of an already great handling car.

Here is a pic of the 327 SBC in my car.